As the days get shorter and the familiar chill of a North Devon winter sets in, it's not just your home you need to prepare – your garden fence is on the frontline against the elements!
Here in Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, and across the region, we know that winter brings more than just a light frost. Our coastal location means strong winds, persistent rain, and the freeze-thaw cycle can be brutal on garden boundaries. And the most common point of failure? The fence post.
A wobbly or rotten post can turn a winter storm into a costly disaster. Now is the perfect time for a quick check-up!
The North Devon Fence Post Inspection Checklist
Grab a cup of tea, brave the chill, and take a slow walk along your fence line. Here's what to look for, focusing on the danger areas:
The Wiggle Test: Gently push each fence post at chest height. If it wobbles or feels loose in the ground, that's a major red flag. Loose posts will easily fail under the strain of strong coastal gales.
Rot at Ground Level: This is the most common point of failure, especially for traditional wooden posts. Look for wood that is soft, crumbly, or discoloured right where it meets the soil. Our wet climate accelerates this decay.
Pooling Water: Check if water sits around the base of the posts. Poor drainage means your post is constantly saturated, speeding up rot.
Loose Fixings: Are the panels securely attached to the posts? Check that nails and screws haven't rusted or pulled loose from the timber due to years of weathering and movement.
Overhanging Hazards: Look up! Are there any heavy, overhanging branches from nearby trees? North Devon's strong winds could easily snap a weakened limb, sending it crashing down onto your fence.
Winter-Proofing Your Posts: What to Do Next
A small bit of maintenance now can save you a huge repair bill after a named storm!
1. Address Rotting or Loose Posts
If a post is seriously rotten at the base, it needs replacing. However, if it's just loose or slightly weakened, you have a couple of options:
Concrete Repair Spurs: A popular and effective UK fix. A metal or concrete spur is secured to the existing post, and then buried in fresh concrete. This bypasses the rotten section and gives the post a new, solid base. This is often a job best left to a local North Devon fencing specialist.
Extra Post Mix: For a slightly wobbly post, adding some fresh, fast-setting concrete (often called Postcrete) around the base can re-secure it. Ensure you grade the concrete so water runs away from the post.
2. Clear Debris for Better Drainage
Rake away any piles of leaves, grass clippings, or soil that have built up against the base of your fence panels and posts. This debris holds moisture right where you don't want it and can even encourage pests. Using gravel boards (a timber or concrete plank at the very bottom of the fence) is the best way to keep the main panels and posts clear of the ground.
3. Apply a Fresh Treatment
Before the constant rain starts, give your wooden posts and panels a protective coat. Choose a high-quality wood preservative or exterior stain. Pick a dry, mild day so the treatment has time to fully soak in and cure. This waterproof barrier will repel moisture and fight off mould and fungus throughout the winter.
4. Prune Back Vegetation
Trim back any shrubs or climbing plants (like ivy) that are pressing heavily against your fence. Not only does this extra weight stress the structure in high winds, but the trapped moisture will also accelerate wood decay.
Conclusion
Don't let your fence become a victim of the inevitable North Devon storms this season. A bit of proactive maintenance now will keep your boundaries standing strong and secure until spring arrives!
If you've found serious rot or significant damage, it's often more cost-effective in the long run to get a professional to replace the post. Would you like me to look up contact details for reputable local fencing companies in the North Devon area, like Barnstaple or Bideford?
Need Professional Fence Maintenance Help in North Devon?
If you're looking for reliable, professional fencing services in North Devon, Barnstaple Fencing is here to help. With over 10 years of local experience, we understand exactly what North Devon properties need to withstand our challenging coastal climate.
Contact us today for:
- Free fence inspections
- Winter preparation services
- Emergency storm repairs
- Professional fence post replacement
Call 01271 626340 or contact us online for your free quote.
Serving Barnstaple, Bideford, Ilfracombe, South Molton, and surrounding North Devon areas with professional, reliable fencing services you can trust.
