Steel Rusts, NUBAR® GFRP Doesn't - Coastal Fencing Reinvented by Value Fencing®

Value Fencing® has pioneered a game-changing solution for coastal and national fencing needs. Homeowners, building contractors, construction professionals, and property developers all know the struggle: in harsh coastal climates, a beautiful fence can quickly turn into an eyesore or safety hazard due to rust, rot, and constant maintenance. Sea air and humidity relentlessly attack traditional fencing materials - metal fences corrode, wooden fences warp - leading to peeling paint, cracked concrete, and unstable structures. But now there's a revolutionary way to build fences that eliminates rust, rot, and repainting altogether, keeping your property's perimeter as pristine and strong as the day it was installed.

Figure: NUBAR® GFRP Rebar + Value Fencing PVC - The Ultimate Coastal Solution. Unlike steel, NUBAR GFRP rebar will not corrode even in extreme saline conditions, eliminating internal rust and concrete cracks. It offers higher tensile strength and double the service life of steel, making it a smarter, stronger reinforcement. GFRP is also lightweight, non-conductive, and eco-friendly - truly "engineered for coastal durability, reinforced for the future." Meanwhile, Value Fencing's UV-resistant PVC means the exterior of the fence never rusts, rots, or needs paint. The result is a maintenance-free fencing system with a Limited Lifetime Warranty that thrives in coastal climates. (Image: Value Fencing® PVC / NUBAR® promotional graphic)

Why Coastal Fences Fail: Rust, Rot, and Endless Upkeep

Living by the coast has its perks - gorgeous views and a pleasant climate - but it's no friend to conventional building materials. Take a walk by the seaside and you'll see the evidence: metal gates with orange-brown rust streaks and flaking paint, or wooden picket fences swollen and split from moisture. Salt-laden air and high humidity cause steel and iron to corrode aggressively, eating away at structural integrity. Even galvanized steel, which is zinc-coated to resist corrosion, will eventually succumb to rust once its protective layer wears down. This rust isn't just ugly - when steel rebar inside a fence post rusts, it expands, creating internal pressure. That expansion can crack the surrounding concrete (a process engineers grimly nickname "oxide jacking") and even split PVC or plaster coatings. Over time, a steel-reinforced post by the ocean may literally burst itself apart from the inside out.

Wooden fences fare no better. In coastal areas, wood absorbs moisture and is prone to swelling, warping, and decay. It often needs regular painting or sealing to slow the rot, plus continual replacement of rotten or termite-damaged sections - a costly, labor-intensive cycle. In short, traditional fences were never meant for such a harsh environment. Coastal homeowners and developers end up caught in a frustrating loop of repairs, repaints, and premature replacements.

The bottom line: coastal fences built with yesterday's materials will fail sooner rather than later - undermining your property's appearance, safety, and value. Clearly, a better solution is needed: one that won't rust, won't rot, and won't require you to spend every summer repainting or rebuilding. That solution has finally arrived in the form of modern materials that can laugh off salt, sun, and storms - namely, PVC and GFRP.

NUBAR® GFRP Rebar: The Rust-Proof Reinforcement Revolution

The backbone of any fence (literally) is its support structure - posts and the reinforcement inside them. NUBAR® GFRP rebar is an innovative material redefining how we reinforce structures in corrosive environments. GFRP stands for Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer, a composite of high-strength glass fibers bound in a durable polymer resin. NUBAR is a leading South African brand of GFRP rebar developed specifically for construction. These rebar rods look similar to steel rebar, but they behave very differently.

Unlike steel, GFRP will never rust - not even in extreme coastal conditions. This is a game-changer: no rust means no weakening of the reinforcement over time and no internal expansion to crack the concrete. A fence post reinforced with NUBAR GFRP retains its full strength for decades, whereas a post with steel may slowly deteriorate from the inside out as the steel corrodes. In fact, NUBAR rebar is completely impervious to corrosion, even when continuously exposed to saltwater. By swapping out steel for NUBAR inside the fence, Value Fencing ensures the core of your fence will never be the weak link, even right at the ocean's edge.

