A fence is a great addition to any home, making your property more aesthetically pleasing, increasing privacy and defining boundaries. However, when you live in an area with strong winds, there are a few additional things that you need to consider to ensure that your fencing will stand up to the elements. Residential fencing can be damaged if it is not installed properly in a windy location and you want to ensure that your new fence lasts for many years to come.
The materials used and the way the fence is constructed are key elements in keeping your fence standing tall against windy weather. Consider the different materials available and also give some thought as to what the purpose of the fence will be. Armed with this information, you will be in a better position to choose the right type of residential fencing for your wind-affected property.
Let’s take a look at a few key areas you need to pay special attention to before installing a fence in a windy location.
One of the most important things you need to consider is the stability of the fence.
Strong winds can push a fence over that is not planted firmly into the ground. Timber fencing can resist the pressure of the wind, but you will have to ensure that the stakes are deep-rooted so that they don’t become dislodged.
You will also have to make sure that the timber you are using is strong enough to withstand the wind pressure.
Made from high-quality steel, Colorbond® steel fencing is another great choice for high wind areas. Not only are they strong and durable but they can be installed using Colorbond® plinths that keep them firmly rooted, especially in areas where there may be different soil heights to content with. In addition, they come in a range of colours so your fencing not only stands up to the wind but looks great too.
When it’s windy, dirt and debris can be blown around and hit your fence, potentially causing damage and making it look weathered. To avoid having to paint or treat your fence regularly due to adverse effects from the weather, take some time to choose the right weather-resistant residential fencing material.
For example, with a treated pine fence, the treated timber is designed to allow the fence to withstand harsh weather conditions and to resist to fungi, bores and termite infestations.
Since the timber is already treated, you don’t have to worry about retreating it again and again as you may have to with other types of timber. Likewise, Colorbond® fencing is a great choice as this type of fencing is not subject to rot or corrosion and it resists peeling, chipping and cracking meaning it will stand up to the weather for many years to come.
As with any addition to your home, the residential fencing you choose is going to come at a price. Timber fencing is generally a little bit cheaper than Colorbond® fencing but both offer great bang for your buck.
The size of your property will ultimately dictate how much fencing you are going to need and therefore how much you might need to allow in your budget. Remember to look at the big picture and not just the initial cost.
Investing in the right residential fencing now could save you a lot of money and hassle down the line. If you install a sub-par fence, you will have to continually repair, replace or treat your fence when those strong winds blow. Your property also won’t be protected from the elements and could easily be damaged in a storm, costing you even more money.
If you make the right choice now, you’ll have more money in your pocket, a home that’s properly protected and peace of mind knowing that you’ve made the right decision for you and your family.
When making any changes or upgrades to your home, you want to be sure that they are done correctly. It’s important to take some time to consider all of the variables, to hire trusted contractors and ensure that the job is done right the first time around. The last thing you want is to have to have the job done again, costing you more time and money.
Installing timber fencing is something that takes time, expertise and quality materials.
Of course you want to get your new fence in place as quickly as possible, but if you rush the installation, it will lead to problems down the line and will cost you more in the long run. Take some time to consider all the elements of the installation to ensure it is done correctly the first time and will stand the test of time.
Let’s take a look at a few key areas you need to pay special attention to to ensure that your timber fencing is installed successfully.
One of the most important things you can do as a homeowner is to have your property line, as well as the utility lines, marked before you start your project. Your fencing contractor or fence builder may say they will take care of this, but it is essential that it is done right to avoid any damage to city utility lines.
It is just as critical to make sure you know exactly where your property line is, as you do not want your new fence built on your neighbour’s property.
Another vital part of having your timber fencing installed correctly is to know how high you want your fence to be. In addition, make sure to calculate how many gates you want leading in and out of your yard. Typically, wooden fences can be any height, can be angled where necessary and are usually about 1.8m high.
You also need to know how high your gates will be because the height of the gate is used to determine the number of hinges that will need to be installed for each gate.
It’s important to know the appropriate fence post depth before installing your new wooden fence. This is important when purchasing the fence posts because not all of the posts will be visible. Approximately half a metre will be buried in the ground in order to provide adequate support.
Make sure you plan accordingly when purchasing the correct fence post lengths.
In order to avoid any legal issues, it’s important to verify your wooden fence is installed correctly by checking with your city’s guidelines first. If you have used a fencing contractor or a fence builder, they should have contacted the city regarding any required permits or other information related to the project.
Some areas may have a height restriction on fences, others might require a permit or will not allow a fence to be built at all. Make sure to check any local laws or requirements before you start your fencing project.
If you went to the bother trouble of calling a fencing contractor out to your property and had them install the fence, then you want to make sure that it is sturdy and installed professionally. The last thing you want to happen is for the fence to fall over or break during high winds.
By professionally marking your property and utility lines, determining the proper number of gates and height of the fence, knowing the appropriate post depth, and checking with your city for permits, you will know that your new fence will remain secure for many years to come.
Keeping your property well-maintained can seem like a never-ending job and it can be overwhelming for even the most experienced homeowner. Keeping your gutters clean, your lawn is always looking it’s best, your house is painted and your timber fencing is moss-free, all take time and effort.
However, keeping your home and property in the best condition possible doesn’t have to be so stressful. When armed with the right tools, techniques and methods, even the biggest jobs can become quick and easy.
And, with everyone short on time nowadays, it’s important to ensure that these jobs are done as efficiently as possible.
