AVS Blog Archive for February 2009

What is a Panel Fence

A pre-made timber panel, of differing styles and qualities, that are fixed between two posts.

Types of Panel

Panels are available in 3 different colours, a light beige (pressure treated), gold (orange/brown) and dark brown which are dipped. Check stocks for the range at your branch.

The styles can be broken down into:

Lap Panels - A waney edged board, overlapped and fixed horizontally within a batten frame, described as fully framed – meaning they have timber around the outside edge. They also have vertical battens fixed across the face and back of the panel to strengthen the laps.

Close board Panels - A feather edge board, overlapped and fixed vertically on a heavier duty batten formation. Stronger than the lap panel, but not as strong as true closeboarding.

'The above are sold in 6ft widths, starting at 3ft high in 1ft increments, up to 6ft high.'

Continental Panels - A decorative panel, with different designs of infill and tops, with a limited range of heights.

'The above are sold in 1.8m widths and varying heights, these are all in the light beige colour only, fully pressure treated.'

Posts

All panels can either be put on timber posts or concrete slotted posts; it is purely the customer’s personal choice.

On softwood timber posts the options would be: 75 x 75mm 100 x 75mm 100 x 100mm

The panels would be fitted to these via met clips, a U shape bracket, or nails/screws fixed through the side batten, pre drilling is advised. The timber posts can either be concreted into the ground or met posts could be used. If they are being concreted in, the post should go into the ground a minimum of 600mm; if met posts are being used the post will be shorter.

The concrete post has a slot that runs down the complete length of the post, which allows the panel to slot into the post. This is fine on installation, but remember that if a panel needs replacing later on, the panel has to be lifted above the posts and slotted down, e.g. a 6ft high panel would need lifting 6ft in the air to replace.

The options available for slotted posts are: Intermediates Ends Corners

The corners and ends are not handed as the slot is central to the post.

The panels are not actually fixed to the concrete so just sit in the slot; this does mean that they can move around if the panel is thinner than the slot.

Wall Fixing

If the fence is adjoining any walls then a wall plate can be used, either a 100x 47mm or a 75 x 47mm, which is bolted to the wall using suitable fixings, such as thunderbolts, hammer fixings or coach screws; then the panel fixed to this.

Post Tops

The tops of the posts can be left flat, machined or a post cap with or without a finial can be fitted. The finials are commonly acorns or balls, but others are available, these are fitted via a double threaded screw.

Sloping Ground

Remember that if the ground is sloping with the fence line, longer posts will be required to allow for the extra height caused by the panel sitting off the ground. As the panel should always sit level and should never be buried at the high side.

Close Board fencing remains the most cost effective way to build a solid boundary that will stand the test of time. Close board can also be incorrectly described as ship lap or feather board fencing, but essentially these descriptions refer to the same type of construction.

Due to the versatile nature of the product it is important to bare in mind what size fence you would like to erect and whether you will require planning permission. Generally you can erect a fence of up to 1.95M high without planning permission, except where your fence is adjacent to a public highway. In this instance the fence can only be up to 1M high, before planning permission is required. (We recommend you seek advice from your local council before commencing work)

Whether you are using cant rails, arris rails, timber or concrete posts the basic erection process remains the same.

Installation

Close board fencing is a simple construction of posts, rails, gravel boards and featheredge. Posts should be a minimum of 100x100mm (4 x 4) section and concreted into the ground at a depth of approx 760mm (for taller fence variations) and the distance between the post centres should ideally not exceed 3.0M (10Ft). Rails are then fixed horizontally across the face of the posts; usually two rails are needed on 1.2M (4Ft) high featheredge and below, with three rails used on higher boundaries.

It is recommended but not essential to fit a gravel board at ground level between the posts. This serves to keep the featheredge from making contact with the ground, which will reduce future maintenance costs, because it is cheaper and easier to replace one gravel board rather than a large quantity of featheredge. The featheredge is then fitted vertically on to the front of the rails with a minimum of 25mm (1 inch) overlap.

Tip: To increase the life span of this fence you can erect it using concrete posts and gravel boards. Due to the long life expectancy of these products future costs of replacing the timber components will be considerably lower, because only the rails and featheredge will need replacing.

