How to Clean and Maintain Colourbond Fences

written by: Hayden Steere

Published: October 17, 2024
Updated: October 17, 2024

reading time:  minutes

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People are choosing colourbond fences more and more, especially in North Brisbane and other places. That they look sleek and modern, last a long time, and are easy to clean. But, like any other outdoor building, a colourbond fence needs to be taken care of to keep it looking great. Whether you’ve just installed one or have had your fence for years, this guide will provide you with simple techniques to keep your Colourbond Fencing in North Brisbane in tip-top shape, prevent rust, and maintain its appearance.

1. Regular Cleaning: A Quick Hose-Down Goes a Long Way

It's good that colourbond fence doesn't need much maintenance, but that doesn't mean you can forget about it. The best way to make sure your fence always looks good is to keep it clean.

How to Clean: If you hose down your fence once a month, dirt and other things won't be able to stick to it. Spray the fence down from top to bottom with a yard hose, making sure to get into all the cracks and crevices. This can make a big difference in keeping the look of fences in North Brisbane, where dirt and dust can build up because of nearby building or windy weather.

Pro Tip: If you want to clean colourbond fence, don't use high-pressure cleaners. The stress can wear off the paint or make the panels crack. To keep things safe, keep the water flow slow.

2. Soap and Water for Stubborn Stains

If your fence has gathered a bit more than just dust—maybe some bird droppings, mud splashes, or even sap from nearby trees—a quick wash with soap and water will do the trick.

How to Do It: Scrub the stains gently with a soft cloth or sponge and a little mild dish soap mixed with warm water. Don't use rough things on the fence, like steel wool, because they can scratch the surface. With a hose, wash off the clean water, and your fence will look brand new.

Fun Fact: Because Colourbond fencing has a baked-on paint finish, it’s resistant to most common stains. A little soap and water can usually remove even the toughest spots.

3. Rust Prevention: The Enemy of Metal Fences

While Colourbond fences are designed to resist rust, it’s still important to take a few extra steps to ensure your fence remains rust-free—especially in coastal areas or places with a lot of rain, like North Brisbane.

How to Prevent Rust: Start by ensuring that your fence doesn’t have any scratches or chips in the paint. The baked-on paint finish protects the underlying steel from exposure to moisture and air, which can lead to rust. If you do notice any scratches, touch them up with Colourbond-specific paint to prevent rust from forming.

Watch Out for Trapped Water: Make sure there’s no water pooling around the base of your fence. If your yard slopes towards the fence, you may need to create drainage to ensure that water doesn’t sit there after a storm. Constant exposure to moisture can increase the likelihood of rust forming at the bottom of the fence.

Pro Tip: Regularly check for any debris, such as leaves or branches, that might collect around the bottom of the fence. Organic matter can trap moisture, which may lead to rusting over time.

4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Keep It Simple

Though colourbond fencing is tough you shouldn't use any chemical you find in the cupboard to clean it. Some cleaners are too strong and can damage or change the colour of the paint.

What to Avoid: Try to stay away from acidic things like bleach and cleaning with ammonia. These can remove the covering that protects your fence, leaving it open to damage. If you need to clean your colourbond fence, stick to mild cleaners like dish soap or a cleaner made just for this type of fencing.

Fun Anecdote: A North Brisbane homeowner told a funny story about how they thought a bleach solution would make cleaning their colourbond fence easy. In the end, they had a worn spot on the fence that had to be painted over completely. We learned that we should only use light soap.

5. Check for Loose Screws and Fasteners

Even though Colourbond fencing is incredibly durable, the screws and fasteners that hold it together may loosen over time. This is particularly common in areas prone to high winds, like North Brisbane, where storms can cause some wear and tear on the structure.

How to Check: Every few months, take a few minutes to walk along your fence line and check the screws and fasteners. If you notice any that are loose, tighten them using the appropriate tools. If a screw has rusted, replace it with a new one to maintain the structural integrity of the fence.

6. Keeping the Fence Line Clear

A clean fence is not just about the surface—it’s also about keeping the area around the fence free from debris and clutter. Overgrown plants, leaves, and even soil buildup can lead to issues with your Colourbond fence over time.

Why It Matters: Plants growing too close to the fence can trap moisture and create the perfect environment for rust or discolouration. Trim any bushes or vines that may be creeping onto the fence. Also, be sure to remove any leaves or other organic matter that could pile up at the base of the fence, as these can retain moisture and cause long-term problems.

7. Professional Help: When to Call in the Experts

For most homeowners, maintaining a Colourbond fence is a straightforward job. But there are times when it’s worth calling in the professionals. If you notice significant damage, such as deep scratches, large rust spots, or major dents, a professional North Brisbane Fencing company can help.

When to Get Help: If a storm has blown a large branch into your fence or you’ve noticed some of the panels bending or buckling, professional repair services will save you time and prevent further damage. Professionals can assess the extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action, whether that’s a minor repair or a full panel replacement.

Conclusion: A Little Effort Goes a Long Way

Maintaining your Colourbond fencing doesn’t have to be a chore. You can keep your fence looking as good as the day it was put up with just a little regular care. You can make your fence last for years by keeping it clean, stopping rust, and checking for small problems like scratches or broken screws.

If you live in North Brisbane, where the weather can change quickly, these tips will help you keep your fence strong and looking good. A clean and well-kept fence not only makes your home look better, but it also raises its value. You can clean it with water after a dusty week or scrub it hard to get rid of tough spots. Now get that hose and soap ready. Your colourbond fencing will be grateful.


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About the author 

Hayden Steere

Hello! I’m Hayden Steere, coming to you from Epping, Victoria.
Through my career as a professional landscaper and home renovator I’ve learnt not just to work with tools, but to share that expertise with others. Now retired, I channel this wealth of knowledge into my writing. My goal is to provide informative, practical advice that empowers you to tackle your own projects with confidence.

Beyond writing, I'm a passionate wood turner, often found in my shed transforming simple pieces of wood into intricate works of art. I also cherish the time spent with my family, as these moments are as rewarding as any well-crafted project.

Join me on this journey as I share everything from DIY home renovation tips to creating a beautiful, sustainable garden. Let’s make your living space something truly special!