My fence extension is on top of a cement sheet fence it has a metal cap on it do I remove the cap or not ? What do you recommend . I already have a creeper to grow into it . I'm thinking hardwood lattice but not sure how to fix it
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @muddy. It's great to have you join us and many thanks for your questions.
Before you do any work to that fence, I need to point out that there is a very high likelihood that it is asbestos sheeting and should not be disturbed. Please see this guide for dealing with asbestos and the precautions to take around it.
If the fence extension is already in place, I would suggest fixing the lattice directly to its face with Zenith 10G x 40mm Gold Passivated Countersunk Head Metal Screws. Alternatively, if you could take some closer images of the extension channels, we might be able to offer some other solutions.
Please let me know if you need further help or had questions.
Mitchell
Hi MitchellMc,
Like @muddy I also want to extend my Hardiflex fence, with plastic lattice. I’ve had them lab tested for asbestos and can confirm they do not contain any. Can you tell me the best (strongest) way to attach an extension? I’d like to screw the lattice directly on to the face of the existing fence, but judging from what I can see of the neighbour’s fixings, I think this would require access to both sides of the fence.
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Louise7. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about extending a fence.
Could you let our helpful members know what type of plastic lattice you intend to fix to the fence? That way, they'll have a better idea of solutions they can suggest. If it's something like the Matrix fence extensions, they are to be used in combination with a frame and legs. The extension legs are what you'll be screwing into the fence. That shouldn't be an issue; you'll need to position your fixings in the profile below the fence's fixings. Do you happen to know what the fence frame is made from?
I think the biggest hurdle you'll need to overcome is the capping on the top. The capping will prevent you from fixing the legs into the troughs of the profile. You could drill corresponding holes through the top of the capping to slide the extension's legs down before fixing them.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks MitchellMc, that’s a good suggestion. And yes, it is the matrix lattice I’m looking to use. Much appreciated. 😊
Keep us updated @Louise7, and please reach out if you need further assistance.
Does Bunnings supply the second type of Matrix fence extension kit? The Design Flow website says it can be got in as a Special Order, but I can’t see it listed. It’s the
“2410x600mm Matrix Privacy Diamond or Reeded Diamond Lattice with a galvanised and powder coated C-channel steel frame all around with mounting legs for fixing to a fence or wall.” I’m interested in. Thanks.
Your best bet would be to chat with a helpful Special Orders team member at your local store @Louise7. We can order any product from our suppliers. As you can imagine, there are hundreds of thousands of off-range projects from our many suppliers. Having them all on our webpage is not feasible, but if the supplier indicates it's available, we can order it for you.
Please let me know if you have any difficulties placing your order for the item.
For drilling holes in the capping, the fence post is going to be bigger than my drill hole. Do I drill multiple holes around the outside and punch it through, or is there a better way? I’m looking at using a 50x50 galvanised post which would attach to the timber frame on the neighbour’s side.
Hi @Louise7,
Do you intend to use a 50mm post with the method I described above? My advice was for placing the Matrix screen legs through the capping as they are quite thin. If you were to cut holes for the 50mm post in the capping, is there enough room for the post to fit within the fence profile? I can't see how that would work, but I might be misinterpreting what you're thinking of doing.
If you need to have larger holes than what you can drill, I'd suggest you start the cutout with a single drill hole and then cut out the section with aviation snips. You can do what you've suggested, but you'll end up with some pretty rough holes.
If you can provide a few more details on your plan I'd be happy to assist further.
Thanks for those points. I’d be happy to use the Matrix extension legs but they need a special order and the wait time is at least 2 weeks, and I was hoping to get this done before the neighbours put their house on the market and I need to get the new owners agreement. I’ve assembled the lattice panels using what’s available in store, I just need to source suitable legs.
Perhaps you could use something like these 20 x 20mm Square Section @Louise7. You'll get two legs per section if you cut them in half. Using them would be much easier than the 50 x 50mm post.
Thanks MitchellMc. Yes, that looks good. Thank you for the tips.
Update: Job done, just in time for the first home open next door. My brother helped me put them up as drilling through steel and jarrah was too hard yakka for me. Learnings for next time were- put the poles up first, get a bigger step drill bit for the holes, and get the right screws (75mm timber hex screw with seal). Galvanised legs worked well and looked the part once spray painted. Thanks MitchellMc.
Great job @Louise7, many thanks for sharing. We love it when we see community members receive help from the Workshop community to complete their projects.
Please don't hesitate to post anytime you need a hand. We're here to help.
Jason
Excellent work, @Louise7! You've done a splendid job.
Hi! What screws did you use to screw directly into the fibre cement Hardie fence? We are seeing lots of conflicting advice online about certain drill bits and screw types. Thank you!
Hi @bradkiera,
I'll start by mentioning that this style of fencing was commonly made with asbestos containing materials, so before screwing in to anything, it is important that you have it tested to ensure you are not exposing yourself or your loved ones to harmful airborne particles. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
Are you looking to install a fence extension as well?
Typically, you wouldn't screw into the panels, rather into the posts. This will ensure the fence extension is well supported by something that will transfer the loads applied to the fence extension into its concrete foundation.
If you can provide some details about what you are trying to achieve and possibly some photos, I'd be happy to point you towards a suitable screw for the job.
Jacob
Thank you, we have confirmed they aren't asbestos.
We are wanting to do the same matrix fence extensions as the post above to the hardie fence. We were going to use the matrix legs as well and screw these into the hardie fence as Louise has done.
As most screws designed for use with fibre cement sheeting are designed for fixing the fibre cement to a frame rather than fixing something to the fibre cement, it is not an ideal scenario for a screw.
If there was a frame behind the sheeting that is not visible in your photo, depending on what the frame is made of, I would use either a timber or metal hex head screw in a suitable length to pass through the extension leg, through the fibre cement and embed itself into the frame sufficiently.
If there is no frame available, instead of a screw, I would use 40mm bolts with a nut and washer to spread the load. Make sure you don't over-tighten the nut, and you use a washer, or you risk cracking the fibre cement sheeting.
To drill through fibre cement, you should use a masonry bit and to drill through the metal of the extension legs, use a cobalt drill bit.
Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
