Strong storms and high winds will attack timber fences that are older and therefore weaker than new fences – older fence posts may have rotted over time and their strength compromised. However, it isn’t just older fences that could succumb – incorrectly installed fences with posts that have not been set deep enough will also give way on a windy day.
How to prevent a wooden fence from rotting
To ensure your fence stands up to a storm, you will need to assess whether there are any signs of rotting. If there aren’t, take the following steps to keep it at bay for as long as possible.
- Use pressure treated fence parts - When installing new timber fencing, always choose pressure treated wooden fence posts and panels as these have been treated to help with rot resistance and insect infestation (another cause of weakened fence components).
- Carry out regular maintenance - Regular maintenance will prolong the onset of rot and should be carried out on an annual basis. Use a timber treatment such as Protek Shed and Fence which is a safe and eco-friendly alternative to creosote and will weather-proof your fence with just one coat.
- Keep the bottom of the fence clear - Do not allow anything to gather at the base of a timber fence that could rot down, enabling rot to spread through the wood. Clear fallen leaves regularly and do not let vegetation or grass cuttings accumulate. Alternatively consider using timber gravel boards or concrete gravel boards which provide a barrier between fence panels and wet ground.
How to strengthen weakened timber fence posts
Where there is no rotting but your posts are unsteady, the following measures will help.
- Reinforce unstable fence posts - A wobbly fence may be a sign of a poorly installed fence post or one that has taken a battering from children with footballs and become less steady over time. Provided there is no sign of rotting (in which case the post will need to be replaced completely), the fence post can be reinforced to give it extra strength and prolong its life. How to reinforce wooden fence posts explains the different ways to do this.
- Install new fence posts at the correct depth – fence posts should be set into holes which are a minimum of 2 feet deep or one third of the height of the fence. The hole should be three times the width of the post. For instructions on setting the post, see our step by step guide to erecting a fence.
Of course, sometimes Mother Nature prevails and a fence will become damaged. These steps will minimise the risk of storm damage but if you do fall foul of winter storms, our guide to repairing a wind damaged fence can help.
If you would like any advice on how to repair or install a timber fence, our experienced staff can help. Simply call the team on 01205 359188 or send us an email to sales@withamtimber.co.uk