It might come as a surprise, but many insurance companies exclude storm damage to fences from their standard home insurance policies. When you live in a wind-swept or exposed area this can feel like a kick in the teeth. But don’t worry, it’s not all dark clouds and gloom! With the right choice of windproof fence, you can keep that valuable piece of mind the next time a red weather warning hits.
Why invest in windproof fencing?
Whether we like it or not, our choices in fencing have to take climate change into account – especially as we are seeing more extreme weather events year on year. And unfortunately, that means more storms and more high winds.
As much as we may not have individual control over the weather, we can decide how it affects our homes. That’s where a strong windproof fence comes in! These specialist fences not only protect against the elements but can add aesthetic value to your garden.
Terms to look out for
When shopping around for windproof fences, you’ll need to know a few things besides how much it costs. There are a few terms that will frequently crop up that can sometimes feel a bit nebulous. To make the best consumer decision it’s best to dispel any confusion, so here’s a quick rundown of what they mean.
Windproof fencing
When a fence is described as windproof, this means that it is completely impervious to the wind regardless of its strength.
Wind resistant fencing
Wind resistant fencing is similar but slightly different. It refers to a fence that has the ability to resist the effects of the wind with some of the air penetrating through.
5 recommended types of fences for windy areas
Bolster your home’s defences against the unforgiving British weather with these windproof fence styles.
1. Composite fencing
Need a quick fix to all your fence problems? Durapost composite fencing will do the trick. Tested against 110mph gales, Durapost’s winning combination of lightweight composite fencing boards and galvanised steel fence posts are a robust solution to adverse weather of all descriptions.
Another key benefit is that composite fencing provides the best of both worlds: the grained composite boards strike a smart balance between beauty and utility. You get the high performance of a traditional composite system without compromising on the natural aesthetic of timber. It’s hard to top that!
2. Post and rail fencing
Traditionally associated with farmland and sweeping rural spaces, post and rail fencing is a hardy fence type suited to demarcating large boundaries across windy, exposed areas. If you’re a farmer this will likely be your fence of choice.
Post and rail fencing is constructed from solid fence posts that hold fast and deep into the ground with rails slotted or nailed neatly into them. Thanks to this sturdy construction they can withstand strong gales on uneven ground – all without hindering any views!
3. Slatted fencing
When it comes to design-led windproof solutions slatted fencing is as good as it comes. The regular intervals between the panels allow wind to flow through harmlessly. Can you feel that? It’s that nagging worry, every time the wind grows strong, calmly fading away…
In addition to the design, slatted or venetian fencing (if you’re feeling fancy), is a trendy choice that will provide a generous dash of privacy whilst giving your eyes an interesting texture to absorb as you glance around the garden. A slatted fence looks especially dashing at dusk as the long, barred shadows are cast in the dying sunlight.
4. Picket fencing
You can’t go wrong with a timeless classic and a picket fence is just that. Also known as palisade fences, these traditional styles aren’t unlike slatted fences in the way that they let air slip through the gaps, reducing strain on the overall structure during spells of high winds.
Certainly, there’s less privacy but you trade that in for bucketloads of cosy, countryside charm. And considering the recent appetite for rustic décor, who’s to say that’s a bad thing?
5. Trellis panels
Following on from that train of thought: if you laugh in the face of privacy, trellis panels could be the wind-resistant solution you were looking for. Not only do they allow the wind to whistle on through, but they make a striking zoning tool and blank canvas for climbing plants. You might want to use them to build up a theme or area in your outdoor space like a small patio nook.
Are there any other measures to windproof a fence?
We’ve taken a look at different types and styles of windproof fencing, but there’s more where that came from. If you take heed of these considerations, you can save yourself a little money, repair work and headaches later on…
Close gates during storms
If you have a gate installed along with your fence ensure that you keep it firmly shut when storms are brewing. Powerful winds can often cause gates to fly open, which can strain the rest of the structure and especially if they’re made from a more delicate material such as softwood.
Be careful with concrete fence posts
A great way to eliminate rotting fence posts is to replace them with hardier stuff – concrete. It can hold fast against gale-force winds across exposed landscapes such as the bleak hills of the Yorkshire Dales or coastal towns that bear the brunt of the elements.
That’s not to say concrete fence posts don’t come with their own problems. Not only is concrete especially bad for the environment, but fence panels attached to concrete fence posts also have a tendency of rattling in their post slots, which can be fairly noisy… and annoying.
Install Postsaver sleeves
To give your fence that extra bit of protection Postsaver sleeves are a great option. After all, a healthy fence is a strong one. By installing Postsaver sleeves, you’ll prevent ground line rot and decay to your fence posts, keeping them stronger for years longer.
Pick the right fence for you
That’s a wrap on our guide to selecting the ideal type of windproof fence for exposed areas. We hope this leaves you with plenty of insight into the most wind-resistant designs without blowing you away with all of the details.
