DIY Tips For Maintaining Your Aluminum Fence

From enclosing a backyard for children and pets to increasing your home's value and privacy, it is easy to see the benefits of a fence. Unfortunately, the various materials available for your fence can be overwhelming. Wood, chain-link, and even vinyl are all great options, but each offers varying pros and cons. Thankfully, the ornamental style of an aluminum fence offers an attractive, durable option that does not block the views out from your backyard. While a smart investment, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to protect the beauty and durability of your aluminum fence. Using this guide, you can clean and maintain your aluminum fence.  

Simple Wash

Dirt, mud, grass clippings, and other debris will build up on your fence over time. While unavoidable, removing this debris is necessary to prevent heavy residue, rust, and the growth of mold. Using a pressure washer is the most efficient way to remove this debris, but you may not know where to begin when using this piece of equipment.

To get started, rent or borrow a light-duty pressure washer, which offers a maximum of 2,000 PSI of water pressure. This PSI, or pounds per square inch of water pressure, is perfectly suited to removing light buildup from most surfaces around your home.

After connecting the washer's hose to your outdoor spigot, stand a few feet away from the fence before aiming your sprayer wand. Begin spraying one section of fence at a time, using side-sweeping motions to wash off your fence in a quick, easy way.

Detailed Cleaning

If you still notice dirt and mud on your aluminum fencing, consider using a more detailed cleaning method.

Purchase an outdoor pump sprayer and add the following ingredients:

  • 3 gallons of warm water
  • 3 cups of baking soda

Shake your container to mix the ingredients, making sure that the baking soda dissolves slightly into the water. Pump the sprayer handle a few times, which will create pressure in the sprayer nozzle.

Douse your entire fence with the baking soda solution. Allow it to soak the aluminum for 20 minutes before rinsing with your pressure washer or garden hose.

The baking soda will dissolve stubborn dirt and debris from your fence without harming the surrounding landscaping.

Got Growth?

If you live in warm, humid climates, you may develop patches of mold, mildew, or algae on your fence. These dark green, brown, and black patches of growth are not only unappealing, but they can also be hazardous to your health, so removal is imperative. Unfortunately, spraying your fence with bleach will kill surrounding grass, shrubs, and flowers. In addition, chlorinated bleach can irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system, so consider a safer, non-toxic option.

White vinegar offers numerous acetic acids, which are naturally antibacterial and antiviral, so it is a great option for removing a growth from your fence.

Add 2 gallons of water and 2 gallons of white vinegar to your outdoor sprayer. Douse the solution on patches of mold, mildew, and algae, allowing it to soak for 20 minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any stubborn patches before rinsing with your garden hose.

Enhance

Cleaning your fence periodically will protect its beauty and durability, but you can also enhance the shine and color of your aluminum.

After washing, allow the fence to dry before applying a coat of standard automobile wax to the aluminum rails and posts. Allow the wax to remain on the fence for 30 minutes before removing with a soft, damp cloth. The wax will remove any oxidation while decreasing the dull color of the aluminum. The end result is a clean, shiny, aluminum finish.

Investing in an aluminum fence for your home and family is smart, but proper cleaning and maintenance is necessary. Using these DIY tips, you can clean and enhance your aluminum fence.  For more information, consider contacting a professional like those at Affordable Fence & Screen.


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