York and the surrounding villages experience strong winds at certain times of year, especially in open areas or properties backing onto fields. The best way to prevent a fence from blowing over is by ensuring the structure is built with strong foundations and correctly chosen materials.

Deep, well-set posts are the most important factor. Posts should normally be concreted at a depth of around 600mm for a standard fence, or deeper if the fence is taller or in an exposed location. Concrete should fully surround the post and be shaped to shed water away from it.

Concrete posts offer maximum resistance to wind because of their weight and durability. Timber posts can also perform well if they are pressure-treated and set correctly, but concrete or composite posts provide greater long-term stability.

The type of fencing plays a big role too. Closeboard fences handle wind better than lightweight lap panels due to their solid rails and overlapping boards. Composite fencing can also withstand wind effectively because the boards interlock and create a rigid structure.

For very exposed gardens, semi-solid designs such as slatted fencing can relieve wind pressure by allowing some airflow through the panels. This reduces the strain on posts and helps the fence stay upright during storms.

We also assess ground conditions during your survey. Loose or waterlogged soil requires deeper footings or alternative fixings to ensure the posts stay secure over time.

A well-installed fence, with correctly spaced posts and solid footings, should remain stable even during harsh weather. We always design fences specifically for the exposure conditions in your garden to ensure they are built to last.