Beyond corrosion resistance, GFRP offers a host of other benefits that directly address the pain points of coastal (and inland) construction:

• Higher Tensile Strength: NUBAR GFRP rebar provides up to three times the tensile strength of steel by weight. This exceptional strength means it can support heavy loads and withstand impacts without deforming or losing integrity over time. In engineering terms, GFRP's tensile strength can exceed 800-1000 MPa, compared to around 450 MPa for typical mild steel. In practical terms, a thinner, lighter GFRP rod can replace a heavier steel rod while delivering equal or better reinforcement. And unlike steel, GFRP's strength doesn't diminish due to rust over the decades.
• Lightweight & Easy Handling: GFRP is roughly 75% lighter than steel - about one-quarter the weight for the same volume. Construction crews immediately feel the difference: the rods are easier to carry, transport, and install. For fencing projects, this means faster installation times and lower labor costs, with less heavy lifting and no special equipment needed. Often a single person can handle a GFRP rod that would have taken two or three people (or machinery) if it were steel. For contractors, this improved job-site efficiency is a major advantage.
• Non-Conductive & Non-Magnetic: Because it's made of plastic and glass fibers, GFRP rebar does not conduct electricity and is non-magnetic. In a fencing context, this can be a bonus for certain projects - for example, around sensitive electronics or where metal detectors are used, GFRP won't cause interference. It also means if you have an electric security fence or grounding concerns, GFRP inside your fence posts won't carry stray currents or lightning strikes the way steel can. While a typical residential fence might not demand electromagnetic neutrality, this property showcases GFRP's versatility and adds extra safety in scenarios where steel could pose risks.
• Flexible and Customizable: GFRP bars can be manufactured in various shapes and even pre-formed into curves or stirrups before curing. This means custom fence designs or unique architectural features are easier to achieve. Traditional steel rebar must be bent on-site with heavy tools (and tends to spring back due to its elasticity), but GFRP can be made to hold whatever shape is needed without compromising strength. For creative architects and developers, this flexibility opens doors to designs that steel would complicate or limit.
• Lower Environmental Impact: Producing GFRP rebar generates fewer carbon emissions and uses less energy than producing steel rebar of equivalent strength. Steel manufacturing is energy-intensive (mining ore, running high-temperature furnaces, etc.), whereas GFRP's production is comparatively cleaner. Moreover, because GFRP-reinforced structures last longer and don't need frequent repairs or replacement, we reduce waste and resource use in the long run. Choosing NUBAR GFRP is a step toward sustainable building, aligning with green building standards and long-term resilience goals. (Even transporting GFRP is greener - its light weight means vehicles burn less fuel delivering it.)
• No Scrap Value (Theft Deterrent): An interesting practical perk - GFRP has zero metal scrap value. Unfortunately, theft of steel components from sites (to resell as scrap) can be a problem in some areas. GFRP's fiberglass composition isn't worth anything to scrap thieves, so there's far less risk of your reinforcement "walking off" the sitev. Each NUBAR rod can even be tagged or batch-marked for quality control, which also helps with security. While fencing projects might not face the same theft issues as large infrastructure works, it's reassuring that the critical internal parts of your fence are unlikely to be stolen or tampered with.

In summary, NUBAR® GFRP rebar directly tackles the shortcomings of steel in fence construction. It does not rust (solving the biggest coastal problem), it's stronger and longer-lasting, it's lighter and easier to work with, and it even offers environmental and security advantages. It truly is "the next generation - lighter, stronger and more resilient" reinforcement. By replacing steel with NUBAR GFRP in fence posts and other structures, Value Fencing is ensuring that the skeleton of your fence will never be the weak link in its longevityv - even by the seaside, even decades down the line.

