Fence Repairs in Duxford

Knowing when your fence actually needs attention

A leaning post or a rattling panel is easy to dismiss, especially after a single windy night. But most fence failures do not happen overnight. They build slowly, and catching the early signs saves money because a repair on one or two posts costs a fraction of replacing a full run.

The warning signs worth acting on are: posts that rock at ground level even slightly, panels that bow in the middle rather than sitting flat, gravel boards that have gone soft or crumbled at the corners, and any section where the arris rails have pulled away from the posts. Each of these points to a specific failure that will spread to neighbouring sections if left alone.

Why posts fail at ground level

The most common cause of fence failure in residential gardens is post rot at ground level. Timber posts absorb moisture where they enter the soil, and if the wood was not properly treated before installation, or if the concrete surround has cracked and lets water pool, the base of the post decays from the inside out. The post can look completely sound from six inches up and be almost hollow at the base.

Concrete spurs are one practical answer. A concrete spur is a short concrete post bolted to the rotten timber post just above ground level, carrying the load while the old base is cut away. It extends the life of the existing fence without the cost and disruption of digging out every old base. This is worth asking about when you get a quote, because not every fencing company offers it as an option.

The soil type matters too. Heavy clay soil holds water against the post base for longer after rain, while sandy or chalky ground drains away more quickly. In gardens where clay soil is sitting against fence posts, it is worth the extra cost of gravel-packed post holes rather than concrete alone, as the gravel allows water to drain away from the timber.

What causes panels to break

Overlapping close-board panels (feather edge) and standard lap panels fail in different ways. Lap panels are pressed from thin strips of timber, and once the waney edge at the top or the bottom rail rots or splits, the whole panel loses its shape. A single broken panel in a run is straightforward to swap out. The trouble is when the rail connecting the panels to the posts has also failed, because the new panel needs something solid to fix to.

Feather edge boards are individually nailed to arris rails, so they can be replaced board by board rather than panel by panel. This makes them more economical to repair, but the arris rails themselves are a weak point. They are typically 75x38mm sawn timber, and they span between posts that may be 1.8m apart. Over time the mortice joint where the rail sits in the post opens up, letting the rail sag and the boards go slack. If you push a screwdriver into the rail at its mid-span and it sinks in easily, the rail needs replacing.

Storm damage and what it reveals

A storm that blows down a fence section is frustrating, but it does give you a clear view of the underlying structure that is otherwise hidden. Before a fence blows down it is worth checking after any significant wind event: look for panels that have shifted sideways in their slots, posts that have tilted even a few degrees, or gravel boards that have cracked along the bottom edge. Any of these means the fixing has already partially failed.

Storm damage often also reveals whether the original installation was done properly. Posts should be set a minimum of 600mm into the ground for a 1.8m fence, ideally 750mm. Posts that were not set deep enough, or were installed without concrete, will topple at the first serious gust. If you are having a section repaired after storm damage, ask the fencer what depth the replacement posts will be set at and whether they will use postcrete or a mixed concrete fill.

Gravel boards and why they matter

Gravel boards sit at the base of the fence between the posts and keep the fence panels off the soil. When they are missing or have rotted away, soil and debris press directly against the bottom of the panels and accelerate rot through the whole fence. Replacing a gravel board is a straightforward job and relatively inexpensive, typically in the range of £15-£30 per board for the material alone. Getting it done before the panels above are affected is genuinely worthwhile.

Concrete or recycled plastic gravel boards last far longer than timber at ground level, and are a sensible upgrade if you are already having posts replaced. They do not rot, do not need treating and are not attractive to insects.

Boundary questions before any repair

Before booking any repair, check the title deeds or Land Registry documents to confirm which fence is yours to maintain. The boundary responsible for each side is usually marked with a T-mark on the plan. If a fence is shared or the responsibility is unclear, it is better to have that conversation with your neighbour before work begins rather than after.

If the fence sits on or very close to the boundary line, any replacement post will be going into or right beside the property line. Keeping a record of what was there before, and agreeing the position with your neighbour, avoids disputes later.

What a proper repair involves

A straightforward post replacement on a standard garden fence typically runs from £150 to £300 per post depending on access, post depth and whether the gravel board and panel need to come down and go back up. Swapping a single lap panel is usually £80 to £150 fitted. These are typical UK figures and will vary with materials, access and the condition of the surrounding fence.

A good repair does not just swap the damaged part. It checks that the posts either side of the repair are still sound, that the arris rails or panel rails are properly seated, and that the gravel board is in place. If the repair leaves the fence looking mismatched in colour because the new timber is pale against weathered boards, a coat of fence stain on the affected area is a simple fix.

Areas we cover

We carry out fence repairs from our base in Haverhill and cover Duxford and the surrounding area. We also work in Steeple Bumpstead, Kedington, Clare, Withersfield, Wickhambrook, West Wratting, Thurlow, Sturmer, Stoke by Clare, Stambourne and Ridgewell, along with other villages nearby.

To arrange a visit and get a price, call us and describe what you are seeing: which part of the fence has failed, how long it has been like that, and roughly how many posts or panels are involved. That gives us enough to come prepared with the right materials.