Why did my fence blow over?

Most fences that fall in wind were already weak at the posts, from dry, split or rotted wood posts or small, shallow footings. Once one post fails, the panels beside it usually follow.

Are slats in chain link a problem in wind?

They can be. Slats and windscreen turn an open chain link fence into a solid surface, which greatly increases wind load, so posts and footings need to be sized for it.

Wind guide

How do you wind-proof a fence in Bakersfield?

Q: How do you wind-proof a fence in Bakersfield?

Use galvanized steel posts or reinforced vinyl posts, set them deeper in wider concrete footings, shorten the spacing between posts on exposed runs, and choose styles that let some air through, such as shadowbox, semi-privacy or open metal. Keeping the fence within Bakersfield's 6-foot side and rear limit also limits wind load.

Updated October 2026

Make the posts stronger and let some wind through. Use galvanized steel posts, or metal stiffeners in vinyl posts, set in deeper and wider concrete footings, with shorter spacing on exposed runs. Pick styles with gaps, such as shadowbox or open metal, where privacy allows. It depends on how exposed the fence line is, how solid the fence is, and the soil it stands in, so treat this as general practice, not engineering.

Why do fences fail in Bakersfield wind?

Gusty spring and fall winds hit a solid 6-foot fence across its whole face. The force concentrates at the base of each post. Wood posts that have dried, split or rotted, or posts in small footings, give way first. Long, straight runs facing open land or wide streets take the worst of it.

What actually makes a fence stronger?

Steel posts. Galvanized steel posts behind wood boards will not split or rot, and they flex less.
Reinforced vinyl posts. Aluminum or steel stiffeners inside the post, set in concrete.
Bigger footings. Deeper and wider holes on exposed runs, with concrete crowned to shed water.
Shorter bays. Closer post spacing spreads the load across more posts.
Strong corners and gate posts. These carry extra load and should be the heaviest posts on the line.
Gate hardware. Drop rods and hold-open latches so gates do not swing and slam.

Which styles handle wind best?

Open metal or chain link

Wind passes through almost unchecked. The most wind-tolerant choice.

Shadowbox or semi-privacy

Boards offset or spaced so air moves through while the view stays mostly blocked.

Solid privacy on steel posts

Full privacy, built heavy enough to take the load.

Avoid on exposed runs

Tall solid panels on light posts, and slats or windscreen on chain link without stronger posts.

Does height matter?

Yes. Wind load grows with the size of the solid face. Bakersfield already limits residential fences to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front (Municipal Code 17.08.180), which helps. Adding lattice or extensions above that limit is both against the code and a bigger sail.

What should I do after a windstorm?

Check every post by pushing on it near the top. Movement at the base means the footing or the post has failed. Fix those posts before the next storm, because one weak post can bring down several sections. See fence repair.

Sources

Bakersfield Municipal Code section 17.08.180 (height limits). Wind-resistance practices described here are general fence-industry construction practice and our own installation approach, not engineered design values; walls and fences over code limits, or on retaining walls, may need engineering. Related cost data: NerdWallet and Inch Calculator fence cost guides.