Great Outdoors | Fences & Decks
Putting your defences up Good security practices aren’t dependent on the kindness of strangers. Although there are no guarantees in life, if you have something to protect you want to take all the reasonable measures possible to ensure the overall security of your people, property and organisation.
Kwila: NFL Construction’s installation of a hardwood deck made of kwila wood.
No decking around Decks are most appreciated for the indoor-outdoor flow they provide property owners. However, because it’s an outside feature, decks are often viewed as indestructible and aren’t properly maintained as a result. There’s nothing quite like the look of a newly installed and stained timber deck. When the light hits the timber just right it seems to glow. Nevertheless, because decks are outside features in residential and commercial builds, many property owners are under the impression that the initial glow of a timber deck is meant to dim with time and use. NFL Construction owner and director Martin Urban would beg to differ. Although NFL Construction offers a wide range of services, the company frequently installs decks of various types and materials including timber. Martin says that many people aren't aware of the need to clean and maintain decks on a regular basis. What diminishes the glow of a new timber deck is that over time dust accumulates, creating a hospitable environment for moisture and algae come winter. Not only is regular upkeep important for the overall aesthetic of the deck but it’s safety as well. Algae and unwanted moisture create slippery surfaces which are dangerous for everyone but especially in commercial builds like retirement villages. The easiest and most effective solution? Consistent cleaning. 70 | B&C - Issue #128
Martin says, “It keeps looking nice, but it also actually gives the timber an awful lot more life because the thing that rots timber is a dust and dirt accumulating on a deck then getting wet. “That causes the rot to begin on the surface of the deck, particularly hardwood decks, which are untreated decks. They then can fail within 20 years.” At first glance, anything over 10 years seems like a long time, but Martin argues that a well-maintained hardwood deck can actually last 30 or 40 years. Really, regular cleaning is manageable even for the busiest of people or organisations. A good scrub down with the correct cleaning compounds once a year can make a lasting difference in the lifespan of a deck.
Not only is there the basic need to secure premises, but there’s also the need to keep up with the latest innovations and technologies. Hampden managing director Kristian Baldwin says that more secure designs and products are in high demand compared to traditional chain link mesh and panel fences.
Factors to take into account include the frequency of people leaving and entering the facility and the types of people leaving and entering the facility. For example, the security needs of a primary school drastically contrast that of a defence force compound. Although fencing is a major component in effective perimeter security, other aspects should be considered as well. Rather than leaving holes in your overall security solution, it’s best to bring in the
- Hampden managing director Kristian.
In his line of work, Kristian finds the sectors looking to improve perimeter security aside from commercial they include government agencies, schools, and even places of worship. “In short, anyone with something to protect should have a plan and a key element of that plan should be protecting its perimeter,” says Kristian. “We find that the scale and type of materials used can differ significantly
Alongside routine cleaning, building preventative measures into the decks can also increase the safety and longevity of surrounding structures. For example, NFL Construction often installs Outdure decking systems. Even for hardwood applications, Outdure decking systems uses lightweight structural aluminium beams which are coated with marine-grade finishes. As a result of the system’s design, the deck is stable without compromising on the waterproofing of attached buildings or nearby structures.
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“That said, a common theme is that the finished product must do the job it intends to do and should look good. To get it right, these two elements need to be built in from the beginning.”
In short, anyone with something to protect should have a plan and a key element of that plan should be protecting its perimeter.
Making the time for this annual task avoids the need for a water blaster which can unnecessarily expose the timber fibres.
Despite the rugged look of timber, the maintenance and design of a timber deck is crucial to combatting the harsh elements it’s exposed to and determining its lifespan
between the various sectors with function being the main driver.
Certified crash-rated bollards provided by Hampden.
experts to get that look you desire while meeting your needs. High security and perimeter protection specialists can guide you to the solutions you need like fencing, vehicle and pedestrian access, and bollards and barriers. Navigating these options alone can put your organisation at risk – is it a risk you’re willing to take?
