Vancouver Island winter storms bring sustained winds exceeding 100 km/h, torrential rain, and the occasional heavy wet snow. Metal structures — gates, fences, railings, carports, and outbuildings — must be in good condition before storm season arrives. October is the time to inspect, repair, and reinforce anything that might be vulnerable.
Gate Inspection
Gates are particularly vulnerable to storm damage because they are designed to move, which means they have hinges, latches, and pivot points that can fail under wind loading. Before storm season, check that all hinge bolts and fasteners are tight, the gate swings freely without binding or catching, latch mechanisms engage fully and hold under pressure, and gate stops prevent the gate from swinging beyond its intended range. An unlatched gate in a windstorm can swing violently, damaging the gate, posts, and anything nearby.
Fence Panel Assessment
Walk your entire fence line and look for loose or missing fasteners, fence panels that have shifted or separated from posts, posts that lean or have movement at ground level, and any corrosion that has weakened structural members. A fence panel that is loose in calm conditions will become a sail in a storm. Reattach, reinforce, or replace damaged sections before wind season.
Anchor and Foundation Check
The most common mode of storm failure is not the metal structure itself breaking — it is the anchoring system failing. Check post foundations for cracking or soil erosion around the base. Metal structures mounted to wood decks or buildings should have all lag bolts checked for tightness. Marine structures should have mooring lines, shackles, and anchor connections inspected and replaced if worn.
Remove Debris and Reduce Wind Loading
Clear any accumulated debris from around metal structures. Trim back vegetation that could press against fences or gates in wind. If you have temporary shade cloth, signage, or other wind-catchers attached to metal structures, remove them for the winter — they dramatically increase wind loading on structures not designed to handle it.
Need storm-season repairs or reinforcement? Call T & C Fabrication at 250-202-1643 for on-site assessment and repair anywhere on Vancouver Island.
