The storm has passed, the wind has settled, and you’ve just looked out the window to see your garden fence leaning at a 45-degree angle. Panic sets in.
Whether it was the recent high winds of Storm Darragh or just a standard Bristol gale, your first instinct might be to call for a quick repair. But throwing good money at a bad fence is a false economy.
So, how do you know when to save it and when to scrap it? Use our "Repair or Replace" decision guide below.
Step 1: The "Wobble" Test (Check Your Posts)
Forget the panels for a second. The health of your fence depends entirely on the posts.
Go to a post that looks suspect and give it a firm push.
- If the post moves at the ground level (in the soil): The concrete footing has failed or the wood has rotted through at the base.
- If the post is solid but the panel is flapping: This is good news. It’s likely just a fixing issue.
- If the post snaps: Well, you have your answer.
Step 2: The Decision Flowchart
Follow these scenarios to find your best course of action.
Scenario A: The "Gap Tooth" Look
The Damage: 1 or 2 panels have blown out, but the posts are standing straight and solid.
The Verdict: REPAIR.
This is classic wind damage. The panels acted like sails and the wind popped them out of their clips. As long as the posts are sound, we can simply slot new, stronger panels in.
Cost Estimate: Low (£)
Scenario B: The "Leaning Tower of Pisa"
The Damage: The fence is still in one piece, but a whole section is leaning over into your neighbor’s garden.
The Verdict: REPLACE (Usually).
A leaning fence usually means the posts have rotted at ground level. You can install "concrete repair spurs" to prop them up, but if one post has rotted, the others are likely just months behind. It is often cheaper in the long run to replace the posts with concrete ones now.
Scenario C: The "Crunchy" Wood
The Damage: The fence is standing, but the wood feels soft, spongy, or is covered in green algae/fungus.
The Verdict: REPLACE.
Rot is fence cancer. Once the timber has turned soft, it cannot hold a nail or screw. Any repair you do will just fall out in the next gust of wind. It’s time to upgrade to Pressure-Treated timber or Concrete.
Scenario D: The 50% Rule
The Logic: Look at the total length of your fence.
The Verdict: MATHS.
If more than 30-40% of the fence needs repairing, it is almost always more cost-effective to replace the whole line. You get a bulk rate on materials, labor is more efficient, and you won’t be calling us back in 6 months to fix the next section.
Why Did My Fence Fail?
In Bristol, it is usually one of two things:
- Clay Soil: It holds water, rotting wooden posts faster than in other cities.
- Wind Load: Solid panels block the wind until they snap. We often recommend Hit & Miss or Slatted fencing for windy areas like Totterdown or Clifton, as they let the wind pass through.
Need an Honest Opinion?
We won’t sell you a new fence if a £50 repair will do the job. Send us a photo of your storm damage on WhatsApp, and we’ll give you our verdict.