Maintenance and Inspection Tips for Colorbond Fencing

Colorbond fencing is the favourite fencing option in Australia due to its complete resistance against the nation's harsh environment and climate. Another reason that contributes enormously towards their popularity is the availability of a wide range of colours followed by low maintenance requirements. All these reasons motivate homeowners to contact contractors, builders and fencing installation professionals to install Colorbond fencing. As far as maintenance is concerned, some very easy-to-follow tips are there, and we have covered them here in this article.

HOW TO WASH COLORBOND FENCING AND COLORBOND FENCE EXTENSIONS?

BlueScope steel – the manufacturers of Colorbond still recommend regular washing to keep it good-looking, fresh and clean. This washing can be done using a soft brush and water that will prolong its overall life and lustre. However you need to be very careful during the wet and winter seasons, but the rainy season is also an opportunity to clean Colorbond fencing and Colorbond gates naturally. Also, hosing down the fence is recommended once every three months and more frequently if you live in coastal areas that experience salt-laden winds 365 days a year.

Immediate washing should be done if you notice any stubborn dirt build-up, stains, or similar issues. Vendors of Colorbond fence extensions recommend using a mild detergent mixed in water to clean these stains and dirt build-up. You can take a clean piece of clean cloth, dip it in this solution and scrub the areas softly until the stains go away.

Tools needed to clean your Colorbond fencing, Colorbond fence extensions, and Colorbond gates.

●       Garden hose or pressure washer

●       Soft-bristle brush or sponge

●       Mild detergent or metal fence cleaner

●       Bucket

●       Gloves

●       Safety goggles (if using a pressure washer)

●       Towels or rags for drying

TIMELY INSPECTION OF COLORBOND FENCING

Regular inspection is essential to the overall upkeep and maintenance of your Colorbond fencing, Colorbond fence extensions and Colorbond gates. Take time to inspect the Colorbond fencing, including – 

●       Check for loose or damaged panels, posts, or screws.

●       Look for signs of rust or corrosion.

●       Ensure that the fence is securely fastened to the ground.

●       Assess the overall stability and structural integrity of the fence.

If you notice any damage or similar issues during the inspection, address them promptly to prevent further deterioration.

You should also watch out for loose panels, rust and corrosion, dents and scratches and extensive damage. Lose panels should be handled immediately by tightening the screws and replacing damaged fixings. If rust and corrosion are present, you can use sandpaper to remove rust and corrosion, apply a rust-resistant primer and then use the matching Colorbond paint.

Dents and scratches are easy to handle with a heat gun or hair dryer to heat the area and then reshape it to bring it back to its original appearance.

HOW TO PAINT COLORBOND FENCING?

Generally, you are not advised to apply any paint on your Colorbond fencing, but if you have something like this in mind, you can follow the steps listed below.

●       Inspect the Colorbond fence and remove dirt, grime and loose paint

●       Use sandpaper to make this surface rough

●       Now it's time to apply a suitable metal primer for good adhesion

●       Choose good-quality exterior paint formulated for Colorbond fencing and Colorbond gates.

●       You can apply this paint using a brush, roller, or sprayer.

●       Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second coat, as this will allow optimal coverage.

MONITORING AND TRIMMING AND ENCROACHING VEGETATION

The vendors of Colorbond fencing recommend several preventive measures to minimise damage and extend the overall life of these fences and gates.

The first step in keeping Colorbond fencing perfect is trimming down the vegetation around it and removing overhanging branches and plants.

●       You must ensure that the bottom part does not contact the soil or the garden bed.

●       Keep an eye on sprinklers and ensure that they don't spray water directly on fences and gates.

●       There should be no clinging wines around Colorbond fencing, as they trap the moisture to damage it.

●       These simple steps will contribute enormously towards keeping the Colorbond fencing clean, healthy and aesthetically pleasing for years.