How Do You Install Colorbond Fence Panels?

To install the colorbond fence panels, you first need to plan the position of your colorbond fence, dig holes and install your colorbond fence poles with concrete base. Then you need to attach the bottom rails, and only then is the time to add the concrete fence panels and the top rails in the end.

This is the entire project in simple words. However, there is a lot more to it than that. It is quite challenging to prepare the soil, pour the concrete and make sure all the poles are in line so they can keep the colorbond fence straight and even.

Therefore, it is a much better idea to hire a professional to do your colorbond fence installation for you. The colorbond fence can last for decades if installed properly and on the soil that is prepared for it. A good installer will know how to do it well so that your colorbond fence stays there for as long as you want without any issues.

Still, in order to be able to monitor the installation and to know a thing or two about your colorbond fence, here is how the installation goes:

How Do You Install a Colorbond Fence?

The five steps to colorbond fence installation are all there is to it. However, just like with every big project like this, you have to know that there are many details in each of these steps. All of those details have to be done just right to ensure the durability and stability of your colorbond fence.

Step 1 – Prepare the Terrain

You are in luck if your terrain isn’t steep and it doesn’t have any slopes and slides on it. If it does, you will definitely have to hire a professional to do your colorbond fence installation because it takes a lot of skill to fit all the elements of your fencing together when the terrain isn’t flat.

Other things you need to look out for are the rocks and holes. Of course, rocks and stones that are not in line with your colorbond fence are all right, but if you need to dig some holes for the posts and you cannot do it due to the rocks, you will be in trouble. The holes are not such a big issue on their own, but if they retain water, they should be away from your colorbond fence.

The terrain itself is ready, but how about the items below the surface? Remember all those gas, water and electricity lines? They are underground in many cases. You should call the local authorities and get them to check where those lines are so you can plan your colorbond fence around them.

Step 2 – Dig the Post Holes

The first thing you need to do is to “draw lines” of where your colorbond fencing will be. You should do that by using a system of string and mark pegs. Start from the position where your gate will be and work your way around the property you want to enclose with a colorbond fence.

Your first mark peg should be where you plan on positioning the gate. The next one should be 2.4 m from that position. Another one on the next 2.4 m mark, and so on. The string should go from one mark peg to another, which will help you plan your colorbond fence. The panels are straight, and they don’t bend, so the straight line formed by a string will give the idea of where and how the panels will go.

The mark pegs actually mark the places where the centre of the post holes will be. The diameter around the mark peg should be anywhere between 20 cm and 25 cm. The depth of the hole can be different for different types of soils, but the usual depth is 60 cm.

Step 3 – Position the Posts

When you have your holes, you need to prepare your posts. First of all, you need to attach the posts two-by-two. The corner posts and the gate posts are in the shape of hollow squares, but the plain posts that are used to hold the sheets together are not. They need to be attached back to back to each other so their open profiles are facing the sides of the sheets.

Once you have both sides of the posts attached, you should use braces to position the posts at the appropriate depth. Keep in mind that all posts should be of equal height if you want your colorbond fence to work.

This is the moment when you need to pour the concrete into the hole so that it keeps the post secure in position. Leave the concrete to cure well for as long as it takes because it needs to be perfectly secure. Keep in mind that the concrete should have a little slope so that the water doesn’t retain around the post. In that way, the post is protected from corrosion.

Step 4 – Fit in the Colorbond Sheets

When installing colorbond sheets, you need to start from the bottom. Namely, you need to secure the bottom rails first. They should be slightly elevated from the ground, leaving at least 5 cm of space between the rail and the soil. Go from one post to another and secure the rails with the screws to the posts.

Now try and position the top rails. Don’t attach them entirely; just try them on and see if they fit well. They will come in last in your colorbond fence installation, but they are a great way to see if the posts are as even as they should be.

Remove the top rails and position the colorbond fence panels. The overlap between the rails and the sheets should be perfect. Screw them into place and make sure that they are not loose or that the overlap has to be forced.

As your last step, make sure that the top rails are positioned, as well. In some cases, people opt for decorative lattice on their colorbond fencing. You need to plan this ahead, because not all panels can be used with the lattice.

All you have to do now is install the gate for your colorbond fence. You can choose from a single gate, a double gate, or many other options. However, this means that your project requires a real professional who knows all the secrets of the trade and has a lot of experience. Don’t worry about the price because you can find that professional without breaking the bank.

Get quotes from experienced colorbond fence installation experts from all over Australia. You don’t have to commit to anything to get those quotes, and they will help you plan your budget and find the person who gets the job done.