Blown Away! The Case of the Disappearing Fence
Have you ever come down in the morning and wondered where your fence has gone? I have. Luckily the missing panels were in a field and not my neighbour’s windshield. The worst part? That fence was about 2 years old.
It turned out the culprit was a mixture of rotten fence posts and gale force winds. I live near the coast which means a wooden fence has a shorter lifespan anyway, but it really should have made it until five years old. Some of it was my fault. The wood was cheap, and I didn’t stain, varnish and treat the fence as often as I should have, but come on. A piece of what is essentially garden furniture should not be a part time job.
I began looking for a more low maintenance, long term fencing solution (i.e. one that wouldn’t blow away in slight breeze). Wood was obviously not an option. I checked out PVC fencing but quickly discounted it. The material is prone to mould, algae and mildew and can crack if there are temperature changes. Iron fencing is a tough, durable option. But it rusts easily, especially in salt air, and requires annual anti corrosion treatments. Iron would be almost as much work as wooden fencing.
Then I discovered Colourfence, which is made from zincalume steel. The real appeal for me was that it’s made to withstand gusts of wind up to 130MPH. Even in Scotland, the maximum average wind speed in the UK rarely goes above 95MPH, so I was hopeful it would last longer than my larchlap disaster. It doesn’t corrode or rot so the only ‘maintenance’ it needs is an occasional hose down. Best of all, this durable garden fencing offers a 25 year guarantee – reassuring, especially since insurance companies stopped covering storm damage to fences.
So, I’ve closed the case and found a weather resistant fence that can stay the course. It’s lasted three years so far, and looks as good as when it was first installed. One day we might invent a permanent fence; but for now, one that lasts 25 years is pretty great!
About the Author
Helen Gallagher is a garden lover, spending her days in the garden and her nights contributing gardening resources online.
Metal sculpture in brass, mounted on an 1800s French Coin
