Click here to download Fencing PDF

Click here to download Fencing Installation Guide PDF

STEP 1 – Marking Out Your Post Holes

Sloping or Uneven Sites

It is highly recommended that you make extra effort to rake your fence on sloping or uneven ground rather than stepping the panels. It achieves a better overall appearance as well as providing a stronger fence.

Uneven Sites

Vertical slitting of sheets may be required if slope is greater than 1 in 8. This may reduce the three-sheet coverage to a point where one of the sheets may require vertical slitting. On COLORBOND® steel and ZINCALUME® steel this can be achieved using a straight edge and scoring with a tungsten tipped hand cutter available at most hardware stores, then bending and snapping the sheet.

The top rail angles can be adjusted to create a smoother angle if desired. Note that the post height required will increase, so allow for this when fixing the posts in the ground.

STEP 2 – Securing Posts

End Posts, Corner Posts and Junctions

Dimensions of the SHS section and fence posts will vary according to the fence supplies. Contact your distributor for details.

Tapering the Front of Your Fence

We recommend that you taper the last two panels of your fence at an unsupported end, particularly where your fence extends beyond the front of your house.
Cut sheets as per the instructions in the ‘sloping of uneven sites’ section.

The minimal extra effort in tapering the unsupported end will provide a better-looking fence than a stepped fence and is much stronger than leaving it at full height.

STEP 3 – Installing Infill Sheets

• Insert bottom rail between posts to determine
   exact locations of next post
• Adjust bottom rail to correct height – it is
   important to maintain a minimum gap of 50mm    between bottom of rail and ground
• Screw fix the rails at this stage
• Place top rail into post and fix with self-drilling   screws on both sides of posts
• Ensure that the self-drilling screws are not fully    tightened, as they need to be removed when    inserting sheets
• Ensure the position of the top rail is protruding
   2mm above the top of the posts to reduce the
   risk of injury
• Continue this procedure until fence length is   achieved
• Allow the concrete to cure overnight. Note:
  Longer curing period may be required in very
  cold and/or wet weather
• Unscrew top rail and remove
• Fit infill sheets into bottom rail ensuring correct
  lap as per diagrams below
• Place top rail on infill sheets, working from one
  end to the other, locating the profile in the rail.
  A gentle tap with a rubber mallet may help
• Secure the top rail with self drilling screws on
  both sides
• Hose down with good water pressure when
  finished to remove any swarf such as drill filings
  or remnants from the nibbling process and
• Check installation

Correct lap detail for various infill sheet profiles

Maintenance and Warranty of Your Fence

1. To keep your fence looking its best, hose your fence down periodically with water when washing the car or watering the garden. A soft broom should be sufficient to remove any cobwebs. Pay particular attention to the area under the top rail, which is sheltered from natural washing by rain.
2. Do not build up soil, garden fill and/or dirt against the bottom rails and posts of your fence as this will retain water and lead to corrosion.
Do not use your fence as a retaining wall, as it is not designed for this purpose.
3. Avoid spraying the fence with garden sprays or fertilisers as these can damage the surface. If this occurs wash the fence down with water.
Adequate drainage is needed to ensure that water does not pond in the bottom rail and to assist in the removal of debris. This is often achieved by pre-punched holes in the bottom rail, or by designing the posts such that there is a clearance between the ends of the bottom rail and the posts.
4. Do not use touch up paint. Minor scratches should be left alone or the infill sheet replaced. Touch up paint will weather differently than COLORBOND® steel.
5. Fencing is backed by a 10 year warranty under the following conditions:
• Installation > 1km from Marine or Industrial   Development
• Fence is installed to Manufacturer’s guidelines
• Fence is maintained regularly in accordance with    BlueScope Steel guidelines

Beware!

This installation guide does not cover fences above 1.8 metres; please seek advice from your supplier.

Describe your site details when ordering materials (see Site Details).

Identify the soil type for your fence site. Refer to the Table in Step 1. This will determine the concrete required for the job.

Make sure you know the whereabouts of underground electricity, gas or water mains before you begin digging.

Check you local council regulations on boundary fencing.

Ensure you read through this guide completely before you begin to ensure you fully understand the installation process.

Check the delivered material for the correct number of components and general condition.

Important!

It is recommended that you pay particular attention to those items identified as important in this brochure to ensure satisfactory long-term performance. These items include:
• Ensure post holes are of correct size and filled
  with concrete (see step 1)
• Ensure that the recommended number of
  self-drilling screws is used to join two posts
  together (see step 2).

Equipment Requirements

Tools

• Self drilling screw gun with clutch system
  (electrical or battery operated)
• Spirit Level or Magnetic Level
• Rubber Mallet
• String Line & Marker Pegs
• Scissor Shovel and/or Spade
• Wheelbarrow and Larry Hoe
• Spud Bar
• Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker.

Personal Protective Equipment

• Safety Glasses
• Protective Gloves
• Hat & Sun lotion for skin protection
• Appropriate safety footwear
• Ear Muffs (if cutting required)
• Overalls (if cutting required).

Optional Equipment

• Nibbler (if cutting required)
• Tin Snips (if cutting required)
• Tungsten tipped Handcutter (if vertical slitting of   sheets required)
• Concrete Mixer.

*(Most pieces of equipment are available for hire at tool hire centres.)

Site Details

Fencing made from COLORBOND® steel is designed to withstand most wind conditions. The wind on the fence at your site will depend on a number of factors, including where you live (see question b) and the number of surrounding properties (see question a).

These Details Will Help Your COLORBOND® Steel Fence Distributor Tailor a Design That Is Best For You.

If in proximity to severe marine conditions or bounding swimming pools please ring us for advice

a. What does your property look like?

Typically having numerous closely spaced obstructions, such as houses or developed trees. These areas may have roads and canals less than 200m wide and open spaces less than 250, 000 sqm.
Example: Typical suburban housing development which may include parks or lakes.

Typically has few trees and isolated obstructions.
Example: Fronting open areas unlikely to be developed in the next two years.

b. Where do you live? See Map

Contact Metroll with information about your site to seek specific advice.

COLORBOND®

COLORBOND® steel has a well-earned reputation for quality and durability.

That is why when buying pre-painted steel fencing from a fencing manufacturer or supplier, you should always insist the steel is COLORBOND® steel.

The technology behind COLORBOND® steel is world leading – and it was developed right here in Australia to withstand the harsh climate conditions of Australia.

1. First, a base of ZINCALUME® steel ensures outstanding anti-corrosion performance

2. Next, a conversion layer is chemically applied to enhance coating adhesion

3. Then, an epoxy primer is baked onto the surface

4. And finally, a durable, exterior grade topcoat is baked on.

Exclusion Clause

This installation guide utilises information provided by manufacturers of cold-formed steel residential fencing. It has been circulated to the steel fencing industry for feedback and comments prior to publication. Whilst care had been taken in the preparation and compilation of the material contained herein, the Authors and/or BlueScope Steel shall accept no responsibility or liability for any use to which it is put. Information contained in this installation guide is subject to change without notice.