As the weather changes from summer to fall, we look forward to the many exciting things that autumn brings. From leaf piles to sweater weather, there is much to enjoy. However, it also means preparing your fence for the storm season. Wooden fences, in particular, require more attention to withstand storms.
When dealing with weather forces, the structural integrity of wooden fences becomes a crucial consideration. Proper reinforcement can prevent damage from strong winds and heavy rain, ensuring longevity and stability.
Preparing your fences and gates for storm season is crucial. High winds can wreak havoc on fences that aren’t properly built and maintained.
We’re looking at what happens to your fence during storms and how to prepare for the worst.
Any region that experiences high winds during storm season is familiar with fence damage in the aftermath. Wooden fences are especially vulnerable because of how they’re traditionally designed. Most people rely on wood panels to provide privacy for their backyards. To do this, they’re designed with edge-to-edge pickets that act as sails during high-wind events.
High winds and heavy rain exert significant pressure on fence panels. Experts suggest that well-designed wooden fences can withstand winds of up to 60 miles per hour without damage. However, hurricanes and extreme weather events often exceed that wind speed. Given the perfect storm, your fence could experience catastrophic failure.
Wood fences can suffer from several types of damage during storm season. For instance, wind can cause fence panels to loosen or detach from their posts. Strong gusts can knock over whole panels and send them sailing!
Prolonged storms can also cause water damage, which may result in rotted pickets, warping, and splintering, compromising the structural integrity of the fence.
In storm-prone areas, building codes usually address the bare minimum standards for a resilient fence. Let’s face it, though, the bare minimum won’t cut it during a powerful weather event. Beefing up the hardware in your fence can lead to more fence standing at the end of the day.
Using more robust fasteners makes a big difference in the structural integrity. Grip-Rite® DeckForce® exterior wood screws are designed to create a strong bond between surfaces. Deep auger threads, a self-drilling tip, and PrimeGuard® Nano weather-proof coating all contribute to a longer-lasting fence or gate.
Additionally, using metal brackets strengthens the bond between posts and rails. This allows you to create a structural layout that supports your fence, regardless of the wind forces at play. Nationwide Industries® 2 x 4 Bracket is a good choice for this application.
Living in a storm zone has its challenges, especially with wooden fences. Luckily, there are a few tips homeowners can follow during the installation process to keep their fences strong and secure.
When choosing the type of fence to build, homeowners should consider designing the fence to resist strong winds. Opting for a design with small gaps between pickets or creating a shadowbox design. By creating a gap between pickets, you allow wind to pass through more easily and reduce the forces the fence experiences during a weather event.
Homeowners in storm zones should consider installing more solid fence posts by anchoring them into concrete. Concrete provides a strong base that prevents shifting or tipping during a storm. When installing the posts in concrete, be sure to place them about one-third of the length in the ground to ensure they remain in place during extreme weather.
Additionally, to ensure the structural integrity of your fence, reinforce beams with steel brackets and rails. These provide extra strength to the connection points and structure of your gate between the fence and gate.
As storm season draws near, taking the necessary steps to prepare your wooden fences can make all the difference in protecting your property. By reinforcing your fence with reliable materials like Grip-Rite® DeckForce® Exterior Wood Screws and Nationwide Industries® 2” X 4” bracket, wooden fences will be able to withstand storm conditions.
To see where you can get the best fencing fasteners, check out our Where to Buy tool to discover where Grip-Rite® is available near you!
