MODERNISE FENCING WITH A DURAPOST® COMPOSITE PANEL
Here John Abernethie, Managing Director of Birkdale identifies the many advantages of composite fence panels and takes a closer look at the company’s growing range.
High quality composite panels have a number of characteristics that make them the superior choice over traditional timber fence panels. In terms of design, they can be sourced in a variety of different colours to match any garden aesthetic and can also mimic the appearance of timber if desired.
Made from a blend of plastics and natural materials, they are light weight, meaning they can be installed quickly and easily; yet in terms of performance, they are incredibly hardwearing and strong. Unlike timber, they are not liable to rot, meaning they require little to no maintenance and will retain their strength and weather resistance for a long period of time.
Having championed the benefits and to meet growing demand, Birkdale has launched three composite fence panels, available in a range of colour options, as part of its DuraPost® range: Vento, Urban Slatted, and Prima. In terms of performance, they are highly resistant to strong winds; in fact, all three have been wind tested to 110mph. They are also incredibly durable, meaning they require very little maintenance. What’s more, Birkdale’s panel solutions are superior to timber when exposed to harsh weather conditions, UV rays and other environmental factors like insects and mould. All three systems also pair seamlessly with the classic and commercial DuraPost® fence post meaning a complete, high quality fencing system can be sourced from the range.
Let’s look at the composite panel options in more detail:
VENTO
‘Vento’ is Latin for wind, and enables the creation of a classic, ‘hit-and-miss style fence system with a beautifully symmetrical finish to both sides. As such it is ideal for installation in breezy locations due to the small gaps between the panels that allows the wind to pass through without detriment to privacy. Made from waste rice husks and recycled HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic, they are not only sustainable but also incredibly strong and hardwearing.
Furthermore, Vento panels have a great deal of design flexibility and can be used to create fences of 3, 4, 5, and 6ft in Anthracite Grey, Sepia Brown and Natural. The system has also been developed with full through colour so that in the event of minor scratches or damage, the overall aesthetic is still maintained.
Finally, installation requires just six screws per fence panel to fix the horizontal rails that enclose and hold the top and base of the panel lengths.
URBAN SLATTED
The Urban Slatted composite panel has been created with a focus on style and aesthetics, mimicking the beauty and character of timber and offering a high-performing modern, composite system. It is made from the same rice husk and HDPE combination as Vento, ensuring it can boast the same strength and resistance capabilities.
The system consists of six boards and two horizontal u-shaped rails at the top and base of the panel. Again, requiring just six screws per panel to install.
As with Vento, the Urban Slatted panel is available in three colours: Grey, Brown and Natural. What’s more, the panels can be fitted both vertically and horizontally, offering added design versatility.
PRIMA
The final composite panel solution in the DuraPost® range is the Prima stacked gravel board option. With a tongue and groove style profile, Prima boards can be stacked tightly and neatly to create a hardwearing garden fence. It is recommended that reinforcing rods are used in the top, middle and bottom boards to further enhance the strength.
Extruded from Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVCu) that was not plasticised during the production process, Prima boards are rigid and incredibly strong. They are available in lengths of 1.83m, 2.4m and 3.0m and in three colour options: Anthracite Grey, Olive Grey, and Sepia Brown.
Overall, Vento, Urban Slatted, and Prima offer all the characteristics of high-quality composite panel solutions: a range of design possibilities, easy installation, weather resistance and durability.
The addition of these three panels to the Birkdale portfolio means that an entire fencing system can now be sourced from the DuraPost® range – a collection developed with installation simplicity, and the fencer, in mind.
For more information please visit: www.birkdalesales.com/durapost
