Storm Damage Fence Repair Guide for South Carolina

Storm Damage and Your Fence — A Complete Guide

South Carolina's location along the Atlantic coast makes it vulnerable to hurricanes, tropical storms, severe thunderstorms, and tornadoes. Orangeburg County sits inland enough to avoid the worst coastal storm surge, but high winds, heavy rain, and fallen trees regularly damage fences throughout our service area. At Dubya Fence Company, we respond to dozens of storm damage calls each hurricane season.

Immediate Steps After Storm Damage

After a storm passes through the Orangeburg area, follow these steps:

1. Ensure safety first. Do not approach your fence if power lines are down nearby. Call your utility company to report downed lines before inspecting your property.
2. Document the damage thoroughly. Take photographs and video from multiple angles before touching anything. This documentation is essential for insurance claims.
3. Secure your property. If the damage creates an opening where pets or children could escape, set up temporary barriers using plywood or construction fencing.
4. Contact your insurance company. Report the damage as soon as possible. Most policies have time limits for filing storm damage claims.
5. Call a professional fence contractor. Contact Dubya Fence Company at (803) 855-1001 for a professional damage assessment.

Understanding Your Insurance Coverage

Most homeowner's insurance policies in SC cover fence damage caused by named perils including windstorms, hail, lightning, and fallen trees. Key points:

• Covered causes: Wind damage, fallen trees, hail, lightning, and vehicle impacts are typically covered.
• Deductible considerations: Many SC policies have separate, higher deductibles for hurricanes (often 2–5% of home value). Your fence repair may cost less than your deductible.
• Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost: Fences are usually covered at Actual Cash Value (depreciated value). A 10-year-old wood fence will receive less than a new one.
• Neighbor's tree damage: If your neighbor's tree falls on your fence, your insurance typically covers the damage — not your neighbor's.
• Maintenance-related damage: If your fence was already in poor condition, the insurance company may deny or reduce the claim. Regular fence maintenance strengthens your claim.

Dubya Fence Company works directly with insurance adjusters and provides detailed repair estimates in the format insurance companies require.

Temporary Repairs to Secure Your Property

While waiting for professional repair:

• Reattach loose panels using temporary screws or zip ties
• Brace leaning posts with 2x4 lumber angled from the post to the ground
• Remove hazards — if a section is dangling, lay it flat on the ground rather than leaving it unstable
• Block openings with plywood screwed into remaining fence posts, especially if you have pets

Important: Keep receipts for temporary repair materials. Your insurance company may reimburse these costs.

Repair vs. Replace — Making the Right Decision

When to Repair

• Damage is isolated to a few panels (less than 25% of the total fence)
• Fence posts are still solid and plumb
• The fence is relatively new (less than 5 years for wood, less than 10 for vinyl or aluminum)
• Matching materials are available

When to Replace

• More than 40–50% of the fence is damaged
• Multiple posts are broken or uprooted
• The fence was already aging and storm damage revealed underlying rot or rust
• You cannot match the existing fence style or material
• Insurance provides replacement cost coverage, making a full upgrade practical

Dubya Fence provides honest assessments. If repair will restore your fence to full function, we will recommend repair over replacement. Call us at (803) 855-1001 for a free damage assessment.

Hurricane Season Preparation

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Prepare your fence before the season:

• Inspect and tighten all fence hardware, brackets, and fasteners in May
• Replace weakened posts before storm season — a compromised post can cause a domino-effect collapse
• Trim trees near the fence line — dead branches are the number one cause of fence damage during storms
• Remove loose items near the fence that could become projectiles
• Consider wind-resistant designs for new installations — aluminum fences with gaps between pickets allow wind to pass through
• Open or remove gates before a major storm to reduce wind load
• Document your fence condition with dated photos for insurance purposes

Dubya Fence — Your Storm Damage Recovery Partner

When storms hit Orangeburg County, Dubya Fence Company responds quickly. We prioritize emergency repairs that affect property security, pet containment, and child safety. Our team serves Orangeburg, Rowesville, Santee, Bamberg, and all communities within a 50-mile radius.

Frequently Asked Questions