UNIVERSAL CONCRETE POSTS, REPAIR SPURS, SCREED RAILS AND BOLLARDS UK | FP MCCANN

Universal Concrete Posts (Multi-Hole Posts)

Universal concrete posts, or multi-hole posts, are among the most versatile fencing products in the UK market. Unlike slotted posts, which are designed specifically for panel fencing, universal posts feature multiple pre-drilled holes running vertically along the post, providing exceptional flexibility for a wide range of fencing applications.

What Makes Universal Posts So Versatile?

The pre-drilled holes in universal concrete posts allow you to bolt, screw, or wire-tie virtually any type of fencing material to the post at any height. This adaptability makes them the ideal choice for projects where standard slotted posts aren’t suitable or where you need the flexibility to attach different fencing types to the same post.

Key Applications for Universal Concrete Posts:

Chain Link and Wire Mesh Fencing

Universal posts are ideal for chain-link fencing installations in commercial, industrial, agricultural, and sports facility applications. The multiple holes allow you to attach chain-link mesh at precise heights and secure it firmly using wire ties or specialised fixings. This makes universal posts the preferred choice for perimeter fencing, sports courts, playgrounds, and security fencing throughout the UK.

Timber Rail Fencing

For traditional post-and-rail fencing commonly used in agricultural settings, equestrian facilities, and rural properties, universal posts allow you to bolt horizontal timber rails at any height. This is particularly useful for paddock fencing, field boundaries, and estate fencing where you need the durability of concrete posts combined with the aesthetic of timber rails.

Custom Fencing Projects

When your fencing project doesn’t fit standard specifications, universal posts provide the flexibility to create bespoke solutions. The multiple fixing points allow you to attach timber panels, metal sheets, wire mesh, or composite materials in configurations that suit your specific requirements.

Mixed Fencing Applications

Universal posts excel when different fencing types are attached to varying heights on the same post. For example, you might have timber panels at the bottom for privacy, with chain link or barbed wire above for additional security—a common requirement for commercial and industrial properties.

Retrofit and Modification Projects

Universal posts’ versatility makes them ideal for situations where fencing requirements might change over time. You can easily modify or upgrade fencing attached to universal posts without replacing them, providing long-term flexibility and cost savings.

Why Choose Concrete Universal Posts Over Wooden Posts?

Exceptional Longevity

Concrete universal posts can last 50 to 100 years with virtually no maintenance, compared to wooden posts, which typically last 10 to 15 years before rotting at ground level. This makes concrete universal posts a far more cost-effective long-term investment, particularly for chain link and agricultural fencing, where post replacement is labour-intensive and expensive.

Weather Resistance

Unlike wooden posts rotting in the UK’s wet climate, concrete universal posts are unaffected by moisture, frost, or ground-level dampness. They remain structurally sound regardless of weather conditions, making them ideal for exposed locations, agricultural land, and areas with poor drainage

Superior Strength

Concrete posts are inherently stronger than wooden alternatives, providing better support for tensioned chain link fencing and heavier fencing materials. They won’t twist, warp, or lean over time, ensuring your fence line remains straight and secure for decades.

Zero Maintenance

Once installed, concrete universal posts require no treatment, painting, or maintenance. This is particularly valuable for agricultural fencing, sports facilities, and commercial properties where ongoing maintenance is costly and time-consuming.

Available Sizes:

FP McCann universal posts are available in five heights to suit different fencing applications:

• 5’ (1520mm): Suitable for low boundary fencing and agricultural applications
• 6’ (1820mm): Ideal for standard height chain link and wire mesh fencing
• 7’ (2125mm): Common choice for commercial perimeter fencing
• 8’ (2425mm): Suitable for higher security fencing applications
• 9’ (2735mm): Ideal for industrial and high-security installations

All universal posts are manufactured as intermediate posts suitable for standard fence runs. Depending on your specific application, additional bracing or specialised installation techniques may be required for corner and end positions.

Concrete Repair Spurs – Cost-Effective Fence Post Repair

Concrete repair spurs (or fence post repair spurs, post supports, or fence post menders) are ingenious products that allow you to repair damaged or rotted wooden fence posts without the expense and disruption of complete fence replacement. They’re one of the most cost-effective solutions for extending the life of timber fencing throughout the UK.

