Properties in exposed positions can feel the full force of the British weather, so this article showcases the practical benefits of slatted fence panels.
Strong winds can often damage garden fencing, so homeowners need to ensure they choose quality products that will stand the test of time. Here at House Gardens, we use Jacksons Fencing on our landscaping projects across North Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
What fencing is best for windy locations?
Semi‑solid fencing is designed to allow air to flow through the structure, reducing resistance and preventing damage from strong gusts. In windy weather, a solid fence panel acts like a ship’s sail, catching the full force of the breeze, putting pressure on the posts and joints. Over time, the wind can cause panels to creak, buckle and even fall over.
Professionals prefer to install slatted panels that contain gaps to lower wind resistance. By absorbing less pressure, slats reduce the risk of damage to the panel and the supporting posts.
What types of slatted fence panels are available?
There is a wide variety of slatted fence designs that offer different levels of airflow and privacy.
Venetian panels are an attractive and popular choice, combining slim horizontal slats with gaps to provide plenty of airflow. Similar in appearance to Venetian blinds, they provide an attractive balance of wind resistance and security.
As the name suggests, Louvre Angled slatted panels use thicker timber slats positioned at an angle to offer a high level of privacy while allowing wind to pass. Stylish and practical, they can be used to screen areas of the garden without blocking out light or airflow.
Jacksons Fencing also offer Metro Frameless slatted fence panels that provide a continuous appearance with no visible posts. This frameless design is suited to gardens where privacy is not a high priority.
Hit and Miss fence panels are more traditional, constructed with overlapping boards for a strong, semi‑solid panel. The frame adds extra rigidity, and the slats are available in horizontal or vertical designs. A variation is the Venetian Hit and Miss panel, which has overlapping slats rather than air gaps like normal Venetian panels.
Urban slatted fence panels feature small gaps between the slats, offering more privacy than other designs. They still offer sufficient airflow to reduce wind pressure and can be installed vertically or horizontally for added design flexibility.
Woven panels use interwoven timber slats that cast a pattern of light and shade into the garden. The attractive double‑sided design has no visible rails, while the open weave limits wind resistance.
Another way to reduce the chances of wind damage is to opt for lower fencing panels with trellis above, allowing strong winds to pass through.
Professional fence installation
Slatted fence panels are a great choice for exposed gardens, but installation is also a crucial factor. Professional landscapers will use heavy-duty slotted posts to support larger panels, while longer posts can go deeper into the ground for added stability.
We recommend screwing timber panels to posts to prevent movement in strong gusts. Avoid concrete posts as panels can rattle and even lift out in very strong winds. Posts require plenty of cement to form a solid foundation.
Need advice on slatted fence panels?
Here at House Gardens, we only install high-quality products from Jacksons Fencing. The slatted fence panels are made using vacuum pressure-treated softwood timber and come with a 25-year guarantee. Installed with stainless steel fixings, the panels are robust enough to withstand the worst of the British weather.
If your garden is exposed and battered by a strong breeze, talk to our team today about slatted fence panels. They are the stylish, practical choice.
