'For years high quality gabion rock wall , McBride Street in Brackenhurst has been a safety concern for residents, especially with Revival City College on the same street. The street is described as a death trap because motorists drive fast despite the road clearly marked with a slowdown warning, putting the lives of others at risk. Recently, a fatal accident happened on McBride Street on the morning of April 22. A vehicle travelling down the street failed to make the curve and mounted the pavement. It hit the rocks and barriers on the pavement, flipped and landed on the pillar and palisade fence of the school and church property. According to Karen van den Oever, the operational director at the school, this curve on McBride Street was reported several times as a dangerous road because drivers sped down the street and accidents frequently occurred. The college suffers the cost of repairing the brick pillar, palisade fencing, and electric fence. At present, the ground staff of the school had to make a makeshift repair on the fence to secure the property and ensure the learners are safe on the premises, she explained. Natalie Louw, the college principal, expressed concern that children often sit on the field under the trees during breaks. She said this accident was a clear example of how dangerous the curve in the road was because the vehicle landed on the college premises right next to where children sit. The school management hopes that after this fatal accident, traffic calming measures are put in place on McBride Street and that concrete barriers are erected on the curve where the accident occurred, she said. City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini advised the school to visit the Ekurhuleni Swartkoppies offices to fill out the Traffic Calming Measures application form. The school must apply, and an investigation will determine if there is a need. Were going to send our engineers to check and will give them a response, it may be an issue of when. If theres a budget, there shouldnt be any delays, he said. He said residents cannot put up speed humps without following necessary procedures. ALSO READ: McBride Street a cause for concern for locals\n', McBride Street in Brackenhurst has been a safety concern for residents cheap wooden palisade fencing , including self-storage facilities. But though its fairly inexpensive and can be erected quickly, it comes with drawbacks. In particular, it doesnt offer the best security. A few minutes and a simple bolt-cutter are all thats needed to breach it. Chain-link fencing can also be scaled by would-be thieves, or damaged by vehicles, unruly vegetation and adverse weather. If youre looking to fix a damaged chain-link fence or perhaps upgrade to a more secure solution, there are retrofit options that allow you to re-use your existing fence posts, which represent a significant portion of your original investment. Pouring foundation and setting posts is labor-intensive and costly; but if youve already got them, you can now explore better options at less expense. Following are three to consider for your self-storage site perimeter. A layered approach to self-storage security is key, with the first tier being a quality fence system that prevents or deters intrusion for much longer than a chain-link fence can. Expanded metal panels, welded-wire panels and palisades (sometimes called stakewall or paling) are superior options, and a good retrofit system can accommodate any of these. All three options provide significant anti-cut and -climb capabilities. Though they can't always completely prevent intrusion, especially when battery-operated power tools are involved, they can typically delay the breach and subsequent entry by five to 10 minutes. Combined with a sensor or alarm system, this allows enough time for security personnel or first responders to arrive. In some cases, a hybrid system consisting of expanded metal panels and palisades are used to capture the best of security and aesthetics. In addition to the posts from the original chain-link fence, a retrofit system consists of three principal components: panels or pales, horizontal rails, and brackets. Lets examine each. Panels or pales. When choosing these, its important to consider the open-area percentage (the ratio of open to closed area). While panels with small openings are superior in terms of anti-cut and -climb capabilities, especially with Revival City College on the same street. The street is described as a death trap because motorists drive fast despite the road clearly marked with a slowdown warning china welded wire mesh fencing factory , retrofit fence: A good fencing supplier can speak to all these items and can submit wind-load calculations stamped by a professional engineer. Horizontal rails. The number of rails and type of rail attachment used to support your fence are critical. They must work with any post spacing allowed by engineering and wind-load requirements. A chain-link fence often doesnt require tight tolerances in terms of spacing; therefore, the retrofit system needs to be highly flexible to accommodate variances among existing posts. In a typical retrofit, the rail system is installed front of the posts but behind the panels, providing a complete independency between panel size and post spacing. Thankfully, the panels dont need to fit perfectly between posts, which eliminates the labor-intensive process of field-cutting