Figure: Rust-Proof Reinforcement in Action - GFRP Rebar in a Fence Post Footing. This close-up shows a green NUBAR® GFRP rebar rod securely epoxied into a concrete footing for a PVC fence post. In every Value Fencing installation, posts are set with high-strength concrete and reinforcing rods. Originally, galvanized steel rebars were used inside posts, but today NUBAR GFRP rods are used in all coastal installations to guarantee 100% rust-proof construction. Unlike steel, these fiberglass rebars will never corrode or crack the concrete, ensuring the post remains solid and stable for a lifetime. (PVC fence components in packaging are visible in the background, ready to be installed over the reinforced footing.)

Value Fencing® PVC Systems: No Maintenance, Maximum Durability

While the internal reinforcement is critical, let's not forget the fence itself - the posts, panels, pickets, and rails that make up the visible structure. Value Fencing specializes in premium uPVC fencing, a product tailor-made for low-maintenance and coastal living. Unlike wood, PVC will not rot, splinter, or get eaten by insects. Unlike metal, it will never rust, corrode, or need repainting. In fact, Value Fencing's high-grade PVC is engineered to withstand both South Africa's coastal humidity and inland heat without warping, cracking, or fading. That means your fence stays as white and glossy as the day it was installed, even under the harsh African sun and salty ocean air.

To appreciate how durable these PVC fences are, consider the technical enhancements Value Fencing has made to the material. Their PVC contains a very high concentration of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as a UV stabilizer - around four times the industry standard amount. TiO₂ is the key ingredient that prevents UV rays from breaking down the plastic; by formulating their vinyl with extra UV protection, Value Fencing ensures the profiles won't chalk (turn powdery) or yellow over time. In fact, they confidently state the product will last well in excess of 50 years under normal conditions. It's also made from virgin PVC (no recycled content) for consistent quality and strength, and all materials are ASTM-certified specifically for fencing use. Each fence component even carries a direct 20-year manufacturer's guarantee, backing up the long-term performance claims. This is on top of Value Fencing's own Lifetime No-Maintenance Guarantee, which promises you'll never need to sand, paint, or treat the fence for its entire life.

From an owner's perspective, PVC fencing is a dream. Once installed, the only "maintenance" is an occasional wash-down with a hose or soapy water if it gets dusty - no rust to scrape, no paint to reapply, no rotten boards to swap out. There's no risk of termite or insect damage (as with wood), and no dreaded rust stains dripping onto your walls or paving (as often happens with iron or steel fences). Quality PVC is also fire-retardant - it has a high ignition temperature and will self-extinguish if the flame source is removed - adding a safety bonus in bushfire-prone areas. For homeowners, this all translates to peace of mind and cost savings: you invest in a quality fence once, and it stays beautiful year after year without costly upkeep.

The Value Fencing Construction Difference

A fence is only as strong as its installation. This is another area where Value Fencing sets itself apart, marrying the strengths of PVC and GFRP with engineered installation techniques to create a rock-solid final product. Every Value Fencing project uses methods designed for maximum stability and longevity:

