Fence Installers in Johnston Iowa

Johnston Wind and Water Wear a Fence Out

Johnston sits on the high ground between the Des Moines River valley and Beaver Creek, and that exposure matters. Neighborhoods along NW 86th and north toward Saylorville Lake catch a northwest wind with nothing to slow it, and a solid 6-foot privacy fence is a sail. Undersized posts set shallow simply blow over in a derecho — we replaced a lot of them after 2020.

Down toward Beaver Creek and the Camp Dodge side, the issue flips to water. Low backyards hold moisture, and posts set in soil instead of concrete rot at grade within a decade. Even concrete-set posts fail early when the concrete is finished flat and holds a puddle against the wood.

Our answer in Johnston is heavier: 4x4 or 6x6 posts on wind-exposed runs, set 42 to 48 inches deep, concrete crowned to shed water, and gate posts braced. On privacy fences in open areas we recommend shadow-box or board-on-board styles that let some wind through without giving up privacy.

If any of this sounds like your yard, tell us what you're seeing and we'll come walk the line. No pressure, no jargon — just a clear plan and a fair price.

Open ground north of Johnston toward Saylorville takes the full northwest wind. Deeper, heavier posts and semi-open board styles keep privacy fences standing.