Dirt, debris, salt, sand, and stray branches can all create an unsightly aluminum fence. Know how to take good care of your new aluminum fence.
Whether you currently have an aluminum fence or you are planning to purchase one, you need to know how to keep it clean and in top shape. After all, you want your fence to look good for years to come, right?
Aluminum fencing is known for having minimal upkeep and lasting for a long time in the same great condition it came in. But let’s be honest: life happens. Perhaps a fence was neglected on a property you’ve just purchased and it needs to be brought back to life, or maybe you weren’t initially certain how to clean your fence so there are some areas that need a little TLC. Whatever the reason, there’s a way to make your fence look great – and to keep it that way.
A Clean Fence Is a Happy Fence
How good does it feel when you take a nice shower or bath after a long day? That’s what your fence wants to feel—at least a few times a year! With dust, sand, mud and even vehicle exhaust adding layer after layer of dirt on your fencing material, it’s important to give it a deep clean from time to time.
Even your aluminum pool fence may find itself under duress with pool chemicals constantly being splashed on it. The good news is that with regular washes, your pool fence will be ready for action, year after year. But how does one wash a fence made of aluminum?
If the fence is relatively clean and you are just maintaining its cleanliness, the process is actually quite easy. You don’t need any fancy chemicals to get the job done; a mild soap, water, and a non-abrasive washing cloth will do. Be sure you wash all of the surfaces, including the underside of any horizontal bars, as well as all parts of any gates.
If the fence has a thicker layer of dirt than usual, feel free to use a power washer to really get the grime off. The power washer shouldn’t damage the fence because there is a great protective barrier on the metal called a powder coating. This helps stops small scratches, dirt and water from affecting the aluminum metal. This is especially important when you have an aluminum pool fence so the constant barrage of water and pool chemicals doesn’t harm the metal and send it into the oxidation process.
Fixing up a Neglected Fence
If your fence is beyond needing just a gentle wash and requires a little more elbow grease, there’s still hope. You may have just moved to a fixer-upper with a long-neglected aluminum fence that may even start to show signs of the metal oxidizing. It won’t create orange rust like other metals, but you may start to see a chalky substance. This means the fence’s powder coating has been damaged and moisture has hit the metal.
To begin any re-painting in these areas, you will first need to give it a good cleaning, likely with a plastic scrub brush to get through the layers of dirt. If you find any mildew on the fence, you can use white vinegar to help.
After a thorough cleaning and paint touch-ups, if needed, any aluminum fence will be back to looking as good as new. Just remember to keep up with the upkeep for a beautiful fence season after season.
