If your fence took a beating during the winter storms, but a long-term fix has been on your summer “to-do” list ever since, then it is worth spending a little time considering which fence is best for you before committing.
There are a host of different fence types available on the market, each with their own benefits and limitations. If you live in an area that is typically exposed to the elements, then it is probably wise for you to choose a fence that will allow wind to pass straight through it, rather than acting as a block to the wind.
The challenge when choosing the right fence panel is to get the balance between aesthetics and function. You want there to be enough gaps that the wind won’t take it, while offering you the privacy and security that you want from a barrier. If you live in a rural area and your concern is more about keeping pets in your garden than providing a screen from the outside world, slatted fence panels look great and provide low wind resistance, meaning that they are more able to withstand even the strongest gusts.
Your local fencing specialist should be able to recommend the most effective wind-resistant fencing to meet your needs. These may include:
Hit and miss fences – these fences have planks or slats alternately placed on either side of the supporting posts. This means that the wind can pass through the gap between the slats, reducing the impact of wind on the panels by about 15% without having a big impact on privacy. Another benefit of hit and miss fences is that, unlike traditional fences, they look good from wither side, so it is a win-win if you have neighbours.
Trellis fences – the high levels of open space on a trellis mean that they are great for providing an attractive boundary while withstanding the windiest conditions. The downside is that they offer less privacy than conventional or hit and miss fences. One compromise is to have a hit and miss or conventional fence to a certain height, with a trellis topper.
Strong foundations – as with any home improvement, the job itself is only as strong as its foundations. In order to withstand challenging conditions, a fence needs strong posts. Concrete posts are often the best choice as they are less likely to move out of alignment during heavy winds. If wooden posts are preferred, then embedding them in deep concrete foundations will add to their strength and prevent the wood from rotting.
Most home improvement choices are dictated by availability of a reliable fencing specialist, cost, aesthetics and practicalities. If you are confused about the different choices available, get in touch with a few fencing specialists and ask them for a quote on several options. Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best value! For more tips and advice, follow Trust A Trader on Facebook or Twitter.