to make panels fit into inconsistent spacing. Another important aspect of retrofitting a high-security fence is the labor required to install a rail system onto existing posts. A good system doesnt require any fasteners to connect rails to one another. Rather, it uses fastener-less connectors or splices that hold in place with friction, thus reducing labor cost. Post brackets. These are another important component of the fence retrofit. They must be cost-effective and easy to install, requiring a minimum number of fasteners. Good ones support the rail system with a simple through-hole, allowing each horizontal rail to pass through securely without any additional fasteners. This bracket-to-rail configuration is often called a bypass system, as it enables rails to bypass the posts instead of being cut to fit each spacing and having to mechanically fasten rails between posts. There are several positive aspects to a self-storage fence retrofit. First, you can complete the project without any interruption to your business. Because the existing posts remain in place, the process doesnt typically require heavy machinery such as drilling equipment or concrete trucks. This means you can keep staff and customers safe as they continue to move freely about the property. Here are some other benefits: The main benefit of a retrofitted self-storage fence is flexibility. Not only does it help you retain a large portion of your original investment, it addresses any concerns that arose after the original system was designed and installed. This allows you to address security issues in a timely, cost-effective manner. Markus Erbeldinger is the product and engineering manager at Amico Security , which provides perimeter-security systems and metal-security fence solutions. He can be reached at email\xa0protected .\n", 'Photo: depositphotos.com Keeping the backyard protected from the prying eyes of neighborseven friendly onescan help make it a relaxing oasis. Some landscapes are suited for tall rows of trees or hedges, but for many, an attractive privacy fence can offer a secluded space and a lovely background for plantings or playscapes. Fencing can be a significant investment, putting the lives of others at risk. Recently razor type barbed wire , such as permits, excavation, installation, and finish. Its a worthwhile investment: Sturdy, nice-looking fencing can increase curb appeal, as home buyers with children or pets often consider fencing to be a must-have, and it can increase the homeowners own enjoyment of their backyard. According to Angi , privacy fence cost ranges from $1,500 to $8,000, with a wood privacy fence costing an average of $2,700. The exact privacy fence cost is dependent on a lot of choices a homeowner makeo about the purpose, style, and size of the fence, so there are many opportunities to customize the project. These variables are explained below. Photo: depositphotos.com There are many styles of fencing available to choose from, so once the homeowner has measured their yard, they can adjust their budget and the estimated total cost based on the materials they select and the height of the fence. For a basic calculation, homeowners will want to consider the following: The wide range of fence installation costs is largely due to the variety of shapes, styles, and materials of fencing available. This is beneficial to homeowners in several ways: If a backyard fence is important and cost is the chief consideration, its possible to choose materials that are less costly in order to get the job done swiftly. However, there are quite a few factors to consider when forming a budget and plan. Fencing materials are priced based on the cost per linear foot. Therefore, the size of the area to be enclosed will determine everything else about the cost. The measurement of the number of feet of fencing material needed guides the total cost, with larger or oddly shaped yards costing more than smaller yards and those that dont require rails or panels to be cut. Privacy fencing is available in chain link, wood, vinyl, aluminum, and wrought iron. Both the material and installation costs vary, with chain link costing the least and wrought iron being the most expensive. Many homeowners find themselves considering wood vs. vinyl fencing since both are very popular options. The style of fence a homeowner selects will also affect the pricing: picket fences, iron, or split-rail styles provide a little less privacy but cost less and can be a great option for gardeners looking to trail plantings up the fence. Stockade and vinyl panel fences are a bit more expensive but offer more complete privacy and are quite sturdy. Wood pickets take more time to install properly and will increase labor costs. Lattice work and stylized post caps add more to the total. This choice will be balanced between the look, cost, and level of privacy the homeowner is hoping for. Gates are priced by the piece and also require hinges and fastening hardware. While you may initially think a gate is unnecessary, gates are useful in the long run, providing a shortcut through your property. Gates also offer curb appeal, so youll need to choose whether you want a gate on one side or both sides of the house. Balancing convenience against the cost, choosing the number of gates can add to or subtract from the overall cost. Privacy fences come in standard 6-foot and 8-foot sizes. Local regulations may limit the height that