| Click
here to download Fencing PDF
Click here to download Fencing Installation Guide PDF
Enquire About Fencing Now
STEP 1 – Marking Out Your Post Holes
Sloping or Uneven Sites
It is highly recommended that you rake your fence on
sloping or uneven ground rather than stepping the panels. This 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. The post height required may 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 Square Hollow Section (SHS) and fence posts will vary
according to the fence supplies. Contact your nearest Metroll office for further details.
STEP 3 – 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 4 – 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 full 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 the required length is
achieved
- Allow the concrete to cure overnight. But a 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
- 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 (see line diagrams to the right)
Maintenance and Warranty of Your
Fence
- 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.
- 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.
- Avoid build up of soil or garden fill against the bottom rails and posts as the water build up may lead to corrosion.
- Avoid spraying the fence with garden sprays or
fertilisers as these can damage the surface. Any
accidental spraying needs to be washed 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.
- 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.
- 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 250,000m².
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.
|