How to Fix a Fence Panel After a Storm

The wind's died down and your fence is lying on your lawn. Here's how to assess the damage and get it sorted.

First: Assess the Damage

Before fixing anything, work out what's actually broken.

Check the Posts

Push each post: Does it wobble?

• Solid = post is probably fine
• Wobbles = post may have failed

Look at the base: Is concrete cracked? Is post rotted at ground level?

Look at the height: Is post snapped? Leaning?

Posts are key. If posts are sound, you're just refitting panels. If posts have failed, bigger job.

Check the Panels

Common panel damage:

• Blown off but intact (easy fix)
• Frame damaged but salvageable
• Completely destroyed (replacement needed)

Check the Gravel Boards

The bottom boards often survive but may be displaced.

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Emergency Fix (Get It Upright Today)

If you need security or to keep pets in, but can't do a proper fix yet:

Quick Panel Reinstatement

1. Lift panel back into position
2. Wedge with bricks or timber if posts won't hold it
3. Tie with rope or wire as temporary fix
4. This buys time for proper repair

Warning: Temporary fixes can blow down again. Don't rely on them long-term.

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Proper Repair: Posts Are Sound

If your posts are solid and the panel just blew off:

What You Need

• Replacement panel (if damaged) or original panel
• Galvanised screws or U-brackets
• Drill/driver
• Spirit level
• Help (panels are awkward)

The Process

1. Clear debris around the base

2. Check panel fits between posts - sometimes posts shift slightly

3. Position panel - rest on gravel board or use blocks to hold at height

4. Secure panel:

   • Either screw through panel frame into posts
   • Or use U-brackets/panel clips
   • Both sides, top and bottom

5. Check it's vertical - spirit level on the face

Screw vs Bracket

Screws: Simpler but harder to replace panels later Brackets: Easier panel replacement but need brackets to fit

For most home repairs, screws are fine.

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Proper Repair: Post Has Failed

More work needed, but still DIY-able.

Option 1: Concrete Spur (Easiest)

If the post is rotten at the bottom but good above:

What you need:

• Concrete repair spur (or metal post spike)
• Bolts (usually supplied with spur)
• Drill with masonry bit (for concrete spur)

Process:

1. Dig hole beside existing post
2. Position spur against good part of post
3. Level and plumb the spur
4. Backfill and compact OR concrete in
5. Bolt spur to post
6. Reattach panels

Time: 1-2 hours per post

Option 2: Full Post Replacement

If post is too damaged to save:

What you need:

• New post (same size or slightly bigger)
• Postcrete or concrete
• Spade
• Crowbar (for old concrete)
• Spirit level
• Someone to help

Process:

1. Remove old post (dig around, break old concrete if needed)
2. Dig hole 600mm deep for 6ft fence
3. Position new post, check vertical
4. Postcrete or concrete in place
5. Brace while setting (overnight ideally)
6. Reattach panels next day

Time: 2-3 hours per post (plus setting time)

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Panel Damage Repairs

Frame Broken But Panel Salvageable

If the frame rails have snapped but the boards are OK:

1. Remove damaged frame section
2. Cut new timber to length
3. Screw new rail to existing boards
4. Refit panel

Frame and Boards Damaged

Likely cheaper to buy a new panel than repair extensively.

New Panel Doesn't Match

Old styles get discontinued. Options:

• Accept slight difference
• Replace a run of panels for consistency
• Paint/stain all panels to unify

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Material Choices

Panel Types

Type	Cost	Wind Resistance	Look
Overlap	£20-£30	Moderate	Budget
Featherboard	£25-£35	Good	Traditional
Hit & miss	£35-£50	Best (wind passes through)	Modern
Close board	£40-£60	Good	Quality

For windy Devon: Hit and miss or close board handle storms better.

Post Treatment

Standard treated posts: 10-15 year life in ground Pressure treated posts: 15-20+ years Concrete posts: Longest life, higher cost

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Preventing Future Storm Damage

• Check posts annually before storm season
• Use proper fixings - screws not nails
• Consider post caps - stops water sitting on top
• Maintain treatments - preservative every 2-3 years

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When to Call Someone

Handle yourself:

• Refitting panels to sound posts
• One or two spur repairs
• Basic maintenance

Get help for:

• Multiple post replacements
• Very tall fencing (6ft+)
• Difficult ground (concrete, roots)
• You want it done quickly

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Fence damage beyond DIY? I repair fences across Exeter - including storm damage. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.