7 Reasons to Replace a Broken Fence ASAP
If significant damage like a large hail storm, fallen tree, or vehicle collision occurs to your fence, it’s likely beyond repair. In this case, you should file an insurance claim for the cost of a replacement.
In areas with large swings in temperature, shifting soil can cause holes to form in your fence. These gaps can allow children and pets to squeeze under and out of your yard.
1. It’s a Safety Concern
The summer weather often brings storms that can damage fences. These can cause both superficial and serious damage, depending on the severity of the storm.
If the damage is extensive, the fence may need to be completely replaced. It is important to find a reputable fence company like Frisco fence company that can help you choose the best material for your replacement fence, to ensure it is strong and durable enough to withstand future weather events.
A damaged fence can create a safety concern for your children and pets. They can climb over it or squeeze through the gaps, and could end up getting lost or hurt. It is important to fix the damage promptly so that it does not become worse.
It is also possible that the cost of repairing or replacing your fence can be covered by home insurance. However, it’s generally discouraged to make small claims against home insurance as this can lead to a policy cancellation or increase in premiums. It’s important to talk with your home insurance provider and get an estimate from a reputable fence company, to see if the damage is covered. You will likely need pictures of the damage, a police report and other documentation before you can file a claim.
2. It’s a Legal Concern
Many fences are shared between neighbors and as such, the responsibility to repair them can be a legal issue. The first step to resolving this issue is to determine who owns the fence. This can be done through property records or by contacting local building departments. Once ownership is established, the next step is to assess the damage and make a plan for repairs.
It is important to do this as soon as possible to avoid a domino effect where a single broken post stresses the rest of the fence until they break too. A domino effect can lead to a collapsed fence that presents a hazard to pets, children or people who may enter your yard through the damaged area.
Once ownership is determined, the next step is to reach out to a home insurance company. Depending on the size of the damage and the cost of the project, your homeowner’s insurance policy may cover the majority of the costs. Be sure to give your neighbor a chance to file a claim before taking further action. You may also want to contact a professional contractor to provide an estimate. This will help prevent a dispute between you and your neighbor down the line.
3. It’s a Curb Appeal Issue
Fences are a major asset to a property, offering privacy and security. They also increase curb appeal and add value. However, like other components of a home, they are not immune to the effects of wear and tear. A broken fence can make a property look old and unattractive. It can also be a security risk, as it offers a way for people to bypass other security measures.
If your fence is damaged, you should take steps to fix it as soon as possible. If you are renting, you should notify your landlord and ask them to repair the fence. It’s a good idea to do this in writing and keep a copy of the letter for future reference.
A broken fence can make your home appear less appealing to potential buyers. If you’re considering selling your home, a new fence may be the best option to help it sell for top dollar. You can choose a fence design that complements your home’s style and features. Color is also important. A reputable company can match your existing color or recommend a color that will complement the exterior of your house. Color experts suggests using a shade of neutral to tie the fence into your home’s colors so that it won’t detract from the overall look.
4. It’s a Maintenance Issue
A broken fence can be a safety hazard for kids and pets. They can squeeze through gaps or get hit by cars or attacked by wild animals. A missing picket can also present a security risk, allowing children or pets to escape the yard and get lost in the neighborhood.
If the damage isn’t too severe, you can make a few minor repairs to fix the problem. This could include sanding and resealing mild rust or corrosion on metal components, replacing sagging gate hinges with new ones, or simply hammering loose boards back into place. Anything more substantial, however, is usually a sign that it’s time to replace the fence entirely.
It’s a good idea to take pictures of the damage and consult a contractor about whether your homeowner’s insurance will cover any of the costs. Keep in mind that it’s generally discouraged to file many small claims against your policy, especially for things like damaged fencing, as they can lead to higher premiums. If you have a shared fence, be sure to consult any existing agreements about maintenance or repair obligations. This is especially important if you live in a community with strict homeowners association rules about maintaining shared structures.
5. It’s a Maintenance Cost
Weather is the enemy of any fence, and a strong storm can do serious damage in a short amount of time. If the damage is severe, you may be better off filing a homeowner’s insurance claim for a replacement rather than attempting to repair it yourself. Make sure to take pictures of the damage from multiple angles and to include any damaged items in your photos. This will help to prove that the damage is a result of natural causes and not the result of negligence or vandalism.
Once you’ve assessed the damage, make a plan for how to proceed. If you’re replacing a section of the fence, be sure to make a note of the measurements of each panel or baluster. This will come in handy when it comes time to buy new materials and to make the repairs themselves. It’s also a good idea to replace any damaged post caps, which are the covers that fit on top of the fence posts and protect them from the elements.
For leaning or falling panels, you can have a contractor add support braces ($60 to $150) or lay concrete foundations ($125 to $2,300). These are simple fixes that will help keep your fence from collapsing in the next windy storm.
6. It’s a Costly Issue
Depending on the extent of your broken fence, it can be expensive to repair or replace it. Unless you are insured, it’s best to get the colorbond fence brokerage fixed as soon as possible because any delay can lead to huge material and labor costs.
Most basic homeowners insurance policies cover damage to your fence if it is the result of an incident like a tornado or a windstorm. In many cases, you may be able to file a claim by taking pictures of the damage and getting your insurance company to send an adjuster out to look at it. Make sure you have any police reports if the fence was damaged due to an accident and also provide them with any other information they need to process the claim.
If you’re not sure whether your homeowner’s insurance will pay for a broken fence, check with your homeowner’s association first. Depending on how the fence is located along property lines, they may be responsible for it if it’s their part of the fence. They might also require you to report any damage to them to make sure that they’re aware of it. Often, they’ll be more willing to pitch in than you might think!
7. It’s a Costly Legal Issue
Many fences are built across property lines, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of ownership responsibilities and maintenance obligations. Otherwise, it’s easy for disputes to arise, resulting in expensive legal battles over repair bills.
Generally, it’s the responsibility of the homeowner or landowner who installed the fence to shoulder the costs of repairs. However, that isn’t always the case. If a fence was damaged by a neighbor backing into it, for example, homeowners insurance may cover the damages–provided that you meet your deductible first.
Another scenario where your broken fence could end up costing you big: if the materials needed to fix it are stolen. That type of theft is covered by home insurance, but only if the materials were for private use. Obviously, building supplies that were stolen from an open worksite wouldn’t be covered.
If you aren’t in agreement with your neighbor on how to handle a shared fence repair issue, you should discuss it calmly and respectfully. You may be able to come to a solution that works for everyone involved. If not, there are other options available, including small claims court. Regardless, you should make a concerted effort to address the issue quickly so that no further damage is done to your fence.
