How to add lattice extension to cement sheet fence?

[muddy]

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

[Louise7]

Hi MitchellMc,

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. 

 

[MitchellMc]

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.

Mitchell

[Louise7]

Thanks MitchellMc. Yes, that looks good. Thank you for the tips. 

[Louise7]

 

 

 

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.

[Jason]

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

[MitchellMc]

Excellent work, @Louise7! You've done a splendid job.

Mitchell

[bradkiera]

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!

[JacobZ]

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

[bradkiera]

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. 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @bradkiera,

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.

Jacob