Versatility & Benefits

Because this particular style of fencing is constructed with individual pieces it is very versatile and offers many benefits.
1. Close board is ideal for constructing a fence on sloping ground because gravel boards and rails can be fixed at an angle and then the featheredge can follow this level as required
2. Close board has the benefit of being easy to repair. Should any featheredge start to show the ravishes of time, it is a quick and inexpensive process to replace the boards
3. All materials that go into making this type of perimeter fencing are pressure treated, so that the longevity of the timber is at an absolute maximum
4. If constructed correctly it is strong and long lasting
5. Close board is commonly found in both green and brown as standard, making it far more versatile than most boundary options
6. Close board can be used to make a fence of virtually any height
7. Close board is suitable for front and back gardens, as well as commercial use

Maintenance

Timber is a living product and given enough time it will degrade. To get the best possible life span from the product it is recommend that the timber is treated every 2 – 3 years. This is best undertaken with a solvent based treatment during the summer months, so that it can soak into the dry wood.

Help & Advice

If you are interested in erecting close board fencing at your property, please get in touch with your local branch. Our specialists will be happy to offer help and advice and can provide you with a free quote for supply of all relevant materials.

We are one of the top suppliers of high security fencing for commercial premises. Our extremely high level of technical capability, combined with our unrivalled commitment to customer service ensures that the highest possible levels of customer satisfaction are met.

Our experience means that we can help you decide which option is best for you when securing your site.

Palisade Fencing

Palisade fencing is one of the biggest sellers when it comes to securing a site. Although not always the cheapest option, it is designed to be strong and provides excellent protection against climbing and cut through. The effects of petty damage and vandalism on steel palisade are minimal which in the long term can reduce future maintenance costs.

Depending on the requirements of your site AVS can offer two types of pale profiles. W Pale comes in three thicknesses with 2.0mm being most commonly used for commercial security. Thickness can be increased to 3.0mm which we would use for high security sites such as MOD or Railways. D section pales are also something that we can offer, thickness usually starts at 3.0mm but if you require a lesser thickness we would be able to help. We can offer heights up to 3M for added security.

After selecting your pale profile, you have to decide which type of tops you would like, below are a list of your options.



· Triple Pointed - Normal Security Fence Option.
· Rounded - Suitable for amenity areas.
· Rounded & Notched - Suitable for amenity areas.
· Square ­- Suitable for amenity areas.
· Pointed - Used less frequently.



Posts



Posts are available with complete with lose fishplates. With choice of either concreted in, or base plated for bolting down. Depending on the level of security you require, the posts can also be vertically extended to take barbed or razor wire.



Gates



Gates are also made to suit individual requirements and with our team of dedicated experts, we will be with you every step of the way to ensure your specification is met.

Specification



Whatever your choice all palisade items are made to BS 1722 pt 12. and galvanised to BS 729. With a range of powder coating options, this will come with a ten year performance guarantee.

Mesh Fencing Systems

Mesh fencing can be a very affordable security fencing option, depending on the type of mesh you decide to buy. Our most cost effective type is V guard. This a rigid panel with integrated profile beams all supplied with correct fittings. Panels will normally come with 2.52M post centres at varying heights, however should you require wider post centres for lighter duty work these are available at 3.02M centres with a choice of 2.0M and 2.4M height panels. These offer excellent value for money and are available in a range of colours to suit your needs.

Another popular choice in mesh panels is Twin Guard fencing. This type of fence has two 8mm horizontal wires sandwiching the verticals and offers a very strong and rigid panel. Excellent for use around schools and commercial sites, it provides excellent visibility and again is available in a wide range of colours.

If you have a site that requires maximum security, AVS would recommend 358 mesh, this is most likely to be seen around prisons and Ministry of Defence sites. Heights are available up to 5M and the gauge of the mesh provides excellent anti climb protection and it can have multiple additional features to aid security. It also works hand in hand with CCTV due to its excellent see through visibility.

As with palisade, mesh gates are also tailored to suit any requirements you may have and all are available in a range of powder coated colours

Summary

Whatever your security requirements, AVS’s dedicated security team will be able to guide you through the choices and help ensure your job runs as smoothly as possible. Call us now on 0800 019 1579.

Post & Rail is a generic term used to describe any fencing system comprising of solid timber post & rails and has three main variations comprising of Cleft, Half-Round & Square Cut.

