Florida Hurricane Season: How to Protect Your Privacy Fence Gates
Florida Hurricane Season: How to Protect Your Privacy Fence Gates
Florida hurricane season is fast approaching. At Gifford Fence Company, one of the most common repair calls we receive after a storm is for gates that were mangled or blown off their hinges.
The good news? Most of this damage is preventable. By following one of the two paths below, you can ensure your gate remains intact once the storm passes.
Option 1: The "Open & Anchor" Method
Best for: Homeowners whose gates can swing 180 degrees and who do not need the yard fully secured (e.g., no pets or open pools).
Opening the gate allows wind to flow through the opening rather than slamming against the gate like a sail.
- Swing it Wide: Open your gate 180 degrees until it is flush against your fence panel.
- Weight the Bottom: Use something heavy but soft—like sandbags, bags of mulch, or potting soil—at the base to hold it open.
- Pro Tip: Avoid pavers or cinder blocks. They have a small "footprint," and their sharp edges can scratch or crack your vinyl or wood.
- Tie the Top: Use a bungee cord or rope to secure the top of the gate to the nearest post (or the top of the pickets for wood fences).
- No Wiggle Room: Ensure the gate is tight. If it has room to "wiggle," the wind will eventually work it loose, turning it into a swinging wrecking ball.
Option 2: The "Locked & Buffered" Method
Best for: Families with dogs, open pools, or those who prefer a secured perimeter.
If you must keep your gate closed, you need to reinforce its weakest points: the latch and the base.
- Lock the Latch: Close your gate and engage the lock. Whether you have a double-sided key latch or a mechanical latch with a padlock hole—lock it. This creates a solid point of contact on the gate's weakest side.
- Double Buffer the Base: Place sandbags or bags of mulch on both sides (inside and outside) of the gate’s bottom edge. This prevents the gate from "racking" or twisting under pressure.
- Secure the Top: For extra peace of mind, run a bungee cord across the top of the gate to the post to minimize vibration.
Note for Double Gates: If you have a drive-through double gate, follow the steps above for both doors, ensuring the drop rod (the pin that goes into the ground) is also firmly seated and be sure you still add the weight to the bottom of the gates just in case the drop rod comes loose.
Why Preparation Matters
Taking ten minutes to secure your gate today can save you hundreds of dollars in repair costs tomorrow. Whether you have a vinyl or wood privacy fence, the wind is your gate's worst enemy.
Is your gate already feeling a bit wobbly? Give us a call at 407-375-1739 for a pre-season tune-up!
Stay safe this season!
