Selecting a Fence Kit Based on Your Yard's Wind Exposure

Australia's diverse climate means cat owners face varying environmental conditions—from the blustery coastal winds of Victoria and Tasmania to the gusty conditions of inland properties. When selecting a cat-proof fence system, understanding how wind exposure affects performance is crucial for making the right choice. This guide helps Australian property owners select the appropriate Oscillot kit based on their yard's specific wind conditions.

Understanding How Wind Affects Cat-Proof Fence Systems

The Wind Concern

A common question from Australian cat owners considering fence-top systems is: "Will the paddles spin or make noise in the wind?" It's a valid concern, particularly for properties in:

• Coastal areas (Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane coastal suburbs)
• Elevated positions (hillside properties, escarpment locations)
• Open rural land (farms, acreages, properties without windbreaks)
• High-rise apartments with balconies (though note: Oscillot requires minimum 1.8m fence height)

Oscillot's Wind-Resistant Design

The Oscillot system was specifically engineered to address wind concerns. The key design feature is elegantly simple: one of the four paddle blades is slightly weighted.

This weighted blade acts as a counterbalance that:

• Prevents wind-induced spinning
• Eliminates noise from wind movement
• Keeps paddles stable in normal conditions
• Still allows spinning when a cat applies pressure

The result is a system that remains silent and stationary in wind, yet responds instantly when a cat attempts to escape.

Assessing Your Property's Wind Exposure

Low Wind Exposure

Characteristics:

• Suburban block surrounded by other houses
• Mature trees and vegetation providing windbreaks
• Protected by neighbouring structures
• Located in a valley or low-lying area

Recommendation: Any Oscillot kit will perform excellently. Choose based purely on fence length and preferred colour.

Moderate Wind Exposure

Characteristics:

• Corner blocks with one or two exposed sides
• Properties with partial windbreaks
• Suburban coastal areas (not directly waterfront)
• Properties on gentle slopes

Recommendation: Standard Oscillot aluminium kits perform well. Ensure proper installation with all fixing screws appropriately tightened.

High Wind Exposure

Characteristics:

• Direct waterfront or cliff-top properties
• Hilltop locations with 360-degree exposure
• Rural properties without windbreaks
• Properties facing prevailing wind directions

Recommendation: Oscillot aluminium paddles remain the preferred choice. The weighted blade design handles even strong winds. For extreme conditions, ensure:

• All Dual Knuckle Post Kits are securely fixed
• Extra post kits at recommended intervals (every 2 metres)
• Regular inspection after severe weather events

Material Selection: Aluminium vs Plastic

Oscillot offers two paddle material options:

Aluminium Paddles (Recommended for Most Applications)

Features:

• High-quality extruded aluminium construction
• Powder-coated finish in 8 colour options
• Superior durability and longevity
• Excellent resistance to UV and weather
• Weighted blade for wind stability
• Preferred for all wind conditions

Best for: All Australian conditions, particularly high-wind areas, coastal properties, and anyone seeking maximum longevity.

Plastic Paddles

Features:

• Lightweight construction
• Budget-friendly option
• Available in select colours

Best for: Protected locations with minimal wind exposure, temporary installations, or budget-conscious buyers in sheltered areas.

Colour Selection for Australian Conditions

Beyond wind performance, colour selection can impact heat absorption and visibility. Oscillot offers eight powder-coated options:

Colour	Best For	Notes
Gun Metal Grey	Colorbond fences, modern homes	Most popular choice
Satin Black	Dark fences, contemporary designs	Bold, modern appearance
Slate Grey	Neutral timber fences	Versatile, subtle
Rivergum	Garden blending, green fences	Natural appearance
Banyan Brown	Natural timber fences	Warm, traditional
Primrose	Cream/classic fences	Light, traditional
Merino	Off-white fences	Warm white tone
Off White	White/light fences	Clean, bright

Installation Considerations for Windy Properties

Fence Type Compatibility

Oscillot is designed for fences at least 1.8 metres tall and is compatible with:

• Metal/Colorbond: Excellent wind resistance due to solid fence panels
• Timber Paling: Good, though may require gap inspection in windy areas
• Timber Horizontal Slat: Check for wind-induced movement between slats
• Brick/Masonry: Superior stability, excellent for high-wind locations

Mounting Position for Wind

The standard mounting position is on top of the fence. However, for properties with HOA restrictions or aesthetic preferences, Oscillot can be mounted on the inside face of the fence. This position may offer slightly more wind protection but requires fence height of at least 1.8 metres from the cat's side.

Additional Fixings in High-Wind Areas

For extremely exposed properties, consider:

• Adding extra Dual Knuckle Post Kits at 1.5-metre intervals instead of 2 metres
• Using longer screws for deeper penetration into fence material
• Applying thread-locking compound to all fixings

Pricing and Kit Selection

Oscillot Cat-Proof Fence Kits include all components for installation. Prices for popular sizes:

Kit Size	RRP	Sale Price	Includes
30m	$1,486	$1,040	15 paddles, 20 post kits
50m	$2,122	$1,485	25 paddles, 30 post kits
80m	$3,096	$2,167	40 paddles, 45 post kits
100m	$3,928	$2,749	50 paddles, 55 post kits

Additional Dual Knuckle Post Kits are available for $22 each if extra support is needed for windy installations.

Warranty and Support

Every Oscillot system is 100% Australian made in Adelaide, South Australia, and backed by:

• 3-Year Manufacturer's Warranty – Covers any component faults including wind-related issues
• 60-Day Money Back Guarantee – If the system doesn't perform as expected
• Free Australia-Wide Shipping
• Australian-based customer support

Conclusion

Wind exposure shouldn't deter Australian cat owners from installing an Oscillot cat-proof fence system. The clever weighted-blade design ensures silent, stable operation in all but the most extreme conditions, while the high-quality aluminium construction withstands Australia's diverse climate challenges.

Whether you're on a windy coastal bluff in Torquay, a gusty hilltop in the Adelaide Hills, or an exposed rural property in regional Queensland, Oscillot provides reliable cat containment without wind-induced noise or performance issues.

Use the Cat Fence Calculator to determine your requirements, or contact the Oscillot team for advice specific to your property's wind conditions.