Fencing on Canvey Island

Alluvium is soft and holds water, and the clay beneath swells when wet and shrinks when dry. Posts set too shallow or in loose backfill can lean after a winter. Depth and concrete footing matter more here than on firmer ground.

Concrete posts with concrete gravel boards keep timber out of damp soil. Where water sits along a boundary after rain, we look at how the line drains before fixing the fence position.

Around the town centre, about half of homes are detached, and the island has many bungalows. Boundaries are often long side runs and rear lines shared with several neighbours.

For bungalows, height is a common question. A taller fence gives privacy to a low building but can block light to windows close to the boundary. We discuss height and position against the house before you choose a style.

Canvey grew quickly in the twentieth century, from the Southview Park estate begun in 1899 to holiday bungalows on the Newlands estate and council estates built in 1959. Many boundaries on older plots are now due for replacement.

Old fences often hide failed posts, buried concrete lumps and uneven gravel boards. We allow for removing the old fence and clearing footings, so the new line goes in straight.

There are around 20 tree preservation zones within about two kilometres of the centre. Digging post holes close to a protected tree can damage roots, and work to the tree itself needs council consent.

If a tree sits near your fence line, tell us at the visit. Post positions can often be adjusted to avoid major roots, and Castle Point Borough Council can confirm whether protection applies.

Close board timber gives a solid screen and can be built to follow the ground. Composite fencing needs less upkeep and will not rot, which suits owners who would rather not repaint. Both need sound posts to perform.

Our fence prices page sets out published panel bands across Essex, and our fence repairs page covers damaged sections. If only a few panels have failed, we will say whether replacing the posts along that run is the better long-term answer.