Investing in constructing a fence for your property, whether a simple front fence or an elaborate boundary fence, requires resources. Make sure you get the best bang for your buck by decreasing your risk of developing the following common issues that homeowners face in the Caboolture area.
# 1: Rotting Timber Fence Posts or Palings
Even the most incredibly designed fences can rot over time, especially vulnerable areas that are exposed to moisture on a consistent basis, such as the fence posts that are partially submerged. Opting for treated pine or metal posts options is a more durable solution for house owners. Moreover, naturally resisting Australian hardwood is generally a much better option for residential fences, although they are more expensive. Protecting and sealing the posts submerged underground will block moisture by coating the fence posts with premium paint to extend the life of the timber.
# 2: Timber Fence Warping
The deformity in wood fences can be due to changes in moisture levels or extreme temperature fluctuations. Given the high temperatures in Caboolture, the wood loses moisture very quickly. Therefore, shrinkage in different parts of wooden fences might occur, especially when the timber is young, or the fence is new. One way you can minimise the risk of timber warping is to expose the fence to water by spraying with a hose a couple of times a week for the first few months post-installation. The application of sealants ensures the retention of moisture and firmness of the fence.
#3: Damage to your fence caused by termites
Termites are a huge problem when building fences made of wood. Some areas in Queensland are especially prone to termite infestation. Therefore, it is essential to consider using naturally resistant materials like Australian hardwood and metals like aluminium or Colorbond to prevent termite damage. Pest control is very effective in such cases, which prevents termites from spreading out, ultimately saving your fence a few more years; however, if the termites have already caused damage and compromised the integrity of the timber, you’d be better off replacing the affected panels or posts. In areas prone to termites, consider alternative materials for your fence to get the best outcome for your investment.
#4: Rust developing on Metal Fences
Metal fences such as steel or aluminium are generally pretty hard-wearing, but they can develop rust if their protective layer is compromised including by scratches or dents, thereby moisture affecting the metal itself. Choosing high-grade anti-corrosive materials such as Colorbond is one way to avoid this. If you notice scratches or areas where the surface protective coating is compromised, clean the area, let it dry, and apply an anti-rust solution from your local Bunnings. The faster you address this, the better, as once areas are significantly rusted, there’s no saving it; you’ll have to replace the panel.
#5: Leaning Fence Issues
The last common fencing issue is probably one of the most common ones, across a multitude of materials. Leaning fences are generally an outcome of either movement in soil or inadequate depth for the posts. When your fence is being installed your fencing contractor must consider the type of soil in your area and property to ensure that the posts will be deep enough to withstand expected movement. For example, if your property has a higher clay percentage than normal, you can expect your soil to be more reactive to moisture, such as heavy rain and on the opposite side, drought. With such severe fluctuations in moisture content, the soil will move significantly, causing the posts and your fence to lean and effectively be compromised. Another reason for a leaning fence is the result of severe winds or storms, which aren’t the most common culprit but in our dramatic weather, can be the reason why the integrity of your fence is compromised.
Whilst these fencing issues discussed may not be completely avoidable, you can decrease the risk of these issues happening by taking measures described above, including: opting for appropriate material for the area you live in and the environmental factors in your region, maintaining the integrity of the material through regular sealing, and finally, hiring a fencing contractor that does the job properly by digging post holes deep enough and finally.
