We might only just be recovering from this summer’s heatwave, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be looking at what comes next. Although many would argue that UK weather is unpredictable, there is one thing for certain – autumn is on the way. We’re already seeing the nights drawing in and temperatures dropping overnight.
This change in weather signals that it is time to start considering our garden and how we’re going to ensure that it survives the harsh weather that autumn and winter can bring. This is beyond just protecting plants and pruning back trees, it is vital that we look at how we can protect our garden fence from autumn storm damage. Taking steps to protect our garden timber now can help to avoid hefty bills for fixing fences that have been damaged in windy, stormy weather.
Quick Tips for Protecting Your Garden Fence This Autumn
- Inspect it now – Look for loose fence posts and signs of rot, particularly in the footings of the fence
- Fix What You Can – Secure loose fence posts now to prevent high winds from catching them like a sail.
- Weatherproof – Apply wood preserver to protect timber against autumn rain and winter freeze cycles.
- Look at the Design – Look at how your fence is designed and whether things like slatted panel upgrades could make a difference
- Be Proactive with the Whole Garden – Trim any bushes that are pushing against fences and prune overhanging trees
- Get The Right Materials – Invest in heavy-duty timber and fencing supplies so your fence repair lasts through every storm.
The Time to Inspect and Repair is Now
One of the best ways to ensure that your garden fencing survives autumn storms and winter weather is to look at what maintenance you can do now. Wobbly fences and weak wood leave your fence far more susceptible to being damaged by harsh weather. Carrying out a thorough inspection and repairing your fence now leaves you in a much better position.
The first thing to look at is how stable your fence is. You should inspect all the fence posts to ensure that they still feel solid and secure in the ground. If they feel as though they could move in the wind then working at securing these should be the first job on the list. You also want to make sure that all of your fence panels along the whole perimeter of your fence feel stable too. The idea is to make sure everything feels as secure as possible to withstand any strong winds that could accompany autumn storms. Whilst carrying out the inspection of your fence posts and panels, checking all your posts for any signs of rot is a great idea too.
Consider Your Weatherproofing Options
Once you have secured your fence panels and fence posts against any potential winds it is time to consider how to weatherproof your timber. Throughout autumn and winter your fence is often left in a cycle of being moist, and then dry and then moist again. It is this constant moisture that softens wood and leaves it open to becoming rotten – which significantly weakens your wood. Instead you want to pick up a high-grade wood preserver and give your whole fence a treatment. It is best to do this now while the weather is warm and dry rather than wait until the cooler, wetter weather is already here.
Look At How You Can Protect Your Fencing From Harsh Winds
Looking at what fencing supplies you can pick up now to help your fence survive autumn storms is a great idea. Solid wooden fences offer great privacy for your garden, but these solid panels can easily be picked up by strong gusts of wind. Many people opt for adding things like trellis topping to improve the chances of strong winds being able to pass through easily, adding another layer of protection to your wooden fence.
What You Can Do Now
It is easy to assume that your garden fence will be fine and that you can simply deal with any issues as and when they occur over the next few months. Whilst this can work for some people, many find that a smaller investment now saves them a bigger bill in the future. By spending a little time and money on fence maintenance now you are likely saving time and money in the future. If you’re unsure of the best route for your garden fence this season, our friendly team at Harlow Bros will be happy to talk you through the options.
FAQs - Protect Your Garden Fence from Autumn Storm Damage
How do I know if a leaning fence post needs to be replaced or just repaired?
Inspect the post and look at what is causing it to lean. If it looks solid but there is movement below ground level then you could be dealing with rotted wood below the soil line. If it simply moves above ground level but looks solid then you can likely carry out a fence repair by using post-mix concrete to secure the footing. If the wooden posts or panels feel soft then it is likely time to replace them.
Can I temporarily secure loose fence panels before a storm hits?
Ideally you’ll have looked at maintenance beforehand to avoid a rush of trying to secure things when a storm hits. However, if you do need to then using heavy duty screws or U-brackets as a temporary measure is definitely an option.
How often should I apply weatherproofing treatment to my timber fence?
Many people opt to treat their exterior every year, however if you don’t wish to do this then every 2 years is a must. Late summer / early autumn is the ideal time to carry out this work.
How do I protect my garden gate during storms?
Removing your gate during a storm is not usually necessary, however it is essential that the gate is latched and bolted shut. You want to avoid your gate being opened and slammed shut in the wind as this could damage both the gate and the fence posts it is secured to. As part of your maintenance, check that the gate latches securely and that the hinges are all tight and secure.