Use this guide after high winds have blown out a panel or left a post leaning. You will need gloves, a tape measure, a spirit level, a saw, screws or fence clips, a drill-driver and possibly a replacement panel, post or post repair spike.
Step by step
Make it safe first
Keep children and pets away from a leaning fence and lay loose panels flat so they cannot blow into people, cars or windows. Do not work on fences in strong wind. If a fence has fallen onto a road or pavement, clear what you safely can and report hazards to your council.
Check who owns the fence
Look at your property deeds, tenancy agreement or the plans for your home to see who is responsible for the boundary. Your title plan from HM Land Registry may help but often does not show exact ownership. If it is a neighbour's fence, or you rent, tell them or your landlord in writing and agree what happens next.
Check your home insurance
Many home insurance policies exclude fences or only cover storm damage in certain wind conditions. Read your policy wording and photograph the damage before clearing up, in case you can claim.
Measure and get the right parts
Measure the gap between posts and the panel height, and check whether posts are wood or concrete. Buy a matching panel, new clips or brackets, and treated timber or a concrete post if the old post has rotted at ground level.
Fix a loose or rotten post
A post that is sound but loose can often be re-set by digging out around it, straightening it with a spirit level and re-packing with post-fix concrete. A post rotten at ground level can be fixed to a concrete repair spur, or replaced. Check for underground cables and pipes before digging.
Fit the panel
Slide the panel into concrete post slots, or screw it to wooden posts using fence clips, with one person holding it level. Leave a small gap at the bottom or fit a gravel board so the panel does not sit on damp soil. Treat any cut timber with preserver.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Area made safe and loose panels laid flat
- Boundary ownership checked
- Home insurance policy checked and photos taken
- Gap and panel height measured
- Replacement panel, clips and screws
- Spirit level and drill-driver
- Post-fix concrete or repair spur if needed
- Timber preserver for cut ends
Practical tips
- Gravel boards along the bottom of panels stop them rotting and make future panel changes easier.
- Fences with gaps, such as slatted or hit-and-miss designs, tend to catch less wind than solid panels on exposed sites.
- Talk to your neighbour before you start: sharing costs and agreeing access usually avoids disputes later.
Common problems
My neighbour will not repair their broken fence.
Keep a friendly, written record of your request and any photos. There is generally no legal duty to repair a boundary fence unless the deeds say so, but if it is dangerous or causes damage, Citizens Advice can explain your options, including mediation.
The panel is slightly too wide for the gap.
Carefully trim equal amounts off each end of the panel battens and re-nail loose slats, or ask the supplier for a narrower size. Treat the cut timber before fitting.
The concrete post has snapped.
Concrete posts are heavy and awkward: breaking out the old base and setting a new post usually needs two people and the right tools. If you are not confident, get quotes from a fencing contractor.
This guide gives general information, not personal legal, financial or medical advice. Rules and prices change, so check the current position with the official service before acting.
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