Protect Your Fence from Rot

stainsIf you are in an area where the crime rate is not high, and choose to install a wooden fence, there are things you need to do to protect the fence from rot, thus prolonging its life.

Your first priority would be to choose wood that can withstand rot better, and to use a good stain to aid in protecting the wood. Wooden posts that are planted in the ground need to be properly sealed, preferably using pressure treatments, which force chemicals into the wood for added protection.

Make doubly sure that you are buying the correct wood by checking the label on the wood, which should state that it is pressure treated.

It is recommended to stain the wood once a year to keep it protected.
Wooden fencing requires regular cleaning to remove any dirt, leaves or debris that can cause mildew and subsequently rot to form.

There are many different types of wood that can be used, but it is always best to avoid weaker woods such as pine, which is not as resistant to rot, as it will not last, and will therefore need to be replaced. Avoid extra costs by picking a longer lasting wood, such as Cedar, Cypress or Oak as these are harder woods, and more able to withstand the elements, and are far more rot resistant.

Fence stainingThe better you care for your wood, the longer it will last, so it is well worth the time and effort to keep it clean and properly sealed.

In very hot and dry areas, you should keep a good check on your fence to see if it is being affected by dry rot.

Whether dry or wet rot attacks your fence, the best remedy is to replace those sections as soon as possible to avoid the rot from spreading. Dry rot causes flaking and warping, as all the oils are burnt out of the wood by excessive sun, so you need to stain the wood at least once a year.

Wet rot is caused by excessive moisture, and if you live in a high rainfall area, you need to check regularly, and remove any rotting to prevent it spreading and destroying your fence.

Always keep in mind that if your fence is badly affected and needs to be replaced continually, it might be a much better option to erect a concrete wall or fence, as the maintenance is practically non-existent.

Concrete walls and fences can be stained to whichever colour you want during the manufacturing process, and will stay beautiful for many years.

Contact us at Country Wide Walling should you require more information on concrete walls and fences, or would like a free quotation.

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Boundary Wall Elements

damaged by dampThere are many things we need to take into account when we decide to erect a boundary wall for security for our property and family. A well-built wall is a huge asset, and deterrent to would be criminals, and is our first line of defence.

The most important elements to consider when installing a new boundary wall are:

1. The Design
2. Foundations
3. Whether it is also a retaining wall
4. Adequate expansion joints
5. Drainage
6. Damp

As boundary walls are normally “free-standing”, and not part of a structure, e.g. a house, where the connected walls are self-bracing, the boundary walls are normally built without damp proof, to improve the bond between the foundation and the free-standing wall.

This often results in rising damp seen low down on plastered and painted boundary walls.

above soil levelIf you use harder, high density bricks for the lower courses, up to 150 mm above ground level, and keep the plaster above the soil, it will help prevent the damp from easily penetrating.

The water absorption of the bricks should not be more than 7%.

Concrete Palisade is a very good option to use where excess water is a problem, as it does not rust as steel would, and would also allow the water through and not keep it building up as a solid wall would do.

Keeping the plaster above the soil level will prevent it acting as a wick and drawing the water up into the upper wall. A good, solid foundation, at least 1.5 meters deep will add to the strength and stability of your wall.

To discuss your options and requirements, or to request a free quotation, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Our consultants will gladly assist you.

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Boundary Protection

electric fencing toppingAlthough boundary walls and fences are mainly erected for security purposes, to keep criminals from entering your property, if you have a good quality and professionally erected fence or wall, it will also give a pleasing aesthetic look to your property.

Aesthetically pleasing boundary walls or fences not only add to the value of your property, they also add to the character of the neighbourhood. You must always remember that boundary walls and fences that front onto public streets are highly visible, and therefore you need to make sure that it is not only a security feature, but is also aesthetically appealing.

shadow of person climbing fenceMany homeowners are tending to install extra security on top of boundary walls and fences, as the crime rate is high, and criminals need to be kept out.

Electric fencing, razor wire, barbed wire and spikes are all utilized for this purpose, and are very off-putting to would-be intruders.

Always check which of these are permitted in the area in which you live, as different areas have different rules.

Always keep the area close to the walls tree free, so as not to give anyone easy access to your property via an overhanging tree branch.

Make sure the foundations to your wall are deep so that nobody can dig under them, and do regular checks to see if anyone has tried tampering with your walls.

To avoid any unpleasantness, contact your local authority about what is permissible when you put up a boundary wall or fence.

Your property and family are important to you, so make the best decision of your life today, and contact us at Country Wide Walling, for more information, or a free quotation.

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Benefits of Precast Concrete Retaining Walls

Precast Concrete WallsPrecast Concrete Walls and Fencing have advantages over other walls and fences, which include:

1.    The cost is low.
2.    The quality is high.
3.    It is fast and easy to install.
4.    It is very durable and long lasting.
5.    It is simple to maintain.
6.    Variety.
7.    Virtually maintenance free

Precast concrete is an extremely practical, yet aesthetically appealing material, which can be used to bring value to your property and providing you with much needed security in South Africa.

Precast concrete is produced by casting concrete in reusable moulds or forms, and then cured in a controlled environment.   It is then transported to the construction site and lifted into place.

During the process, colour can be added, tprecast wallo give you a lasting aesthetic appeal, which avoids the tedious necessity of continually having to repaint to keep it looking good.

Using the precast concrete system offers the opportunity to have it properly cured and closely monitored by employees.

At Country Wide Walling we take pride in the production of our precast walling systems, and can recommend it for not only enhancing the value of your property, but also for the security you need to safeguard your family and property in South Africa today.

Contact us today if you need a good quality wall or fence to keep you safe, or would like a free quotation.  We will be happy to answer any questions, and supply you with what you need, in order to safeguard your precious family and property.

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Aluminium vs Steel

steel gateThere are differences between the two materials you need to know about before you make your choice for a gate.

Steel is inclined to rust, whereas Aluminium does not

Aluminium is not corrosive but steel and even galvanised steel is, so it is prone to rust in some areas.

All joints in a steel gate may be welded but each joint is painted with a cold galvanising paint that breaks down over time.

Rust is aggravated due to bad weather conditions like rain or ice.  It does speed up the process, thus decreasing the gate's product life.  

When this happens, you are left with an eyesore at your property entrance.bent aluminum gate

Even though hot dip galvanising would eliminate the need to apply cold galvanising, large gates are not handled well by the process and could be slightly warped.

Although painting steel gates is often recommended, the fact that the gate is constantly moving can cause chips which open the steel structure to rust.

Aluminium, on the other hand, is protected by a thin layer of its natural corrosion properties, aluminium oxide which is a natural, rust-resistant shield, thus aluminium gates remain aesthetically pleasing for years.

Steel on the other hand is a wise choice for added security, as aluminium is easily bent whereas steel is not.

If security is your priority then steel security gates would probably be your best option.

For a free quotation, please contact Country Wide Walling today,

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