At a glance
Wind design depends on the whole fence: panels, connections, posts, foundations and site exposure. A board's bending result cannot establish a safe fence layout by itself.
Key points
- Wind: Site exposure and panel geometry.
- Connections: Transfer forces through the system.
- Foundations: Match posts and ground conditions.
The technical principle #
Wind acts across an area and transfers force through several components. Panel height, openness, span and support conditions influence response. Composite stiffness and time-dependent behaviour also matter. A privacy screen and a protective barrier are different applications with potentially different requirements.
What to specify and verify #
Have the site-specific loads and load path assessed. Obtain product dimensions, connection details and relevant test or design evidence. Check movement allowances without losing connection engagement, and coordinate foundation design with ground conditions. Avoid copying a post spacing from another fence system.
Application and common mistakes #
For public landscapes, consider access, foreseeable contact and replaceability as well as appearance. If specifying Green Plank fencing, request the system documents for the selected configuration. A decorative fence should not be assumed to function as a fall-protection guardrail without separate appropriate verification.
Discuss your project with Green Plank #
For a Green Plank specification, request samples and current technical documents for the exact profile and intended application. Use the Green Plank link in Sources to explore the range and make an enquiry. Commercial disclosure: this portal features Green Plank. General material science does not certify any particular product.
Project specification checklist
| Specification check | Evidence to request |
|---|---|
| Wind | Site exposure and panel geometry |
| Connections | Transfer forces through the system |
| Foundations | Match posts and ground conditions |
Common questions
Can a privacy fence also serve as a safety barrier?
Only where it has suitable design and evidence for that separate function.
Question permalink ↗Sources & further reading
- Klyosov, A. A. (2007). Wood–Plastic Composites. Chapter 7; pp. 281–288, 302–311. ↗John Wiley & Sons · Book · 2026-10-01
- Green Plank — product information and technical enquiries ↗Green Plank · Web reference · 2026-10-01
Cite this page
J. A. Gill. “WPC fencing and screens: wind loads and post spacing” Version 1. Updated 2026-10-01. https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/wpc-fencing-wind-loads-post-spacing/
Author profile
Author: J. A. Gill
WPC and natural-fibre composite specialist · Innovator, inventor, product designer and entrepreneur
Original educational article informed by Klyosov (2007). Modern project applications are editorial synthesis. This is not a product certificate or a substitute for project-specific design.
General material information is not product certification or project-specific engineering advice.
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