Our Blog: Gates and Fencing Darwin

Rural fencing is installed for three reasons: enclose livestock, prevent access to a property, mark a perimeter, or all of the above. A rural fence can be small or it can be large enough to encompass a huge property. This type of fence must serve its purpose first and foremost, which means design is not a priority. The rural fencing you choose should be able to keep feral animals out of an enclosure or keep domestic animals in the enclosure. Understanding the purpose your Darwin fence will serve will determine the best fence to get. Below are some of the things to consider in getting a rural fence for your Northern Territory property. What type of animal is being kept in or out of your property? Different animals have different fencing requirements. To be able to install the right type of rural fence, think about the animals you want to keep in or out of a property. Some types of animals include small feral animals, wild pigs, dogs, wallabies, and other medium sized animals, horses, cattle, sheep, and two-legged animals like chickens, turkeys, and ducks. For example, if you want to enclose heavy animals like cattle, you will need heavier fencing materials since cattles can place more pressure on a fence. Post and rail fencing is also a popular and effective choice for horses. If you want to keep animals out of the property, the fencing should be high enough to keep them from jumping over. If you want to keep smaller animals out, closely-knit woven wire can keep them from passing through. Will this be an internal fence or a boundary fence? An internal fence is a smaller fence that may keep animals in a small enclosure while a boundary fence will enclose the perimeter of the property. Boundary fences may need to be sturdier than internal fences. Barbed wire fencing makes a good boundary fence. What is the place like? The location also plays a major role. You have to pinpoint whether the fence will be built on up steep slopes, flat areas, gullies, or hillsides. Other issues that you have to consider as well are if the fence will be built in an area where it's likely to flood or if the area is in a bushfire zone. Regardless, these rural fences should be made with the goal that they should be able to withstand flood or fire. It may look easy in the eye, but rural fences take a lot of time and planning as they have to serve their purpose, otherwise they’d be useless. This is why rural fencing should only be installed by professional fence contractors. With their years of experience, they know what the best kind of fence will work for certain types of animals as well as how to ensure your fence will stand the test of time and elements. A Darwin fence contractor will certainly help you select the right fencing for your location and needs.

Just like with any major decisions, especially those that will cost a considerable amount, you would think: is getting an automatic gate worth the price? Put it this way: when it comes to the peace of mind an automatic gate can bring with its added safety and security for your family, is it not worth it? If you’re still unconvinced, we have listed down several advantages of an automatic gate below that will help you see why it's worth the time, energy, and money and why many Darwin homeowners and Northern Territory business owners get them these days. An automatic gate gives added security. The greatest advantage of having an automatic gate for your Darwin home is the added security it brings. Automatic gates can only be opened by using a remote control, switch, or card. By being accessible only to authorized individuals, you can prevent unwanted trespassers from entering your property. Furthermore, you can prevent young children or pets from accidentally wandering off to the streets and keep them safely inside, away from vehicles and strangers alike. Automatic gates are more convenient than manual gates. Another major plus of having this type of gate is the automated means of opening and closing your gates. This will save you the trouble of getting drenched in the rain or braving the cold weather if you have to manually open your gate. You can just stay comfortable in your vehicle and let the remote do its thing. Additionally, you can unlock your gates for expected guests from the comfort of your home. You can save more with an automatic gate. Installing an automatic gate to your premises can definitely save you money in the long run. Rather than going through the hassle of hiring a security guard, using an automatic gate opener as your low maintenance security can make your life easier. You can also get a discount from your insurance company as they will put into consideration the added protection you have installed in your driveway. These companies are well aware of the benefits of automatic gates and the level of security they bring. An automatic gate results in a higher property value. An automatic gate is a great decoration for your property as it adds to the overall aesthetics of the home. Aside from this being high-tech, it also comes with a wide variety of designs and settings, which will further entice any prospective buyer looking to grab your property. Interestingly enough, statistically, an automatic gate can add five percent to the overall value of a home. No one would compromise their family’s well-being, and there’s no better way to show you put them first than getting an automatic gate installed today. It gives extra security to your home, will make you and your loved ones’ lives easier, will cut down insurance costs, and increase your home value should you decide to put your property on the market. Any Darwin resident, whether you are in Leanyer, Malak, Stuart Park, or any other places nearby, would attest to the glaring truth that an automatic gate is indeed a great investment that’s worth considering.

