Last updated: April 15, 2022 at 14:29 pm
Fence panel wedges are a way of stopping fence panels from rattling. The panels rattle if the space between the posts is too big or if there isn’t enough support between the panels and the ground. Rattling fences, from our experience, is a big cause of outdoor noise, especially when windy.
In this article:
We’ll run through the best way to stop your fence panels rattling, why they rattle and what alternatives there are.
IN THIS ARTICLE
What Are Fence Panel Wedges?
Fence panel wedges are used to stabilize loose or sagging fence panels and to prevent them from rattling when the wind blows. This can be achieved by inserting a wedge on both sides of the panels to tighten them against the fence post.
Fence panels are supposed to move (more on that later) but the issues start when they rattle against the fence posts, making for not a very nice noise… especially at night.
How They Work to Stop a Fence Rattling
Fence panels tend to rattle when they are blown by the wind. They can also be damaged by the weather, causing them to become unstable and less effective. The best way to stop fence panels rattling is to install fence panel wedges at each post where a panel meets.
Fence panel wedges are a highly effective and low-cost solution for preventing rattling. They work by supporting the bottom edge of the fence panel with a solid, non-flexible wedge.
The wedges are inserted into the gap between the fence post and panel, then gently tapped into place with a hammer.
How to Install Them
They’re easy to use just stick them between the panels of your fence and tap in with a hammer. They’ll expand from the pressure and grip tightly between the panels.
- Fence panel wedge that is easy to install to stop loose fences...
- Made in the UK by Cyclaire. Beware of imposters (from China) on the...
Last update on 2023-11-21 at 15:55 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
These panels come in one size, so depending on the gap between your panel and post, it might take more or less hammering. There’s no need for any specialist tools or heavy machinery. Just a hammer to tap them into place.
Alternatives to Fence Panel Wedges
All of these alternatives work similar in some way to panel wedges. They all fill the gap between the panel and fence, and limit the amount of the the panel can make hitting the post.
Fence Panel Grips
Fence panel grips are stainless steel fence accessories designed to stop annoying banging and rattling panels. Made from stainless steel s are designed for use with steel, timber, and aluminium fence panels. They are suitable for both domestic and commercial applications.
These products offer an alternative to the traditional wedge grip. The installation of these new and improved stainless steel fence panel grips is quick, easy, and affordable. No more annoying banging or rattling panels!
Fence panel grips are made of high-quality stainless steel, which allows the product to securely grip all types of wooden fence posts without causing any damage.
Strip of Silicone
An easy, cheap solution to the problem of fence panels rattling or clanking in the wind is a strip of silicone sealant.
It’s not a permanent fix but it works for a while and is easy to put up and take down when the weather changes. Here’s what you do:
Measure out the inside of your post (the bit that goes into the ground) and cut a length of sealant equal to this measurement plus an extra 5cm (2 inches). The extra 5cm will help you get a good tight fit.
Insert one end of the strip into one side of your post, smooth it over so it fits snugly inside the post. Now, come out the other side of your post, push it back into place and smooth it over again.
Channel Nuts
Channel nuts are maybe the best alternative along with panel grips. These are metal plates with a string on one side. These work great as they can be easily pushed into the gap between a panel and fence, with the spring giving the panel enough wiggle room to move with wind, and the wood expansion in the heat.
Use Cable Ties
Cable ties are long, thin plastic straps that can be used to secure loose, rattling fence boards. The ties are better than nails or screws because they don’t go through the fence board and make it harder to remove.
When you buy cable ties, get the kind with grooves in them because they’re easier to work with.
Nail in cable ties along the top of the fence boards and attach them. This will prevent the boards from moving against each other.
Cable ties come in varieties. However, you can buy ties in colours and patterns to match your fence and other materials on your property.
Wood Shims
Adding wood shims to your wooden fence is a great way to stop fence panels from rattling. Wood shims are available in both hardwood and softwood versions.
They can be nailed or screwed into the bottom of the wooden fence post. The shims will add an extra layer between the fence and panel and fill the gap.
The big disadvantage of using wood is when they get hot, they will expand. If you’ve hammered them in too tight, the fence panels can (and will) break.
Tie-Down Straps
Tie-down straps come in many different lengths and widths. They are made of nylon webbing with a high-quality hook on one end and a loop for attaching to a fence post on the other end.
The loop on the other end is adjustable. When you have attached the strap to the fence post, pull the strap around the panel, then back through itself, tightening it up. This is an easy way to secure panels without any holes in them.
Bungee Cords
If you don’t want to make any holes in your fence panels, using a bungee cord can be a great alternative to tie-down straps.
Bungee cords are much easier to attach and remove than tie-down straps and they cost less too. The main drawback with bungee cords is that they can wear out over time or stretch out. They also don’t look great as they’re quite noticeable around the fence posts.
- Fence panel wedge that is easy to install to stop loose fences...
- Made in the UK by Cyclaire. Beware of imposters (from China) on the...
Last update on 2023-11-21 at 15:55 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Why Your Fence Should Have Movement
There should always be some movement in a panel fence. The movement is necessary to allow the fence to move with temperature changes, which can cause wood to shrink or expand. It also reduces the change of panels snapping under the strain of high winds.
The movement of a fence also helps prevent sagging, which can lead to poles breaking over time. It’s important to build a proper foundation before constructing a fence so it can take this movement.
To reduce the chances of sagging, construct posts with concrete footings rather than just setting them in the ground. If you want your fence to be more rigid, use metal posts instead of wood posts.
Conclusion
Our top recommendation to stop fence panels rattling are fence panel wedges. Made specifically for this purpose, they offset the gap between the panel and post, but let’s the panels move enough not top crack or break in high winds.