• Deep, Concrete-Filled Posts: Unlike some light-duty fences that simply stake posts into the ground, Value Fencing sets every post in concrete. Installers excavate extra-deep post holes (typically ~850mm) and use a high-strength 25-30 MPa concrete mix - comparable to what's used in building foundations - to anchor each postv. For taller structures like balustrades or estate fences, the PVC posts themselves are often filled with concrete as well, creating a reinforced concrete core hidden inside the PVC sleeve. This approach ensures posts won't budge, even under high wind loads or impact. The heavy-duty footings and fills are one big reason Value Fencing's installations can withstand storms and accidental knocks without damage.
• Rebar Reinforcement & Epoxy Securing: In each concrete footing, reinforcement rods are embedded to tie the post and foundation together as one solid unit. Originally, galvanized steel rebars were used, but (as noted) Value Fencing now uses NUBAR® GFRP rebar for all coastal installations to guarantee 100% rust-proof supportv. Typically two rebars (8-10 mm diameter) are placed in each post and extend deep into the footing. Crucially, Value Fencing secures these rods with industrial epoxy resin, creating a waterproof bond where the rebar enters the concrete. This prevents any moisture from creeping down alongside the rod. The result is a fence post that's essentially a steel- (or now GFRP-) reinforced concrete pillar inside a PVC shell - an extremely rigid, load-bearing structure built to last.
• Engineered Designs & Safety Compliance: Value Fencing doesn't just claim their fences are strong - they have the data to back it up. For example, their PVC balustrade system was independently tested with a 40 kg pendulum sandbag swung from 1.6 m height (simulating a heavy impact, like someone falling against a railing). It passed with flying colors - in fact, it's the only local PVC balustrade to pass this rigorous SANS 10400-D impact test to date. This means it meets South African National Building Regulations for guardrails, so you can trust it on balconies or stairs where safety is critical. All designs conform to relevant building codes for spacing, height, and strength, and Value Fencing readily provides engineering drawings and certificates to assure architects and inspectors that standards are exceeded. For pool fencing, as another example, their installations comply with pool safety by-laws (self-closing gates, child-proof latches, no gaps over 100 mm, etc.). In short, these fences aren't just aesthetically pleasing - they're purpose-built to be the safest and strongest in their class.
• Quality Control & Expert Craftsmanship: With over 16 years in the business, Value Fencing actually pioneered PVC fencing in South Africa. Many standard styles and techniques now common in the industry were first introduced by this company. They are the largest PVC fencing outfit in Africa and maintain a well-trained in-house installation team (no random subcontractors) to ensure consistent, high-quality workmanship. Every component - from posts to pickets to stainless steel gate latches - is chosen for durability and fitted with precision (they even use CNC precision cutting and seamless welding on custom designs). This obsessive focus on quality is why Value Fencing confidently offers a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the PVC parts - they know their product will last. When you invest in a Value Fencing system, you're getting a solution devised by industry experts and proven in thousands of installations. It's a level of professionalism and experience that truly sets them apart.

Strength and Style that Last - From Coastal Estates to Nationwide Projects

One of the best ways to judge a product is by looking at real-world performance. Value Fencing's PVC-and-GFRP systems have amassed an impressive track record across South Africa and Namibia, in climates ranging from salty sea air to intense inland heat. The results speak for themselves: these fences go the distance where others fail.

Take the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast (the Dolphin Coast) as an example - a region with relentless coastal conditions. Along the Ballito and Salt Rock seaside promenades, Value Fencing PVC palisade fences and gates have been standing strong for 15+ years, exposed daily to sun, salt, and stormsvaluefencing.co.za. Walk past almost any residential complex there and you'll see those white PVC fences still looking as good as new - no rust patches, no rot, no peeling paint. This kind of longevity in a coastal environment is virtually unheard of with traditional fencing. Some of those installations are over a decade old, yet they appear as if they were put up yesterday, which is a testament to the material's durability and the installation quality. Homeowners in those complexes haven't had to budget for repainting or worry about structural failures - the fences have kept their "just installed" appearance and strength through the yearsv.

It's not just private homes. Property developers and estate managers are leveraging these benefits at scale. Many exclusive estates and commercial developments now make Value Fencing their go-to supplier for perimeter fencing, gates, and balustrades. For instance, prestigious residential communities like Zimbali Coastal Resort, Mount Edgecombe, Kindlewood Estate, and Ilala Ridge in KZN have Value Fencing installations - from classic white picket fences to modern louvered privacy screens and pergolas - as standard features. They chose PVC with GFRP reinforcement because it maintains the estate's upscale look year after year without constant upkeep. It also avoids common resident complaints - no rust stains on walls, no wobbly rotten rails, no maintenance crews disrupting the peace every summer. Even public facilities have taken notice: the Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban recently entrusted Value Fencing to install durable PVC balustrades in spectator areas, knowing the system would hold up to heavy use and coastal weather.

