Common Storm Damage Types in Frederick
Wind damage: Sustained winds above 45 mph can fail fence posts at or below grade. The failure mode is usually a crack at the soil-air interface or a post sheared by lateral load from a full panel acting as a sail. Board-on-board fences are more resistant than solid privacy fences because the gaps allow some wind passage. Solid privacy fence acts as a solid wind-loaded panel — the full force transfers to the posts.
Fallen tree/branch damage: A fallen branch landing on a fence section typically breaks multiple boards and may displace one or more posts. The affected section needs complete panel replacement. If the branch was heavy enough to move posts, the posts need to be assessed for cracking even if they don't look obviously damaged.
Ice loading: Ice accumulation on fence boards adds significant weight. Combined with wind, ice loading can fail posts that were marginal to begin with. After an ice storm, fence sections that look intact may have posts that are loose in the concrete — push the post from the top and feel for movement.