Australia holds the record for wind speed, with the highest-ever recorded wind speed of 253 miles per hour. Fortunately, that impressive—not to mention scary—figure was recorded on Barrow Island, off the coast of northwestern Australia. While such wind speeds are rare, especially in mainland Australia, you should avoid placing solid fences in windy areas.

More Surface Area Means More Wind Force

When choosing a fence for your yard, you should consider the weather conditions in your area very carefully. For instance, although you might like the idea of a tall wooden fence with panels, if your area is windy or frequently experiences storms, a tall, solid fence is not the answer.

Although tall, wooden fences with panels may provide you with privacy from the neighbours, they don't fare well when exposed to sustained winds. Weak but frequent wind will eventually cause a solid wooden fence to buckle and collapse. Strong but short-lived winds will bring a wooden-paneled fence down overnight.

This is due to the larger surface area of solid fences. And, while you could provide your fence with extra support using brackets and cross supports, there is another issue to contend with.

Wind Doesn't Play Well With Solid Fencing

If one of your goals in putting up a fence is to create a wind barrier, a tall fence of wood, vinyl or stone is not the way to go. This is because wind isn't just destructive to fences—it can also wreak havoc in your garden or yard. Surprisingly, a taller fence that doesn't allow wind to pass through slats or gaps will contribute to the formation of wind eddies.

Wind eddies go over tall obstacles such as fences and whirl through yards, damaging plants and contributing to the failure of the fences containing them. Wind eddies form when wind meets a solid obstacle and travels over it. As it travels downwards, the wind then takes on a circular motion, either vertically or horizontally.

On a windy day, wind eddies can turn your yard into a maelstrom of chaos. In such conditions, furious winds may damage plants, bring greenhouses down and damage your fence.

Slow the Wind With Gaps

The key to preserving the longevity of a fence in a windy area is to ensure that there is just enough room for the wind to pass through. If wind can pass through a fence, the stress on that fence will be minimal and angry eddies won't have a chance to form.

If you live in a windy area and are thinking of investing in a new fence, locate a fencing contractor near you. An experienced contractor will be able to assess your situation and suggest a suitably wind-proof fence.

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