Storm Repair - The Complete Guide To Repairing Garden Fences

Assessing the Damage

Before diving into repairs, take a good look at your fencing. After a storm, it’s worth walking the line of your boundary to check for:

• Loose or leaning posts – often the first sign of trouble.
• Damaged or missing panels – these are most vulnerable to high winds.
• Rot at the base of wooden posts – if the timber feels soft, it may no longer be structurally sound.
• Loose fixings or brackets – sometimes the problem is as simple as screws or nails working loose.

If the issue looks minor, you may be able to repair the section quickly. But if the damage is significant, don’t ignore it — what seems like a small problem now can quickly worsen, especially with more rain and wind.

Replacing Damaged Fence Panels

Storms often damage fence panels because of their size and the force they catch from the wind. Replacing a broken panel is usually straightforward:

1. Remove the old panel – carefully lift it out from between the posts, taking care not to damage any nearby fixings.
2. Check the posts – if they’re still firm and upright, you can reuse them. If they’ve shifted or weakened, you’ll need to address the posts first (see below).
3. Fit the new panel – If you are using concrete slotted posts, simply slide the replacement fence panel into place, ensuring it’s level and secure. If you have wooden fence posts, the panel will need to be secured using screws. Make sure you use galvanised screws to avoid rust.

At Walford Timber, we stock a wide range of replacement fence panels to match most gardens. Whether you need traditional overlap, feather edge, or decorative trellis top panels, you can choose the right style and size to restore your boundary quickly and neatly.

Strengthening Fence Posts

Using Concrete Spurs

Concrete spurs are an excellent choice for reinforcing a post without replacing it entirely. They work by being fixed into the ground next to the existing timber post, then bolted securely to it. This takes the pressure off the weakened timber and gives the whole fence line renewed stability.

Concrete spurs are long-lasting, rot-proof, and a cost-effective way to extend the life of your fence.

Using Metal Spurs

Metal spurs offer another option, particularly if you prefer a less bulky look than concrete. These are driven into the ground next to the fence post and clamped tightly to it, providing extra support. They’re straightforward to install and can be a real lifesaver when a storm has left posts wobbly but not entirely broken.

Both concrete and metal spurs are designed to secure existing posts without the need for a complete replacement, saving you time and money while ensuring your fence stands strong.

Resetting or Installing New Posts with Postmix Concrete

If a post has rotted at ground level or snapped completely, replacement is often the best solution. This involves removing the old post and installing a new one. The key to a sturdy, storm-resistant post is the foundation.

That’s where Postmix concrete comes in. Unlike traditional bagged concrete mixes that require measuring and mixing, Postmix is specially formulated for fencing jobs. Simply pour the dry mix into the hole around your post, add water, and it sets quickly — usually within minutes.

The benefits are:

• Ease of use – no messy mixing trays.
• Fast setting – your post is firm and ready for panels in a fraction of the time.
• Consistent strength – every bag is pre-measured for reliable results.

Using Postmix ensures your posts are anchored securely in the ground, giving your fence the best possible chance against future storms.

Preventative Measures for the Future

While repairing storm damage is sometimes unavoidable, a little preparation goes a long way. Consider these tips:

• Check regularly. Walk your fence line before and after winter to spot early signs of weakness.
• Use quality timber. Panels and posts treated for durability will last longer.
• Add spurs before problems arise. Reinforcing posts in exposed areas can prevent them from leaning later.
• Separate panels from the soil. Soil and water sitting against fence panels can speed up rot. Using gravel boards can help protect panels.

When to Call in Help

If you’re confident with DIY, most storm fence repairs are manageable. But if your fence has collapsed extensively, or if the boundary is shared with a neighbour and needs careful handling, you may prefer to call in a professional installer. At Walford Timber, we can recommend trusted fencing contractors who use our products and know how to get the job done right.

Reliable Products, Built to Last

Whether you’re replacing broken fence panels, strengthening your posts with concrete or metal spurs, or securing new posts with Postmix concrete, Walford Timber supplies everything you need for durable, long-lasting repairs. Our products are manufactured and treated with quality in mind, ensuring your fence is not only restored but ready to withstand whatever the British weather throws at it next.

Storm damage can feel overwhelming, especially if you wake up to find part of your garden fence blown down. But with the right approach — and the right products the solution is often simpler than it first appears.

By acting quickly, replacing panels where needed, reinforcing posts with spurs, and setting new ones firmly in Postmix concrete, you’ll restore security, privacy, and peace of mind. And with a little preparation, you can make sure your fencing is in the best possible shape for future storms.

At Walford Timber, we’re here to help with expert advice and a full range of fencing products. Whether you’re making a quick repair or planning a full replacement, you’ll find everything you need to keep your garden safe, secure, and looking great.