can be installed, and there can be a difference in these codes based on the height of the material itself versus the height off the ground. Therefore, its important to check on the specifics: An 8-foot fence installed on a hill over a significant dip in the ground can turn into a 10-foot total height that violates regulations. Additionally, 8-foot fencing can add as much as 35 percent to the total cost of the project, so carefully consider how much your fencing needs to block out. The posts that support any privacy fence need to be dug deeply into the soil and sometimes cemented to prevent the fence from collapsing or blowing over in windy or snowy conditions. Rough, rocky soil; heavy clays; soil with many roots running through; or hilly terrain can make the digging of post holes difficult and time-consuming, so labor costs will increase. In some cases, a root or rock cannot be removed and the placement of the post must be adjusted accordingly, which can add material and labor costs. The cost to have professional installation of fencing will vary based on the material, but it averages around $35\xa0per hour. An average fence installation can take around 24 hours for a total labor cost of $840, but that includes professional measurement, purchase of materials, delivery, installation, and cleanup, and usually also includes a warranty. Its worth noting that contractors can often get significantly lower prices on materials, so adding the labor cost can save on materials, delivery, and haul away, and it may not add much to the overall cost. Photo: depositphotos.com There are additional costs for homeowners to take into account and considerations to make before settling on a budget for the total cost of their privacy fenceor even deciding to install a privacy fence around their property. Some of these costs are unavoidable, depending on where the home is located. Because fence installation usually requires digging, you or your contractor will need to call 811 to check for hidden utility lines before beginning. Thats a free service, but the cost of moving any utilities that are in the way wont be. Local government or homeowners associations (HOAs) may also require permits or fees and a follow-up inspection. Because privacy fences also affect neighbors, this isnt a job to try to avoid the permits for; removing and reinstalling a fence that doesnt meet requirements can be hugely expensive and can also damage your relationship with your neighbors. Some localities require that the pretty side of the fence face outward as well, so apply for permits and check the regulations before beginning work. Removing an existing fence can be a surprisingly large expense: Even if a homeowner decided to DIY, fence posts that are set in concrete can be difficult to get out, and there may be a separate cost for disposal of the old fence materials, especially if theyre pressure-treated wood. Homeowners can expect to pay between $3 and $5 per linear foot for a professional to remove existing fencing. Ideally the area where the fence is to be placed will be clear of undergrowth and planting, but often yard perimeters have shrubs, groundcover, or trees in place. Some may need to be removed, while others (for example, larger shade trees or old trees that add character to the yard) may require the fence installers to implement creative work-arounds. Some homeowners are lucky enough to have root- and rock-free level yards with a perfect combination of sandy and clay soil. Fence installations in this kind of soil will often cost less. Heavy, dense clay soils are much tougher to excavate, heavier to haul, and can raise labor costs, but they will hold the fence posts firmly. Light sandy soil may require concrete to hold the posts upright, increasing time spent and the cost of materials. Deeply rooted or rocky soil can make the installation downright difficultthose situations will require additional labor time and potentially additional equipment. Wood fences require finishing to stand up to the elements. A well-applied coat of clear sealant will allow wood to weather slowly and gracefully, where a coat of exterior paint can add color to a plain yard. Either way, plan on purchasing enough paint, stain, or sealant to cover the fence after installation, and then add materials and time to your budget in future years for maintenance and upkeep of the finish. Its often the final flourishes that make a privacy fence truly beautiful. Elegant metalwork, intricate lattice, custom finials, or even unusual wood selections can make a fence stand out from the neighbors and add curb appealbut these touches will add to the overall cost. Photo: depositphotos.com Homeowners have a lot of options when it comes to types of fence materials for their privacy fences. Each has benefits and drawbacks, and there can be significant cost differences both because of the expense of the materials themselves and the cost of labor to install them. All of the options will provide privacy, with varying levels of protective enclosure for pets and children. Wood fences are classic and blend well into almost any neighborhood. Whether youre looking for pickets, stockade, rail, or other styles, wood fences can be built out of many different types of timber and painted or stained. In this case, traditional doesnt have to mean boring. Wood fence panels can be installed horizontally for a more modern look, or they can be built on a diagonal