In much of the United States, summer often brings powerful storms. That means high winds, heavy rains, and sometimes, flying debris. Although chain link fences are durable, they’re not immune to summer storm damage. Use the tips below to protect your fence throughout the season, saving money on repairs and helping to extend the fence’s life.
Inspect and Repair Before Storm Season Hits
When summer’s approaching, it’s time to do some prep work. Check your chain link fence for loose posts that should be reinforced or even rotting posts that will need to be replaced. You don’t want to risk these flying out of the ground when a storm gets too severe. Sagging sections of fencing can occur when proper tension isn’t maintained over time.
Fixing this issue usually involves using a tension bar and stretcher to pull the fence taut and securing it to posts with bands, bolts, wires, or ties. While you’re at it, you can tighten these fittings and replace damaged ties or wires around the entire fence. Overall, the purpose of this inspection is to address any weak areas before storms make them worse.
Trim Nearby Trees and Shrubs
Strong gusts of wind from a summer storm can easily knock over small trees or uproot shrubs. To prevent them from causing any harm to your fence, try to provide support before the storm arrives. Some options include wrapping or covering these smaller plants, tying them to stakes for reinforcement, and pruning any dead or weak branches. On larger trees especially, dead and weak limbs pose a real threat to your fence. Remove these as well as any overhanging branches that could fall onto the fence and cause damage during a harsh storm.
Avoid Hanging Items on the Fence
Although hanging planters, flags, mesh banners, and other decorations add a touch of personality and style to a chain link fence, they’re not your friends during a summer storm. Any items attached to the fence become potential flying debris that can cause real damage to the fence itself as well as the rest of your property. Additionally, hanging items can act like sails that catch the wind and put stress on the structure of the fence. Keep the fence clear to minimize wind resistance when a storm’s brewing.
Ensure Proper Drainage Around the Fence
If you notice that water tends to pool at the base of your fence posts after heavy rain or snow, this isn’t a great sign for the foundation. Pooling water might rot the posts over time and erode the soil holding up the posts. To prevent this, ensure proper drainage around the fence. You can create a slope that carries water away from the fence, installing drainage channels or pipes to divert water away from the area, and redirecting any gutters or downspouts on your property away from the fence.
Check for Damage Right After a Storm
Even if you’ve taken all these steps to be proactive before a summer storm, fence damage can occur. After the storm has safely passed, inspect your fence once again for loose posts or fittings, bent or sagging sections, and new rust spots. Make necessary repairs promptly to prevent further deterioration.
A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
Don’t wait until the damage is done. Protect your investment with these simple tips before and after storms hit. If you need help getting your fence storm-ready, our experts are here to help. Contact Reagan Fence in Kansas City, MO today for chain link fence installation you can count on all year long.
