A fence makes a great addition to any opportunity. By installing a fence at your home or business, you will lend it some privacy and security. Plus, a quality fence adds value to your property, helping you make more money upon sale. However, while a fence does open new opportunities, it also comes with responsibilities. For example, you’ll need to keep your fence clean—and in this blog, you’ll learn how to pressure wash a fence so you can do this work on your own!
We are Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services, and keeping fences clean is one of our specialties. Need a team of professionals to do this work for you? Then give us a call. It will be our pleasure to serve you next.
Why Fences Need to Be Cleaned
Before learning how to pressure wash a fence, it’s important to understand why fences need to be cleaned. Over time, these structures gather debris (in fact, all outdoor structures and surfaces do). What sorts of debris can you expect to find on your fence? All kinds, including:
- Dirt and Grime
- Pollen and Dust
- Moss, Mold, and Algae
- Bird Droppings
- Dead Insects
When your fence becomes too dirty, you’ll be able to tell at a glance. A fence that needs to be pressure washed will be noticeably darker, duller, and even rougher to the touch. And if you can notice these negative effects, your neighbors probably can, too. Restore your fence’s beauty—as well as the beauty of your property as a whole—with fence pressure washing!
How Often Should Fences Be Pressure Washed?
Is your fence already overdue for pressure washing? As a general rule, we recommend having your fence cleaned once per year. If it’s already been more than a year since your fence was pressure washed, you’ll want to do something about it. Either plan to learn how to pressure wash a fence or reach out to Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services for a professional appointment!
Some properties may even benefit from multiple fence cleanings per year. This is especially true in the following situations:
- Your fence is in a shaded area and grows moss, mold, or algae easily.
- Your fence is located near a busy road and collects exhaust residue and other grime.
- Your fence is in a pollen-heavy area and constantly builds up thick layers of pollen.
An Introduction to Fence Pressure Washing
When your fence has become too dirty to bear, learning how to pressure wash a fence is the solution. There are many benefits of fence pressure washing that you’ll enjoy. Of course, cleaning your fence will make it look much better than before. Plus, a clean fence lasts longer. Why? Because particles of debris grind against and erode surfaces over time. So, by removing this debris, you prevent it from causing damage in the first place.
Finally, by having your fence cleaned, you’ll make your property a more welcoming place. You’ll enjoy peace of mind, and your guests will be impressed by what your home or commercial space offers. For business owners, this can even result in more foot traffic and increased revenue.
Tools Required For Fence Pressure Washing
Want to learn how to pressure wash a fence? If so, you’ll need to make sure you have the right equipment for the job. We’ve included a bulleted list of everything we use for fence pressure washing below. Which items do you already have, and which ones do you still need?
- Pressure Washer. A pressure washer is an advanced piece of machinery that connects to a water source and highly pressurizes water so it can be sprayed at dirty surfaces.
- Hose and Nozzle. A hose and nozzle are necessary for aiming jets of pressurized water at exterior surfaces. Different nozzles allow for different spray angles.
- Cleaning Solutions. A generalized pressure washing detergent is good for all-around pressure washing. You can also use sodium hypochlorite to break down stubborn grime.
- Protective Equipment. Don’t forget to wear protective equipment while pressure washing, including gloves, full-length pants, goggles, and closed-toe shoes.
The Fence Pressure Washing Process
To pressure wash a fence, you first need to determine how much water pressure to use. Different fence materials require different amounts of water pressure.
- Wood Fences — 500–1,000 PSI
- Vinyl Fences — 1,000–1,500 PSI
- Aluminum Fences — 1,000–1,500 PSI
- Chain-Link Fences — 1,500–2,500 PSI
First, select an appropriate amount of water pressure and add detergent to your pressure washer’s soap tank. Then, choose a starting point for your work; one of the fence’s corners is the best bet. Then, thoroughly wash the fence. We recommend spraying the fence in top-to-bottom columns. Make sure you overlap each pass, ensuring that not even a square inch of surface area goes unwashed!
If you come across any stubborn debris that won’t wash away, what should you do? In this scenario, sodium hypochlorite will help you out. By applying a thin layer of this substance to your fence, you’ll break down any tough grime. That way, it can be more easily pressure washed away. (Don’t worry because sodium hypochlorite is eco-friendly and won’t damage your fence or the environment.)
Consider Professional Fence Cleaning
Learning how to pressure wash a fence is hard work, and it isn’t for everybody. In fact, many property owners in Sherwood, OR don’t have the time and energy for this process. To avoid an exhausting DIY experience, consider professional fence cleaning services near you. For example, Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services will happily pressure wash your fence for a fair price.
By scheduling professional fence cleaning, you’ll enjoy quality results without lifting a finger! Contact us online, let us know about your fence, and get a free cost estimate for your appointment. (What you’ll pay is based on the overall size of the fence.) Then, choose a time and date for our arrival, and we will see you soon.
We look forward to revitalizing your fence in the near future! Experience the greatness of Alpha Exterior Cleaning Services for yourself. It’s a decision you won’t regret.
