52 Fullarton Road, Norwood
PO Box 4040, Norwood South
South Australia 5067
P: 08 8333 5200
F: 08 8333 5210
E: mail@unitcare.com.au

Maintenance: Fences

In this chapter we explain building terms in relation to fences along with commonly encountered problems, replacement and fence notices. We also look at preventative maintenance.

Legislation - Strata Titles Act

Click on Legislation above, to view strata title legislation and hints.

Legislation - Community Titles Act

Click on Legislation above, to view community title legislation and hints.

Fences are commonly constructed from metal, brick, concrete, brush and wire.

Common Problems

The following pictures illustrate many of the common problems with fences and gates.

Where soil is placed against steel fences a suitable plastic vapour barrier must be installed to prevent rusting of the fence. We strongly advise against using fences to retain soil.

This fence has suffered many impacts from car bumpers. The help prevent this in future the group has installed car wheel stops. Under some insurance policies the damage caused by a vehicle impact is covered.

This fence needs new posts and rails. This will require negotiations with neighbours as required by the Fences Act. See Fence Notices.

Hint

Sometimes the fence paneling can be reused.

Best Practice

Use steel uprights and rails for a long lasting job.

Whilst this fence appears to be serviceable it contains asbestos. Plans will need to be made for its safe replacement in the future. This will require negotiations with neighbours as required by the Fences Act. See Fence Notices.

Best Practice

Avoid damage to the asbestos sheets and do not drill without precautions. See Tools below for a fact sheet.

Brick fences can suffer from movement in their foundations resulting in cracking or collapse. They can also suffer from vehicle damage about the entrance.

Hint

Attach L shaped galvanised steel on brick corners where at risk of vehicle damage. Paint to match the brickwork..

Brush fences commonly suffer from slump. This shows up as gapping at the top of the fence and spreading at the foundations. Since 2008 the location of brush fences has been controlled by legislation. See Tools below for a government supplied question & answer sheet.

Hint

Keep water away from the bottom of the brush fence. This helps reduce the tendency for spreading.

Best Practice

Repack as needed rather than let it go to the extent that it all needs replacing.

As discussed gates in common fences are the Strata Corporation's to maintain. The case above the timber has been neglected and in need of cleaning and repaint.