Storms in Australia can often be destructive, like the storm on May 25, 2020 that left 60,000 homes without power. Roofs, power lines, trees and fences are all particularly at risk from strong winds, lightning and heavy rain. If you live in a storm-prone area, your fence will likely be tested by strong storms on a regular basis, especially during storm season.
Colorbond fencing is more suitable than other fencing materials like wood and vinyl if you live in an area regularly hit by powerful storms. Colorbond fencing has several attributes that make it highly stormproof.
Non-Combustible
One notable danger of storms is lightning. Although lightning tends to strike the tallest objects in an area, a fence is still at risk. But unlike wood or vinyl, Colorbond won't combust if lightning strikes it. In other words, lightning won't set your fence on fire if you choose Colorbond.
Fireproof
Colorbond fences won't spread fires. If, as in the aforementioned example, lightning strikes a nearby tree and causes a fire, that fire will not spread to your Colorbond fence. Instead, your Colorbond fence will stop the fire in its tracks and prevent it from spreading to your home. The same goes for bushfires.
Wind Resistant
Colorbond fencing sits atop a concrete base that helps to keep the fence secured firmly in the ground. During storms when heavy winds are battering the area, your Colorbond fence will hold firm. Wooden and vinyl fences, on the other hand, won't provide as much wind resistance as a Colorbond fence will.
Hailstone Resistant
Hailstones too will not cause too much damage to a Colorbond fence. Although some denting might occur, along with some paint loss, you can reapply the protective coating, hiding the dents and restoring your Colorbond fence's protective layer. But vinyl fencing, by comparison, will fare poorly if a severe hailstorm rolls through and is likely to suffer severe damage.
Are Colorbond Fences Lightning Conductors?
One misconception that some homeowners have about metal fencing and roofing is that this material attracts lightning. That isn't true, as research has already proven. A Colorbond fence will not become the target of lightning during a storm. And, as already stated, if lightning does strike a Colorbond fence, that fence won't suffer any damage or start a fire.
If you are thinking of replacing your fence and you live in a stormy area, a Colorbond fence is a safe and sturdy option.