The Problem: Rotted Wooden Fence Posts

The most common failure point in timber fencing is at ground level, where wooden posts are in constant contact with damp soil. In the UK’s wet climate, even treated wooden posts typically rot at ground level within 10 to 15 years, causing the fence to lean, wobble, or collapse. Traditionally, this meant digging out the old post, removing fence panels, installing a new post, and reassembling everything – a time-consuming and expensive process.

The Solution: Concrete Repair Spurs

Concrete repair spurs provide a much simpler, faster, and more cost-effective solution. A repair spur is essentially a short concrete post that you install alongside the damaged wooden post, bolting the two together to provide structural support. The concrete spur takes the load, while the wooden post (even if rotted at the base) keeps the fence panels in place.

How Concrete Repair Spurs Work:

1. Assessment

Identify wooden posts that are rotted, damaged, or weakened at ground level. Repair spurs are suitable for posts where the above-ground portion is still sound enough to hold fence panels, even if the below-ground section has completely rotted away.

2. Installation

Dig a hole alongside the damaged wooden post (typically 600mm deep). Position the concrete repair spur in the hole next to the wooden post. Bolt the repair spur to the wooden post using coach bolts through the pre-drilled holes. Fill the hole with concrete to secure the repair spur permanently.

3. Result

The concrete repair spur provides all the structural support, transferring the load from the fence into the ground. The wooden post, now supported by the concrete spur, holds the fence panels in place. Your fence is restored to full strength without removing panels or replacing posts.

Key Benefits of Using Repair Spurs:

Significant Cost Savings

Repairing fence posts with concrete spurs costs a fraction of complete fence replacement. You avoid the expense of new posts, new panels (which often break during removal), and extensive labour costs. Repair spurs can save hundreds or even thousands of pounds for a typical residential fence compared to full replacement.

Minimal Disruption

Fence repair using concrete spurs can typically be completed in a few hours per post, with minimal disruption to your property or garden. There’s no need to remove and replace fence panels, dig out old posts completely, or disturb landscaping along the fence line.

Extends Fence Life by Decades

Once supported by concrete repair spurs, your timber fence can function effectively for many years. The concrete spurs will last 50+ years, outlasting the original wooden posts. When fence panels eventually need replacement, the concrete spurs remain in place, providing a permanent foundation for new panels.

DIY-Friendly Installation

Installing concrete repair spurs is a straightforward process that competent DIY homeowners can accomplish with basic tools—a spade, drill, coach bolts, and concrete. This makes fence repair an achievable weekend job rather than a job requiring professional contractors.

Suitable for Most Timber Fencing

Repair spurs work with virtually all types of timber fencing, including panel fencing, closeboard fencing, picket fencing, and post-and-rail fencing. A repair spur can restore structural integrity as long as the above-ground portion of the wooden post is sound enough to bolt to.

Choosing the Right Repair Spur Size:

FP McCann offers repair spurs in multiple sizes to suit different fence types and post dimensions:

3×3 Repair Spurs (75x75mm) Suitable for lighter-duty fencing and smaller wooden posts. Available in: – 3’3″ (990mm) length – 3’6″ (1070mm) length

4×3 Repair Spurs (100x75mm) Our most popular size is suitable for standard residential fence posts. Available in: – 3’ (915mm) length – 3’6″ (1070mm) length – 4’ (1220mm) length – 4’6″ (1370mm) length

4×4 Repair Spurs (100x100mm) Heavy-duty repair spurs for larger posts or fencing subject to higher loads. Available in: – 3’ (915mm) length – 3’6″ (1070mm) length – 4’ (1220mm) length – 4’6″ (1370mm) length

Size Selection Guidance:

The repair spur length depends on your fence height and ground conditions. Generally, approximately 600mm of the spur should be below ground, with the remainder above ground to provide adequate support. For a standard 6-foot fence, a 4’ or 4’6″ repair spur is typically appropriate.

When to Use Repair Spurs vs. Complete Replacement:

Use Repair Spurs When: – Wooden posts are rotted or damaged at ground level but sound above ground – Fence panels are in good condition – You want to minimise cost and disruption – Only a few posts need repair (rather than the entire fence line) – The fence structure is otherwise sound

Consider Complete Replacement When: – Most or all posts are severely damaged – Fence panels are also damaged or deteriorated – The entire fence is nearing the end of its life – You want to upgrade to a different fencing style.

Precast Concrete Security Bollards

FP McCann’s precast concrete bollards provide robust, reliable solutions for site security, perimeter control, vehicle access management, and property protection throughout the United Kingdom. Manufactured from high-strength concrete, our bollards deliver the impact resistance and durability essential for protecting buildings, pedestrian areas, and sensitive sites from vehicle intrusion.

