FAQs

Where it's appropriate to place branding, products manufactured from COLORBOND® steel, ZINCALUME® steel and GALVASPAN® steel can be identified by the "branding" depicted below. Fencing made from COLORBOND® steel will be laser engraved with the COLORBOND® steel logo. also shown below.

Look for the brand that identifies the long lasting guaranteed performance of genuine BlueScope Steel.

 

Do not allow any metals other than aluminium, galvanised steel, ZINCALUME® steel or zinc to come into direct contact with COLORBOND® steel. Any direct contact between any other metals (eg. copper and lead) and COLORBOND® steel can result in corrosion. Especially take note of the following:

• Copper pipes and lead flashing should not come in direct contact with either ZINCALUME® steel or COLORBOND® steel. If the building design is such that water will flow from lead flashing onto ZINCALUME® steel or COLORBOND® steel, then the flashing should be painted.
• Water from copper pipes should not be directed onto COLORBOND® steel or ZINCALUME® steel.
• Stainless steel fixings and fixings containing copper should also not be used with ZINCALUME® steel or COLORBOND® steel.
• Fasteners conforming to AS3566 Class 3 or 4 are acceptable depending on the location of the product. If you have any questions, ask your supplier or contact us.
• This information is intended as a guide only. For more information, on our Corrosion Technical Bulletins, Download Corrosion Technical Bulletin CTB 12 - Dissimilar Metals.

The difference lies in performance requirements. COLORBOND® steel complies with a number of Australian Standards and was designed in Australia for Australian conditions. It is manufactured by BlueScope Steel, with a reputation second to none. COLORBOND® steel is not just powder coated steel. It is one of the most advanced steel products in the world, combining the outstanding anti corrosion performance of a ZINCALUME® steel base with a superior paint system. With imported steels you may not have all of these guarantees of quality.

COLORBOND® steel is a brand of steel made (exclusively) by BlueScope Steel and used in the manufacture of fencing systems. The fencing systems themselves are manufactured by any of a number of rollforming companies, and usually have their own proprietary brand names.

Pale Terracotta, Torres Blue, Blue Ridge®, Ironbark, Bronze Olive or Saltbush is now discontinued as a standard colour for roofing & rainwater goods. Suppliers are still able to order non-standard colour from us, although price surcharges and/or minimum order requirements may apply. Please see our Find a Supplier page to find your nearest ten suppliers anywhere in Australia.

BlueScope Steel supplies COLORBOND® steel coil to rollforming companies who manufacture it into different fencing panel styles. The dimensions of a panel will depend upon these manufacturers recommendations. You can find manufacturers from our Find a Supplier.

Our recommendation is not to touch up. Minor scratching will not affect the life of the sheet and is rarely obvious to a casual observer. Should damage be substantial, replace the sheet. We particularly recommend against the use of spray cans, as these can result in overspraying of surrounding areas. The problem might not be immediately obvious, but since overspray paint weathers at a different rate to the oven dried paint on COLORBOND® steel you'll eventually be left with an unsightly blemish on the sheet.

Boundary Lines

Most disputes between neighbours concern boundary lines. You should be aware of this and always build a new fence on the existing fence line. If there is no existing fence, don't put in a new fence without first checking the accuracy of the boundary line, or check the land title if you are unsure.

Fencing Legislation

Each state and territory has its own fencing legislation and there may be differences between the states and territories. If you need to check the legislation, you can obtain a copy online, by post or in person. The details for each state and territory are given below.

Local Fencing regulations

Fencing regulations may also vary in different local, shire and regional council areas on such issues as materials to be used, maximum height permitted, and so on. If you are in any doubt about the regulations in your area, you should contact the local, regional or shire council. Housing estates may also have specific regulations about fencing.

New South Wales:
Dividing fences act 1991
http://www.austlii.edu.au

Victoria:
Fences Act 1968
www.legislation.vic.gov.au

Western Australia:
Fences Act 1968
www.legislation.wa.gov.au

ACT:
Common Boundaries Act 1981
www.legislation.act.gov.au

Tasmania:
Boundary Fences Act 1908
www.thelaw.tas.gov.au

South Australia:
Fences Act 1975
www.slsa.sa.gov.au

Queensland:
Dividing Fences Act 1953
www.legislation.qld.gov.au

Northern Territory:
Fences Act 1972
www.nt.gov.au

Most fences feature galvanised steel posts and COLORBOND® steel infill sheets. Immersing the galvanised steel posts in concrete does not cause any corrosion problems but you should not allow the concrete to contact the rails or infill sheets of the fence. Check with your Supplier.

Your fence is very easy to maintain. Here's a few tips to make sure it keeps looking great.

• Wipe or hose it down regularly – at least once every six months or more if you live in a coastal area (water restrictions permitting). Pay particular attention to cleaning dirt or debris from under the top rail where rain doesn’t naturally wash.
• Remove cobwebs using a soft broom. This will deal with any spiders.
• Don’t let soil, dirt and garden debris build up at the base of the fence or next to the posts and rails. This will retain water and can lead to corrosion.
• Be careful not to spray the fence with garden chemical sprays or fertilisers as these can damage the surface. If this happens, wash the fence down with water immediately.
• Don’t use your fence as a retaining wall. It isn’t designed for this purpose.