If you have aluminum gates or fencing around your home, you already know that it is low maintenance and easy to care for. More resistant to rust and corrosion than its other metal counterparts, aluminum is long-lasting, durable, and strong. With a special powder-coated paint finish to further increase its strength, aluminum fencing will not scratch or scuff as other metals may. However, there are still things that can be done to help keep your fence looking as good as the day it was first installed. There are some external challenges that can occur in the fall months that may threaten the stability and longevity of your aluminum fence panels if not dealt with swiftly and efficiently.
Do not let leaves pile up
Fall is, of course, known for its falling leaves. And while it can be one of the most beautiful seasons, piles of wet leaves lying around can help to make your garden look messy, in addition to posing a slipping hazard. If leaves begin to pile up around your aluminum panel fencing, try to remove them periodically. Leaves will not cause any damage to your aluminum fencing, but they will eventually decay and rot, leaving a mess against your fence that will require cleaning. Removing them as they begin to pile up will mean less cleaning is needed further down the line.
Get your pressure washer out
Aluminum fencing should require little more than a quick wash with a hose and dish soap every once in a while. The changing of the seasons can be a wonderful time to do this. Give your fence a thorough cleaning so it goes into the fall months looking its best. It will also mean there is less dirt to tackle when spring finally comes around again. Alternatively, you may want to use a pressure washer to blast away any ground-on dirt, mold, or debris.
Look out for potholes
Autumn traditionally brings more rainfall with it, and any dips in the earth around your fence posts could collect rainwater. These pools of water could undermine the stability of your fence posts, which in turn could threaten the stability of your aluminum panel fencing. If you spot any areas like these around your fencing, act quickly to pack them in to help prevent posts from dislodging. Aluminum does not rust in the way that steel and iron do. but there may still be some effect on the metal, so leaving it sitting in standing water for extended periods is not ideal.
Carry out regular checks
Keep a close eye on your aluminum fencing, gates, driveway gates, and deck railing during the fall months. Carry out regular inspections and checks for any small problems that could become more problematic in the winter as temperatures plummet further and snow begins to fall. Catching problems early makes them so much easier to deal with. Ensure low-hanging branches near your fencing are trimmed regularly to prevent them from falling on top of it and causing damage and keep a close eye on shrubs and plants that could grow close to your fence posts and threaten their stability.
