When Something Goes Wrong, Who's Actually to Blame?

In this post:

• The two warranties every fence has
• The ground clearance rule that catches people out
• What can void a Colorbond warranty

There's a frustrating pattern in fencing reviews. Something goes wrong with the fence. The homeowner calls the installer. The installer blames the product. The manufacturer blames the installer. And the homeowner is stuck in the middle.

One homeowner had their Colorbond panels blister within a few years. The manufacturer told the fencer it was his fault for letting the sheets touch the ground. The fencer pointed back at the manufacturer. Nobody fixed it.

I want to explain how this happens, so it doesn't happen to you.

Your fence has two warranties

Most people don't realise there are usually two separate warranties.

The product warranty comes from the steel maker. BlueScope covers fencing made from genuine Colorbond steel for 10 years against corrosion to perforation. But it has conditions.

The workmanship warranty comes from your installer. It covers how the fence was built. Posts, footings, fixings, levels.

When something fails, the question is always which one it falls under. That's where the finger-pointing starts.

The ground clearance rule

BlueScope's own installation guide is clear. Soil, garden fill and dirt shouldn't be in contact with the posts or the bottom rail. The bottom rail should sit about 50 mm above the ground.

Why? Steel that sits in wet soil, mulch or grass clippings stays damp. Damp steel corrodes. And contact with soil and moisture-retaining material is one of the things the warranty doesn't cover.

So if an installer buries the bottom of the panels, or a garden bed gets built up against the fence later, the product warranty may not help you.

Other things that can catch you out

• Using the fence as a retaining wall. Colorbond fences aren't designed to hold back soil.
• Pool water splashing on the fence regularly.
• Fertiliser, mulch or leaves left piled against the base.
• Concrete touching the rails or sheets during installation.

How we avoid the blame game

We install to the manufacturer's guidelines, with the right clearance at the bottom. Where soil needs holding back, we put in a plinth or a proper retaining wall. We never just let the dirt lean on the panels.

We'll also tell you what to watch for after we leave. Things like keeping garden beds and mulch off the base.

And if something does go wrong, call us first. If it's our workmanship, we fix it. If it's a product fault, we'll deal with the supplier. You shouldn't have to referee it yourself.

Common questions

How long is the Colorbond fence warranty?

BlueScope offers 10 years against corrosion to perforation for fencing made from genuine Colorbond steel, subject to its conditions.

Can I build a garden bed against my Colorbond fence?

It's best not to. Soil and mulch against the panels keep the steel damp and can affect the warranty. Leave a gap or use a separate edge.

Who do I call if my fence has a problem?

Your installer first. A good one will work out whether it's workmanship or product and deal with it.

Keep reading

• Why is my Colorbond fence dented already?
• The part of your fence you'll never see matters most
• How much does a Colorbond fence cost in Brisbane?

Want a fence built to last, and someone to call if it doesn't? Call us on 07 2141 7748, get a price online or let's have a chat.