Compared to other fencing materials, one of the reasons why Colorbond fencing is so popular in the Northern Territory is that it requires minimal maintenance once it’s up and is known to withstand some of the harshest Australian weather conditions. Nevertheless, there are several steps to be done and practices to be observed to ensure the preservation of your Colorbond fence. Follow the guidelines below to ensure that your fence will be in crisp condition for years! Hire a professional fence contractor. To make sure your Colorbond fence lasts long and is installed properly, you have to consider getting the fencing job done with a fence contractor Darwin located. These experts will see to it that there is no excessive pressure on panels, loose bolts, wobbly posts, and more importantly, that the Colorbond fence is installed above ground. The bottom part of your fence cannot be submerged in the soil, otherwise it will become corroded. A fence expert will make sure there's a gap between the fence and the ground, enough for the water to flow freely. Properly wash and clean your colorbond fence. Regularly clean your Colorbond fence with a soft sponge and a mixture of soap (ordinary or carwash) and lukewarm water. Never use a scourer, or any other abrasive materials as it would remove parts of your Colorbond fence. Do not use sugar soap. After cleaning with soap, rinse with tap water. In some occasions, lichen and fungus can grow on the shady, bottom side of the fence, where the sun does not hit directly. They can easily be removed with household bleach. Rinse off the bleach with tap water after. Do not cover scratches or graffiti with paint. Scratches may not look good on your fence, but using normal paint to cover them up won't work well as Colorbond is a special type of coating that is bonded to the steel. Similarly, graffiti may not look pleasing, but never use chemicals such as Acetone, Methylethyl Ketone, Toluene, Thinners, or any other paint removers since they can be harsh to your Colorbond fence and will also void your warranty. Keep these harmful chemicals away from your fence. Pool water contains chlorine and/or salt which can be corrosive to your Colorbond fence. If you splash pool water on your Colorbond fence, wash down the fence with fresh tap water or wipe your fence down with a cloth. Similarly, garden fertilisers and insect sprays can also damage your fence. If you accidentally get some of these garden chemicals on your fence, rinse it down with tap water. Your fence is an important part of your property, regardless of what fencing material you use. In this case, your Colorbond fence will last for a very long time as long as you keep it above ground and no soil gets in contact with it, you clean it regularly with mild soap and warm water, get rid of fungus, don't paint over any unwanted dents or scratches, don't use abrasive materials on it, avoid splashing pool water on it, and keep it safe from chemicals you use on your garden. Do these and watch your Colorbond fence last over the years.

Since it’s located mainly outside where it gets in contact with rain, open air, and even insects, a lot of time and care goes into maintaining a timber fence. Mold, algae, moss, mildew, dirt, and mud can accumulate over time, as wood is very vulnerable to moisture and humidity. This can be very unsightly and can degrade the integrity of the fence. Part of the responsibilities of getting a timber fence installed for your Darwin property, aside from selecting a premium quality fencing material, is the long term maintenance that goes into it, which definitely requires commitment, time, and patience. Regardless if you want to do it on your own or hire a professional Darwin fence expert, cleaning a timber fence can be done easily by following some simple steps. Preparing your timber fence work area Get a plastic sheet. Cover the ground around the fence with it. If you have plants, cover those too as well as the grass, especially if you will use a chemical solution. This will help protect them from the harsh chemicals or from drowning. Next, run a wire brush over any pieces of debris to remove any visible stray objects. Then, spray the fence down with a garden hose. This will remove any surface dirt. Regular timber fence cleaning For typical cleaning, use oxygenated bleach as it works wonders in safely removing stains from exterior surfaces. Create an oxygen bleach powder and water solution (follow instructions at the back of the packaging). Apply the mixture to your already-damp timber fence with a large painter’s brush. Leave it for 15 minutes before scrubbing with a plastic bristle scrub brush. Rinse with a garden hose. Cleaning a timber fence that has mold and algae Mold and algae can cause rapid decay to your timber fence, and even if you remove them at the surface, there's a chance they'll grow back. To completely kill them, create a solution of one part chlorine bleach and two parts water (optional: add a teaspoon of dish soap). After dipping a plastic bristle brush onto this mixture, scrub the areas that have green stains. Rinse with your garden hose once done. Removing moss and mildew from your timber fence Moss and mildew are not just damaging to your fence, they are also not a pleasant sight to see. To remove them, create a mixture of ½ cup vinegar and 1 gallon of water. Apply said mixture to the timber fence with a sponge. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Once done, use a plastic bristle brush to scrub off the moss or mildew. Lastly, rinse with a garden hose. Even though this kind of fence can last up to 20 years, the kind of wood you use and the climate you’re in will still be huge factors that will determine the long term condition of your timber fence. Regular and proper cleaning can help immensely in preserving the look and prolonging the life of the fence. Of course, depending on the need, you can simply follow the steps provided above on what kind of mixture to make and what kind of materials to use to clean your fence manually. However, if the damage is severe enough that even washing doesn’t help, you may want to consider getting a fence replacement.

