Temporary fencing is built to be moved, reused, and adapted across multiple projects, but that doesn’t mean it looks after itself. To maximise the lifespan of your temporary fencing, you need a consistent care routine: regularly clean panels with mild soap and water, inspect for damage, and tighten clamps to ensure stability. Prevent rust by storing panels in a dry area when not in use, and avoid overloading them with heavy signage that can compromise structural integrity. In high-wind areas, use bracing or additional base weights to prevent collapse.
These fundamentals apply to all standard temporary fencing systems. However, not all fencing is created equal, and the amount of ongoing maintenance your fence demands depends heavily on the system you choose. In this guide, we cover the essential care practices for temporary fencing, the inspection schedules you should follow, and how choosing an engineered system like Fortawall can dramatically reduce the maintenance burden on your site team.
Routine Cleaning and Rust Prevention
Dirt, dust, and debris accumulate on temporary fencing panels over the course of any project. Left unchecked, this build-up traps moisture against the metal surface, particularly at joints, clamp points, and the base of the panel, accelerating rust and corrosion.
For standard galvanised steel temporary fencing, a basic cleaning routine should include hosing down panels from top to bottom to remove loose debris, scrubbing stubborn grime with a soft brush and mild soap or detergent, rinsing thoroughly and allowing the panels to dry (paying particular attention to the lower sections where water pools), and inspecting for any rust spots or damage to the galvanised coating after cleaning. Aim to clean panels every two to three weeks on active sites, or immediately after exposure to chemical sprays, sandblasting overspray, or salt-laden coastal air.
Fortawall’s panels are manufactured from high-strength, UV-stable HDPE (high-density polyethylene) rather than galvanised steel. This means they are inherently corrosion-proof and UV-resistant. They won’t rust, and they won’t degrade under prolonged sun exposure. While a periodic hose-down is still good practice for site presentation, the material itself doesn’t require the rust-prevention maintenance that standard steel fencing demands.
Inspection Schedules: Daily, Weekly and After Weather Events
Regular inspections are a cornerstone of both good practice and regulatory compliance. Under Australian Standards, site managers are expected to maintain their temporary fencing in a safe, stable, and functional condition throughout the life of the project.
A recommended inspection schedule includes:
- Daily visual checks – A quick walk-through at the start and end of each shift. Look for leaning panels, visible damage, shifted bases, and any signs of tampering or attempted breach.
- Weekly stability assessments – A more thorough check of all clamp connections, panel alignment, and base positioning. Test panels for wobble and ensure gates open and close freely.
- Monthly comprehensive evaluations – A full assessment of every component: panel condition, mesh integrity, clamp tightness, base stability, and the condition of any attached shade cloth, signage, or hoarding.
- Post-weather inspections – After any significant wind event, storm, or heavy rainfall, inspect the entire fence line immediately. Weather is the single biggest cause of temporary fencing failure.
Document every inspection. Keeping a written log protects you in the event of an incident and demonstrates compliance with WHS obligations. Several Australian states, particularly Western Australia and Queensland, require documented maintenance records as part of broader Construction Management Plans. See our state-by-state council approval guide for specific requirements.
Fortawall’s enclosed base design eliminates many of the most common inspection failure points. There are no loose plastic feet to shift, no separate bracing components to come undone, and no clamp connections between panels to work loose over time. The system is self-stabilising, which means inspections are faster and the list of things that can go wrong is significantly shorter.
Tightening Clamps and Securing Connections
On standard temporary fencing, clamps are the primary connection point between adjacent panels. Over time, through vibration, wind movement, thermal expansion, and general site activity, these clamps loosen. A loose clamp means a wobbly panel, and a wobbly panel is both a security vulnerability and a safety hazard.
Best practice is to check and retighten clamps during every weekly inspection. Pay particular attention to clamps at corners, near gates, and along exposed runs where wind load is highest. If clamps are damaged, stripped, or no longer grip securely, replace them immediately. A single failed connection can compromise an entire fence line.
Fortawall uses a modular interlocking system rather than clamps. Panels lock together mechanically without the need for separate fasteners, which means there are no clamps to check, tighten, or replace. This removes one of the most time-consuming recurring maintenance tasks on any temporary fencing installation.
Wind Bracing and Stability
Wind is the number one cause of temporary fencing failure in Australia. Standard fencing systems rely on a combination of concrete-filled plastic feet and external bracing (V-braces, triangle braces, sandbags, or ground stakes) to remain upright in anything beyond a light breeze.
When shade cloth, banner mesh, or signage is attached to the fence, the wind load increases dramatically. These attachments turn the open mesh panel into a solid surface that catches wind like a sail. In many cases, bracing must be doubled at corners and gate openings, and shade cloth should only be installed on fencing that has already been braced.
Even with bracing, standard temporary fencing is rated to withstand relatively low wind speeds. A single strong gust can send an entire run of panels toppling like dominoes, damaging vehicles, injuring pedestrians, and leaving the site completely exposed. For more detail on how wind affects temporary fencing, read our guide on wind loading on temporary fencing.
Fortawall was engineered to eliminate this problem entirely. With approximately 300 kg of ballast per panel and a design tested to withstand winds up to 165 km/h, the system is self-stabilising. No external bracing, sandbags, or ground stakes are required. This is one of the most significant maintenance advantages of the Fortawall system: the fence stays upright in conditions that would flatten standard fencing, without any ongoing bracing maintenance. Learn more about how wind-resistant temporary fencing enhances site safety.
