You may be at a loss for what to do when your fence falls down. Fortunately, the fencing professionals in Walker, LA, at Forrest Scott Fencing put together this guide on how to handle this unexpected misfortune. Here are some tips on how to recover a fallen fence and which professionals to enlist to help.
1. Make Sure the Area is Safe
Before doing anything else, make sure that the area is safe for everyone. Damaged or fallen fence posts and fence panels can trip or fall on passers-by. If a storm caused the damage to your fence, it might also have downed nearby power lines. Report power line issues to the power company immediately.
You should also inspect the area surrounding the fence. If the fence was around a pool or keeping a neighbor’s excitable dog at bay, make sure to keep children and pets clear of these potential hazards.
If necessary, temporarily block off the fallen fence and the protected area. This can help keep the area clear of debris and protect children or pets from wandering into somewhere they shouldn’t. Remember that a temporary measure is just temporary, and you’ll need to fix or replace the fence sooner or later!
2. Determine Cause and Fence Ownership
Next, you should determine how the fence fell down. Many situations might bring down a fence, including:
- Storms or heavy winds
- Rotted tree limbs or whole trees falling
- Fence aging and growing weaker
- Accidental collision from a vehicle
- Ground beneath the fence shifting or too damp
- Poor fence installation
That last point is especially crucial. A poorly installed fence is likely to fall sooner or later, even with no other factors. Having professionals install your fence, like fencing in Baton Rouge by Forrest Scott Fencing, will help ensure that your fence stands strong for years to come.
You should also determine who owns the fallen fence and who will pay to repair or replace it. Fence laws can be tricky, and you’ll need to coordinate with your neighbors to determine property lines and responsibility.
When a fence serves as a boundary between two properties, you may be unsure how to determine precise ownership, especially if you bought your house with the fence already built. Many neighbors work together to check the property boundaries and often share the cost of a new fence to relieve some of the financial burden.
2. File an Insurance Claim
If you can, look into filing an insurance claim for your fence. Certain homeowner’s insurance policies may cover a damaged fence. Insurance companies can help you navigate the situation if you’re unsure what to do when your fence falls down.
Take pictures and document the damage to your fence so that you can give your insurance company as much information as possible. The sooner you file your claim, the more likely you are to get the damage and repair covered.
Insurance companies tend to cover the most common fence damage incidents, including storms and falling trees (no matter who owns the tree). Read through your policy and talk to an insurance agent to see exactly what’s covered.
3. Call a Fencing Contractor
It’s also wise to contact a fencing contractor to come to make repairs or handle new fence installation. Your fence is crucial to protect your property, so it’s important to hire a reputable fencing company with experience. Professional fencing experts have the tools, skills, and experience to get the job to done and will help keep your repaired or new fence in working order.
Don’t just go for the first contractor you find online, though. To find the best company for the job, look up:
- What fences each company specializes in
- What fencing materials each uses
- Photos of work they’ve done in the past
Testimonials and reviews are also invaluable here, as they’ll tell you what past customers have thought of each contractor. This should help you narrow your search and find the contractor who’s best for you. Compare rates from past jobs to find a contractor who fits your budget or can help you set one if you don’t have one in mind already.
The contractor will come to your home to survey the damage and your property to determine what might work best for you. A good contractor will provide a clear estimate before work begins and involve you in every step of the process, from selecting materials and finish to construction.
4. Repair Your Fence Quickly
When your fence has fallen, it may seem overwhelming to deal with this unexpected occurrence. However, it’s imperative that you follow the above steps as soon as possible. One section of downed fence can cause damage to other sections, and the more damage that needs fixing, the higher the cost.
This applies year-round but is especially important in winter when storms become more frequent and the likelihood of damage to your fence increases. While working around rain, snow, or wind might seem tricky, an experienced contractor will get the job done.
Winter fence installation, while a bit more difficult than working with fencing the rest of the year, is entirely possible and should be done quickly, before the next storm comes.
First-Class Fence Repair and Replacement in Louisiana
It may seem hard to determine what to do when your fence falls down, but it’s not actually that complicated! You just need to enlist help from professionals, and your fence will be back up and stronger than ever in no time.
The experts at Forrest Scott Fencing are here to help those in need of fencing services in the great state of Louisiana. Call (225) 230-1798 to learn more about how Forrest Scott Fencing can help you today!
