Tulsa is a place with a vibrant culture and beautiful neighborhoods. But it’s no stranger to severe weather, much like most of Oklahoma. It faces powerful thunderstorms and damaging hail. Even tornadoes make occasional appearances. Like back in May, when 7 budding tornadoes were seen in Oklahoma on a single Monday night. These storms can damage people’s properties. Especially their fences. A damaged fence threatens the security and privacy of your home.
Was your fence compromised in a recent storm? This guide will offer clear & actionable advice on how to evaluate storm damage and take action. You’ll learn how to make insurance claims and comply with local fence replacement regulations. We’ll also discuss whether you should go for storm damage fence repair or simply have the whole thing replaced for good.
Check the Fence Damage Caused by the Storm
But first, we should look into your safety and the well-being of your family. You should wait until the storm passes. Conduct an outdoor inspection then. You can start by examining your fence and checking what’s broken. This will help you decide what steps to take next. You should:
- See if the wood is cracked or snapped. Vinyl can also warp or blow away. Your fence’s metal section may bend or become disfigured.
- Check the stability of your fence as well. Is it leaning? Do you see uprooted posts? If posts have fallen or shifted, it’s a sign of major damage.
- Your fence’s horizontal supports may be broken now. Look for loose/broken latches and hitches.
- Storm debris or strong winds may fully tear down parts of your fence, especially when a major storm passes through Tulsa.
- Storms bring persistent moisture that leads to wood decay, and this decay shows signs like rot/rust.
- Don’t forget about the gate, and see if it’s closing and latching properly.
We recommend documenting the signs of all this damage. Take photographs and gather other evidence for your insurance claims. When you contact a fence replacement Tulsa OK, you can share these documents with them, and they will easily give you a very reasonable quote.
To Repair or to Replace: Determine What’s Next for Your Fence
Here’s something most fencing contractors won’t tell you: damaged fences don’t always have to be replaced from top to bottom. They can be repaired if they sustained minimal damage. Let’s look into when repair makes sense and when it’s time to replace the whole thing:
| Repair Your Fence | Replace Your Fence |
| The damage is only in a small area (like a few rails or boards)Posts are anchored and stable in their placeYour fence is relatively new and looks in good condition You have a tight budget, and repairs can make the fence functional again | You can see that many posts and panels have been compromisedLarge portions of your fence are missing or have collapsedYour fence is very old and already has several maintenance issuesRepairs are costing you just as much as replacing your fence altogether |
That’s where you should consult with a Tulsa-based experienced fencing contractor. They can help you make the right decisions. You should also learn about Tulsa’s fencing regulations.
Learn Fence Replacement Regulations Tulsa OK
Permitting
Your fence needs a zoning clearance permit if it’s up to 7 feet tall. If it’s even taller, what you need is a building permit. Retaining walls over 4 feet require permits + engineering approval as well.
Height Limits
If you have a fence around your residential property, you can have 8 feet of fence in your rear & side yards. But front yards must only have a fence 4 feet tall (at max). Corner lots have stricter limits to maintain safe sight distances at intersections. Historical neighborhoods may impose extra design or material requirements.
Application Process
You can submit your applications online. Do it in person if you like; you just have to visit the City of Tulsa Permit Center. Not getting proper permits may result in fines. You can also be asked to either remove or modify your fence. Your application must include:
- A site plan with fence location and dimensions
- Complete legal description of your property
- Details about fence materials and design
- Compliance with Tulsa zoning & building codes
Have You Filed an Insurance Claim for Storm-Damaged Fencing?
You should go over your insurance policy. You’ll notice that fence damage is covered under the “other structures” clause. Insurance helps offset or completely cover the cost of fence repairs or replacement, easing financial strain post-storm. But you may have to lawyer up before talking to insurance agents. Your coverage also depends on your deductibles and the cause of damage.
Keep in mind that damage from neglect or flooding may not be covered by your insurance policy (that’s why you should document the damage right away). Cooperate with insurance adjusters for property inspections, too. That’s how you can successfully file an insurance claim in Tulsa.