Primary Applications for Concrete Security Bollards:

Retail and Public Building Protection

Concrete bollards protect retail premises, shopping centres, public buildings, and crowded spaces in an era of increased security awareness. Bollards positioned outside building entrances and along pedestrian areas create a physical barrier against vehicle-borne threats while maintaining an open, welcoming environment for visitors.

Car Park and Traffic Management

Concrete bollards are extensively used in car parks, parking areas, and traffic management applications throughout the UK. They protect building corners from vehicle damage, define parking bays, prevent vehicles from accessing pedestrian areas, and guide traffic flow. Their high visibility and solid construction are ideal for preventing accidental damage to buildings and infrastructure.

Pedestrian Area Protection

Bollards create safe pedestrian zones by preventing vehicle access to walkways, plazas, town centres, and public spaces. This is particularly important in mixed-use areas where pedestrians and vehicles share space, ensuring clear separation and protecting foot traffic from vehicle incursion.

Utility and Infrastructure Protection

Concrete bollards protect vulnerable infrastructure, including electrical substations, gas installations, telecommunications equipment, water facilities, and other utility installations. By preventing vehicle impact, bollards ensure critical infrastructure remains operational and protected from accidental or deliberate damage.

School and Educational Facility Security

Schools, colleges, and educational facilities throughout the UK use concrete bollards to protect pupils and staff by preventing unauthorised vehicle access to school grounds, playgrounds, and drop-off areas. Bollards provide visible, permanent security that reassures parents and meets safeguarding requirements.

Residential Development and Property Protection

Concrete bollards protect properties from vehicle damage, prevent unauthorised parking, and define boundaries in residential settings. They’re commonly used in apartment complexes, housing developments, and residential streets to manage vehicle access and protect communal areas.

Why Choose Concrete Bollards?

Exceptional Impact Resistance

Precast concrete bollards provide superior impact resistance compared to hollow steel or plastic alternatives. The solid concrete construction absorbs and dissipates impact energy, stopping vehicles effectively while remaining structurally intact. This makes them ideal for high-security applications where reliable vehicle stopping power is essential.

Permanent, Maintenance-Free Solution

Once installed, concrete bollards require virtually no maintenance. They won’t rust like steel bollards, fade like painted alternatives, or deteriorate in the UK’s wet climate. This makes them a cost-effective long-term security solution with minimal ongoing costs.

High Visibility

Concrete bollards provide clear visual deterrence and guidance. Their substantial presence is immediately apparent to drivers, preventing accidental incursions and clearly defining restricted areas. Bollards can be painted with high-visibility colours or reflective bands to enhance visibility further.

Weather Resistant

Manufactured from high-quality precast concrete, our bollards are unaffected by rain, frost, snow, or temperature variations. They maintain their structural integrity and appearance in all UK weather conditions, from the wettest regions of Scotland to exposed coastal locations.

Cost-Effective Security

Fixed concrete bollards provide highly cost-effective perimeter security compared to automated rising bollards, gates, or barriers. They require no power supply, mechanical maintenance, or ongoing operational costs, yet deliver reliable vehicle access prevention for decades.

Available Size: FP McCann concrete bollards are available in one standard size: Height: 4’6″ (1370mm), total length—width: 225mm diameter (tapered design)—weight: 91kg.

Installation: Bollards are typically installed with approximately 600-750mm below ground in a concrete foundation, leaving approximately 750-900mm visible above ground. This provides excellent stability and impact resistance while maintaining appropriate height for visibility and effectiveness.

Concrete Screed Rails for Floor Construction

Concrete screed rails (screed guides, screed battens, or levelling rails) are essential for construction professionals working on concrete floor installations throughout the UK. These precision-manufactured precast concrete rails provide accurate, stable guides for screeding concrete floors to exact levels, ensuring flat, level surfaces in commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects.

What Are Screed Rails and How Are They Used?

Screed rails are long, straight concrete sections temporarily positioned on a concrete base at precise heights before pouring the screed layer. They guide the screeding process, allowing construction professionals to level the concrete screed accurately using a straight edge or power screed that runs along the top of the rails.

