….And the Fence Falls Down

A luxury golf estate was built on the Cape coast and a 12 kilometre fence was erected to ensure the security of residents. The fence was manufactured from powder coated zincalume with the zincalume formed into fence sections prior to powder coating. Within 2 years of erection, the severity of the marine environment and weathering had led to the collapse of the fence. Investigation showed inadequate resistance to UV radiation and weathering by the powder coat as well as weakness in zincalume to withstand the environmental conditions. The stainless steel bolts holding the fence pieces to concrete fence posts caused the zincalume to corrode due to galvanic corrosion. The recommendation was to sweep blast damaged fencing and recoat with surface tolerant coatings and all new fencing would be hot dip galvanised, primed and coated.