Is there any way to plug up the gaps at the bottom and top of a colourbond fence? I have dirt, weeds and snails accumulating and it's difficult to clean out - would much rather fill in the gaps somehow
Hi @Charley3,
There are certainly ways to do it, but I wouldn't really advise it because it will trap moisture in the channel, which will accelerate the development of rust. You could in theory cover them with a mesh, which would allow water to evaporate, but fine particles would still likely find their way in there and the mesh would prevent you from getting them out, which again, would hold moisture against the fence and accelerate the development of rust.
My suggestion would be to use a pressure washer every now and then to clean them out.
In my eyes, a bit of periodic maintenance is an unfortunate necessity in this case.
If you absolutely felt the need to fill them anyway, a bit of expanding foam would likely be the easiest option. Just be aware that it would likely cause issues in the long term.
Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @Noyade and @Prof to see what they think.
Jacob
I would second the pressure washer.
Then fill? What is that tube insert material used in gaps prior to the filler? Do they come in large sizes and last when exposed to the environment?
Or stop looking down.
Hi @Noyade,
Sounds like you are thinking of gap filler rod?
Abelflex is much the same thing in a larger size. It is used in concreting, so no issues using it outdoors.
If you were to use it, you would want to seal over the top of it though. It will still hold water, which is my main concern here.
If you filled the gaps with Abelflex, then sealed over it with polyurethane sealant, this could be a
Good Afternoon @Charley3
Im more in the camp of periodic maintenance then filling in the channel. I think that will shorten the lifespan of the rail far faster than weeds and dirt hanging out in the channel. I would also, over time move plants like leafy shrubs from bang up against the fence so it wont need so much maintenance. A once yearly use of a pressure washer would work as @JacobZ and @Noyade have suggested.
Dave
