Fence Maintenance
Your fence is a big investment that you understandably want to keep looking new for as long as possible. Therefore proper maintenance specific to your material of fence is essential. The most important part of increasing fence longevity is regular observation so you can thoroughly clean your fence when you notice dirt buildup as well as promptly repair your fence when you notice minor imperfections. Regular cleaning and sealing of your fence will help prevent mildew, mold, and rust. Let’s first go over how to properly wash your unique type of fence.
- When washing your wood fence, clean with a mold-mildew removing solution, oxygenated bleach, or a gel wax. Use a long scrub brush then hose off for minor cleaning or a wire brush and a power washer for deep cleaning. Once a year, apply a clear UV filtered stain treatment. This will help protect your fence from sun and rain damage. When washing your vinyl fence, use a vinyl specific cleaning solution on a stiff bristled brush then hose off. You can also use a magic eraser for deeper stains.
- When washing your aluminum fence or chain link fence, rise with a garden hose, scrub with a dish soap sponge, then rinse again.
- When washing your wrought iron fence, clean with a mild detergent, let it dry, then apply a protective sealant.
Let’s now discuss the core maintenance procedures to ensure the continued brilliance of your fence.
- Keep all plants away from your fence. Greenery, such as shrubs and vines, create moisture and attract insects – both of which can damage your fence. Also clean up any debris, such as twigs and leaves, alongside the foundation of the fence.
- Cut overhanging tree branches to prevent damage caused by them falling onto your fence.
- Inspect your fence regularly for any deteriorations such as rust, mold, cracks, or chips and fix them promptly. Catching minor imperfections early on prevents larger maintenance projects and expenses later on. Some repair examples are below.
- You can remove rust from a metal fence with sandpaper or steel wool. If your fence is painted, you will need to re-paint and use a sealant with UV protectants.
- To remove mildew you can use a mix of white vinegar (1 cup) and water (2 gallons).
- If a post is loose, you can increase its stability by compounding dirt around it’s foundation (also use a level to ensure a streamline look).
- Apply lubricant to any fence locks and hinges to help prevent rust and to increase the longevity of its mechanisms.
- Pour small amounts of concrete at the base of your fence to prevent pets from digging up its foundation.
- Avoid hanging anything on or leaning anything up against your fence, as this can cause chips and cracks as well as leaning of the fence.
- Re-apply new paint and protectant to your fence every two years to help prevent damage from harsh weather conditions.
- Face sprinklers away from your fence – ensuring they are not directly hitting your fence – in order to help prevent water damage.
- Move your grill away from your fence to prevent deterioration from the grill’s grease and smoke.
As you gathered, the most severe and costly types of damage to your fence are preventable. Through consistent observation and cleaning, your beautiful fence will stand the test of time. Contact us today for professional assistance!