Fence and Gate Repairs: Maintenance Guide for Melbourne Properties

Melbourne's weather is tough on fences. Strong winds, heavy rain, scorching summers, and even the occasional hailstorm take their toll on timber, Colorbond, and wrought iron fencing. Regular maintenance extends the life of your fence significantly, and timely repairs prevent small problems from becoming expensive replacements.

Common Fence Problems in Melbourne

• Leaning posts — the most common issue, usually caused by soil movement, water damage to the footing, or termite damage to timber posts
• Rotting timber — untreated or poorly sealed timber rots from the base up, especially where the post meets the ground
• Loose or missing palings — wind damage and natural warping cause individual palings to come loose or blow off entirely
• Sagging gates — heavy gates stretch their hinges over time, causing them to drag on the ground
• Rust on metal fencing — Colorbond is resistant but not immune, especially at cut edges and screw points
• Storm damage — fallen branches and strong winds can flatten entire fence sections. Our tree trimming service can remove overhanging branches that pose a risk

Timber Fence Maintenance

Timber fences are by far the most common in Melbourne's established suburbs. To maximise their lifespan:

• Apply a quality timber stain or sealant every 2 to 3 years. This is the single most important thing you can do
• Keep soil and garden mulch away from the base of fence posts. Direct contact accelerates rot
• Trim vegetation growing against the fence. Plants trap moisture and promote decay
• Replace individual rotting palings promptly before the damage spreads
• Check post footings annually for signs of movement or erosion

Colorbond Fence Maintenance

Colorbond fences are low maintenance but not maintenance-free:

• Wash with mild soapy water annually using low pressure washing (high pressure can damage the coating)
• Touch up scratches and cut edges with matching Colorbond touch-up paint to prevent rust
• Inspect and tighten screws and brackets annually
• Clear debris from the bottom rail to prevent moisture trapping

Gate Repairs

Gates take more abuse than any other part of a fence. Common repairs include:

• Hinge replacement — heavy gates need heavy-duty hinges rated for the weight
• Latch adjustment — latches shift as gates sag. Realignment or replacement is usually straightforward
• Auto-closer installation — required on pool gates in Victoria under AS 1926.1. Our handyman service installs compliant pool gate hardware
• Electric gate maintenance — motor services, sensor alignment, and remote programming

Neighbour Responsibilities

In Victoria, the Fences Act 1968 requires neighbours to share the cost of a dividing fence equally. If your fence needs replacement, you must give your neighbour written notice with the proposed work and cost. If they dispute the proposal, VCAT can make a determination.

Our fence and gate repair service operates across Northcote, Preston, Brunswick, and all Melbourne suburbs. Book a repair or call 1300 556 513.