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Questions

We have collected here some answers to commonly asked questions about fences. We've also included some questions that aren't commonly asked, but should be!

What is Caststone?

Cast stone is defined as “a refined architectural concrete building unit manufactured to simulate natural cut stone, used in unit masonry applications”. Cast stone is an excellent replacement for natural cut limestone, brownstone, sandstone, bluestone, granite, slate, coral rock, travertine and other natural building stones. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cast_stone

What is powdercoating?

Powdercoating is a process where metal products are covered with a free-flowing, dry powder which is baked on at very high temperature.

A powder coated finish is recognised as one of the most durable surfaces available and depending on its installed location and regular maintenance, you can be assured of a great looking finish that will last for many years.

Note: Powder manufacturers do not offer warranty on coatings on steel or hot-dip galv within 5kms of a coastal location.

Powder Coating Tubular Steel.

Pre-treatment is required before poweder coating. A solution of hot water and iron phosphate with special detergents is used to remove dirt and oils. This leaves the galvabond tube with a protective iron phosphate coating.

Panels are then placed on an overhead line ready for powder coating. The powder is applied by an electrostatic hand gun.

All panels and fittings are batched by colour and loaded into the gas oven for firing. A thermostat reaction occurs at 200 degrees centigrade, melting the powder. As the oven cools the molten powder hardens to form the cured layer of colour coating.

Powder Coating Aluminium

Before aluminium can be powder coated it must go through a five-stage pre-treatment process. This involves panels being submerged in various chemical solutions for a specified time as set out in AS3715.

Acid Etching-using hydrochloric/sulfuric acid
Water rinse
Chromate wash
Chromate rinse
Demineralised rinse

What is a plinth wall?

We refer to the low wall between pillars as a plinth wall. A plinth can also be the cement between and under anything e.g a brush fence. A plinth is sometimes referred to as a riser.

Can I have an intercom?

Intercoms can be part of any fencing system.

Provision for an intercom should be made in the fence pillar. It is important to plan for this at the beginning - adding intercoms and automation at the end of project is difficult.

We put a conduit through the pillar for the cables to be connected later. Intercoms are connected back to the house - allowing you to communicate with visitors from a screen and then to open a gate allowing access.

Low voltage power is needed at the front of the property, in much the same way as for automation. There is a wireless intercom system available - but you need to have 240 volts at the gate to charge the batttery. The battery is like a mobile phone battery and needs to be charged frequently.

Can I have automated gates?

Short Answer: Yes, but plan for it from the beginning.

Swinging and sliding gates can both be automated.

Most automated gates are powered by 24 Volt motors. A low voltage line is run back to the house to source the power and a transformer is located in a weather proof enclosure close to a power point.

Swinging gates with two leaves need power to each side of the entry to drive each unit.

Sliding gates need need power to one side only, the side the gate slides into.

When gates are automated insurance companies will consider them locked.

The remotes for the automatic gates can mostly be integrated with the existing remotes of roller or panel-lift garage doors.

Can you ship my fence interstate?

Packaging and Freight

CastStone has been packing and sending product all over Australia and overseas with great success for years.

All orders are different and require planning before the pallets are packed.

Packing

We develop a Load Sheet for each job that details each and every component required for the job.
The Load Sheet is checked off as the product is loaded to ensure all items are present and correct and that all items are in top condition when packed.
Caststone itemise and number each pallet to correspond with the Load Sheet.
The Load Sheet is checked by a second person to ensure all has been loaded and a copy is sent with the load, usually with the first pallet.

We use standard timber pallets (1160 x 1160mm). Occasionally we may use other sizes, especially when sending a small letterbox on its own.

Protection

The product is protected with carpet in between each item to cushion and stop any abrasion.
We are careful to use carpet that will not stain your new fence.
We use underlay as a final cover and wrap the pallet with plastic so that your fence arrives in top condition.
We put two delivery address labels on every pallet.

We can arrange freight or you can use your own carrier.

Local pickups can be arranged. We take the same care and time loading your trailer or truck as if we were packing to go to the other side of the country.

Can I collect my fence in a car or trailer?

Short answer: A trailer or a truck, but not a car.

Our fences can be taken away by trailer or truck. We know how much each piece weighs so can give good advice on loads. We can determine if your fence will fit into your particular truck or trailer.

CastStone staff can pack the vehicle so the first items you need on your job are the first to be unloaded.

We will provide you with all the necessary packing materials required to help ensure your load arrives in great order. Ropes and tie downs are your responsibility.

All loads leaving our yard must be secured in accordance with state law so they do not become a problem for the occupants of the vehicle or other road users. We, like you, do not want to be prosecuted for not having a properly secured load.

Can I collect my letterbox in a car or trailer?

Short Answer: Yes.

Many letterboxes can be taken away in a standard family car or trailer. Ask our staff to ensure your car is suitable for the letterbox selected.

Please don't come with a full boot load.

Can I paint my CastStone wall?

Painting and sealing

CastStone pillars, letterboxes, columns and all other products come in a natural sandstone colour.

Our products are made of reconstituted sandstone, so they are porous.

Dirt, pollution and rain will be absorbed, discolouring the stone product. Some people like this, as it ages the pieces making them appear older than they are and belonging in an established garden.

Sealing

If you want to keep a clean sandstone look clear sealer needs to be applied.

There is a clear sealer available called CastStone 290S. It can be sprayed or brushed onto the surface. This sealer stops mold and algae growth, efflorescence (white powdery substance). It is also a matt finish leaving the stone looking and feeling like stone.

Painting

Painting any CastStone product is easy; as easy a 3 coats of good quality acrylic paint.

Can I build the fence myself?

All CastStone products - fence pillars, columns, letterboxes and balustrading - can be installed by a home handy man or woman.

There is a great feeling of self-satisfaction when you complete a DIY project

Basic tools are needed:

spirit level
string line
saw
You will need a blade with a masonry disc - with either a circular saw or grinder. A diamond saw is not required.

We can advise on each step and give written and DVD instructions

Please contact us to discuss

installation guides available on all products
equipment hire