Fort Smith Fence Pros helps homeowners get storm damage fence repair in Fort Smith, AR by passing their request to an independent local fence contractor who can assess what the wind, ice or a falling tree left behind. Tell us what happened, and the contractor follows up with a free estimate.
After a storm, a fence is often the first thing that needs attention, because it keeps kids and pets in the yard. A quick temporary fix and a clear written estimate make the rest of the process easier.
How storms damage fences in the Arkansas River Valley
Fort Smith sits on the Arkansas River at the Oklahoma line, close enough to Tornado Alley that severe spring storms are part of life here. The April 21, 1996 tornado, rated F3, cut through downtown near Garrison Avenue and neighborhoods on both sides of the river, including Van Buren. Most storms are far smaller than that, but they still do steady damage to fences.
Straight-line wind
A tall solid privacy fence acts like a sail. Strong gusts can snap posts at the ground line or lay a whole section flat, especially where posts were already weak.
Fallen trees and limbs
Limbs crush panels, bend chain link top rail and twist gate frames. The fence under the tree is usually not the only damage, since the impact can loosen posts several feet away.
Ice and winter weather
Ice storms load trees until limbs break, and that is when fences take the hit. Freeze and thaw cycles can also loosen posts that were set shallow.
What to do right after the storm
- Stay safe. Keep away from any downed power line near the fence and report it to your utility before anyone touches the area.
- Take photos. Photograph the damage from several angles, along with the tree or debris that caused it, before anything is moved.
- Secure pets. A gap in the fence is the main short-term risk. A temporary panel or a plastic construction fence can work for a few days.
- Request an estimate. A written estimate that separates storm damage from normal wear is useful for any insurance conversation.
Storm-damaged fences and homeowners insurance
Many homeowners policies include some coverage for fences and other structures, but deductibles, limits and exclusions vary widely. Coverage for a fence depends on your policy, the cause of the damage and who owned the tree. Read your policy or call your agent before you assume either way.
A fence contractor can give you a clear, itemized estimate and photos, but cannot tell you what your insurer will pay. The decision on any claim is between you and your insurance company.
Storm fence repair options and costs
Section repair
When a limb took out one or two panels and the posts are fine, the job is usually a simple replacement of rails and boards or chain link fabric.
Post replacement
Snapped or leaning posts have to be pulled and reset. National cost guide Angi lists about $270 on average to replace one post, though storm jobs with several posts in a row can be priced per section.
Full rebuild
If a large part of an aging fence went down, rebuilding may cost less over time than piecing it back together. Ask for both prices.
Rebuilding a fence that holds up better
A storm repair is a good moment to fix the weak points that let the fence fail. Ask the contractor about:
- Deeper post holes and full concrete footings at gates and corners
- Steel posts behind a wood privacy fence for more wind resistance
- Shadowbox or board-on-board styles that let some air pass through
- Trimming limbs that hang over the fence line
Common questions
Does homeowners insurance cover a fence damaged by a storm in Arkansas?
Sometimes. Many policies include coverage for other structures such as fences, but deductibles, limits and exclusions vary by policy and by the cause of the damage. Check your policy or ask your agent. A contractor can provide an itemized estimate and photos, but only your insurer decides what a claim pays.
Who pays when a neighbor's tree falls on my fence?
It depends on the circumstances and on each homeowner's insurance policy, so there is no single answer. Talk with your insurance agent and your neighbor before repairs start, and take photos of the tree and the fence first. Your insurer can explain how a claim would work in your situation.
How fast can a storm-damaged fence be repaired?
After a widespread storm, local contractors get busy, so scheduling can take longer than usual. A temporary fix to secure pets may come first, with the permanent repair scheduled once materials and the crew are available. Requesting an estimate soon after the storm helps you get on the schedule earlier.
Should I repair or replace a fence after storm damage?
If the damage is limited to a few panels or posts on a fence that is otherwise in good shape, repair is usually the better value. If the storm knocked down long stretches of an older fence with soft posts, replacement often makes more sense. Ask the contractor to price both options so you can compare.