Temporary fencing might seem simple to install, but small oversights can cause significant problems for your construction site, event, or work zone. Common mistakes include poor planning and measuring, inadequate site preparation, and ignoring ground conditions. People also underuse clamps, skip bracing, misalign fence panels and gates, and forget to plan access and safety.
Before you begin installing temporary fencing, it’s vital to confirm property boundaries, check with local utility companies for any underground lines, prepare the surface, and map gates and emergency routes. During the installation process, stabilise bases on uneven terrain or sloped ground, use enough clamps and braces, and follow proper installation techniques. After installation, perform regular inspections to ensure safety and compliance.
This guide outlines each of these common mistakes in depth, providing proper techniques to help you achieve a smooth, secure installation that ensures long-term performance and site security.
Why Proper Temporary Fence Installation Matters
Proper fence installation plays a crucial role in maintaining safety and efficiency. A well-installed temporary fence protects people, assets, and public areas by defining clear boundaries and reducing risks. On a construction site, temporary fencing separates the public from hazards, prevents unauthorised access, and assists with crowd control and crowd flow during large-scale events.
In event environments, quality event fencing hire helps manage queues, protect stages, and keep high-traffic areas safe. When temporary fence panels are aligned correctly, and the system is properly secured, you avoid project delays, legal issues, and unnecessary frequent repairs.
Correct installation supports regulatory compliance with Australian Standards such as AS 4687 and ensures your fencing remains stable in high winds or adverse weather. With proper planning and attention to detail, your fencing will deliver maximum effectiveness, reduce liability, and improve public safety.
Common Mistakes Before Installation
Skipping the Planning Stage
Most fencing failures begin with poor planning. Common oversights include:
- No measured fence line or fence height planning, resulting in gaps or strained joins.
- Failing to secure proper permits or complete the permit process for works in public areas.
- No access plan for pedestrians, vehicles, deliveries, and emergency services.
- No assessment of wind exposure or building codes for compliance.
Before installing temporary fencing, walk the area and record ground conditions, slope, and accessibility. Mark out your fence posts and fence bases on the layout to maintain proper spacing. Planning ensures a successful installation that aligns with local regulations and reduces rework.
Ignoring Site Conditions
Your installation’s strength depends heavily on ground conditions. Problems often occur when teams:
- Install on soft or uneven ground without the correct anchoring method.
- Overlook drainage, allowing water to pool and undermine bases.
- Forget to check for underground lines before digging or anchoring.
- Ignore environmental exposure like high winds or flooding.
Inspect and record soil type, slope, and exposure before starting. On uneven terrain, use additional bracing, heavier concrete blocks, or temporary fence feet for proper support. Always check local regulations and contact local utility companies before driving stakes or anchors to prevent damage and avoid legal issues.
Poor Site Preparation
Even the best temporary fencing will fail on a poorly prepared surface. Avoid these mistakes:
- Leaving rocks, debris, or vegetation under bases.
- Setting feet on gradients without levelling or packing.
- Beginning installation before clearing and levelling the line.
Thorough site preparation ensures that the fence line remains straight and stable. Clear all obstacles, level the surface, and ensure adequate space for gates and emergency exits. Preparation minimises maintenance requirements, extends durability, and helps ensure a smooth installation with maximum effectiveness.
Mistakes During Fence Installation
Using the Wrong Fence or Incompatible Components
Selecting the wrong materials is one of the most common mistakes in fence installation. For example:
- Using crowd control barriers instead of heavy-duty temporary fencing for construction projects.
- Mixing brands of fence panels, fence posts, and clamps that don’t fit securely.
- Choosing lightweight materials where durability is needed.
Use quality chain link fences, mesh panels, or solid barrier systems depending on your project’s needs. Always use compatible parts from the same manufacturer to maintain structural integrity and ensure safety. Proper material selection provides cost savings through reduced damage and fewer replacements.
Not Using Enough Clamps and Braces
Under-clamping weakens your fence’s performance. Typical issues include:
- Only one clamp at the top of panels, allowing lateral movement.
- No mid-height or base clamps to reinforce joins.
- Lack of additional bracing on corners, long runs, and wind-exposed areas.
The proper installation approach uses multiple clamps per join, especially on long runs and corners. For windy or open areas, install chain link or steel stays with ballast to stabilise the structure. Following proper techniques and using basic tools such as levels, wrenches, and specialised tools ensures a secure installation and compliance with safety measures.