for a transitional style. Latticework, finials, or post caps can be added to customize the look. Wood fences cost $2,700 on average, ranging from $17 to $45 per linear foot, depending on the wood type, height, and style. Aluminum fencing looks clean and modern and lasts for a long time with little maintenance. The rails are generally a bit farther apart than wood pickets, so as a privacy fence, aluminum fencing will require a bit of landscaping to block the neighbors view. The biggest drawback is the cost of installation: While the materials cost between $17 and $90 per linear foot, the installation process is difficult and can add a higher labor cost than other types of fence materials. Total cost for an aluminum privacy fence is around $4,600. Maintenance-free, easy to clean, easy to install, and mid-priced, vinyl fencing is available in multiple colors and styles. The average cost per linear foot is between $10 and $40, not including labor. Total cost to install a vinyl privacy fence is around $3,700. Vinyl is not always an appropriate choice, though. Because the panels do not allow airflow, they can blow over or crack in high wind conditions, and in extreme heat they can soften or buckle. While it costs more per foot up front than some other options, it does not require time-intensive, costly maintenance, so the lifetime cost may be similar. For many applications, however, vinyl is a long-lasting, low-maintenance option. While it is not generally thought to be as attractive as other fence options, chain link is inexpensive, highly functional, and reasonably easy for homeowners to install themselves, saving money on labor costs. Pricing out between $15 and $30 per linear foot for materials, chain link makes it feasible to enclose large areas for less money. The DIY route makes it even more cost effective as homeowners can save on labor costs. Total cost to install a chain link fence is $2,200 for a 150-foot fence. Chain link is available in bare metal versions but also in color-coated or metallic-coated options, and there are a number of choices for covers, rail edges, and other materials to customize the fence for your needs. Similar to wrought iron in weight and appearance, but easier to DIY and considerably less costly, steel fencing is a great option for homeowners who crave the elegance of iron but not the maintenance schedule or outlay of cash. Costing between $17 and $90 per linear foot, steel is not inexpensive, but it requires little maintenance and is a reasonable DIY project for the handy homeowner. The average cost to install a steel fence is $3,970. Classic, beautiful, and customizable, wrought-iron fencing tends to increase the value of a home and highlights the landscaping and layout of the yard. Costing an average of $30 to $55 per linear foot (and considerably more for custom work), wrought iron is prone to rust and denting, so it requires a fair amount of regular maintenance to look its best. That said, iron develops a patina over time that is stately and aesthetically pleasing, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners who are interested in its style. Wire fencing, intended to provide protection for gardens and trees and to keep pets in and strays out, runs about $1 to $7 per linear foot, making it one of the most affordable ways to fence in a yard . This fencing is sold in large rolls and must be attached to stakes, stapled to wood framing, or connected to large posts. It can be attached to rail fences or picket fences to more completely enclose the yard, or fitted around gardens to protect specific areas. It is also ideal for homeowners who want the look of vines and flowers growing up their privacy fences: If spacers are used in the installation, wire fencing can be attached to wood, vinyl, or metal fences to provide an almost invisible trellis for vines to climb without damaging the base fence. Ranch or farm fencing is designed to keep larger animals in and predators away. Because every installation is custom based on the needs of the buyer, costs will vary: Most ranch fencing consists of horizontal rails mounted to posts that travel as high as necessary. While this style of fencing is intended for farm installations, it can also be used for neighborhood applications for homeowners looking for a creative and different look. For the environmentally conscious homeowner, sustainable bamboo fencing can be a great privacy option. This fencing can be planted live, where it will grow into a dense, prunable fence, or it can be purchased cut, dried, and bound, which renders the wood almost maintenance-free. Usually sold in rolls that are mounted to metal or wood posts, the sticks of bamboo are bound together closely to provide enclosure with a natural look. It is quite affordable: Bamboo fencing costs between $6 and $12 per linear foot for materials, is long lasting and does not require sealing and painting. Photo: depositphotos.com While some homeowners prefer the spacious feel of a wide-open yard, there are many reasons why installing a backyard fence might be a good choice. Fences keep animals and people in or out, protect your investment, and provide security, all of which can make the yard feel more like a haven and less like a public space. Placing a fence on the perimeter of a yard clearly demarcates where a property begins and ends, especially in areas where installing a fence requires confirmation of the property