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Fence repair and removal
A number of environmental factors, animals and human activities can damage fences. These factors include:
- fire
- floods
- termites
- wood rot
- corrosion
- falling limbs and trees
- livestock and other animals
- machinery and implements.
Posts that have been weakened at the base by rot or fire can be supported with a steel post. The steel post is driven in beside the old existing post and wired to it. Alternatively, the failed posts can be pulled out of the line and replaced with new ones.
Another effective means of extending the life of a fence is to install one or more offset electric wires. These will prevent livestock from putting pressure on the fence.
A strainer post may have tipped over due to the failure of its stay. If it is still sound, the strainer can be re-stayed and the wires restrained.
Termite damage is more difficult to repair. Once termites start attacking a post they will gradually destroy it. Where termite attack is severe the posts should be replaced with treated timber, steel or concrete posts.
The most common fencing repair is rejoining broken wires. Fallen limbs and trees, the pressure of animals, fire and machinery driven too close to fences all contribute to wire breaks.
Steel posts and wire are susceptible to corrosion, especially in coastal districts and in highly acid, alkaline or saline soils. Wire is galvanised to provide protection and steel posts are either galvanised or dipped in a tar compound.
Floods can cause severe damage to fences. After a major flood, kilometres of fence lines may need to be repaired or replaced. The most common flood damage is to creek blocks and flood gates. There are many different designs of these that minimise damage from the pressure of debris and water.
If the damage to a fence is too severe or extensive, it may need to be replaced. As the old fence is being dismantled, any materials that can be reused or recycled should be salvaged. Sections of sound wire are ideal for fence repairs. They should be wound up and stored for future use.
Old posts can be used to stack farm materials off the ground so that they are more protected from condensation, corrosion, rot and termite attack. Alternatively old hardwood posts make an excellent source of firewood. Treated posts should not be burnt as the fumes and ashes are poisonous.
Any wire that is not to be reused should be disposed of correctly. Wire off-cuts and staples should be picked up as they pose a hazard to people, livestock and machinery. Similarly, bulldozing an old fence into a gully creates both an OHS and an environmental hazard.
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