Living and working in Louisiana means understanding the rhythms of the weather. When hurricane season rolls around, preparations go into high gear: roofs are inspected, windows are boarded up, and generators are tested. But one part of the property that often gets overlooked until it’s too late is the fencing. After more than 30 years in the fencing business, there’s been plenty of experience watching what works—and what fails—when high winds and heavy rain hit a property.
Fences do more than mark property lines. They protect pets, offer privacy, and frame the space. But when storms hit, an unprepared fence becomes a liability. It can collapse, break apart, or worse, become a flying hazard capable of causing damage or injury. So it’s worth taking some time to make sure fencing is ready to stand up to the season.
The first step is inspection. This means checking every post for stability. If a post is leaning, shifting, or feels loose in the ground, that’s a red flag. Over time, moisture, soil erosion, or just natural aging can weaken the foundation around a fence post. If the post gives way in high winds, the panels attached to it are going with it. Reinforcing or resetting those posts in concrete is a straightforward job that can save a lot of trouble down the line.
Then there’s the material itself. Wooden fences are common and look great, but they have vulnerabilities. Wood absorbs water, and in the kind of storms that come through Louisiana, that can mean swelling, warping, or rot. Sealant helps, but even treated wood has its limits. Vinyl is more water-resistant but tends to snap under pressure if not supported correctly. Metal fencing—especially iron or chain link—holds up well in wind, but rust can weaken joints and cause failures if left unchecked.
Gate hardware is another often overlooked part. During a storm, a loose gate can act like a battering ram, swinging wildly or breaking off completely. Heavy-duty hinges, latches, and braces reduce the chance of that happening. For major storms, removing the gate temporarily might even be the safer choice. Storing it indoors eliminates the risk altogether.
Another thing to consider is the design of the fence itself. Solid panel fences offer full privacy, but they also block wind entirely. When wind hits a solid fence, it looks for a way around—and if it can’t go around, it goes through. That pressure builds up quickly, pushing against the panels and the posts until something gives. A design with spacing, such as picket or wrought iron, allows wind to pass through, relieving pressure and reducing the chances of collapse.
Surroundings matter too. A fence next to a tree that hasn’t been trimmed in a while is at greater risk. Branches can break and fall onto a fence, or they can sway heavily and snap panels or rails. Keeping vegetation trimmed back from the fence line is a small maintenance task that can make a big difference during a storm.
Drainage is another hidden factor. If the ground around the fence tends to pool water during heavy rain, that can erode the soil supporting the posts. Installing French drains or adjusting the landscape grade can help direct water away from the base of the fence. This is particularly important in areas with clay-rich soil that expands and contracts with moisture changes.
After a storm, the fence should be checked immediately. Even if nothing looks broken, waterlogged soil can cause posts to shift or lean in the days that follow. Catching that early can prevent long-term sagging or structural issues. If damage has occurred, take photographs before beginning any repairs. That documentation can be helpful when dealing with insurance or coordinating repairs with neighbors.
In some cases, repairs might be simple—replacing a few boards, tightening hardware, or repainting rusted sections. In other cases, entire panels or sections might need to be rebuilt. Either way, quick action reduces the chance of further issues, especially in a season where multiple storms can roll through within weeks of each other.
Fencing is often one of the first things seen when pulling up to a home or business, and it plays a vital role in security and function. It’s easy to forget that until it fails. Over the years, lessons have been learned not only from building fences but from rebuilding them after storms. These lessons have shaped how jobs are approached and how customers are guided through decisions that protect their investment.
There’s no such thing as a hurricane-proof fence, but there are certainly fences that survive storms better than others. The difference comes down to preparation, materials, maintenance, and design. With hurricane season always looming on the Gulf Coast horizon, taking steps now means fewer surprises later—and one less thing to worry about when the wind picks up and the rain starts to fall.
At the end of the day, a good fence does its job quietly and reliably. The goal is to keep it that way—even in the worst of weather.
