Why Is My Colorbond Fence Dented Already?

In this post:

• What dents a Colorbond fence
• Better options for laneways and public paths
• How a dented panel gets fixed

Colorbond is tough. It won't rot, termites can't touch it, and it doesn't need painting. That's why it's so popular.

But it's still steel sheet. A hard enough hit will dent it.

One review stuck with me. The homeowner's property backed onto a shortcut people used to get to the shops. Within two months of the new fence going up, it had been kicked in three times.

So I want to be upfront about where Colorbond is the right choice, and where it might not be.

What dents Colorbond

• People kicking or climbing it, especially on laneways and walkways.
• Balls, bikes and trailers.
• Branches coming down in a storm.
• Mowers and whipper snippers along the base.

A fence along a quiet side boundary will usually look good for decades. A fence along a public path takes much more of a beating.

If your fence faces a public area

This is the conversation worth having at the quote, not after the fence goes up.

On a high-traffic boundary, there are a few options. A solid timber fence or a masonry wall takes knocks better. A slat-style fence is harder to kick in. Sometimes a plinth at the bottom helps too, because a lot of kicks land low.

On the other boundaries, Colorbond is often still the best value.

Can a dent be fixed?

Often, yes. The good news with Colorbond is that each panel is made of separate sheets. A badly dented sheet can usually be replaced without replacing the whole fence.

BlueScope actually recommends replacing a damaged sheet rather than painting over it, because touch-up paint can weather differently to the original finish.

If your fence is a standard colour, a replacement sheet usually matches well. Older fences may have faded a little, so the new sheet can look slightly brighter at first.

What we'll ask you

When we quote a Colorbond fence, we ask what's on the other side. A neighbour's yard. A park. A laneway. A busy footpath.

It's not to talk you out of Colorbond. It's so the fence you choose suits where it's going.

If your fence is already dented, send us a photo. We'll let you know if it's a single sheet or something bigger.

Common questions

Can you replace one dented Colorbond sheet?

Usually, yes. The infill sheets can be swapped without replacing the whole panel or fence.

Can I paint over scratches on Colorbond?

BlueScope recommends leaving minor scratches or replacing the sheet, because touch-up paint weathers differently.

What's the toughest fence for a laneway?

Masonry or solid timber takes knocks best. A slat fence is also harder to kick in than flat sheeting.

Keep reading

• How much does a Colorbond fence cost in Brisbane?
• Why did my timber fence warp in two years?
• When something goes wrong, who's actually to blame?

Not sure which fence suits your boundary? Call us on 07 2141 7748, get a price online or let's have a chat.