Incorrect Panel and Gate Placement
Alignment issues lead to weakened sections and gaps. Avoid:
- Running off the fence line, causing misalignment.
- Installing gates without enough clearance.
- Blocking vehicle turning circles or emergency exits.
Start from the highest point of the uneven ground or sloped ground, working along your measured line. Use the correct fence posts, adjust for any uneven terrain, and make sure gates open freely. Correct spacing prevents strain on joints and improves site security and public safety.
Failing to Secure the Base Properly
Your fence bases and anchors are critical for stability. Problems occur when teams:
- Forget to weigh down bases with concrete blocks or sandbags in windy zones.
- Set bases unevenly, leading to movement.
- Overlook the need for bracing near crowd control or vehicle zones.
For a properly secured setup, confirm that every base is level, aligned, and anchored according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Alternate base orientation along the fence line to reduce trip hazards and increase balance. A well-anchored fence provides long-term site security with minimal frequent repairs.
Post-Installation Mistakes
Neglecting Inspections and Maintenance
Temporary fencing requires regular maintenance to remain safe and compliant. Avoid:
- Skipping regular inspections, especially after storms or high winds.
- Ignoring damaged fence panels or bent posts.
- Failing to record maintenance actions for compliance verification.
Create a maintenance log and inspect fences weekly or after extreme weather. Tighten clamps, check fence posts for movement, and replace worn parts immediately. Following these maintenance tips helps avoid emergency situations and ensures long-term performance.
Ignoring Safety Signage and Access Control
A fence can be structurally sound but still unsafe without clear signage. Common errors include:
- Missing hazard or warning signs.
- No lighting or directional signs for night operations.
- Poor separation between pedestrian and vehicle routes.
Install visible signs near gates and along the fence line to ensure safety and compliance with local regulations. This also supports emergency access during critical events and helps event organisers, contractors, and event managers maintain control over crowd flow.
How to Ensure a Safe and Secure Temporary Fence Installation
Follow this step-by-step installation process to achieve a successful installation every time:
- Survey and Plan
Walk the route, measure distances, and record ground conditions. Verify the need for proper permits and confirm compliance with local regulations before work begins. - Prepare the Line
Clear and level the route. Use appropriate ballast and stay away from soft or uneven ground to maintain proper support. - Build from a Reference
Start from a stable corner or elevated point. Keep each panel straight, level, and evenly spaced for proper installation. - Stabilise for Conditions
Apply bracing, stays, or chain link fences in open or windy locations. Anchor bases securely to prevent shifting during high winds. - Set Gates for Real Use
Install gates with correct clearance, smooth operation, and space for vehicles or pedestrians. Make sure the setup is installed properly and compliant with building codes. - Inspect and Maintain
Carry out regular inspections, checking for wear and tear. Address any faults immediately to maintain compliance and ensure safety. - Align to Australian Standards
Use certified systems meeting AS 4687.2 and AS 1170.2. Proper alignment and maintenance ensure long-term performance and reduce liability.
Why Fortawall Is the Safe and Easy Option
Fortawall takes the hassle out of installing secure temporary fencing. Designed and manufactured in Australia, it removes the issues that cause common mistakes, no trip hazards, no unstable bases, and no panels blowing over in the wind. Each section locks securely into a solid 300 kg base that withstands high winds up to 165 km/h, maintaining unmatched structural integrity.
With a compact 450 mm footprint, Fortawall saves valuable site space and streamlines the installation process. Fewer components mean installation and removal are up to 70 percent quicker, reducing labour costs and downtime. Built for Australia’s climate and compliant with national standards, Fortawall delivers maximum effectiveness, safety purposes, and reliable site security across every construction site or event.
Contact Fortawall Today
Experience a safer, smarter, and stronger way to manage temporary fencing. Fortawall’s innovative system eliminates trip hazards, stands firm under high winds, and simplifies the entire setup. Whether for a construction site, civil works, or event fencing hire, our Australian-made solution ensures proper installation, regulatory compliance, and cost savings through faster assembly and fewer repairs.
Get in touch with Fortawall today to discover how our heavy-duty system can make your next temporary fence installation safer, easier, and more efficient from start to finish.