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Watch out for these top fence killers

June 23, 2015

No matter how well you care for your fence, if they haven’t been properly built, they could be destroyed in a short period of time.

Poor Construction

The best way to protect your treated timber against the harsh Australian elements & ensure your hard work looks great for years to come is to nail, screw or fix your fencing correctly.

  • For most soil conditions, posts should be set into the ground approximately 450mm deep for fences up to 1200mm & 600mm deep for fences between 1200mm & 1800mm high. Post holes should have a minimum diameter of 300mm. 
  • Two rails may be used for paling fences up to 1200mm high. Fences exceeding 1200mm & up to 1800mm high, require three rails.
  • Nails for 15mm thick palings should be either 50 x 2.8mm (hand driven) or 45 x 2.5mm (gun nails).
  • All fixings should be hot dipped galvanised or stainless steel.

Weather

Queensland’s climatic extremes can definitely impact the longevity of your timber fence. 

Relentless rain, moisture & humidity changes over a prolonged period can lead to wet rot, & summer sun can make timber brittle & prone to cracking & splitting.

On an accurately constructed outdoor timber fence, you can prevent & minimise these elemental effects through the application of a protective finish such as a quality timber oil, paint or other water & UV repellent immediately after installation.

If you choose to stain or paint, these products should be applied & re-applied in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. 

Where preservative treated timber is used, the compatibility of the selected coating should also be checked.   

Fallen Branches

When branches become old or heavy, they can break off, fall on your fence & cause substantial damage. 

  • As part of your general home maintenance you should trim back trees & branches that overhang your fence line.
  • After a storm you should check nearby trees for broken or unstable branches.

Yard Debris

Yard debris such as leaves that land on your fence rails or become lodged between fence palings, can aid in the acceleration of rot in timber.

  • You should regularly clean debris from your fence, especially during the wet season.
  • Try to keep fence palings off the ground, away from garden matter & trim any grass that grows along your fence line.

Water

Sprinklers, pooling water & other constant sources of moisture will accelerate rot & shorten the life & look of a timber fence.

  • Move sprinkler heads, pool & water drains away from your fence.
  • Ensure proper drainage so that water doesn’t pool around the bottom of your fence.


For further information on timber fence regulations, construction & maintenance:

5 Things The Can Destroy Your Fence

Timber Queensland Residential Timber Fences
 

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