Having to compare different fencing types does not come along often, but when it does, it is always helpful to have some fencing resources. With this purpose, this post will compare the maintenance of Melbourne's two popular fencing types:
Colorbond steel fence and
tubular steel fence.
MAINTENANCE OF COLORBOND STEEL FENCING
When it comes to maintenance of the Colorbond steel fence, it is a relatively easy job. You need to give it a periodical wash with water. Therefore, if you are washing your car or watering your garden, aim the hose at the Colorbond steel fence and give it a gentle wash. If you find some cobwebs, then using a soft broom should help you out.
It is important not to let the soil, dirt or any garden fill to build up at the bottom of the fencing rails and posts. Having all the dirt and soil creates a perfect environment for moisture and water to accumulate, resulting in corrosion.
Also, when doing the gardening, be careful with garden sprays or fertilises
as they can damage the surface of the Colorbond steel fence. If you do find yourself spraying the fence by accident, then give it a quick rinse with water.
As important as it is to make sure that the bottom of your Colorbond steel fence is dirt-free, it is necessary to have adequate drainage so that the water does not pond in the bottom rail. You can either pre-punch the holes in the bottom rail or design fencing posts in a way there will be clearance between the posts and the bottom rail.
MAINTENANCE OF TUBULAR STEEL FENCING
When it comes to tubular steel fencing, most of the fencing is powder-coated. It helps to protect your tubular steel fence from corrosion while giving you the freedom to choose the colour of your preference. Even if it might sound like a sweet deal, we have to remember that powder-coated tubular steel fencing is not invincible.
The time and the environment can affect tubular steel fences. Just as with Colorbond steel fencing, with tubular steel fencing, you need to make sure that you clean the dirt that collects in the crevices and joints of fencing
and also gates. Why is that important? The dirt creates not only a good environment for moisture to accumulate, but it also creates a home for insects and bacteria. That, in turn, can speed up the breakdown of the powder-coating covering your tubular steel fencing.
If you are living by the ocean, let's say in Melbourne suburbs such as St Kilda, Altona, Chelsea, Seaford, Brighton or any other Melbourne suburb, then you need to remember that salt can damage your fencing.
This is why it is important to wash it 1-2 times a year. After a while, you can notice the salt has gathered on your fencing, giving it a dull colour. Once you do, give it a quick rinse.
You also need to remember that even if powder coating is durable, you need to be careful when cleaning so you won't damage it. What is a proper way of doing it?
- Use a wet sponge to remove the loose dirt. Do it gently, not scrubbing too strong. A soft brush will also do the work, however, be careful once again not to scrub it too harshly.
- When living by the ocean, use a mild household detergent and a soft brush
to get rid of the salt that has gathered on your fencing. Note that detergents must not contain solvents or petroleum-based chemicals. Detergents like that can damage the coating.
- What about drying it off? You have two options. You either let it dry by itself naturally or grab a dry cloth and wipe it down.
Both of the fencing types require an annual wash. However, when it comes to Colorbond steel fencing, you have a larger area to cover compared to tubular steel fencing. But when washing tubular steel fencing, you need to make sure that you wash all the crevices and joints of the fencing, especially if you have ornaments on your fencing.
Before making a decision about which fencing type you want to install, have a chat with our fencing specialist to find out more about both fencing types.
Give us a call on (03) 9753 4566, shoot us an email on info@diamondfence.com.au or just get a
FREE online fencing quote.
