How Feather Edge Fencing Performs in High-Wind Locations
For homeowners and property managers in exposed areas, choosing the right fencing system is essential. Wind-prone locations demand a fence that offers strength, resilience, and long-term performance without constant maintenance. Feather edge fencing is one of the most popular options across the UK, and at Fast Fix Fencing Gillingham, we’re often asked whether it can stand up to strong winds in areas like Gillingham, Kent.
This article explores how feather edge fencing performs in high-wind environments and what steps can be taken to ensure it remains sturdy, safe, and long-lasting.
What Is Feather Edge Fencing?
Feather edge fencing consists of overlapping vertical timber boards fixed to horizontal rails and supported by robust posts. The boards taper from one edge to the other, creating a strong, dense barrier that offers both privacy and durability.
Features of feather edge fencing:
- Solid timber construction
- Excellent wind resistance when properly installed
- Traditional appearance that suits both rural and urban settings
- Can be built at various heights and lengths
It’s particularly valued for its combination of visual appeal and structural strength.
Wind Resistance of Feather Edge Fencing
Feather edge fencing performs well in windy locations due to its dense overlapping design and flexibility in construction. However, its effectiveness depends on proper installation and the use of quality materials.
Advantages in high-wind areas:
- Strong overlapping boards reduce the risk of panels breaking or blowing out
- Individual board fixing means that wind passes around the boards rather than hitting a single solid surface
- Custom-built in situ rather than pre-fabricated panels, offering superior strength and fit
- Timber flexibility allows some movement under pressure, reducing breakage risk
At Fast Fix Fencing Gillingham, we recommend feather edge fencing for many coastal or exposed properties in Gillingham, Kent, due to its excellent wind-handling capabilities.
How to Improve Performance in Windy Locations
Even a robust fence like feather edge can fail if it’s poorly installed or uses inferior materials. To ensure long-term durability in high-wind areas, several key installation techniques should be followed.
Tips for high-wind installation:
- Use concrete posts or reinforced timber posts set at least 600mm into the ground
- Secure posts with concrete footings to resist wind uplift and lateral pressure
- Install additional arris rails for fences taller than 1.5m to prevent flexing
- Choose pressure-treated timber to resist rot and warping
- Ensure good drainage around post bases to prevent movement in wet conditions
- Keep gaps between boards minimal to maintain structural integrity
These steps significantly improve the performance of feather edge fencing in exposed settings.
Maintenance Considerations
Ongoing maintenance also plays a part in how well feather edge fencing performs over time in windy conditions.
Maintenance recommendations:
- Inspect posts and rails annually for movement or damage
- Re-treat timber every 2–3 years to preserve strength and weather resistance
- Keep vegetation clear from the fence line to reduce strain during storms
- Address any loose fixings or boards promptly before they worsen
Fast Fix Fencing Gillingham offers maintenance support and professional repairs to ensure fencing remains structurally sound year-round in Gillingham, Kent.
Conclusion
Feather edge fencing is a strong and dependable choice for high-wind areas when installed correctly and maintained regularly. Its overlapping design, flexibility in construction, and adaptability to uneven ground make it especially well-suited to exposed environments like those found in Gillingham. With the right materials and expert installation, feather edge fencing provides long-term durability, safety, and aesthetic value.
At Fast Fix Fencing Gillingham, we specialise in supplying and installing feather edge fencing built to withstand the toughest weather conditions in Gillingham, Kent. If you’re concerned about wind exposure on your property, contact us today to discuss a fencing solution that offers peace of mind and proven performance.
Call us on: 01634 564 194
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