lines. This can be helpful when planning renovations or changes to the property, as it will help you know precisely how much room you have to work with. In addition, a fence can clarify where a homeowners mowing and maintenance responsibilities begin and end and can prevent disputes with neighbors over those tasks. Finally, in areas with a lot of wide-open space or farmland, a fence can protect land from encroachment by clearly staking out the boundaries. Families with younger children who want to play outside know that taking eyes off a child for even a moment in an unsecured space can mean a run into the road or an incident with an unsecured animal or pet. Plenty of parents and pet owners have practiced the mad dash down the street to retrieve a wanderer. And even those without pets or children may have been surprised by a dog or person unexpectedly appearing in the yard. A fence can make it easier to keep tabs on kids and pets and protect homeowners from unwanted surprises. Fences also create a barrier to break-ins or vandalism: Providing an additional obstacle for criminals or mischief-makers to overcome means theyre more likely to move on. If you have a pooleven a temporary onelocal regulations or your homeowners insurance may require fencing to protect against drowning accidents. A well-chosen fence can add beauty and shape to a yard. Decorative scrollwork and lattice create dimension, while a plain, simple wood fence can be the backdrop that makes the colors and textures of a lush garden pop rather than blending into the neighbors greenery. Fencing can also be used to separate a yard into distinct areas for dining, lounging, or swimming, genuinely creating an outdoor living space. Any activity youd prefer to do away from prying eyes, such as reading quietly by a pool, disastrously losing at badminton, relaxing in a hot tub after work, or enjoying dinner and a movie with your family, can be protected by a privacy fence. Even if you love your neighbors, you dont necessarily want to invite them into every moment of your life, especially during precious leisure time. Fencing can add privacy to the entire yard or to smaller areas where privacy is particularly important to you. In addition, if neighboring houses are close to your own, privacy fencing can interrupt the sight lines from your neighbors kitchen to your own, so you wont need to keep the curtains constantly drawn for privacy even inside your home. Does a fence increase property value? It can certainly increase curb appeal, but the answer to this question is a mixed bag, because it varies by region, neighborhood, and potential buyer pool. A well-kept fence is almost never going to reduce the value of a home, so if youre planning to enjoy the fence while living in your home, you probably wont need to worry that it will decrease the property value. In suburban areas where buyers are likely to have dogs or young children, real estate agents suggest that a well-maintained fence be added to a property. The value of properties in urban areas with smaller yards would also likely go up with the addition of a privacy fence, as built-in privacy without having to install a fence is a great benefit to potential buyers. The key to a fences value in terms of home price is its condition. A beautiful, sturdy, well-kept fence adds charm and curb appeal and can really make the appearance of a home stand out. However, real estate agents caution that adding a fence just for the purpose of a sale will likely not recoup the cost of installation. Some fence styles can certainly be installed by homeowners who have the correct tools and know-how. This can save money on labor costs and allow the homeowner to curate their own timeline and customize the fence and installation as they please. Hanging out in a yard you have fenced yourself can create a great sense of accomplishment. Chain link, wood, some vinyl, and potentially some steel fences can be achieved by committed homeowners, while aluminum and wrought-iron fences will likely be a difficult DIY. Hiring a reputable contractor can save time, expense, and frustration and result in a precise and polished finish. Even for experienced homeowners, fence-building will require a fair amount of research and significant labor timeusually far more time than an experienced crew will need. Rental or delivery costs for materials and specialty tools can add up quickly, and the cost of the materials themselves can be higher for individual buyers than for contractors by a significant margin. Therefore, doing it yourself may not result in as big a savings as anticipated. A contractor will likely have installed fences in dozens of different configurations and conditions and will have the know-how to deal with challenges such as uneven ground, unmovable roots, overhanging trees, and navigating the sometimes-complicated permitting and inspection rules. A fence is a long-term installation, so its best to make it sturdy, stable, and beautiful on the first try. Photo: depositphotos.com Careful planning and creative thinking are the best ways to save money on a fence installation. By doing some homework prior to purchasing materials, homeowners can prevent costly errors and make sure they have budgeted correctly. Because fence installation involves digging into the yard, there is always a possibility of unknown obstacles. Making sure you ask a contractor the correct questions can save you