Maintaining your fence is essential for keeping your property looking great, and fortunately the types of fences that we install at homes across Utah make for very low maintenance. But even with low maintenance fencing materials, there are a few things that you should keep in mind if you want your fence to continue looking great for longer. Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your fence, by material.
Wood
Wood fences are beautiful and come in a variety of styles and stains to suit many different landscapes. But they do require a little care to keep them looking great.
First, talk with your fencing specialist about applying a special stain to your wood. We at The Fence Specialist, for example, apply special stains to our wood fences that protect them from the effects of sun and rain exposure. (Professionally applied paint is another option if you want a more uniform look.) A stain is most effective when reapplied every two years or so, so be sure to keep track of when your fence needs to be resealed and restained.
It’s also a good idea to clean your fence every year or so. You can easily do this by applying a special mildew cleaning solution with a lang handled scrub brush. Rinse away the cleaning solution with a hose—or with a 1,500 to 2,000 psi pressure washer if necessary.
A fencing specialist can help you make needed repairs down the road as well. When installing an entirely new fence isn’t necessary, a fencing specialist can repair parts of your fence while maintaining a consistent look.
Vinyl
Vinyl is an increasingly popular fencing option because it is low maintenance and comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. Vinyl won’t crack, splinter, warp, or rot in the way that wood might, and it won’t rust in the way that metal fencing might. So caring for vinyl fencing requires very little work.
To care for a vinyl fence, you’ll want to clean it every year or so. Use a specially formulated solution for cleaning vinyl, and apply it using a brush with stiff bristles. Then rinse it will a garden hose or 1,500 to 2,000 psi pressure washer.
Aluminum
Aluminum is an increasingly popular option as far as metal fencing goes because it mimics the look of a traditional wrought iron fence and requires very little upkeep. These fences typically feature a durable finish—such as the Super Durable Polyester Finish that we use—making upkeep a cinch.
To care for an aluminum fence, simply wash it down with a garden hose any time it collects dirt or debris. Use a sponge and mild dish soap on any problem areas and rinse with water after thoroughly.
Iron
Iron fencing has a highly sophisticated look and can be manufactured in such a way that it requires very little maintenance. Our wrought iron and steel fencing, for example, is finished with a multilayered E-Coat coating process, making it suitable for any weather and any climate.
It is a good idea to apply a protective coat of wax to an iron fence regularly to ward off rust. If your fence is exposed to especially high amounts of moisture, you may also want to apply a protective sealant. Whenever dirt or debris accumulate on your fence, simply clean it with a mild detergent and plenty of water. Should you spot any rust, rub it with some sandpaper or steel wool. If necessary, have your fence repainted as needed.