Replacing Wooden Fencing After a Storm

If your home was recently hit by a big storm, you may be left with a battered wooden fence. Storm damage can leave fences leaning, cracked, or completely flattened. While it’s tempting to patch things up with a few nails and hope for the best, replacement may be the better option. Here’s how to replace storm-damaged fencing with results that last.

How to Tell It’s Time for a New Fence

Look for these signs that your wood fence is beyond repair:

• Leaning or broken posts
• Large cracks or splintering
• Missing panels
• Wood rot and mold

If your fence is severely damaged, delve into this DIY fence replacement guide to help you get it back up to par.

Wooden Fence Repair Tips

Before breaking out the sledgehammer, consider a few quick tips to make the finished project look cleaner, more professional, and storm-resistant:

• Double-check the foundation. If the post base is solid, you might only need to replace the above-ground structure.
• Use galvanized nails and brackets to prevent rusty hardware.
• Always double-check your measurements before making cuts.
• Keep the height consistent to prevent it from looking like a DIY project.

Picking the Best Wood for Fencing Replacement

Not all wood is suitable for exterior fencing. Choose high-quality wood to minimize repairs down the road. Here’s what to look for:

• Cedar is naturally rot-resistant and highly durable against pests, making it a smart long-term investment.
• Pressure-treated pine is more affordable than cedar and is designed to resist insects and decay.
• Redwood is exceptionally strong and highly resistant to weather and pests, though it’s more expensive than cedar and pine.

Replacing Storm-Damaged Fencing

If you decide to attempt DIY fence replacement, follow these steps:

• Tear down the damaged sections using a pry bar and sledgehammer
• .Inspect the posts. Solid ones can stay, while rotten or broken ones should be replaced.
• Dig post holes at least 30 inches deep and about three times the width of the post.
• Add 6 inches of gravel to each hole for drainage, and position the posts upright.
• Pour concrete into the hole around the post, filling it up to a few inches below ground level. Use a level to ensure the post is perfectly straight, and brace it while the concrete sets for at least 24 hours.
• Attach rails and panels. Keep everything level, and space the panels evenly.
• Seal or stain the wood to protect your hard work from future storms.

Consider Storm-Proof Fencing Options

If you’re tired of fixing your fence after every major storm, it might be time to replace the wood with something else. Some popular storm-proof fencing options include:

• White vinyl fencing
• Metal fencing
• Composite fencing

Partner with Howe Lumber

When it’s time to rebuild after a storm, Howe Lumber is here to help. We are a full-service lumber supplier with our own lumberyard and retail store. We take the time to understand your project, offer expert advice without upselling, and provide store pickup and local delivery to make your DIY projects easier. Visit our lumber yard in East Brookfield, MA, and we’ll help you get your fencing project started.