The Screeding Process:

1. Preparation: The concrete base is prepared, and any necessary damp-proof membranes or insulation are installed.
2. Rail Installation: Concrete screed rails are positioned across the floor area at regular intervals (typically 1-2 meters apart) and set to the exact finished floor level using dabs of mortar or concrete.
3. Level Checking: Each rail is carefully checked with a spirit and laser levels to ensure it’s perfectly level and at the correct height.
4. Screeding: Concrete screed is poured between the rails and levelled by drawing a straight edge or power screed across the top of the rails, creating a flat, level surface.
5. Rail Removal (Optional): In some applications, screed rails are left in place and become part of the floor. Others remove them once the screed has partially set, with the gaps filled and levelled.

Why Use Concrete Screed Rails?

Precision and Accuracy

Concrete screed rails are manufactured to precise dimensions, providing reliable, straight guides for floor levelling. This ensures consistently flat floors that meet building regulations and client specifications – essential for commercial and industrial projects where floor flatness is critical.

Durability and Stability

Unlike timber battens, which can warp, twist, or absorb moisture, concrete screed rails remain perfectly straight and stable throughout the screeding process. They won’t flex under the weight of screed or the pressure of screeding equipment, ensuring accurate levels across the entire floor area.

Time and Cost Efficiency

Using purpose-made screed rails speeds up the floor installation process by providing reliable guides that don’t need constant checking and adjustment. This reduces labor time and ensures first-time accuracy, avoiding costly remedial work on uneven floors.

Suitable for Large-Scale Projects

Concrete screed rails are ideal for large commercial and industrial floor installations where accuracy and consistency across extensive floor areas are essential. They’re commonly used in warehouses, factories, retail units, and commercial developments throughout the UK.

Available Sizes:

FP McCann concrete screed rails are available in four heights to suit different screed depths:

• 2″ (50mm) x 3000mm length: For shallow screed applications
• 4″ (100mm) x 3000mm length: Standard size for typical screed depths
• 5″ (125mm) x 3000mm length: For deeper screed applications
• 6″ (150mm) x 3000mm length: For maximum screed depth requirements

All screed rails are 3000mm (approximately 10 feet) long, providing excellent coverage and minimising the number of rails required for typical floor installations.

Why Choose FP McCann for Specialist Concrete Products?

Over 30 Years of Manufacturing Excellence

With more than three decades of experience in precast concrete manufacturing, FP McCann has developed deep expertise in producing specialist concrete products that solve real-world problems. Our universal posts, repair spurs, bollards, and screed rails reflect this experience, delivering practical, reliable solutions that stand the test of time.

Manufactured to British Standards

All FP McCann products are manufactured to meet or exceed relevant British Standards, ensuring you receive products of guaranteed quality, structural integrity, and performance. Our rigorous quality control processes at our Cadeby manufacturing facility mean every product leaving our depot meets the exact standards of UK construction and fencing projects’ demands.

Engineered for UK Conditions

British weather and ground conditions present unique challenges. Our concrete products are specifically engineered to perform reliably in the UK’s wet climate, withstanding moisture, frost, temperature variations, and ground-level dampness that quickly destroy alternative materials.

Comprehensive Product Range

From versatile universal posts for complex fencing projects to cost-effective repair spurs for fence restoration, robust security bollards for site protection, and precision screed rails for floor construction, FP McCann offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of specialist concrete products in the UK market.

Expert Technical Support

Choosing the right product for your specific application is crucial. Our experienced technical team is available to guide product selection, discuss installation methods, answer questions about specifications, and ensure you get the right solution for your project requirements.

Convenient Online Ordering

You can quickly and conveniently order universal posts, repair spurs, bollards, and screed rails through our Easi-Order Portal. Browse specifications, check availability, and place orders 24/7. Our sales team can always assist with larger projects or provide technical advice.

Nationwide UK Delivery

We deliver concrete products to locations throughout England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Our logistics team works with you to schedule delivery that suits your project timeline, whether you’re working on a residential fence repair or a major commercial construction project.

Order Your Specialist Concrete Products Today

Ready to start your project with versatile universal posts, cost-effective repair spurs, robust security bollards, or precision screed rails? FP McCann makes ordering straightforward.

Order Online via Easi-Order Portal

Browse our complete range of specialist concrete products and place your order 24/7 through our convenient online portal. View detailed specifications, check availability, and order exactly what you need.

Request a Quotation

Contact our sales team for larger projects, bulk orders, or trade accounts for detailed quotations tailored to your specific requirements. We offer competitive pricing for contractors, developers, and construction professionals.

Get Expert Advice

Are you unsure which product or size you need? Our technical team is available to guide product selection, discuss installation methods, and answer any questions about specifications or suitability for your project.