A short pre-season check catches most of the problems that turn into full fence failures during a storm.
Wind load transfers straight down to the post, and the base is where rot, rust, or a loosened footing shows up first. Gently push on each post — any noticeable give at the ground line is worth addressing before storm season, not after.
Screws or fasteners that have backed out, split wood around a fastener, or a panel that rattles when pushed are all signs a section could come loose under sustained wind rather than a single gust.
Gates take more wind stress than fixed panels because they move. Worn hinges, a sagging frame, or a latch that doesn't fully catch all make a gate more likely to fail first in a storm — and a failed gate can then take out the panels next to it.
Loose caps, decorative post toppers, or anything not firmly fastened to the fence can become wind-borne debris. Securing or removing loose hardware is a quick fix that prevents a bigger problem.
If more than one or two posts show base damage, or an entire section already leans, it's worth having it repaired before hurricane season rather than during storm-response demand, when scheduling gets tighter for everyone. See our fence repair services for a pre-season assessment.