The recent poor weather has focused many gardeners’ minds on the state of their fencing, particularly as some panels or pickets may have been damaged in the recent wind and rain. This article looks at the steps you can take to repair any damage, and whether it’s better to replace whole sections rather than individual panels.
The article is a three-minute read.
The recent rain and high winds mean now is a good time to assess the state of your garden fencing ahead of the winter months. A little work now should ensure your panels are in excellent condition come next spring.
Garden Fence Panels from Lumberjacks in Ipswich
At Lumberjacks, we supply a comprehensive range of garden fence panels from our Ipswich base. If you aren’t sure which type is best for you, you can read our previous blog post on the topic here.
Repair or Replace?
If you have a picket fence, then it may be easier to replace individual sections. Similarly, you may be lucky and just need to replace a few brackets or tighten a few screws.
If you have a closeboard or lap panel fence, and some of the panels are damaged, then it may be possible to slide them out and replace or reinforce them. However, it may be difficult to source an exact match, and it may not solve the problem of any underlying weakness in the structure. You can replace the whole section by separating the panels from the posts using a crowbar, then cutting through any remaining nails with a hacksaw or pulling them with pliers to safely remove the panel.
Solving the Post Problem
Sometimes the problem isn’t with the panels but the posts. If a post is loose but not rotten, you may be able to strengthen it by infilling with some new concrete. However, if the post is severely damaged, unstable, or rotten, you may be better off replacing the post entirely.
To do this, dig a new hole down the face of the existing post and put the concrete repair spur into position while removing the rotten wood and any concrete footing. Then concrete into place and coach screw or bolt into place; this will extend the post’s life but still giving you a soft wooden finish.
Timber or Concrete?
Replacing like for like (that is, timber with timber) might be easier when it comes to the actual work as wood isn’t so heavy to handle. However, concrete reinforcements (although more labour-intensive) will give you increased strength, stability, and longevity. At Lumberjacks, we have a range of timber and concrete accessories.
However, there is another choice, as we also supply Durapost fence posts to customers across Suffolk. These are lighter than concrete but stronger than wood and are easy to install. Our range of Durapost accessories include repair spurs and gravel boards, which create a barrier between the panels and the ground, preventing rot, moisture damage, and insect infestation.
Start from Scratch
If your fence has suffered some severe storm damage, it may be better to start from the beginning and replace a whole section – panels and posts alike. If this is the case, check out our previous post here for some top tips. Equally, we have a helpful ‘how to’ guide you can download.
Don’t Forget General Maintenance
Now is a good time to clean the fence and look for any potential structural weaknesses. Given that winter is almost here, it’s a good time to clean and paint your fence, as the weather should still be mild enough for any work. We stock number of wood treatments, in a variety of colours.
Fencing Panels and Repairs from Lumberjacks
As well as timber, concrete and Durapost, we have all the fixings, brackets, and tools you are likely to need. If you aren’t sure what you need, you can always call us on 01473 461394 and we will be happy to help you.
FAQS:
Do I need planning permission to replace my garden fence?
In most cases, no. As long as your fence is not higher than 2 metres (or 1 metre if next to a road), you won’t need planning permission. If you are in any doubt, check with your local planning authority.
What are the signs that fence panels need replacing?
Common signs include warping, rotting, or panels leaning due to weakened posts. If you notice any of these signs (especially if it is a recurring issue after high winds), it’s better to replace than repair.
Does Lumberjacks offer a delivery service?
Yes, we can deliver across Suffolk and into Essex and Norfolk using our own fleet of vehicles. Our standard delivery service is 2-10 working days, although this is sometimes extended due to stock levels and seasonal demand. We offer deliveries Monday-Friday, except Bank Holidays.
For more information, you can check out our deliveries page here.
