Why Your Fence Might Not Survive the Next Storm (And How to Fix It Before It Fails)
Colorado’s summer storms are no joke—strong wind bursts, heavy rain, and even hail can roll in fast and cause serious damage. If your fence is already worn down or poorly built, it might not make it through the season.
At Fence Consulting Services, we’ve seen it all: fences leaning after one windy afternoon, panels ripped off in hailstorms, or entire lines collapsed due to rotted posts. Most of the time, the signs were already there.
Here’s what to look for, what causes fences to fail in Colorado weather, and what you can do now—before the next storm hits.
Warning Signs Your Fence Is Already Compromised
Not all damage happens at once. Often, it starts small and builds up until a storm pushes it over the edge—literally. Here are the most common red flags:
- Leaning or unstable posts
- Boards that move or rattle in the wind
- Cracks, warping, or rot at the base of the posts
- Discoloration from water or sun damage
- Loose or missing hardware (nails, screws, brackets)
If your fence moves when you push on it, it’s already weakened—and storms will only speed up the damage.
How Summer Storms & Weather Take a Toll on Fencing
Colorado’s climate puts fences to the test. Summer weather and thunderstorms often bring:
- Sudden wind gusts that strain boards and posts
- Intense UV exposure that can accelerate weathering and fading of unstained fencing
- Hail damage that cracks wood or damages composite materials
- Lightning storms that can split or burn older wood structures (yes, it happens!)
If your fence wasn’t installed with the right depth or material for these conditions, even a newer fence can fail.
Why Fences Fail (Even New Ones)
We’ve repaired or replaced plenty of fences that weren’t necessarily “old”—they were just poorly built for our local conditions. Some common mistakes include:
- Poor material quality
- Inadequate design
- Installation shortcuts
- Posts set too shallow (less than 24–30 inches)
- Lack of concrete or drainage around posts
The good news? These are all things we know to avoid—every FCS fence is designed and built with Colorado’s weather in mind.
Repair or Replace: What’s the Right Move?
Not every worn-out fence needs a full replacement. Sometimes a few new posts, better bracing, or replacing damaged panels is enough to give it new life.
However, if more than 30-40% of your fence is compromised—or if the posts are failing—it’s often more cost-effective to replace it and start fresh with stronger materials.
We’ll walk you through the options, whether it’s a small repair or a complete rebuild.
How We Storm-Proof Our Fences
At Fence Consulting Services, we take wind, water, and soil movement into account on every build. Our storm-resistant approach includes:
- Recommending upgraded post sizing for improved durability
- Properly treated materials built for longevity
- An expansive catalog of alternative materials such as composite, stone and metal
We don’t just build fences that look good—we build fences that last.
Don’t Wait Until It Falls!
If you’re not sure your fence can handle another storm, let’s take a look together. A 15-minute checkup could save you hundreds—or even thousands—later this season.
👉 Book a free storm-readiness inspection today
We’ll assess your current fence, talk through concerns, and give you an honest recommendation—no pressure, just professional advice.