My Fence Fell Down…What Now? Repair or Replacement

7 Steps to Take if Your Fence Fell Down

One of the worst feelings is finding out that your fence fell down overnight or while you were away.

If it is a fence to keep your horses or livestock on your property, you are left scrambling to find any missing animals.

If it is a residential privacy fence on a small lot or surrounding your backyard, you may have to deal with damages to your or your neighbor’s possessions based on the height of the fence.

You’ll want to get the fence back up immediately for privacy and security reasons. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

1. Make Sure the Area is Safe for Everyone

Before running outside and inspecting the fence, ensure the area is safe for you and your family.

If the fence was placed to keep a neighbor’s aggressive dog from wandering onto your property, you will want to ensure that the dog is confined and will not attack anyone.

Also, keep children inside if a fence is built around the pool area to prevent accidental drownings until it is repaired.

If your fence fell down due to strong winds and storms, check the rest of the fencing, which may be leaning precariously and still attached to the broken panels.

You want to ensure that adults and children do not accidentally topple over unstable posts, which could cause the remainder of the shaky fence to tip over onto other people.

Report downed power lines to the electrical company if trees are removed from the electrical poles and your fence.

2. Figure Out Why Your Fence Fell Down

After making the area safe, now is the time to investigate the cause of the fallen fence.

Was it storm damage? Was it an old fence, and a windstorm knocked it down?

Some factors that could have caused the fence to collapse include, but are not limited to:

• Wind and storm damage
• Fallen trees or decayed tree limbs
• Age and disrepair
• Neighbor striking the fence with a riding lawnmower or vehicle
• Driver hitting the fence with their vehicle
• Shifting soil, oversaturated ground, or poor grading
• Poorly installed fence

Once you figure out the cause, you can then see whether anybody can be held responsible for the repairs and costs.

You will also have a better idea about what needs to be done to fix your fence.

3. Determine Who Owns the Fence

Fence ownership is necessary when the fence is used as a boundary between two homes.

Even though the fence posts may be in your yard, your neighbor may also be responsible for either covering all the repair expenses or splitting the fence repair costs.

You’ll want to speak with the neighbor and check the property boundaries to determine which property the fence is on, who built it, and whether it is a shared boundary with shared costs.

4. File an Insurance Claim if Applicable

Some insurance companies will cover fence repairs and replacements under their homeowner’s insurance policies.

The policy may cover other structures on your property, such as sheds, detached garages, and fences.

Look over your policy, as there may be restrictions or exclusions, such as the policy only covering the fence in case of storm damage or fallen trees.

Gather as much documentation and photos as possible and file a fence damage claim with your insurance company within the specified timeframe so it is not denied.

5. Search for a Fence Contractor

Repairing and replacing a fallen fence is not always an easy task that homeowners should take upon themselves.

When a portion of the fence collapsed, damage could have also been done to the remaining fence.

A professional fence contractor, such as Fence OKC, can evaluate the fence and help you decide whether to repair the fallen section simply or to replace the entire fence.

You can use Google to locate a fence contractor in your locale.

Read over the contractor’s work and the materials they use, such as wood, vinyl, and ornate metal.

Also, check to see what fences they specialize in. The fence contractor may specialize in pool fences, livestock fences, and privacy fences.

6. Look at Reviews, Portfolios and Quotes

Compare fence contractors’ years of experience, provided services, and work portfolios.

Also, check out previous customer reviews regarding the projects the contractor has completed.

Once you narrow down your choices, obtain quotes for the type of fence project you want to be completed.

Then, compare each contractor’s costs to pick the right price for your budget.

7. Speak with the Contractor

An experienced contractor will come to your home to evaluate the property, the fallen fence, and other factors to ensure a safe and productive construction project.

They will keep you informed about the entire project from start to finish, as they will design the fence to your specifications.

The contractor will help you select the materials and finishings so the fence will complement the beauty of your home and provide the functionality you require.

Get Your Fallen Fence Fixed Today

Don’t wait if a section of your fence has fallen or is leaning on its posts.

More damage may result in the remaining fence line, increasing your costs.

Find the right contractor who will come out immediately and help complete your fence project based on your deadlines.

Consider Fence OKC to Fix Your Fallen Fence

Fence OKC would love the opportunity to serve you and your family by offering a free estimate on your fence project.

Please use the form below to contact us or call us at (405) 778-1545.

We have a fence to fit anyone’s budget.