wind proofing fences

MrsGarden

We have 25 fence panels running along the side of our garden. It seems that every gust of wind brings another panel out. 

the problem, or maybe one of the problems, is that the panels are solid so the wind can't pass through.

I have tried to persuade OH to replace the lot with more suitable design but it will mean a huge expense in one go.

Would it be a good idea to grow climbers on the fence for extra support/buffering?

OHs idea of a 'pre-fence' in front of this one sounds plausible, what do you think?

thanks for ny comments. 

 

MrsGarden

thanks Pauline, they tend to blow oou away from the house

nutcutlet

A fence panel stops so much wind it's constantly under threat.

If you have good solid fence posts you could have 3 horizontal bars and vertical planks with gaps between to allow the wind to pass through.

I have seen this done with the planks fixed to each side alternately do it looks like a solid fence but the wind can get through

Forester_Pete

I have been helping my neighbour replace her panels this year, one by one. Similar suggestion to the above one but I made 3 vertical posts with horizontal planks on each side. They are offset so you can't look through it. Works out at about 50 quid per panel for the timber from my local sawmill but it should last for a while and will never blow out like the old panels.

 

Fairygirl

That's how I did mine MrsG - just as  Pete says

 The stretch already in the garden between me and my neighbour is done the same way but vertically : 

 The timber was around £1 per metre from builders merchant. I used 3.6 m lengths of the heavy duty stuff (150mm x 22mm) and put the posts in at 1.8 metres so that I didn't have to cut them very often. 

MrsGarden

thanks nut Pete and fairy. just what I want him to change to but too expensive short term (huge benefits long term).  

Forester_Pete

Will take a photo next time its light and I am home, and its not raining...

KT53

If the panels are old it's possible they have shrunk over time as they dried out and are no longer a snug fit between the concrete posts.  That could certainly explain why they keep blowing out. 

MrsGarden

Thanks edd, I'll not repeat OHs response but something along the lines of 25 panels and time constraints...



KT, fence panels vary in age but were all replaced as a job lot maybe 5_6 years ago. Unfortunately we couldn't afford to replace the concrete posted which are rubbish.



Looks like we are onto a looser or a mega expensive job.

Think I'll try again to persuade OH to replace each time one is damaged with a better type as mentioned above.

Meanwhile I probably my need a plan to grow some plants (shock - horror) in front to buffer the wind. There's no planting room for the panels on the drive though.

Will climbers work or just ruin the fence further?

Dovefromabove

I don't think that climbers on the fence panels will help matters - might even make things worse as the wind would catch the foliage etc and buffet it and that would weaken the fence panels.

But, you could put some posts and trellis or wire mesh about a foot in front of the fence and grow climbers up that - it would shield the fence by filtering the wind and reducing its power. 

MrsGarden

Thanks dove.