Glass pool fencing is today's most popular choice for swimming pool fencing all over Australia. Aside from the fact that they are compliant to Australian Standards, they give an uninterrupted view of the surroundings, compliment any type of landscaping, and are incredibly strong and durable that’s known to stand the test of time. However, no matter how elegant your Darwin glass fence is and how many good qualities it possesses, once it gets dirty and smeared due to grime, weather, and handprints, it can look appalling. Fortunately, glass fences can be cleaned easily and required little to no effort or cost at all. Use liquid soap and water on the actual glass. Spending a lot to get the job done is not necessary. In fact, water and everyday liquid soap will do, like the good old dishwashing soap. Clean the glass panels with the soap solution you have prepared by using a sponge to remove any smudges or stains imprinted on it. Make sure that the sponge you use is clean and debris-free to avoid scratching the glass panel unnecessarily. Next, use a hose to rinse the suds away. Leave them to air dry. Do not skip the posts and railings. If you want less maintenance, get a frameless glass pool fence. With semi-frameless glass fences, posts and railings should be included in your fence care routine. Although the posts and railings are said to be stainless, they still get rust sometimes especially in humid areas and houses near the sea. The best way is to always keep the posts dry by wiping them with any soft cloth. Check for rust routinely and remove them if you find any. Schedule regular cleaning. To ensure that your glass fence will last long, make sure to clean it on a regular basis, preferably no more than six months. Of course, this will still depend on how dirty the fence is already. During summer months, when the pool is used more frequently, your glass fences might need to be cleaned more often too. If you live in a very windy area, chances are your glass fence accumulates dirt in such a short time so you have to clean it more often. Apply glass protective coating. This is optional, but for maximum protection, you can apply glass coatings every few years to prevent damages from rust and other substances that might lead to the deterioration of the glass fence’s lifespan. Choose a good quality coat as this will be beneficial in the long haul. Ask your glass fence vendor before purchasing a product for best and safe results. Never buy anything without consulting the experts since application and long term effects of the product need knowledge and precision. Never forget that your glass pool fence is one of your tools in ensuring the safety of your family and providing privacy to your property, wherever you may be within the City of Darwin. Therefore, you need to make its maintenance and upkeep a high priority by keeping your glass fence well-maintained and always in prime condition. No need to splurge as you just need water and soap to clean the glass panels, a soft cloth to wipe the moisture away from the posts and railings, stick to your cleaning schedule, and apply a protective glass coating for maximum results. Easy, right?

Installing a fence has been seen to increase the chances of your Darwin home getting sold, should you decide to sell your property. A beautiful front yard fence is the first thing a buyer will see before he even steps foot in your property. With a fresh coat of paint or a glossy coat to finish its look, it can speak volumes and entice anyone to its potential. It serves as a form of expression of the kind of property owner you are, that this fence was well-thought of, instead of just being out there as a boundary. So does a fence really matter when putting your property on the Northern Territory market? Let’s find out why. Fences can add appeal to your home. A well-maintained fence can make a property more aesthetically pleasing. An attractive Larrakeyah home will sell faster. Position is crucial though, as it is a determining factor whether or not the fence blocks a good view or has blocked unwanted scenery. Fences are beneficial for dog owners. Around 62% of Australian households are pet owners (either a dog or a cat). Majority of those who currently do not have one admit they’d like to own one in the near future. If your Leanyer property has a fence installed that can contain a pet, it will be more attractive to pet lover buyers. Fences are an advantage for families with children. Around 20% of Australian families have at least one child who’s not a teenager. A fence is an important safety precaution for these families as this can prevent drastic vehicular accidents or kidnapping, creating a safe environment for the Bakewell household. The value of the fence is determined by what the buyer needs. Every individual has a different fencing need. Someone with a large dog may need a tall fence, someone would prefer open spaces, and someone would want to build a farm. If the fence does not serve their purpose, it may not add value for that certain buyer. A poorly-maintained or non-functional fence may decrease the value of your home. If your fence is falling apart, rotting, or almost close to destruction, it automatically becomes an eyesore as it is not pleasing to see and becomes a financial burden to the prospective buyer. Fences can make a home seem move-in ready. Statistically, a fenced-in yard is one of the top “must-haves” with prospects who are looking for a new home in the Northern Territory region. An existing fence that’s well-maintained will make the buyer feel like he’s one worry less. Therefore, it’s safe to say that your Darwin property’s overall value is greatly impacted by having an aesthetically-pleasing, well-maintained, and functional fence. Of course, it all depends on what fencing materials you use, the kind of neighbourhood you’re in in the City of Darwin, what buyers are looking for, and the condition you keep your fence in. So if you have a fence on your property that’s on the verge of disintegrating, consider getting it replaced or repaired prior to listing your home or property for sale.

