FEATURE: AUTUMN/WINTER PREP


FOUR OUTDOOR CHECKS HOMEOWNERS SHOULD MAKE AFTER A SUMMER OF DROUGHT


Following a summer of record-breaking heat, drought conditions and exceptionally low rainfall, homeowners are being encouraged to check fences, decking and other outdoor timber structures for signs of deterioration before wetter and windier weather returns. Here, the experts at Travis Perkins share four checks homeowners can make now before wetter and windier weather returns.


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alf of England has now been officially declared in drought, while July brought record-breaking dry conditions


across parts of the UK. England also experienced its warmest June on record.


While wet weather is often associated with damage to outdoor timber, prolonged heat can also have an impact. During hot and dry conditions, timber loses moisture and can shrink. When rain and higher humidity return, moisture is absorbed again and the wood expands.


Repeated wetting and drying can contribute to cracking, warping and surface deterioration over time. Spotting damage early could help homeowners avoid bigger bills, with fence repairs typically costing £150–£300, rising to £500+ for more substantial work and £1,000–£2,000 for full replacement. David Hood, Category Manager


– Timber Landscaping, at Travis Perkins, explains: “Some movement and weathering is normal, but after prolonged hot and dry conditions homeowners should look out for widening cracks, warped boards, loose fixings or fencing that has started to move. “If there are concerns about stability, an experienced tradesperson should assess the structure before repairs are carried out, as catching problems early may prevent more extensive work later.”


Check fences for movement before stronger winds arrive Fence panels may be where damage is easiest to spot, but problems with posts, fixings or foundations can affect the stability of a much larger section.


The UK has experienced seven named storms during the 2025/26 storm season, following six the season before, making late summer


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as important as the boards themselves.


Homeowners should look for boards that have started to cup, twist or lift, gaps that have noticeably changed, screws beginning to pull through the timber and any significant movement underfoot.


Steps, handrails and balustrades should also feel secure.


“Catching problems early may prevent more extensive work later.”


a useful time to identify weakened fencing before conditions become wetter and windier.


Homeowners should check whether posts have started to move, gaps have appeared around the base, concrete has cracked or panels and fixings feel looser than they did earlier in the year. A gate that has suddenly stopped lining up properly can also be an early sign that part of the structure has shifted. Hood explains: “A fence can


look relatively intact while the support underneath is beginning to fail. If there is movement around the base of a post, cracked concrete or fixings that are no longer holding securely, it is worth getting a tradesperson to assess it before stronger winds arrive.” Catching deterioration at this stage can help prevent movement spreading across several posts or panels.


Look underneath decking, not just at the surface


Decking can experience its heaviest use during summer, but the condition of the supporting structure underneath is just


Hood says: “It can be easy to judge decking by how the surface looks, particularly if it has weathered during a hot summer. “But if there is noticeable movement, several boards are being affected in the same area or a handrail has become loose, the supporting structure should also be checked.” Boards should also have enough space for natural seasonal movement, as insufficient gaps can restrict expansion and contraction when moisture levels change. Any concern involving raised decking, supporting components or significant movement should be assessed by an experienced tradesperson.


Check where water will go when the rain returns After months of dry weather, it is also worth considering what will happen when prolonged rainfall returns. Homeowners should check that gaps between decking boards are clear, water can drain away from the structure and there are no obvious areas where rainwater is likely to collect.


Standing water around fence posts or underneath decking can keep timber exposed to moisture for longer, while blocked gaps between boards can slow drainage across the surface.


Hood explains: “Dry weather can make drainage problems less obvious because there may not have been enough prolonged rain for water to collect.


“Before wetter weather arrives, check whether water has a clear route away from decking and fence posts. Repeated pooling around timber can create additional problems over time.” If several boards or posts are


affected in the same area, it may be worth establishing whether poor drainage, ground conditions or trapped moisture are contributing to the problem rather than treating each damaged section in isolation.


Repair damage before re-treating timber Strong sunshine and prolonged dry weather can leave exterior timber looking faded or weathered, but appearance alone does not necessarily mean it needs a new coating. A more useful check is whether the existing treatment is still protecting the timber effectively. Homeowners can look for areas


where the finish is breaking down around joints, board ends or fixing points, as well as whether water soaks quickly into the timber rather than sitting on the surface. However, cracks, loose boards or movement should be dealt with before another treatment is applied. Hood explains: “Re-treating timber should not just be about improving how it looks. Before applying a new finish, it is important to check that the timber underneath is sound and that any cracks, movement or damaged sections have been dealt with first. “Preparation is just as important as the product itself. Check the condition and moisture of the timber, pay particular attention to exposed end grain and joints, and follow the manufacturer’s guidance on application conditions and drying times.”


Late summer can provide a useful opportunity to carry out this work before more prolonged wet weather sets in. Ultimately, homeowners do not need to dismantle a fence or deck to identify that something may need attention.


Hood adds: “The most useful thing homeowners can do is look for what has changed. Movement around posts, loose fixings, decking that no longer feels stable or water collecting where it should not are all signs worth investigating. “If there is significant movement, soft timber or concern about the stability of the structure, bring in an experienced tradesperson to assess it before carrying out repairs.”


SEPTEMBER 2026 DIY WEEK 13


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