Palisade fencing, also known as pale fencing, refers to tall, vertical fence panels made from wood, steel, or aluminum. The palisade panels consist of parallel uprights that are pointed at the top. The sharp points and close-set vertical design make palisade fences both visually imposing as well as highly secure. Palisade fencing is a popular choice for securing commercial, industrial, and residential properties due to its durability, strength, and aesthetically pleasing appearance. It creates an effective physical and visual perimeter boundary that deters potential intruders.
For quality installation and maintenance of palisade fencing, property owners in Farnborough often turn to Finetune Fencing Farnborough experts. These professionals specialize in providing durable and secure fencing solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of properties in the area, ensuring both safety and aesthetic appeal.
Common materials used in palisade fencing
Wood: Most traditional form constructed from wooden posts and wooden palisade panels. Treated softwood like pine is common. Hardwoods like oak also used.
Steel: Galvanized or stainless steel provides greatest durability. PVC-coated steel also available for enhanced corrosion resistance.
Aluminum: Lightweight, highly corrosion-resistant, requires least maintenance of the three. Powder coated finishes improve durability and appearance.
Applications and popularity in the UK
Palisade fencing sees widespread usage across the UK due to its security and customizability, including:
- Securing commercial buildings like warehouses, factories, distribution centers etc.
- Schools, hospitals and other public sector facilities.
- Construction sites, storage yards and other temporary applications
- High-end residential estates, homes and gardens
The tailored sizing and flexible installation makes palisade suitable for all kinds of properties and land types across Britain. It blends security with style.
Factors Affecting Palisade Fencing Lifespan
Environmental factors
External environmental conditions have a major influence on the rate of wear and degradation over time:
Weather conditions (rain, snow, sunlight)
Moisture and ultraviolet exposure accelerates natural weathering effects. Coastal, industrial or heavily polluted areas see faster deterioration.
Exposure to salt (coastal areas)
The salt content in sea air corrodes and rusts metal components more quickly. Special treatments required to prevent premature decay near oceans.
Material quality and maintenance
Build quality of materials coupled with upkeep impact durability:
Protective finishes like galvanizing, powder coating and wood treatments improve resistance to environmental damage. Quality and reapplication frequency impacts effectiveness.
Regular inspection and repairs
Early identification and fixing of minor wear and tear reduces major repairs down the line. Proactive maintenance is key for longevity.
Average Lifespan of Palisade Fencing
General lifespan expectations
When installed and maintained correctly, typical lifespans are:
- Wooden palisade fencing: 8 to 15 years
- Steel palisade fencing: 15 to 20 years
- Aluminum palisade fencing: 20+ years
Variations based on materials and coatings
- Uncoated steel panels may last only 5 years before rusting
- Marine-grade aluminum coated with polyester powder coating can exceed 25+ years in coastal conditions
- Dip treated woods like tanalith pine lasts over 20 years
Real-world examples and case studies
- School in Manchester replaced original tanalith pine palisade fences after 22 years due to extreme rot. Expected lifespan was 15 years.
- Luxury apartment complex in London installed galvanized and powder coated steel palisade panels 7 years ago. So far no visible deterioration beyond minor scratches.
- Distribution warehouse in Cardiff showing corrosion on lower panels of mild steel palisade fence after 4 years. Zinc rich paint being applied to maintain integrity.
Extending the Lifespan: Maintenance Tips
Cleaning and removing debris
Clear pile up of dirt and leaves around fence line preventing moisture buildup
Wash down regularly using low pressure water; check for unseen growth of moss or algae
Rust prevention and treatment
Spot treat any scratches with zinc-rich primers to avoid corrosion spread
For wood, apply water repellent preservative every 2 years
Repainting or recoating
Metals: Sand down damaged coatings to bare surface and reapply protective layer
Wood: Replace weathered stain or varnish with new wood treatment formula
Addressing minor damages promptly
Dents/holes in metal palisade panels can be filled with epoxy putty then repainted
Splitting wooden posts or pickets should be replaced to maintain structural integrity
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does palisade fencing typically last?
Palisade fencing installed using quality materials and proper construction techniques will typically last between 15 to 25 years depending on the material. Softwood wooden versions average 10 to 15 years, steel types 15 to 20 years, while aluminum can exceed 20+ years. Proper maintenance and upkeep is essential to maximize lifespan.
Can the lifespan vary based on the material used?
Yes, there can be major differences in lifespan depending on material. Unprotected steel panels may corrode within 5 years. On the other hand, marine-grade aluminum with protective polyester powder coating can last over 25 years even in coastal salt air conditions. Exotic hardwoods also resist rot longer than typical softwoods. The quality of material and protective treatments/coatings make a big impact.
What maintenance practices can help extend the lifespan?
- Regular inspections and cleaning
- Spot repairs to fix minor damages early
- Resealing exposed surfaces and reapplying protective coatings every 2 to 5 years depending on environment
- Tightening/replacing loose fixings to maintain structural integrity
- Replacing severely damaged palisade pickets, fence posts etc.
- Keeping vegetation cleared from around fence line
Consistent preventative maintenance makes a big difference in getting the maximum lifespan possible.
How does environmental exposure impact palisade fencing?
Exposure to moisture, coastal salt spray, industrial pollution and ultraviolet radiation degrades materials quicker through weathering and corrosion. The amount of rainfall as well as high winds in the location affects wear. Marine environments with direct sea spray lead to premature rust. These factors can severely reduce lifespan if the materials or coatings are not suitable to handle the conditions.
Are there specific coatings that enhance the lifespan of palisade fencing?
Yes, protective coatings like powder coating, galvanizing, tanalising etc. help minimize environmental damage to the base material.
- For woods, tanalith solutions or copper azole treatments enhance weather-resistance.
- Hot dip galvanizing creates a thick zinc coating on steel for corrosion protection.
- Polyester powder coating aluminum provides an attractive colored finish and resists chipping, scrapes and fading.
Applying these coating properly with adequate film thickness improves durability.
Can damaged palisade fencing be repaired, or does it need replacement?
In many instances, it is possible to repair sections of damaged fencing through patching holes, replacing pickets, sanding and recoating degraded surfaces, replacing rotten posts etc.
However, if more than 15% of the overall fence surface/structure is severely damaged, it becomes more practical to replace entire sections with new panels for improved structural integrity and appearance.
Are there warranties for palisade fencing, and do they affect lifespan considerations?
Many manufacturers provide warranties between 10 to 25 years against manufacturing defects, rust penetration etc. But improper installation or maintenance can void warranties over time. Check fine print exclusions like “natural weathering”, “surface deterioration” that limit practical coverage. Since most issues develop due to environmental exposure after some years of use, the warranties provide limited reassurance about lifespan. Planned regular upkeep is necessary regardless.
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