If you have a swimming pool in your Darwin property, then you are aware that you are mandated by Australian law to build a fence around it. This is to prevent accidents like drowning from occurring. Steel rods used to do the job, but since it’s unattractive, bulkier, and makes your place look even smaller, property owners have started to see the bright side of getting a glass pool fence instead. Listed below are five good reasons why glass fencing is such a hype these days in Larrakeyah, Stuart Park, Karama, Malak, and many more in the City of Darwin. Give you an unobstructed view of your property and its surroundings. One of the major advantages of glass fencing is that it provides you with an unrestricted view of most of your surroundings. It also makes would-be thieves and/or intruders hesitate before breaching your Bakewell property with the fear of being easily seen/spotted. Also, a glass pool fence can significantly improve overall appeal of your property should you decide to sell. It makes your garden area look more spacious and bigger than it actually is because it reflects light in various angels. Perfect for little kids and pets. Even when you’re a few distance away, glass fences make it easier for you to keep an eye on your children and/or pets and monitor their actions. Since you can keep track of their whereabouts, you can immediately rush to them if the need arises, thereby preventing any unfortunate incidents. Additionally, glass fencing is very difficult to climb over, making it much safer. It doesn't have any toe holds the kids or pets can use to step on to. Very tough material to break. Glass is considered to be one of the strongest fencing materials due to the tedious process of which it is made. Apparently, tempered glass gets heated to over 700 degrees then cooled quickly, resulting in it becoming tough enough to withstand cracking even with massive force or impact. You can rely on glass fencing not to break or shatter at the slightest pressure and can even withstand earthquakes. It was found out to still survive the impact of being dropped on concrete. Easy to maintain. A glass fence does not rust so it does not need major maintenance or constant care. In order to keep your glass pool fencing in good condition, you just have to clean the glass with a bit of soap and water in order to maintain the appearance and improve the lifespan of your glass pool fencing. Other Rosebery homeowners cut the care part by half by directly hosing down the glass fence with a certain pressure for the accumulated dirt to be removed. Serves as a great windbreaker. Glass fencing makes for a good windbreaker. It keeps out the cool wind while it lets the rays of the sun through. This may come in as an advantage during colder months, serving as a barrier to the cold, meaning your family can enjoy longer pool time. It can also mean being able to grow plants in the garden that need warmer temperatures but less wind. Some Durack property owners align their plants along their glass fencing for this very reason: it can serve as a good greenhouse. While your children’s safety is the ultimate determining factor in selecting the perfect pool fence, we cannot set aside the elegance that glass fencing contributes to your Northern Territory property as well as the fact that it’s a very durable fencing material that requires no constant care. Additionally, because of its unobtrusive feature, you can see right through it so you know what is happening in the area while you’re having fun since your leisure time won’t get compromised.

