Steel fencing has become a popular choice for a wide range of domestic and commercial applications. Benefits such as low maintenance, good looks, durability, and easy availability are just some of the reasons for its ongoing popularity.
The Fielders steel fencing range provides a cost-effective fencing solution that delivers privacy and security while looking great, thanks to the availability of a range of profiles and COLORBOND® steel colours.
From an installation perspective, tradies will appreciate how easy a Fielders fence is to erect. Because Fielders fences are manufactured using Australian-made steel from BlueScope, all components are high quality and easy to work.
ORDERING
Before rolling up the sleeves though, in consultation with the home or business owner, make sure you order the right fence for the application. Fielders offers a number of different fence heights, as well as panel styles and accessories.
You’ll also need to consider the terrain at the job location – factors including how built-up and how heavily vegetated the area is will impact on the fence’s wind load and determine installation requirements.
And of course, you’ll need to know how much fencing to order, so measure out the proposed fence line. As a rule of thumb, for every 2350mm of length, you’ll need to install one complete fence panel comprised of two posts, three sheets and upper and lower rails.
THE INSTALLATION PROCESS
After checking for underground services and local government requirements (if a boundary fence), the first task is to use a string line to make sure the intended fence line is straight. From there, mark out post positions at 2370mm intervals (or 2410mm if installing S-Rib corrugated panels). If the fence line is on sloping ground, you’ll need to decide whether you rake or step the fence. The following instructions are for level ground.
With the help of a post-hole digger, excavate to a minimum depth of 500mm and diameter of 200mm; depending on the soil type or if the area is prone to high winds, additional depth may be needed – up to 900mm in softer clay or sandy soils.
Next step is to unpack the fence posts and place back-to-back in pairs. Once each pair is exactly overlapped they can be attached using 10mmx15mm Tek screws, spaced approximately 500mm apart. If additional reinforcement is needed, or to turn a corner, install an SHS (Steel square Hollow Sections) post to the back of your panel fence posts.
CONCRETING THE POSTS
Next, mark and measure the desired fence height from the top of the post (normally 1800mm), then place the posts in each hole ensuring they’re both straight and level, and that your mark has 50mm ground clearance. After this, use a fence rail to space the posts correctly. Once done, concrete can be poured in the hole and the post levels rechecked before leaving the concrete to set.
With the first post concreted, the bottom rail can be installed in line with the 1800mm mark and once level, Tek screwed in place, allowing for the 50mm ground clearance. This process should be continued for the length of the fence, but before installing any of the panels, ensure the concrete is properly set at each post.
READY FOR THE PANELS
Once ready for the fencing panels, place the first sheet into the bottom rail and sidepost channels. Once snuggly fitted, take the second panel and ensure it overlaps the lip of the previous sheet. The third sheet should then overlap the lip of the second sheet, while locking in to both the bottom rail and side-post channel – ensure the lap direction is identical for all channels.
To secure the top rail, start at one end and work your way along, locking the sheets in place. Once secure, Tek screw all four corners into the post. Continue the process until all panels are fitted and secured.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Now it’s time to apply the fishing touches. Clip on the panel fence post caps to all the exposed post joins. This protects against any sharp edges while protecting the posts from excessive water. The end join post caps will need to be cut to size with a hacksaw.
Finally, make sure any metal filings from drilling the holes are cleaned from the new fence. If these are left and become wet, they can leave corrosive marks on the COLORBOND® steel, which isn’t a good look, especially on a new fence.
So, with a few simple tools that most will have in the back of the ute or trailer, combined with a little know-how, installing steel fencing is simple, straightforward and well within the skillsets of most tradies.
For more information about the Fielders fencing range visit www.fieldersdominator.com.au