Perhaps the biggest endorsement of this technology is how Value Fencing has driven innovation in the industry. Recognizing the severe demands of seaside environments, the company made a landmark decision: as of 2025, all their coastal installations use NUBAR GFRP rebar exclusively for reinforcement. In other words, they've said "no more steel in coastal fences, period." This proactive move - an industry first in Southern Africa - underscores their commitment to giving clients the longest-lasting fences possible. Coastal homeowners and builders can now rest assured that every part of a Value Fencing PVC fence, from the external panels to the internal reinforcements, is 100% immune to rust. And while this policy focuses on coastal durability, even inland projects benefit from these superior materials (for example, GFRP's non-metallic makeup avoids any potential grounding issues near electric security fences, as mentioned earlier). No matter where your property is - by the ocean, in a humid subtropical zone, or in the dry interior - a Value Fencing PVC system with NUBAR rebar will stand the test of time with minimal care.

Importantly, all this durability doesn't come at the expense of design or aesthetics. Value Fencing offers a wide range of styles to suit different architectural themes and functional needs. You can get classic white picket fences that exude charm, privacy screens and louvered panels for a sleek modern look, pool fencing that meets safety regulations, balustrades for decks and balconies, even pergolas and arbors to enhance gardens - all in maintenance-free PVC. These designs are often estate-approved in high-end communities, meaning they meet HOA guidelines for appearance and quality. Property developers can confidently include them in new projects knowing they'll satisfy stringent estate rules and enhance curb appeal. The clean white (or custom colored) finish of the PVC complements any architecture and never needs a fresh coat of paint. Thanks to UV stabilizers, the fence color won't peel, fade, or chalk out, even after decades under a brutal sun. In coastal towns where the sun and salt are intense, that's a huge plus - fences stay bright and beautiful without constant upkeep.

Lastly, let's talk value: the long-term cost equation. While the upfront cost of premium PVC fencing with GFRP reinforcement may be higher than some cheaper, short-lived alternatives (like untreated wood or thin steel wire fencing), the lifetime cost is typically much lowervaluefencing.co.za. There are no recurring painting expenses (a large wooden fence might need repainting every couple of years, which really adds up), no replacing of rusted sections, and far less likelihood of needing repairs due to environmental damage. Essentially, the fence pays for itself through what you save on maintenance and early replacements. Additionally, a durable, attractive fence adds to your property's value - it boosts security and kerb appeal, which are key selling points for any home or development. Buyers and tenants appreciate when a property is equipped with quality features that won't become their problem down the line. In this sense, opting for a Value Fencing PVC fence with NUBAR rebar isn't just buying a fence, it's making a smart investment in the longevity and desirability of your property.

Ready to Build a Rust-Proof Future? - Contact Value Fencing

In the world of fencing, **Value Fencing® and NUBAR® GFRP have proven that "maintenance-free" and "coastal-proof" are no longer a fantasy - they're a living reality backed by engineering and experience. Homeowners can finally enjoy a gorgeous white fence by the beach that stays white and sturdy through the seasons. Building contractors and construction professionals can hand over projects knowing the fencing will remain solid and compliant for decades, eliminating call-backs or client complaints. Property developers can create entire coastal estates with a uniform, upscale look, confident that the infrastructure will hold up over time and protect their reputation for quality.

If you're planning a new fence, railing, or outdoor project - whether on the coast or inland - it's time to future-proof your investment. Don't settle for materials that will disappoint you a few years down the line. Embrace the innovation of Value Fencing's no-maintenance PVC paired with NUBAR GFRP rebar and enjoy the benefits of zero rust, zero rot, and zero worries. This is more than an upgrade; it's a fundamental rethinking of how we build for longevity and value.

Ready to take the next step? Value Fencing's experts are available to provide consultations and tailor a solution to your property's needs. With franchised operations and display centers across South Africa (and Namibia), you can get professional guidance no matter your location. Reach out via our Locations page to find your nearest Value Fencing team and schedule a free consultation or site assessment. Let us show you why a Value Fencing PVC fence with NUBAR GFRP reinforcement will likely be the last fence you ever need to install - offering an unbeatable mix of beauty, strength, and peace of mind for years to come. Secure your property the smart way today, and enjoy the coastal lifestyle without the maintenance headaches!