LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS 79
FENCING SOLUTIONS THAT WILL STAND THE TEST OF TIME
All property developments require a fencing solution that is attractive, durable and low maintenance. Here, John Abernethie of Birkdale looks at why it’s time to switch from traditional to more modern options.
aesthetics. A visually attractive fencing solution will make a major contribution to the look and feel of a garden as well as the property’s overall appeal.
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The next is strength and resilience. As the effects of climate change accelerate, the UK is regularly experiencing strong winds as well as periods of heavy rainfall – it is crucial that a fencing system is equipped to deal with this. Finally, a solution that is easy to install will help to ensure high-quality results. A fence that can be erected quickly and without signifi cant labour, will also help to reduce associated costs. So, how do traditional fencing materials deliver in these areas?
FENCE POSTS Traditionally there have been two key options to select from – concrete and timber. Timber is often viewed as the most visually pleasing thanks to its natural aesthetic. However, timber falls short when it comes to strength and durability due to timber treatments which stop being effective against rot.
Once a fence is installed, timber posts often react with the moisture in the soil and begin to rot at the base. The whole fencing structure will weaken, and become unable to withstand a strong gust of wind. Often this means timber posts are replaced every fi ve to years. With this in mind many look to concrete instead. Although this might be considered an unattractive and bulky solution that can take a long time to transport and install, concrete is undoubtedly a stronger and more durable
hen specifying a fencing system, certain characteristics should be top priorities. Firstly:
option than timber. However, concrete still has other disadvantages. The material is prone to chipping and hairline cracks that allow water ingress. This will eventually lead to the concrete post failing. Furthermore, from a sustainability perspective, concrete is incredibly damaging. In fact, cement, the key ingredient in concrete, is responsible for 4-8% of total global CO2
emissions.
Then, at the end of its working life, concrete has to be sent to landfi ll. Thankfully, there are modern solutions that can harness the benefi ts of both timber and concrete – with none of the drawbacks. Galvanised steel is around lighter than concrete, meaning an 8 ft post weighs just 7 kg. Conversely, a concrete post of the same size weighs
about kg. As such, more galvanised steel posts can be transported to site in one van load – and safely installed with ease. This also enables the installation process to be faster, which ultimately lowers the overall cost of a project.
Housebuilders that specify galvanised steel can also rest assured that they are not compromising on strength. Many steel fence post solutions have been tested to withstand wind speeds of up to mph. urthermore, on top of the galvanising process these posts are often powder coated which improves the aesthetics and adds to the weather resistance of the steel, meaning it will not deteriorate, rot, split warp, crack or chip over time offering the ultimate fi t
WHEN SPECIFYING A FENCING SYSTEM, CERTAIN CHARACTERISTICS SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST OF PRIORITIES
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