Climate Resilience in Fencing: Why Developers and Architects Need to Plan for Stronger Storms
Climate change is no longer a future concern—it's a present-day reality. For professionals in the built environment, from architects and planners to housebuilders and developers, ensuring new homes and communities are prepared for increasingly extreme weather is now a fundamental part of good design and construction. One area that’s often overlooked, but frequently the first to fail in storms, is fencing.
The Rising Threat of Storms in the UK
Recent years have made it clear that UK weather is becoming more volatile. A nationally representative survey by Aviva found that two in five UK homes (40%) have experienced the effects of extreme weather in the past five years, with over a fifth (22%) suffering storm damage—a striking statistic for any industry professional tasked with delivering durable and safe housing.
(Source: Aviva Newsroom, 2024)
The 2023/24 storm season was particularly notable. According to the Met Office, it was the most active season since naming storms began in 2015, with 12 named storms from Storm Agnes in September 2023 to Storm Lilian in August 2024.
(Source: Met Office Storm Season Review, 2024)
Even in quieter years, the storms we face are becoming more intense. Storm Éowyn during the 2024/25 season brought gusts of up to 135mph—the most powerful windstorm the UK has seen in over a decade—causing widespread disruption across Scotland and Northern Ireland.
(Source: Met Office Blog, 2025)
Designing for a Resilient Future
According to the UK Green Building Council's Resilience Roadmap, the UK must proactively plan and build for increasingly unstable weather conditions. This includes everything from drainage and materials selection to landscaping and structural design.
(Source: UKGBC Resilience Roadmap)
The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) echoed this in their 2019 report, stating that "UK homes are not fit for the future" when it comes to coping with the risks associated with climate change, particularly flooding, overheating, and storm damage.
(Source: UK Housing: Fit for the Future? CCC, 2019)
For planners and specifiers, this means resilience should be incorporated into every level of design—from the integrity of roofing materials to the way gardens and boundaries are laid out.
Fencing: The First Casualty of Severe Weather
One of the first elements of a property to suffer in high winds is often the fencing. At Birkdale, we experience a significant spike in demand during and after major storms—proof of just how vulnerable standard fencing systems can be.
Whilst replacing or repairing a fence might not seem like a major issue, fencing damage can pose safety risks, reduce security, and increase liability risks for property owners—issues that can be costly for developers and frustrating for residents.
This is where climate resilience in fencing design and specification becomes essential. Although 100% storm-proof fencing doesn’t exist, specifying fencing systems designed for strength and durability can greatly enhance performance in adverse conditions. Choosing robust, well-engineered solutions not only protects properties but also reduces long-term maintenance and disruption.
Building Resilience with DuraPost®
Our DuraPost® fencing system is specifically engineered with resilience in mind. It has been wind-tested up to 110mph, providing superior performance compared to traditional timber or even concrete posts.
Concrete posts can crack under stress and timber can warp or rot, especially in wet and windy conditions. DuraPost®, made from galvanised steel, offers a long-lasting and low-maintenance alternative that helps developers meet the growing demand for sustainable and resilient building solutions.
An Overlooked Detail with a Big Impact
For developers, architects, and planners, fencing might seem like a minor detail—but when storms strike, it can become a major vulnerability. By specifying resilient systems like DuraPost® and adhering to best-practice installation standards, professionals can help shape communities that are ready to face the realities of a changing climate.
At Birkdale, we believe resilience starts at the boundary. DuraPost® is more than just a fencing solution—it’s a smarter, safer, and stronger choice for future-ready developments. It’s time to redefine boundaries and build with climate resilience in mind.
Redefining boundaries. Smarter. Safer. Stronger.
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