5 Tips for Ensuring your Fencing is Installed Properly

fencing

Meta: Are you in the process of installing brand-new fencing for your farm, commercial premises or residential property? Follow these handy tips to avoid making any costly mistakes.

Fencing should be an integral component of any property’s security arrangements. In a farm environment it can protect livestock from external threats, keep them safely in place and also help safeguard your property. But temporary fencing is only as good as its method of installation. A fence may look good, but it must also function to a high standard and to do this it needs to be properly installed am maintained. Continue reading to familiarise yourself with a number of topline tips to remember when it comes to the planning and construction of any new fencing for your farm, commercial or residential property.

1. Check for Planning Permission

Planning permission is the first and most important step during the fence installation process. You do not require written planning permission if your fencing is located far from any public amenities and does not exceed a specific height. However, planning permission is required for fencing that is set to be built near a highway or footpath, exceeds two metres in height, is on the site of a listed building, or borders a neighbouring listed building. Failing to ensure you have been given the go-ahead to start construction beforehand may result in a number of serious consequences. This is called a planning breach. And this could mean you might be forced to tear down your fence and start from scratch or consider building in an alternative location.

2. Check your Property Boundaries

The next step involved in installing perfect fencing is checking and confirming your property boundaries. One of the biggest mistakes you can make during the fencing installation process is inadvertently building on a neighbor’s land. This can sever positive ties with your neighbors and could mean you have to restart the entire process from scratch. There are a number of steps you can take to prevent this from happening. You can verify your property title deeds online or in-person and also take time to inform your neighbors in advance of any planned fence construction, so any objections can be dealt with before construction starts.

3. Plan Ahead

Planning is the key to avoiding costly and time-consuming mistakes down the line. By measuring the area you wish to fence off ahead of time, you can ensure you are purchasing the right amount of the correct materials. One of the easiest methods of doing so is by circling the perimeter of your outdoor space with some string and stakes to create a temporary fence. The string must be firm to allow for an accurate reading. This prevents you from overspending on your established budget and wasting excess materials. Some fencing providers also offer the service of made to measure fencing. This makes the installation process more efficient and cost-effective for both parties involved.

4. Space Your Posts Correctly

The spacing of your fencing posts can have a dramatic impact on the structural integrity of your fencing. Spacing them too far apart is a common mistake. This can cause your fencing to buckle and even collapse when exposed to extreme weather conditions and is a false economy that can cause additional damage to your property or vehicle and be time-consuming and costly to remedy. The space required differs depending on the type of fencing selected and the space of enclosure, but a general rule of thumb tends to be around 8 feet apart (but always check with your fencing supplier). By spacing your fencing the appropriate distance apart, you can optimise the strengthen and integrity of your new fence and ensure it provides you with the utmost functionality.

5. Dig Deep

New fencing must be enforced by the correct number of posts but also by ensuring these posts are installed properly with adequate foundations. By failing to install fencing posts deep enough, your fencing is susceptible to damage or collapse during extreme weather conditions or under pressure from large livestock or trespassers. The correct depth differs depending on the size, height and type of fencing but most farmers recommend they are fitted at least 2 feet below ground level. If you are unsure, your fencing manufacturer or installer should be able to point you in the right direction to ensure your post foundations are durable and resilient.

Once your fencing is complete, you must remember to carry out thorough routine maintenance and make any repairs that might be required in good time. A Gripple tensioning tool is invaluable for tensioning wire fencing and regulating the load to strengthen its structure and prolong its lifespan.

Whether or not you are a first timer, installing new fencing can be a daunting task. There are a number of elements you must get right to ensure the longevity of your new enclosure. By familiarising yourself with these tips, you can upgrade your outdoor space and protect your property today. Shop around to find a fencing supplier with fencing to suit your budget and purpose.