Essential Tips for Colorbond Fence Maintenance in Australia (2024)
Author: Greg Hair from SLIDE Living (Colorbond fencing contractor in Albury-Wodonga)
Introduction
Below, I am going to share with you some helpful tips and tricks on how simple Colorbond Fence Maintenance will ensure that your new fence installation is going to last for many years to come.
Colorbond is a strong metal used for fences, roofs, and gates. Many Aussie homeowners like it because it looks nice and is low-maintenance. While Colorbond fences don't need to take a lot of your time and attention, they still need the occasional clean and maintenance to ensure they continue looking fresh.
If you do these simple things, you won't have to spend a lot of money fixing it up or having it replaced down the track.
How to Take Care of Your Colorbond Fence
It's actually very simple to maintain, simply wash it every now and then. When you next wash your car, quickly hose off the cobwebs and grime.
If you find yourself watering the garden on a Sunday afternoon, point the hose towards your fence and spray off some of that grime build up.
You can even take it a step further and brush it with some soapy water to really help make it glisten in the sunlight.
It's important to know; Try to keep bug sprays and fertilisers off the fence. If you accidentally get some on there, rinse it off with water to stop it from deteriorating.
Why Do You Need To Take Care of Your Colorbond Fence?
Looking after your Colorbond fence is important and here's why:
It keeps you on the right side of Australian and New Zealand building rules - Your neighbours won't appreciate a scrubby-looking fence to look at each day.
Avoid yourself the headache, and keep your up to Australian Standards and have your fence looking nice and presentable all year around.
What is Colorbond steel?
Colorbond steel fencing isn't just about looks - it's tough and can withstand whatever the Australian weather throws at it.
Some key features of Colorbond include:
Fence Panel
These are the big sheets you see, often included in a fence kit. They're made of tough COLORBOND® steel. This steel is unique because:
It has a zinc coat to stop rust
There's a layer to help the paint stick
The paint on top is firm and comes in lovely colours
Fence Rails
Think of these as the fence's skeleton. They're the long bars that hold the panels up. They're also made of COLORBOND® steel to match the panels.
Infill Sheets (Optional)
Some fences have extra infill sheets between the rails, which are sometimes called "sheet profiles." These sheets give more privacy and can block noise.
Posts
These are the fence's 'legs', also known as the channel posts. Steel posts make everything stand strong to help withstand any fierce weather conditions.
Choosing the Right Colorbond Fence
Colorbond fences are popular in Australia because they are made in Australia, using the highest quality of steel.
Colorbond has a wide colour range for you to choose from too: A popular range of finishes and colours in Australia include earthy tones like Woodland Grey and Pale Eucalypt, subtle shades like Evening Haze, bold choices like Deep Ocean or Cottage Green, and even classic Manor Red and modern Night Sky.
See the Colorbond website for their full colour selection.
A dark house might look great with a Night Sky fence, while a light-coloured house could go well with a softer shade.
Essential Maintenance Tips You Need To Know About Colorbond
Maintaining and installing Colorbond fencing is straightforward and efficient, making it ideal for boundary fencing and various other applications. High-quality steel products, including steel fence posts and post-and-rail systems, ensure a sturdy and durable fence line.
Colorbond offers a range of panel styles to suit different aesthetic preferences, seamlessly integrating with both timber fences and aluminium fencing.
Gate Automation can also be incorporated for added convenience to your fencing installation, providing a modern touch to your Colorbond fence setup.
Here are some top Colorbond fence maintenance tips to stay on top of your Colorbond fence maintenance and upkeep.
Spray it down. Hose your Colorbond steel fencing and the sides of the fence occasionally.
Keep dirt away from the bottom. Keep soil from piling up at the fence base. If it's always wet, the metal can rust. Just grab a shovel and keep the ground level low. Remember, this fence isn't meant to be a DIY retaining wall.
Watch out for puddles. Make sure rain doesn't collect at the bottom of your fence. Ask about getting tiny holes in the bottom rail for drainage. If your fence doesn't have these, get a professional to include these as part of the install. This is especially important for pool fencing to meet fencing requirements.
