Cleaning And Maintenance Guidelines For Colorbond Fences

by Taylor Smith Helping Fence in Australia

Colorbond metal can be used in a wide range of applications, and the most common uses are seen in the form of roofs, fences, and gates. The reason is the durability of this material and also the fact that it is very long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing to our eyes. All these reasons contribute immensely to making Colorbond fences the most preferred option across Australia. But it is also a fact that this material also requires some maintenance, even in a low quantity.

This maintenance can be given by cleaning Colorbond fences to keep them looking good and performing well for years. Vendors will market their products made from Colorbond, claiming they are completely maintenance-free, but this is not true. Regular and proper maintenance is mandatory as it eliminates the cost of premature replacement or repair of Colorbond fencing. Let us quickly explore the best method of cleaning Colorbond fence installations in Australia.

What Are Colorbond Fence Installations?

Colorbond is a kind of steel manufactured in Australia while adhering to Australian standards AS1397 and AS/NZS2728. What makes it different from other materials used as fencing is that it has been tested in some of the harshest Australian conditions across the nation. It has stood tall against all those situations and harsh conditions to emerge as a corrosion-resistant and durable fencing material.

The best part of this material is coated in the industry's leading metallic coating done by BlueScope to enhance its corrosion resistance, and then, it has another coat of pretreatment layer for better adhesion of further coating. The next step of manufacturing Colorbond material involves baking the primer onto the surface to inhibit corrosion completely. The outcome is a material that is completely resistant to chipping, flaking, blistering, and many other issues. But constant exposure to different kinds of weather conditions and natural and unnatural situations also wears this material down. The speed of wearing down can be reduced with the cleaning steps discussed in this post.

How To Clean Colorbond Fence Installations?

Hosing Down In The Beginning Is A Great Idea

In the beginning, you can hose your Colorbond fence to set it free from cobwebs and dirt build-up on the fencing. This step, taken regularly, will keep the fence shining and maintain its looks for a long time.

Washing Colorbond fence installations becomes mandatory if you stay near Australian coastal areas, as salty air can be a significant deterioration factor.

Nothing Should Lean On Your Colorbond Fence

Colorbond fence installations are extreme and durable, but heavy-leaning objects can be very harmful as the fence can weaken over time. During the inspection process, you must ensure that nothing is leaning over the fence as it can generate scratches and spots and make the fencing look less appealing.

Mild Cleaning Materials Are A Good Choice

Colorbond fencing combines several durable layers, but gentle cleaning solutions are still advocated for use while cleaning. This means avoiding scourers and metal-based cleaning solutions altogether. The best solution is warm water, mild dishwashing soap, and a soft sponge or a microfibre cloth. Metal-based cleaning tools and scourers can scratch the topmost layer and remove unsightly spots.

Use Paint To Hide Flaking And Caulking

Long-term and constant exposure to the sun, salty winds, and other natural factors can make the Colorbond fence lose its beauty, appearance, and shine. Issues like fading, caulking, and flaking can arise, but you can eliminate them by painting your Colorbond fencing installations. Before beginning to paint, you must clean the area thoroughly and let it dry completely. In terms of Colorbond fences, painting manufacturers recommend using water-based exterior acrylic paint and two coats for incredible results.

Remember that painting your Colorbond fence installation will void your warranty with the manufacturer BlueScope.

Keep The Fencing Safe From Fertilisers

The chemicals present in fertilisers, pesticides, and weedicides can be very harmful to your Colorbond fence. It is recommended to keep fertilisers and pesticides away from the installation while spraying them in your garden or lawn. The biggest culprit is the corrosive chemical called aluminium sulphate that can react with metal quickly. If your Colorbond fence has accidentally come into contact with fertilisers, wash it as soon as possible.

A Pool Nearby Means More Attention To Cleaning

If you have a swimming pool around your Colorbond fence installation, in that case, it becomes essential to keep an eye on the Colorbond fence and clean it with even more dedication regularly. The reason is again that pool water has some chemicals like chlorine and salt, which can have a corrosive effect on Colorbond fence installations. This mainly happens in the summer when kids and pets refuse to come out of the pool for hours and continue splashing water.

Consider The Type Of Soap For Cleaning

This soap you choose for cleaning the Colorbond fence plays a crucial role in how good the results will be. You must trust less or moderate chemical-based soaps, as they are safer and don't compromise the overall quality and looks of the metal. Moreover, you should not leave the soap on your Colorbond fence installations for too long, and once scrubbing with a soft sponge is done, you must rinse the fence thoroughly with the hose water. If soap stands there for too long, the patches will develop and make your Colorbond fence look ugly and unsightly.

Removing Soil Build-Up Should Not Be Skipped

The fence will stay exposed to the soil of your lawn constantly, and it is your responsibility to keep it free from soil build-up to prolong its life. This is possible with timely inspection, and as soon as you notice accumulated soil, you must remove it immediately using a shovel. Remember, the soil there will retain water and moisture, and the chemicals in the soil will play a significant role in damaging or causing issues like rusting. Vendors recommend not using Colorbond fencing as retaining walls as these installations are not designed for this purpose.

Read Cleaning Instructions Very Carefully

The last and most promising step is going through the cleaning and maintenance-related instructions very carefully. If any confusion is there, you should not hesitate to contact the vendors for their expert advice. This discussion with the experts will give you detailed instructions on cleaning Colorbond fences and what steps and procedures to follow to clean and maintain the beautiful looks forever. Following their guidance, tips, and tricks will help you keep your Colorbond fence in a functional condition for a long time.