Menu

Who Pays for Adjoining Fences?


Stop The Rot: Choosing A Pool Fencing Material That Won't Fall Victim To Rot Or Rust

Erecting a sturdy fence around your outdoor swimming pool isn't just a handy way to keep out cane toads and pool equipment thieves -- it is also a legal requirement under Australian law. A fence that can be climbed or broken through easily will not meet these requirements and may land you in legal hot water, so choosing a fence that will not become unacceptably weakened by rot or rust is essential. 

This doesn't preclude you from choosing a pool fence made from the two most commonly used materials, steel and timber. Both of these materials can be effectively protected against rust and rot caused by constant exposure to the moisture and humidity surrounding your pool. There are also alternative materials that can be used to make durable, attractive and legally sound pool fencing, so you should take the time to assess all of your options.

What should I look for in a rustproof steel fence?

A well maintained steel fence is tremendously durable and can be surprisingly inexpensive to install. However, a pool fence made from unprotected steel mesh or panels will quickly fall victim to rust, eventually weakening the fence to the point where it no longer provides an effective barrier. It also tends to make a pool fence look decidedly unsightly.

If you want to protect your pool with a steel fence, make sure that any and all exposed steel components are treated with a protective coatings before installation. Galvanised coatings are a cheap and popular choice and will last many years before the coating needs to be renewed. However, if you can afford to spend a little extra, plastic-coated steel mesh fences provide exceptional resistance to rust.

How can I choose a timber fence that won't rot?

Choosing a timber pool fence that will not become mouldy and rotten over time means choosing a fence made from mould-resistant wood. There are two ways to go about this; choose a timber with natural mould resistance, or have your fence timbers treated.

As a general rule (with some exceptions), the harder and denser a wood, the more naturally mould resistant it will be. Tropical hardwoods, such as teak, mahogany and ipe, provide exceptional mould resistance without the need for protective treatments, but they are also very expensive and hardly environmentally friendly. Many native Australian hardwoods provide a cheaper, greener alternative without compromising on rot resistance -- jarrah, blackbutt and spotted gum are all excellent homegrown choices.

A cheaper but no less effective option is to choose a cheaper timber that has been treated with antifungal compounds. Many fencing companies stock pressure treated timber fences, which are practically immune to mould and rarely require re-treatment. Pressure treatments do tend to draw the colour out of timber, however, so if looks are important, you should consider choosing a surface-treated fence. If you do, be prepared to renew its antifungal coating every year or so.

What other options do I have?

Pool fences made of vinyl and other plastics are becoming increasingly popular and are completely immune to both rust and rot. They are also very inexpensive. However, many are not strong enough to meet legal pool fencing requirements, so if you choose a plastic fence, make sure it meets national and local pool fencing requirements before you buy. Glass fencing is a more attractive (and more expensive) option with similar strength issues.

Aluminium is considered by many to be the gold standard of pool fencing materials. This metal is completely immune to rust, even without a protective coating, and provides most of the raw strength and durability of a steel fence. While they tend to be more expensive than steel fences, they are well worth the investment.

For more information, contact a local pool fencing company. 

About Me

Who Pays for Adjoining Fences?

Hi, my name is Mark, welcome to my blog! As a new home owner, I’m learning a lot about the responsibilities of owning a property. Recently, my neighbour popped around and told me he wanted to put up a new fence between our gardens. My first reaction was that he should just go for it, but then he told me that I had to share the costs as we share responsibility for the fence. Before I agreed to the work (and to pay for it), I did some research and talked to a guy I know who works for a fencing contractor. I learned a lot about shared responsibility and rights with adjoining fences, so I started this blog to pass on what I’ve learned to other people who might be faced with a fencing project with a neighbour for the first time.

Tags

Latest Posts

Different Types of Fencing: Pros and Cons
19 September 2023

Choosing a fence can be overwhelming, especially i

Best Fencing Options to Increase Your Home's Privacy
8 March 2023

Are you in the market for the best fence for priva

How to Choose the Right Selvedge For a Chain Wire Fence
2 August 2022

When you select chain wire for a fencing project,

Benefits You Can Expect with an Aluminium Slat Fence
31 January 2022

Do you want a front fence to create privacy in you

3 Reasons Why You Should Consider Steel Fabrication for Construction Needs
26 August 2021

All construction contractors always have the same