Choose Local Professionals for Fence Replacement Tulsa OK
If you decide to replace your fence instead of storm damage fence repair, you should hire the right contractor for this job. This contractor must have ample experience working in Tulsa and dealing with local codes. They should have valid licensing and insurance. You can check their reputation by reading online reviews. Make sure they give you a detailed, written estimate.
Read the contracts they show you thoroughly, especially the stuff in the fine print. Look into the kind of warranty they offer on labor and materials. Do they have good communication skills and project management aptitude? That’s how you know you’re working with reliable professionals.
How Does the Typical Fence Replacement Process Look?
This process usually involves these steps:
- Demolition & Removal: Your fencing contractor will dismantle your ruined fence. It will be removed safely to make room for the new one.
- Property Preparation: They will also clear debris and vegetation. Also, they’ll grade the ground and stake post locations.
- Post Installation: Then, they’ll excavate holes and set posts in concrete for longevity.
- Framework Assembly: Contractors will also install rails and tension wires to support the fence’s panels.
- Fence Material Installation: They will attach new wood panels and vinyl sections. If you’re looking for chain link fencing, your contractor will install mesh at this stage.
- Gate Installation: They will mount gates and test them with durable locks.
- Final Inspection: Finally, your fencing contractors will do a jeopardy walkthrough and clean-up assurance quality & customer satisfaction.
The Cost of Replacing Your Fence in Tulsa
The cost of erecting a fence depends on different factors like the length/height of your fence, the kind of material you choose (wood’s expensive), terrain, accessibility challenges, extra features like security gates, labor costs, and permitting fees. Typical price ranges: $15-45 per linear foot for residential fences, potentially higher for custom or commercial projects.
Tips for Maintaining Your Fence for Better Storm Resilience
You can prolong the lifespan of your residential/commercial fence by inspecting hardware from time to time. Clear nearby trees and shrubs to make sure that the impact from debris is minimal. Treat your wood fences every single one with quality sealant (even a brand-new coat of paint would be awesome). Clean metal fences regularly to make sure they don’t develop rust.
Working Neighborly on Shared Fences After Storm Damage
Your fences can be division fences shared between adjoining properties. That’s why you have to talk to your next-door neighbor when replacing this shared fence. When you share expenses for replacing the fence with your neighbor, make sure to have it in writing. Respect this boundary and the privacy of your neighbor if you wish to prevent disputes.
When Professional Storm Damage Fence Repair Becomes Necessary?
Professional storm damage repairs become essential when you see minor dents and loose boards. Even individual panel breaks often need DIY repairs. That’s when you should seek professional help, especially when you see that your fence’s structural integrity isn’t intact.
Fence repair also becomes necessary when multiple sections of your fence appear to be in a poor condition. When insurance claims become involved or if local code compliance turns into the need of the hour, that’s when you should contact Tulsa-based expects to provide ample fencing solutions. You can always rely on Fortitude Fencing for timely repairs at home.
Choose Fortitude Fencing as Your Trusted Partner for Fence Repair/Replacement in Tulsa
- We’re locally owned with deep Tulsa roots
- We do storm damage assessments and offer insurance claim support
- We do fence demolition and responsible disposal
- We can handle quality replacement installations
- We have up-to-code literacy to ensure proper permitting & inspection success
- You’ll get transparent pricing & customer communication from us
- You can get long-term warranty from us as well
Choose Carefully for Fence Replacement Tulsa OK
Don’t forget that storm-damaged fences threaten your security and the curb appeal of your home. That’s why you should carefully assess the damage after such an event. File an insurance claim with proper evidence and hire trusted contractors to replace your fence. You can rely on local professionals like Fortitude Fencing to provide storm-resilient solutions.
We specialize in residential + commercial fences tailored to Oklahoma’s unique weather. Don’t let storm damage compromise the integrity of your home. Reach out to Tulsa’s leading fence doctors to replace your old, worn-out fence with a new one. Keep your home safe!