Continue reading for our complete guide on how you can keep your timber fencing free of moss so that it stays stronger for longer.
Moss is a type of algae that likes to grow on wooden structures such as bases of trees, wood sheds, and residential fencing, especially in moist environments. This algae is made up of spores that attach themselves to your property and becomes a nuisance for homeowners.
One effective way to remove moss from your property is with good old hard work and a little elbow grease. Soap and water are very effective at eliminating moss that has attached itself to your timber or steel fencing. It may take some time, but when you are finished, it will look like new.
If soap and water are not cutting it, the next best option is to add in a little vinegar to remove the moss from your home’s fencing. Vinegar is alkaline and will kill the algae slowly. It’s important to make sure you dilute the vinegar and then spray the mixture directly onto the moss.
Let it soak for a good twenty minutes or so before scrubbing it off with a solid brush. Once you have scrubbed it off, make sure to rinse the area thoroughly. After it dries, there should be no signs of any remaining moss.
Whether you have a wooden fence or steel fencing, if soap and water, as well as vinegar, has not worked to remove your stubborn moss, then try some heavy-duty cleansers. There are a few different types on the market and it’s crucial you choose one that is safe for any vegetation and pets that might be in the immediate area.
Make sure to use this method only as needed when other methods have failed, and discuss with your local hardware store what product is the best product currently available.
The last way to try to remove stubborn moss, mould, or mildew from your residential fencing is to pressure wash the wood. This method works for both wooden and steel fencing. Make sure your pressure washer is set correctly because if you use too much pressure, you could strip the wood and damage it.
Always test the material first in an inconspicuous area to make sure your pressure setting is correct. Then power wash it until all the algae have been removed.
Performing regular upkeep on your wooden fence is critical to ensuring it remains strong, healthy and attractive. Without some maintenance your timber fence could fall apart and you might find yourself having to install new fencing, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
With a little time and elbow grease, you can keep moss off your wooden fence by using soap and water, vinegar, special cleansers or simply power wash the moss away.
Follow our suggestions and you will be able to keep your fence strong and healthy, avoiding any unnecessary costs going forward.
When it comes to your home’s wooden fence, rot is often your worst enemy. It affects the look and aesthetic appeal of your fence, while reducing your fence’s strength and rigidity. And as wooden fences generally stay in contact with ground soil over long stretches of time, rot can seem all but inevitable.
However, there are a number of things you can do to prevent the spread of rot within your home’s fence. For this week’s blog we’re going to take a look at the top five things that you can do, to stop rot today.
The first and most important step in combatting rot, is understanding what type of rot your fence is at risk from.
There are two types of rot; wet rot, and dry rot. Wet rot is the result of moisture regularly coming into contact with wood. Most commonly this takes place at the base of your fence, where the fence posts come into contact with the earth beneath them.
Wet rot is identifiable by various instances of cracking and softening in your timber. There may also be a damp musty smell, or fungal growth accompanying it.
Dry rot on the other-hand is, as its name suggests, caused by the wood being continual exposed to harsh, dry environments. The sun and hot winds literally dry out your fence, removing protective oils that exist on the wood’s exterior.
If your timber is dry and brittle. If it is easily broken. If parts crumble in your hand. It’s probably dry rot. A damp, musty odour may also be smelled; this is produced by the fence’s active decay.
An example of wet rot.
When installing a new fence for your home, consider using hardy or rot-resistant materials. The type of material you choose now, can make a big difference in the future.
Hardy wooden materials include: cedar, juniper, redwood, and cypress. Woods that may not be as well-wearing include: pine, tamarack, and Douglas fir. Purchasing treated wood can also help to protect your fence from rot and termites.
Additionally, it may be worth looking into wood alternatives. For example, both Colorbond® Steel and Smartfence Steel fences are completely rot resistant.
Installing a hardy wooden fence.
Regularly staining your fence can be integral to keeping rot at bay. We recommend staining your wooden fence at least once a year. However you may need to stain your fence more or less frequently based on a number of environmental factors. These environmental factors include: average temperature in your area, amount of rainfall, soil surrounding your fence etc.
A good way to test if your fence needs a new stain is by spraying it with a little water. If the water beads on the wood’s exterior, then your stain is intact. Alternatively, if the water is absorbed into the interior of the wood, then it’s time to give your fence a fresh stain.
For a guide to applying a new stain to your wooden fence, check out our recent blog article: how to stain your wooden fence.
Staining a wooden fence.
Build-ups of moist debris can kick rot off, fast. Damp leaves, grasses, plants and the like can all cause debris to enter your fence through tiny cracks and crevices. And it’s when dirt and soil enters these crevices that rot begins.
Therefore one of the most effectiven ways of preventing rot is by keeping your fence clear of foliage and grime. This can be achieved with a little maintenance and by occasionally cleaning and washing your wooden fence.
Clear foliage from around your wooden fence.
Should rot start to appear in your fence, you can stop its spread by replacing the affected sections. It’s most likely that you will be replacing the fence’s main posts. As your fence posts touch the ground, this is where rot often begins.
You can purchase the materials and equipment for replacing fence posts from your local hardware store. Or you can hire a professional to complete the job for a relatively inexpensive price. However it is important to do this at the first sign of rot, as rot can spread quickly.
For the best protection from rot, when replacing rot-affected sections, give the rest of your fence a good clean and a new coat of stain too!
A rot affected section.
If you’ve enjoyed this blog entry and would like to find others similar to it, you can do so by following the link contained below.
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