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HOW IT WORKS

How and Why Posts Fail
Leaning timber fences most commonly fail at ground level, where moisture exposure and soil movement concentrate stress on the base of the post. In many cases, the fence above ground remains structurally sound while the post base weakens over time. These days, fence posts are typically cut from faster‑grown plantation timber. While this makes fencing more affordable and widely available, it also means the lowest section of the post is more vulnerable to long‑term moisture exposure and soil movement. As a result, failure at the post base is now one of the most common reasons fences lean prematurely, even when the rest of the structure remains serviceable.
Ground Conditions and Stability Considerations
Fence post performance at ground level is influenced by a small number of factors. These are common across Melbourne residential areas and are factored into installation depth and anchoring approach. Typical ground conditions encountered include: - Reactive clay soils- Sandy soils- Mixed and disturbed fill
Existing Concrete Footings
Many timber fences rely on concrete footings poured years, and often decades, ago. Over time, constant moisture and ground movement commonly leave this concrete cracked, loosened, or no longer bonded to the post. When this occurs, the concrete is no longer contributing to stability, even though it remains in the ground.
Embedment Depth and Support
Stability is restored by securing the post below ground at a depth appropriate for post‑base failure conditions. Deeper embedment: - reduces rotation at ground level- increases resistance to normal wind loading- improves long‑term stability in soil subject to seasonal movement
Installation Overview
Once post‑base failure has been confirmed, stabilisation is carried out in a straightforward sequence. The aim is to straighten the affected section of fence and restrain further movement below ground, without altering the fence line or rebuilding intact sections.
Step 1 — Straightening the Fence
The leaning fence section is carefully straightened to its original position. This corrects the visible lean before stabilisation is applied below ground.
Step 2 — Installing the Reinforcement Unit
The reinforcement unit is driven to a fixed depth engineered for post‑base stabilisation.Stabilising fins extend into the surrounding soil, helping limit rotation and reduce the back‑and‑forth movement that causes leaning over time.
Step 3 — Securing & Finishing
Once the support reaches full depth, it is bolted to the timber post to complete the stabilisation.Only a slim steel section remains visible above ground. The remainder of the support works below the surface, where movement originates.

The Fortafence Support Units

Fortafence repairs use a standardised steel support designed specifically for stabilising timber fence posts that have failed at ground level.The support is manufactured in Melbourne from weathering steel and installed below ground at a fixed depth suitable for post‑base stabilisation in typical residential soil conditions. Stabilising fins are welded to the support and extend into the surrounding soil to help restrain rotation and ongoing movement over time. Once installed, the support is mechanically secured to the existing timber post so both act together as a single stabilised section. The majority of the support works below the surface, with only a slim section visible above ground. These supports form part of a controlled repair approach and are used to stabilise affected posts without rebuilding the fence or altering intact sections of the boundary.