The right fence materials depend largely on Australia’s climate and topography. When in doubt, think about the purpose of the fence. Ask yourself the big “why”. Usually there are three purposes a fence should fulfill: it has to provide your property security, it should be practical, and it should exude the owner’s style. Now that you’ve started with a purpose, you can then move on to deciding which fence material best serves that purpose. Listed below are some Northern Territory fencing materials that our Darwin clients swear by. Aluminium fencing Aluminium fencing is a very low-maintenance option. It only requires little to no maintenance - just clean the debris that accumulates over the years (with nothing more but water) and that’s it! It is very convenient as it has immunity to rust, which makes it perfect for moist places or properties with constant exposure to humidity, rain, sea breeze, or snow. Usually, most aluminium fences already come with a protective coat upon installation and this can already last you years! Timber fencing Out of all the fencing materials, even though it requires the most maintenance, timber is considerably less expensive to install. Some of its highlights are that it’s very cost-effective but never goes out of style. In terms of design, you have a never-ending list of choices because of its versatility. It is very crucial to note that timber is prone to premature aging, rot, and termites; thus requiring constant care. This fencing option is also not fit for bushfire zones. Glass fencing Glass fencing is a common sight in pool areas, waterfront views, scenic views, or lavish greenery as it features unhindered beauty of the landscape it’s built in. It is considered as one of the high end options because of its sleek and elegant appearance. Because of its aesthetic feature, this option can be extravagantly-priced. In terms of maintenance, it’s often difficult to clean and preserve its high end appearance and may pose a security hazard for those who have kids or pets as it can hardly be seen so small children often bump into them accidentally. This is popular to suburbs like Coconut Grove, Night Cliff, and Rapid Creek which showcases waterfront views. It can also work with Karama which is close to a forested area. Chain link fencing Chain link fencing has been the go-to fencing material for rural properties such as farms and gardens. These are often low fences that separates one area of the yard from another. This option is incredibly cheap, DIY-friendly, and is easy to install, repair, and replace. On the other hand, it’s only for boundary demarcation and separating animals from edible gardens. For most homeowners, this option does not offer much privacy, security, noise reduction or aesthetic value. Colorbond fencing Taking into consideration the Australian climate, colorbond fencing is a great option for any Northern Territory property. Made with durable materials, it is not just tough but will last long as well, giving you the value of your money. Colorbond fences come with a protective finish that is resistant to chipping, peeling and cracking. Such fences are also non-combustible, termite-resistant, and provide high security. On top of that, colorbond fences come with a wide range of colours to choose from. When installing a fence in Australia, there is a certain fencing material to match your specific fencing need. If you are unsure of which material to use, you have to at least know the basics of each fence material by taking into consideration the fencing materials listed above. Whether you want an aluminium fence, timber fence, glass fence, chain link fence, or colorbond fence, do not forget the purpose it will serve, and that’s the secret to getting that perfect Darwin fence.

If you’re thinking of installing a fence on your Darwin property, the idea of saving money can be tempting, thus you consider doing it on your own. However, a DIY approach in something as crucial as installing a new fence can actually cost you more than hiring a fence contractor. Aside from securing a property, fences also add visual interest and serve as a property divider. Though they have different purposes, they also come in different materials such as aluminium, colorbond, wrought iron, glass, timber, and many more. It can get confusing. This is why it’s more important that they are installed right and that they last for a very long time. Thus, selecting the leading City of Darwin fence contractor should be of top priority. A fence contractor will get you the right fence. If you’re thinking of installing a new fence on your own, chances are you already have a specific type of fence embedded in your mind. With fence contractors, they will consider your ideas while ensuring the best fence to get that will be most suitable to your property, your area, and your budget. Having done several fencing projects all over the Northern Territory region in the past, these fence experts can provide experience-based suggestions that will lead to a visually-pleasing fence that will serve its intended purpose. A fence contractor will help you avoid problems. Another benefit from consulting a fence contractor is that they can prevent expensive and unnecessary fence installation mistakes which are often difficult to fix. A common example of such error is not properly installing your fence along your property line. If this happens and the fence is mistakenly installed on a neighbour’s property, it is likely to be removed. Fence contractors use surveyors to mark property lines, thereby preventing such mistakes from occurring. Your fence contractor can definitely offer you invaluable recommendations regarding placement. A fence contractor will cut unnecessary costs. It’s easy to follow DIY tutorials on how to install a fence, but where do you get the best fence materials and the most affordable ones? Do you have all you need to get the job done? Fence contractors already have suppliers and manufacturers that they work with regularly, so you can be assured to only get budget-friendly and high-quality fence materials. They also have all the specialized tools needed to get the fence installed properly with the shortest amount of time and effort. A fence contractor guarantees quality. Majority of fencing companies in Australia will offer a guarantee for long-lasting results and world-class quality for every fence installation they get done. Having a guarantee is like having insurance. This is very crucial since a client may experience problems during and after a fencing project. With fence contractors, you will have fence experts who will protect the quality of their fencing job. Importantly, if the project doesn’t meet your expectations, these Darwin fence contractors will make the needed changes without any extra charges. A fence contractor will increase your property’s value. A durable and aesthetically-pleasing fence increases security and privacy as well as adds visual appeal to one’s property. Installing the right fence the right way increases the property’s value and makes it more appealing to prospective buyers should you ever decide to sell in the future. Fences installed by inexperienced individuals usually do not last as long and have at least some visible discrepancies. On the other hand, fencing that has been installed by professional fence contractors will last for a long time and will be installed appropriately. Installing a fence on your own without the help of a professional fence expert will bring more problems than peace of mind. Several advantages are they can get you the right fence, prevent difficult problems from arising, save you money and energy, offer a guarantee for the job they do, and increase property value. So as a property owner, wherever you may be within the City of Darwin, consider all these benefits and choose a reputable fencing contractor for your dream fence. Avoid making mistakes by hiring a fence contractor before you even start.