time, money, and frustration. Building a fence presents a great opportunity to add private space to your property, and a well-chosen fence can add appeal and security to your yard. The number of options and considerations can be mind-boggling, however, so here are a few frequently asked questions and their answers to help as you make your decision. The biggest variables will be the number of linear feet of fencing youll need, the height you want the fence to be, and the material youd like to use. Measure your yards perimeter, decide on a style, and then multiply the cost of the fence materials by the number of feet youll need. Then consider gates, maintenance, and the cost of installation. Some internet calculators can help you get a feel for the amount based on average material costs, but its just as easy to check with suppliers on your own. The answer to this question depends on what youre looking for. For true privacy, a wood stockade or vinyl panel fence will provide the most seclusion and prevent passersby from seeing into your yard at all. Wood or vinyl pickets, aluminum, chain link, and steel fences will provide excellent enclosure of the yard while maintaining an open feel, and combining them with landscaping can create a fine visual barrier. Bamboo, wire, and ranch fencing provide customizable applications, while wrought iron adds beauty and design options. Once you have established the purpose of the fence and the look you want, your budget will help make this decision. While the longevity of any fence is somewhat dependent on the climate and conditions where you live, a well-installed, well-maintained fence should last between 15 and 20 years. Galvanized chain link can last much longer, while inexpensive softwood fences may only last between seven and 10 years. Proper maintenance makes a huge difference here; even a strong fence will collapse or fail if it doesnt get an occasional coat of sealant or paint. Different materials require different maintenance levels and schedules. Vinyl fences require nothing more than a wash with soapy water and a soft brush every few months. Its also important that vinyl fences not be subjected to the heat from gas grills and smokers and that they never be painted. Metal fences need to be protected from rust damage with regular cleanings using soapy water and a brush and occasional reapplication of epoxy or sealant as directed by the manufacturer. Wood fencing requires a bit more: Bleach application and pressure washing will remove any mold that begins to grow, and restaining or resealing must be done every few years. Regardless of the type of fence you have, prompt repairs of any damage are essential: A loose board or tie will quickly lead to other loose boards or sagging sections if not repaired immediately, causing the fence to fail prematurely. Sources: Angi , HomeAdvisor (1 and 2) , Forbes\n', 'No Earth Bonding Ensures TouchSAFE Fencing Saves Time and Money There are huge cost savings to be made from choosing our TouchSAFE composite palisade fencing over metallic fencing because no earth bonding is required during installation. Traditional metal fencing needs to be bonded to the main earthing system often at several points every few metres when being installed in close proximity to electrical installations to prevent electric shocks. An essential safety measure, this physical and time-consuming process can present a significant cost in terms of both materials and installation, which involves the encapsulation of earth rods in materials such as Marconite. With TouchSAFE composite palisade fencing, there is no need to carry out earth bonding due to the FRP construction of the panels that carry zero metal parts, meaning they dont conduct electricity ideal for protecting the likes of LOC suites, substations & OLE masts. TouchSAFE is manufactured and assembled from fibreglass-reinforced polyester pultruded profiles conforming to EN13706 grade E23. The polyester resin matrix is UV inhibited, corrosion resistant and fire retardant, providing protection against harmful sunlight and durability in all weathers. Engineered plastic fixings hold the interlocked pales and cross rails in place to create a structurally robust panel that provides strong resistance against potential vandalism. TouchSAFE fencing is also 75% lighter than steel alternatives and is supplied in fully assembled panels, enabling large expanses of fencing to be installed quickly and easily. Adjustable embankment panels are available. Maintenance free, TouchSAFE composite palisade fencing offers a 40-year lifespan. To find out more and discuss your fencing requirements for any application in the rail industry or beyond, contact our technical experts here at CCS , the products exclusive UK distributor. We manufacture TouchSAFE in our ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 18001 facility and market the product to the UK rail industry through our UK stockist, Scott Parnell Rail . completecomposites.co.uk This article was originally published by Complete Composite Systems .\n'
Made from premium mild steel, Barkers palisade fencing is hot-dip galvanized to give it an expected average lifespan of , more than 25 years, .
Palisade fencing also , lacks strength, when compared to steel mesh fencing, which is one of the reasons it is slowly being used less. Most palisade fencing can be damaged or broken entirely within a matter of minutes., Aug 16, 2018