Proper Storage and Handling
Temporary fencing is designed to be reused across multiple projects, but how you store and handle it between uses has a direct impact on its lifespan and performance.
For standard galvanised steel panels, best practice includes storing panels horizontally in stackable stillages or racks (never leaning them against a wall, which causes bending and warping over time). Keep panels in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent moisture build-up and rust. Handle panels carefully during transport to avoid dents, bent mesh, or damage to the galvanised coating. Separate and organise clamps, braces, and feet so components are easy to locate and inspect before the next deployment.
Fortawall’s HDPE construction is inherently resistant to the storage-related issues that affect steel fencing. The panels won’t rust in damp conditions, won’t degrade under UV exposure during outdoor storage, and won’t warp or bend under their own weight. This makes long-term storage between projects far less demanding. For general considerations around temporary fencing hire timelines and logistics, see our guide on short-term fencing hire.
Avoiding Overloading: Signage, Shade Cloth, and Attachments
A common cause of temporary fencing failure is overloading panels with attachments they were never designed to support. Heavy signage, large banners, and shade cloth all add weight and wind resistance to the fence. On standard systems, this additional load can cause panels to lean, clamps to fail, and entire runs to collapse, particularly in windy conditions.
If you need to attach shade cloth or signage to standard fencing, ensure the panels are braced first, the total added weight is within the manufacturer’s specifications, attachments are evenly distributed rather than concentrated on a single panel, and you inspect more frequently after installation.
Fortawall’s system is specifically engineered to support hoarding panels rated to withstand wind speeds of up to 160 km/h. This means the system can handle the kind of attachments (hoarding, shade cloth, branding panels) that would compromise or collapse standard temporary fencing, without requiring additional bracing or ongoing monitoring.
Compliance and Documentation
Maintaining temporary fencing isn’t just good practice. It’s a legal obligation. Under Australian Work Health and Safety legislation, site managers have a duty of care to ensure that temporary fencing remains safe, stable, and functional throughout the project. The key standard is:
- AS4687.2:2022 – Covering performance testing requirements for temporary fencing systems, including wind load resistance, climbing resistance, and ongoing maintenance obligations.
This standard emphasises the importance of documented maintenance. This means keeping written inspection logs with dates and findings, recording all repairs and component replacements, maintaining evidence that maintenance personnel are trained on the relevant standards, and keeping an inventory of compliant replacement parts for rapid repairs.
Non-compliance can result in fines of up to $250,000, site shutdowns by WorkSafe authorities, and legal liability for any incidents that occur on a poorly maintained site. Fortawall’s fencing is fully compliant and comes with manufacturer maintenance guidance, giving site managers a clear, documented framework for meeting their obligations.
How Low-Maintenance Fencing Reduces Total Project Cost
The true cost of temporary fencing extends well beyond the initial hire or purchase price. On standard systems, ongoing maintenance is a significant hidden expense: labour hours spent tightening clamps, replacing bracing, re-levelling bases, and repairing damaged panels add up quickly across a multi-month project.
Then there’s the cost of failure. A fence that blows over requires emergency labour to re-erect, replacement parts for damaged panels, and may result in project shutdowns, theft, or liability claims in the interim. Cheaper systems that require more frequent repair and replacement often end up costing significantly more over the life of a project than a higher-quality system with lower ongoing maintenance needs.
Fortawall is designed to minimise these costs at every level: corrosion-proof HDPE panels that don’t rust or degrade, a self-stabilising design that eliminates the need for external bracing, an interlocking panel system that removes clamp maintenance, approximately 300 kg of ballast per panel for stability without sandbags or stakes, and installation that’s up to 70% faster than traditional temporary fencing. For a detailed look at what to evaluate when selecting a system, see our guide on choosing temporary construction fencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should temporary fencing be inspected?
At a minimum, conduct daily visual checks, weekly stability assessments, and monthly comprehensive evaluations. Always perform an additional inspection after any significant wind event, storm, or heavy rainfall. Document every inspection for compliance purposes.
Can temporary fencing rust?
Standard galvanised steel temporary fencing can rust, particularly at joints, clamp points, and the base where moisture collects. Regular cleaning and dry storage help slow the process. Fortawall’s panels are made from corrosion-proof HDPE, which does not rust under any conditions.
How should I store temporary fencing when not in use?
Store panels horizontally in stackable racks or stillages in a dry, well-ventilated area. Never lean panels against a wall, as this causes warping. Handle carefully during transport to avoid dents or damage to the galvanised coating.
Spend Less Time Maintaining Your Fence Today
Caring for temporary fencing is a non-negotiable part of running a safe, compliant construction site. But the amount of maintenance your fence demands is a direct result of the system you choose.
Standard temporary fencing requires constant attention: tightening clamps, replacing bracing, cleaning rust, re-levelling bases, and repairing wind damage. Fortawall’s engineered modular system eliminates the most common maintenance tasks, with corrosion-proof panels, self-stabilising ballast, interlocking connections, and a 165 km/h wind rating that keeps the fence upright when standard systems fail.
Explore Fortawall’s temporary fencing for hire or get in touch for a quote tailored to your next project.