What If My Fence Netting Screen Becomes Damaged or Needs Replacing?
Privacy screen netting is a practical and cost-effective way to add privacy and protection to your garden, fencing or outdoor space. However, like any outdoor product, fence screening can occasionally become damaged through strong winds, accidental impact, vandalism or general wear and tear.
Fortunately, with a little planning during installation, replacing damaged privacy screen netting can be a straightforward and affordable process.
Install Privacy Screen Netting in Smaller Sections
When installing privacy screen netting on a fence, we recommend using several smaller sections rather than one continuous length wherever practical.
Although installing one long run of fence screening may initially seem easier, dividing your privacy netting into manageable sections can make future maintenance and repairs considerably simpler.
For example, if you need to cover a 20-metre fence, you could consider installing four separate 5-metre sections rather than one continuous 20-metre length.
This approach offers several advantages:
- Easier replacement: If one section becomes damaged, you can replace that individual section without disturbing the rest of your fence screening.
- Lower replacement costs: Replacing a smaller section of privacy netting is generally more affordable than replacing an entire length.
- Simpler maintenance: Individual sections can be removed, adjusted or replaced more easily when required.
- Less disruption: The remaining sections can stay securely in place while the damaged netting is replaced.
What Can Cause Damage to Privacy Screen Netting?
Quality outdoor privacy netting is designed to withstand everyday outdoor conditions, but certain circumstances can still cause damage over time.
Strong winds and exposed locations
Privacy screen netting reduces the amount of wind passing through a fence. In particularly exposed areas, this can place additional strain on the netting, fixings and supporting structure.
Accidental damage
Garden maintenance, moving equipment or other accidental impacts can occasionally result in tears or damage to your fence screening.
Vandalism
Unfortunately, outdoor screening can sometimes be deliberately damaged. Installing privacy netting in smaller sections helps keep replacement costs manageable should this occur.
General wear and tear
Although UV-stabilised privacy screen netting is designed for outdoor use, prolonged exposure to the elements can gradually affect its condition over time.
How Do I Replace a Damaged Section of Fence Screening?
If your privacy screen netting becomes torn or damaged, replacing an individual section is usually a relatively simple process.
First, carefully remove the cable ties or other fixings securing the damaged section to your fence or supporting structure.
Once removed, check that the fence itself remains secure and undamaged before fitting your replacement privacy netting.
Position the new section against your existing fence and secure it using suitable cable ties or fixings. We generally recommend spacing cable ties approximately 10 to 20 cm apart along the top and bottom edges to help distribute tension evenly.
For taller privacy screens, particularly those around 2 metres high in exposed locations, an additional central support line can help reduce movement and strain on the netting.
Avoid pulling the material excessively tight, and always ensure the supporting fence is strong enough to accommodate the additional wind load.
Plan Ahead to Save Money on Replacement Privacy Netting
One of the easiest ways to reduce the potential cost of replacing damaged fence screening is to consider future maintenance before installation.
By dividing your privacy screen netting into smaller, independently secured sections, you can avoid having to remove and replace a large continuous run if damage occurs in just one area.
It’s a simple installation choice that can save both time and money in the long term.
Choosing the Right Privacy Screen Netting for Your Fence
Whether you’re installing garden privacy screening for the first time or replacing an existing section, choosing suitable netting for your location is important.
Consider the level of privacy required, the exposure of your fence to wind and the strength of the existing supporting structure.
At Pro-Tec Garden Products, we offer a range of privacy screen netting options suitable for garden fences, outdoor screening and other privacy applications.
With the right product, secure installation and a little forward planning, your fence screening can provide an effective privacy solution while remaining easy to maintain and replace when necessary.