This is the 1 simple $8 fix to stop your fence panels rattling this summer

Fix your fencing like a pro

A white stone garden patio with modern white and rattan furniture. Behind is a large green lawn with wooden fencing, and tall trees are seen in the background.
(Image credit: Becky Shea Design / Jake Shea)

Relaxing in the yard is the very best part of summer, so a rattling fence can really put a dampener on proceedings. But how can you stop it from happening?

The answer is simple, quick, and affordable, too. All you need are some weather-proof composite shims, available at Amazon.

They're ideal for perfecting all of your exterior DIY projects, and cost just under $8 for a pack of 12.

The affordable and simple $8 fix to stop fences from rattling

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

First things first, what actually causes a rattling fence? As annoying as it may be, the answer couldn't be more simple: your fencing is loose from the support posts.

Joe Marchionni, owner at Amity Home Maintenance Solutions, explains, 'You'll often see rattling happening on a vinyl fence where the panels rattle around the post that secures it to the rest of the fence and the ground.

'The same idea would apply to wood fences. There are boxes that often go around metal posts, which can lead to rattling, especially if they are close to a gate that has a lot of movement.'

Enter: composite shims, available at Amazon, the easiest fix for restoring the peace in your garden.

Begin by identifying where exactly the rattling is coming from, if you're not already sure, and then simply slip a shim, or more, into the gap. Filling this space should immediately stop movement, and therefore stop rattling too. Use a hammer, such as the IRWIN Hammer available at Amazon to ensure they won't come loose.

You'll likely need to do so in more than one spot, adds Joe, who advises using wedge to 'fine-tune' the placement in a few spots.

The best part about these shims is, unlike traditional wooden shims, they're weather-proof, rot-proof, and resistant to decay, meaning you shouldn't have to replace them.

They're also pre-cut and pre-scored, making it easy to simply snap them to size, but they won't crack under pressure.

Additionally, they can also be used to level heavy appliances, furniture, countertops, sheds, plumbing, and more.

The only place they're not suitable for? Chain link garden fence ideas. As Joe explains, these usually rattle because the fence fabric isn't stretched enough, so wedges are unlikely to help when applied to connection points on terminal posts or line posts.

In this instance, it's best to call in a pro to help you with the most suitable solution.

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If you're a keen DIY-doer, you might benefit from our genius DIY tips, for making your home look beautiful on budget.

Ottilie joined Homes & Gardens last year, after finishing a Master's in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London. With previous contributions in Livingetc and Motorsport Magazine, she produces content for the Solved section on the website, focusing on clever tips and tricks to keep your home beautiful, organized and clean. She also has a Master's degree in English Literature and History of Art from the University of Edinburgh, where she developed a love for inspiring interiors and architecture.

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