A good fence will offer security and privacy and add curb appeal, and with proper maintenance, it can last for ages. As a homeowner, you want a fence that not only looks good but also does its intended job well, is easy to maintain, and lasts the ages.
However, our hot, dry summers and wild winters can be tough on the toughest of outdoor materials. In investing in a fence, understanding how your choice of material will hold up against the elements and how your fence is built is important in making an informed decision when you choose to invest in a fence.
The best fencing material for our region and climate
A good fence should be versatile, and here in Western Australia, you need this versatility to hold up against humidity, drought, scorching sun, rain and strong winds. When choosing a fencing material, go for one that best suits the weather in your location.
There are numerous fencing options, but these three will do better than most in hot weather:
- Steel
- Aluminium
- Vinyl
These materials can withstand extreme heat, strong UV, humid conditions, and rain, and very importantly, when treated correctly, are corrosive resistant, which is critical in the salty air that Rockingham finds itself in.
7 Common Problems
1. Termite infestation
Wood is indisputably a popular fencing option in most of Australia – for obvious reasons. It’s aesthetically pleasing and adorns your home with a classic, natural look.
However, wood is susceptible to pest damage, particularly termites, which are known for their destructive nature. The worst part is that they can feed on your wooden fence silently for years, slowly depleting the timber’s quality. Before long, your fence may fall, forcing you to replace the entire fence, which can be costly.
Most homeowners fail to treat the timber with products that prevent pests when installing the fence. Besides, they may fail to inspect the soil for signs of termites and other pernicious insects like ants.
The solution:
- Choose metal or vinyl for your fence that is naturally resistant to termites
- If you are an option for timber: choose pressure-treated wood or Western red cedar since they are more resistant to termite damage.
If insects are a nuisance in your area, you might want to consider a Colorbond or aluminium fence, which is pest resistant. It’s also advisable to hire a pest control company to get rid of termites and ants as soon as you notice signs of pest damage.
2. Rotting
In our climate, wood rot is a very real threat, especially the part of the posts that are buried in the soil. It’s a common problem during wet seasons or in areas that receive a lot of rainfall. Fence rot is destructive to wood fences and can destroy your fence entirely.
Fence rot can be classified into two; both are the result of fungus but are distinctively different:
- Wet rot. People are more familiar with wet rot, which occurs when wood absorbs moisture and stays damp for an extended period. Usually, you’ll start to notice wet rot at your fence’s bottom since it’s the ground that gets soggy and damp after rain. Wet rot can cause wood fences to split, crack, or become weak.
- Dry rot. It may come as a surprise, but wood can rot in dry conditions too. The fungus that dry rot is caused by is able to thrive in a less moist environment, meaning it will spread to larger areas than wet rot, which needs a specific high moisture content to thrive. Dry rot is worsened when the wood is exposed to extremely dry and hot weather conditions, which causes protective coatings and natural oils to evaporate, leaving the timber to be exposed and vulnerable. What happens is that the oil levels inside the wood start to diminish, and eventually, the fence dries out, causing the wood to become softer. In the long run, the fence may break easily, crumble or become brittle.
The solution
You first need to understand the root cause of the fence rot so you can figure out how to prevent it. For instance, wet rot can occur if there’s foliage near your fence since plants retain moisture, which gets absorbed, causing the timber to rot.
Some remedies to try include applying a protective coating, like a sealant, to protect the natural oils from drying out and causing dry rot. The sealant also helps keep moisture from penetrating the wood, hence preventing the progression of both types of wood rot.
3. Sun damage
Over time, powerful UV from the sun can damage your fence, causing it to crack, fade or discolour. Fortunately, it’s not as common of an issue with aluminium or Colorbond fences or other high-quality materials.
The solution
If you have a painted fence, it will require regular maintenance, which involves repainting, staining, and coating the surface with a protective sealant. There are UV inhibitors that can be applied to the surface, keeping in mind that the darker the shade of colour you choose for your panels, the more UV it will absorb, leading to fading quicker. However, Colorbond is designed with UV in mind, the paint is bonded in the manufacturing process, meaning that you don’t have to worry about fading, flaking, or peeling.
4. Leaning fences
Weak posts or structures can result in a leaning or sagging fence, regardless of your material choice. This can be caused by elements like strong winds, unstable soil conditions, heavy rains, or old age.
The problem can also arise due to poor installation, such as failure to dig deep enough holes in areas with hard soil.
The solution
Check soil condition before installing your fence. Be sure to dig deeper holes into improving the stability of the posts. In addition, consider adding gravel or stones around the fence to support them.
If you notice a sagging fence after installation, fix the sections (if it’s a small section). If the entire fence is leaning, you might have to call in contractors. Working with a local Rockingham fencing company will mean that your fencer knows the local soil types and what they need to do to prevent foundation problems in years to come.
5. Rust
Once the integrity of the protective coat is damaged through scratches, dents or dings, metal is susceptible to rust. Moist conditions can accelerate rust and decay, which will impact your fence’s durability. This is a common problem with metal fences, chain fences, or similar materials.
The solution
First off, by choosing an anti-corrosive material like Colorbond or most aluminium products, you’ll be miles ahead. Coat your fencing material with a reliable and effective protective layer, like water-resistant paint, before installing the fence. Be sure to check your fences occasionally for signs of damage and fix them while they are still fixable with a rust inhibitor you can purchase from a local Bunnings.
Make a Smart Choice for Your Fencing Material
A good quality fence, installed properly, should last for years and years with minimal maintenance. Taking our region’s climate, pest threats, and soil into consideration, make an informed decision not only about what fencing material you go for but also the type of fencing contractor that you choose to install your fence. These two factors will make a big difference in the long-term outcome of your fence.