The system combines a robust and traditional design, with good vision through the fence and also has the added benefit of being able to be used as an attractive option as a livestock barrier.

Points to Consider:

When deciding upon the style and type of Post & Rail Fencing system you wish to install, you should consider the following areas:

• Will the fence be suitable for the job required?
• How quickly do you want to erect the fence?
• What's Your Budget?
• Your Personal Preference (What look do you prefer?)

Additionally if the fence is to be erected to contain stock, then consideration should be given to the number of rails required. This is naturally determined by the size of the stock animal that is to be contained. I.e. For smaller animals more rails per bay of fence are required, unless you intend to add livestock netting to the fence.

Your Options:

Chestnut Cleft –

Cleft is one of AVS's most popular sellers and the timber we supply is usually sourced and cut locally in Kent or Sussex coppice. This means the timber re-grows for future harvesting and hence is a sustainable and environmentally friendly system.

This variation has many advantages for users. Firstly the manufacturing process of the rail means that it retains a face with bark initially intact and this helps to add to this systems rustic appeal. Secondly this system offers a versatile solution as there is an option to swap the cleft posts with softwood or oak posts, depending on available budget & preference. Finally when the fence is erected the rail can be slotted into a morticed hole within the post, which gives even greater strength to the fence system.

Square Cut Post and Rail –

This refers to any type of post and rail whose rails are sawn along their length creating a rectangular rail. This system is normally cheaper than Cleft and has a cleaner appearance preferred by some.

When the fence is erected the rails are normally nailed to intermediate posts, which are set at 1.8M centres. This is combined with a staggering of the rails joints, to ensure that the fences weight is distributed evenly.

With this variation of fence system it is also possible to have the posts pre-pointed so that they can be driven into the ground during erection. This helps speed the erection process and is a great benefit when undertaking large jobs.

Half Round Post and Rail –

Very similar to the square cut above except that the rails are half round and the posts are either round or half round. Round posts are used when erecting the fence mechanically and also give more strength. Either Peeled and treated (which fluctuate in girth from end to end) or Machine rounded (uniform in section) can be used according to taste and budget. Morticing is not usually an option so rails are nailed into position. Overall this type of system offers a very attractive fence at a modest budget.

Summary

This article should act as a useful starter guide when deciding upon a suitable post & rail fence system for your premises. However before you begin we would recommend you speak to one of AVS’s knowledgeable advisers, who will be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free quote.

Gravel Boards

These are not only used for their ability to increase the height of the fence, but they are also used to prevent the panel from coming into contact with the ground; thus helping prolong the life of the panel.

They can also be used to fill the gaps beneath panels caused by steeping and inconsistencies in the ground level.

Timber Gravel Boards

Timber gravel boards are fixed to the timber post using cleats, which means it is unnecessary to use any fixings between the panels and gravel boards. Remember that if continental panels are used, then the standard 6ft gravel board is going to be too long and must be cut prior to installation.

Concrete Gravel Boards

In the instance of concrete gravel boards they can be used to retain light soil, as they are stronger and will not rot like timber; these slot into the concrete post. They are available in both 150mm and 300mm high. If these boards are used with continental panels, fillets would need to be used to increase the width of the panel.

Cutting Panels

As most gardens will not be exactly divisible by the panel width, it may be necessary to cut a panel to fit. It is easily achievable on lap and close board panels, but not so with continental panels, as the framing is jointed in the corners.

To cut a lap panel down, the battens are removed from one end of the panel and fixed into a similar position at the required width; so the cutting of horizontal battens is required. Once fitted the excess laps can be cut off.

Installing Panelled Fence Using Concrete

If concreting in, set the first post and measure out for your second hole and excavate. Once at the desired depth, fix the panel in place and fix the second post to it, checking for level and line. Once happy with the position concrete the second post in and then carry on the process until the fence is complete. Remember depending on the method of concreting used, it may be necessary to put temporary props on the fence to allow the concrete to set.

Note: If the fence is on a slope it is easier to start at the top of the slope, to ensure you get the height of the posts correct.

Help & Advice

For further help & advice please feel free to phone our fencing specialists at your local branch. They will be happy to answer your questions & provide you with a free quote for your materials.