Skip the plant food. Don't spray garden stuff or fertilisers on the fence. It can mess up your fencing products.
Don't try to fix tiny scratches. Using touch-up paint on minor marks is a bad idea. It'll look weird and blotchy. Instead, consider repainting larger sections to maintain consistent fencing colours.
Painting is okay if you need to. If you want to repaint the whole fence, clean it well first. Use a soft brush and water, let it dry, then put on two coats of outdoor paint. This can make an old fence look like a brand new fence. It's important to keep in mind, if you paint your fence, you will lose your warranty.
Dealing with graffiti. If someone tags your colour panels, you can clean them off. Use Du-Pont graffiti remover from Bunnings, but follow the instructions carefully to keep your warranty on your Colorbond steel fencing.
Performance and quality of Colorbond steel fencing
Colorbond Steel is synonymous with performance and quality, offering long-lasting performance that stands the test of time. Known for its steel's durability, Colorbond is designed to withstand even the harshest Australian conditions, ensuring that it remains a reliable choice for homeowners and builders alike.
With the most robust building product warranties available, you can trust that Colorbond Steel is a genuine article backed by a comprehensive range of technologies.
These building product warranties provide peace of mind, allowing you to be confident that your investment in Colorbond Steel will deliver exceptional performance for many years.
What to Look for When Getting a Colorbond Fence on the Coast
When doing a fencing project, especially for coastal areas like the Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast in sunny Queensland, there are several important factors to consider:
Australian Standards: Ensure the fence meets AS1397 and AS/NZS 2728 standards. If it is Australian-made, this guarantees proper construction and quality.
Genuine COLORBOND® Steel: Look for authentic COLORBOND® steel, known for its durability in Australian conditions. It should come with a warranty. These fences have layers of protection to withstand harsh weather.
Colourfast Guarantee: COLORBOND® steel's warranty covers core colour retention, ensuring your fence stays vibrant despite intense sun exposure in coastal regions.
Corrosion Resistance: Specially designed to withstand salt spray, Colorbond fences offer excellent longevity in coastal environments.
Bushfire Resistance: If you're in a bushfire-prone area, ask about the Colorbond fencing range that's rated for bushfire resistance. Some options in their lineup are specifically designed to handle these harsh conditions.
Final thoughts
It is not a difficult task to maintain Colorbond however, A bit of minor upkeep will keep your fence looking for many years.
Give it a quick spray now and then. Keep plants from growing right up against it. And watch out for those garden chemicals. It's easy stuff.
So yes, spending a little bit of time on your fence is worth it. You'll have a fence that looks great!
Additional Information
If you reside in the Riverina NSW area (Albury-Wodonga), reach out to Greg from SLIDE Living, who is a Colorbond fence expert and will be able to assist you in maintaining or installing a premium Colorbond Fence.
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Yes. Spray it with water when you wash your car or water plants. For heavy dirt, use mild soap and a soft brush. It keeps the fence looking good and prevents rust.
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No. Stick to a regular hose. Pressure washing might damage the fence.
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Yes. Colorbond is designed to resist salt spray and corrosion. Just make sure it's genuine Colorbond steel and meets Australian standards.
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No. Don't use touch-up paint on minor scratches; it will look blotchy. For larger damaged areas, consider repainting whole sections.
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Yes. You can add lattice panels or slat screens to your fence to increase height and privacy.
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Use mild cleaning agents, such as gentle soap solutions or non-abrasive kitchen cleaners, with warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals.
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Remove any soil accumulating at the base of your fence to prevent moisture retention and corrosion.
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Avoid using fertilisers near your fence, as they can be corrosive. If contact occurs, wash it off immediately.
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Ensure adequate drainage around your fence to prevent water pooling. Regularly inspect for signs of water accumulation.
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Avoid leaning heavy objects against your fence to prevent weakening and scratches. Maintaining your Colorbond fence ensures it remains a durable and attractive part of your property in Albury and surrounding areas. For expert advice and services, contact Slide Living today.
