Fence panels displaced by storms

Fence Panels Blown Down in High Winds

A fence is a sail. Wind load rises steeply with height, and a solid panel takes the full force of it — which is why the same panels come out year after year while the posts stay put, or vice versa.

In coastal and exposed parts of Essex this is a design question, not bad luck.

Gates and Fencing work by Gardenscape in Essex

Where the failure happens

Panels lifting out of slotted concrete posts means nothing was holding them down. Posts snapping at ground level means timber has rotted at the critical point. Whole posts leaning means insufficient depth or concrete.

Identifying which of the three you have determines the fix.

Building for wind

Posts should be set roughly a quarter of their above-ground height into the ground and properly concreted. Panels can be clipped or screwed rather than left loose in slots.

Gravel boards keep timber off wet ground, and hit-and-miss or slatted panels let wind through instead of resisting it — a genuine advantage in exposed positions.

Repair versus renewal

Replacing panels into old posts is a false economy if the posts are the weak point. We check every post before quoting so you are not paying twice.

Where a boundary is shared, agreeing the work with a neighbour beforehand avoids problems later.

Frequently asked questions

Are concrete posts better than timber?

They resist rot and hold panels well, though timber posts look softer and can be replaced individually.

Will a slatted fence still give privacy?

Angled louvre and hit-and-miss designs give privacy at eye level while letting wind through.

Who owns the fence?

Check your title plan — ownership is not decided by which side the posts face, despite the common belief.

Storm damage to your fence?

We repair and replace fencing built for exposed Essex gardens.

Get a fencing quote Call 07535 661664