Defeating the Wellington Wind

Why Solid Fences Fail in High Winds

It’s a common misconception that the best way to block wind is to build a massive, solid wall. In regions with extreme wind zones like Wellington, a solid timber or colorsteel fence acts like a giant sail. The wind hits the solid surface and is forced violently upwards and over, creating damaging turbulence and eddies on the leeward side (your garden).

Furthermore, the immense pressure placed on the posts during a gale can cause a solid fence to snap at the base or be uprooted completely if the footings aren't deep enough.

The Solution: Semi-Permeable Fencing

The most effective "windproof" fence is one that filters the wind rather than blocking it entirely. By allowing 30% to 50% of the air to pass through the structure, you reduce the wind's velocity, eliminating destructive turbulence while relieving the structural strain on the fence itself.

• Horizontal Slat Fencing: Modern timber or aluminium slats with 10mm-20mm gaps provide excellent privacy while safely diffusing wind pressure.
• Trellis Toppers: A solid 1.2m base topped with 600mm of timber trellis provides security while filtering the strongest gusts at the top.
• Hit-and-Miss Fencing: Palings are attached alternately to the front and back of the rails. You can't see through it directly, but wind passes through the gaps easily.

Structural Requirements

Even with a permeable design, building in a high wind zone requires superior engineering. We use 125x125mm posts (instead of standard 100x100mm), sink our footings deeper into the ground, and use heavy-duty galvanized fixings to ensure your boundary stands firm no matter what the weather throws at it.