Fence Trouble After Summer Storms: Here's Why
Summer storms in Joplin do not always leave clear damage right away, especially when it comes to backyard fences. It is common to see rough weather slowly wear down fencing in ways that are not obvious until weeks go by. Homeowners often call a fencing contractor in Joplin after spotting small shifts or leaning that started out unnoticed. The signs might seem minor at first, but many times, they trace back to storms that passed through in July or August.
Winds, heavy rains, and moving soil can each cause fence trouble, even if everything looks good the next day. Sometimes damage appears gradually, only after the weather has cleared up. This is why fall is such an important time for a closer look. After a season of storms, if your fence feels unstable or looks off, there could be hidden problems growing underneath.
What Storms Really Do to Your Fence
It is easy to focus on broken boards or branches after a storm, but most damage is more subtle and builds over time.
- High winds can flex fence panels and loosen posts at their base, making the whole system less sturdy even if nothing breaks right away.
- Downpours and steady rain change the soil around fence posts. Saturated or washed-out ground often makes posts less stable, causing them to wobble or lean.
- Storm debris matters too. Branches, lawn furniture, or outdoor gear tossed into the fence can cause cracks, chips, or loosened hardware at the connection points.
More often than not, fences seem solid until wind or water strikes again. The effects are often hidden until natural cycles of pressure, rain, and sun make problems worse.
Professional fencing contractors, like Bean Exterior Solutions, use treated posts and hardware that resist both rust and rot, which helps fences stand up to repeated wet and windy weather in Joplin.
Why Damage Sometimes Takes a While to Show Up
A lot of fence issues are slow builders, especially with wood or any long stretch anchored in softer soil.
Wood absorbs moisture. Waterlogged boards may appear normal at first, then begin to swell, crack, or twist as they dry out unevenly. These changes can take weeks, so damage that started in midsummer might not show up until well into fall.
Some problems begin below the surface. Posts that seem straight today may have loosened just a bit where fasteners connect underground. Over the next several weeks, a faint tilt can turn into a clear lean. Without a deep look, most people miss this until it gets worse.
Many newer fencing materials are designed to hide surface scratches and small cracks, but what hides on the outside does not always match the inside. Even small flaws can widen if exposed to more rain or the start of a freeze-thaw pattern when autumn rolls in.
How to Spot Signs That Your Fence Isn’t Holding Up
Your fence typically offers clues, and a walk around the yard can help you catch the trouble early.
- Check each post at the base. Is it leaning or wobbling if you push slightly? Soft soil or a shifting post can signal lost stability.
- Walk the fence line after rain. Look for soft spots or eroded soil by the posts. If gaps appear between the ground and the panel, it may mean water has pooled or drained away support.
- Give hardware a close look. Rusty screws or nails, especially by the gates, may point to water intrusion or slight movement in the post or panel. Loose brackets or visible gaps between hardware and wood need quick attention.
- Watch for new gaps between pickets or panels. If critters, pets, or winds are slipping through where they couldn't before, changes to the structure may be to blame.
Over time, minor shifting or warping develops into big separations. The faster you spot these clues, the easier the repairs will usually be.
When to Call in a Professional for a Closer Look
A fence can appear stable, but some problems rest just below the surface. Checking on your own catches the basics, but more complex issues need a pro's touch.
Loose posts may stand up until the next high wind. Damaged or bent brackets usually cause greater separation after another rain or freeze. Calling a fencing contractor in Joplin now means these spots get checked for root causes, not just surface fixes. This can save headaches down the road.
Fall is the perfect window for a deeper look. After October, when soil begins to freeze, making repairs is much tougher. Setting posts, leveling, or packing new ground is better done before things tighten up. Winter winds can be strong in Joplin, and weaker fences often take the brunt.
Hidden issues like dry rot or corroded connectors stay out of sight but keep growing beneath the surface, especially after weeks of rain or humid weather. With experience checking post depths and hardware below grade, a fencing contractor in Joplin can catch these risks early.
The Right Fix Now Can Save Your Fence Later
Fences face their biggest seasonal test in fall, right before winter brings more wind and frozen ground. Any trouble from summer storms should be addressed before the cold arrives. Unchecked, small problems grow quickly with frost, wet leaves, and moving soil.
Early repairs are usually straightforward and help your fence stay stronger for seasons to come. Dealing with issues now, instead of waiting until spring, keeps your whole space safer and looking better.
Weather may be hard to predict, but you do not have to wait for it to cause more problems. Taking care of your fence this fall is a simple way to avoid bigger repairs, lost privacy, or yard headaches. A strong fence is an investment in comfort, safety, and curb appeal throughout every season.
If your yard looks worn from storms or your fence doesn’t feel as sturdy as it used to, now’s a good time to have it looked at. We always recommend bringing in a pro early, especially when you're looking for a trusted fencing contractor in Joplin. At Bean Exterior Solutions, we help homeowners stay ahead of repairs, protect their yard, and make sure their fence is ready for whatever the season brings.