{"id":1485,"date":"2018-03-26T11:19:16","date_gmt":"2018-03-26T15:19:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smuckerfence.com\/?p=1485"},"modified":"2024-04-11T13:57:07","modified_gmt":"2024-04-11T17:57:07","slug":"spring-cleaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smuckerfence.com\/blog\/fence-maintenance\/spring-cleaning","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Your Fence Ready for Spring"},"content":{"rendered":"
The time for spring cleaning is here, both inside and outside your home. While you probably have a solid routine established for the majority of your house, you probably haven\u2019t put much thought into how to clean your fence.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s okay \u2014 we\u2019re here to help. As the southern PA fence experts, we not only install showpiece fences, we also provide the info to help homeowners get the most out of them for years to come.<\/p>\n
The type of material your fence is made of \u2014 as well as the type of dirt messing it up \u2013 determine just how you\u2019re going to get it sparkling clean again.\u00a0 After a few decades working with fences, we\u2019ve pretty much seen everything there is to see. Plus, we can also show you a nearly no-maintenance fencing option if you want to make this the spring you upgrade.<\/p>\n
No question\u2026your fence has definitely seen better days.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a blackish, greenish, or yellowish growth on your once pristine fence. You don\u2019t know what it is, but you know it doesn\u2019t look good.<\/p>\n
Wood or vinyl, the most common things to dirty a fence are:<\/p>\n
Algae, mold, and mildew are organic growths caused by moisture and accelerated by a lot of shade. For both white vinyl fences and wooden fences of all variety, this is the most common flavor of nasty you\u2019ll see.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, grimy dirt on fences mostly occurs on front yard fences courtesy of the road out front.<\/p>\n
The grimy road dirt is really just a cosmetic issue, while the mold can overtime damage the integrity of a wooden fence.<\/p>\n
Either way, you want to do something about it.<\/p>\n
Even if it\u2019s stained and sealed, wood is an inherently more porous material than vinyl or aluminum. That means organic growth on the surface of a wooden fence<\/a> eventually seeps in. Your cleaning regime needs to account for that, too.<\/p>\n To refresh a wooden fence you\u2019ll want to use a combination of a cleaning solution and some heavy-duty washing.<\/p>\n\n You can make your own cleaning solution, using either bleach or white vinegar in water.<\/p>\n Soak rags in your fence-cleaning mixture and then scrub up and down both sides of the fence. Allow the mixture to seep into the wood itself for deep cleaning. Finally, blast the fence with a rented power washer \u2014 most garden hoses just don\u2019t have enough water pressure.<\/p>\n This should eliminate the organic growth and surface stains, restoring some of the fence\u2019s luster.<\/p>\n Eliminating the growth that can undermine the fence is crucial. The average life expectancy for a wooden fence is between 15 and 20 years\u2014this type of spring cleaning helps your wooden fence meet that milestone.<\/p>\n Note about wooden fences: keep in mind, wooden fences are not like aluminum or vinyl. They need to be repainted every 4 to 5 years to maintain their color. No amount of spring cleaning can help that fact.<\/p>\n Cleaning a vinyl fence<\/a> is a bit easier since the vinyl repels the intrusion of mold. However, the surface still gets dirty.<\/p>\n Renting a power washer and blasting your vinyl fence will eradicate organic growth and road dirt alike. It\u2019s probably the easiest solution if you don\u2019t mind spending a little money. However, if you\u2019re willing to put in the elbow work, you can wipe down your fence with the homemade cleaning solution.<\/p>\n A well-built vinyl fence can boast a 50-year lifespan \u2013 keeping it clean every spring makes it look beautiful for that entire duration.<\/p>\n While maintaining a vinyl fence is easy, an aluminum fence<\/a> makes it even easier. Aluminum fences are the choice for homeowners who don\u2019t want to have clean their fences. Distinct and stylish, aluminum fences are one the most durable, low maintenance fencing options available.\u00a0 In fact, aluminum fences come with a lifetime warranty.<\/p>\n While algae and other organic material can grow on the surface of an aluminum fence, it won\u2019t infiltrate or cause damage.<\/p>\n When it comes to dirt, you can all but forget about it. The striking dark colors of aluminum fences means that even there is some surface dirt, you won\u2019t see it.<\/p>\n Most homeowners don\u2019t need to clean their aluminum fences to keep them looking stunning. However, if you want to give it a quick washing, the white vinegar cleaning solution works like charm.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re tired of having to clean and paint your wooden fence and want to upgrade, we\u2019re the fence design and install experts<\/a> for the job. Or if want a fence that stands out from all of your neighbors, we can help you design a showpiece aluminum fence with a lifetime warranty.<\/p>\n\n
How to Clean a Vinyl Fence<\/h3>\n
How to Clean an Aluminium Fence<\/h3>\n\n
New Fence for Spring<\/h3>\n\n