How to cover gap at bottom of fence?

[Merry]

Hello,

I have noticed a gap at the bottom of my fence. Could you please advise whether this gap is intentionally left for drainage purposes, or if it might be a sign that the fence was not installed properly?

If I would like to close or cover this gap, what products or methods would you recommend?

Thank you for your assistance.

Kind regards,

Merry

[EricL]

Hello @Merry 

Welcome to the Bunnings workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your bottom fence.

It appears that this was done intentionally for air circulation. However, I don't see any harm in covering it. If you were to cover it, I propose using Tunnelcore 1200 x 900 x 5mm Black Double Wall PP Flute Board and fixing it on the bars using Crescent 100 x 2.5mm Natural Cable Ties - 25 Pack. But if you are looking for something more heavy duty, there is always the option of installing sleepers in front of the grill and using Jack 400mm HD Galvanised Steel Sleeper Peg - 5 Pack to keep it in place.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @Merry 

It definitely appears to be a deliberate build, but not for drainage purposes or as a shortcut as it looks well built. But the equipment on the neighbours side which is hard up against the fence would indicate the reason for grill insets. I can see pipes going into a concrete base and an electrical cord possibly to a pump maybe all for pool/spa equipment. So, I suspect is for some form of crossflow ventilation, which if thats the equipment wouldn't be required.

I would have no issue covering the grills up, but would want to speak to the neighbour to confirm what is on the other side and why the grills were placed there. I will be keen to know too!

As far as material goes, you will need something substantially strong and durable as you will be running your line trimmer and mower along its edge. So, I would be inclined to get a length of matching colourbond flashing made up that can be fastened using self-drilling hex head screws, which will match whats already used in the fence. Screw the flashing to the legs and bottom fence rail. @EricL can confirm of Bunnings can arrange custom flashing, otherwise your local plumbing supplier or there are companies that specialise in this.

Nailbag

[MitchellMc · Accepted solution]

Hi @Merry,

I've just been doing a bit of sleuthing as I hadn't seen these before. I've found one reference to them online. I note the line "They are designed mainly as a council requirement and for use in flood zones". So before you go restricting them, it might be worth checking in with your local council to see if they were a requirement for some reason, and consider whether you might experience flooded conditions around your house, and these grates allow the water to escape away from your home.

As @Nailbag has observed, there's a pump on the other side of the fence and what I presume is a rainwater storage tank. I wonder whether the grates are a requirement when installing a rainwater tank against a fence in your council. I suppose the grate would let the water run away if the tank were to fail.

Mitchell

[Nailbag]

Thats a great bit of researching @MitchellMc and might make sense if they are water tanks. Though the right side of the photo shows the fence has 3 solid panels. Will be interesting to know ow the reasoning.

Nailbag

[Dave-1]

Good morning @Merry 

I am thinking that that type of paneling is for free flowing of water when/if needed. Something that would save the fence and allow water to pass. As @MitchellMc's research shows it would be an idea to see what your local council has rule wise for your block in particular. 

With the water tank and pump, maybe your neighbour has wanted to block the grill as well and has installed it to cover the area? I wouldnt be blocking it until you know its not meant to mitigate water in some kind of way. It could more problems down the track.

Dave

[Merry]

Hi, Mitchell and all @Dave-1 @MitchellMc @EricL @Nailbag 

Thanks for the insights — I’ll check with the council before touching it. You could be right about the neighbour blocking the grill, so I’ll take a closer look. Definitely don’t want to cause any drainage issues later!

Best regards,

Merry