Wood fences are a beautiful addition to any home. They allow you to achieve that iconic American picket fence, or to go with something more ornate. Whether you go for a natural or painted look, over time your wooden fence will need some maintenance. Part of the maintenance process is keeping your wood fence clean. Wood fences can develop many different kinds of build-up over time; mold, mildew, mud, and algae can begin to coat your fence if you don’t maintain it properly. Wood fences can also become cracked, warped or cupped without regular care. Because wood fences need to be taken care of properly, you may be unsure of how to go about cleaning one. But not to worry! Here is your guide to cleaning your wood fence.
- Protect Your Plants
If you have flowers, bushes, lawn, or anything else growing near your wood fence that you want to protect, make sure you cover them with plastic. Whether or not you use chemicals to clean your wood fence, it’s best to keep the debris you remove off of your plants.
- Remove Debris
If you have a lot of debris on your fence, your next step will be to remove as much as possible with a wire brush. While you want to get rid of any buildup, you want to be sure you’re not scrubbing so hard that you are leaving marks in your fence. You may also want to follow up with a hose to remove some of the larger bits of debris.
If you have mold or algae on your fence, use a mixture of two parts water, one part bleach and one teaspoon of dish soap to scrub your fence. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
- Use a Power Washer
Once you’ve removed most of the debris, it’s time to get the nitty-gritty with a power washer. Some pressure is good, but too much will warp or indent the wood. Choose 1500 to 2000 psi, stand about two feet away from your fence, and spray it down in long, even strokes. A 25-degree tip works great for cleaning wood fences.
- Dry and Repair
Once you’ve cleaned your wood fence, you’ll want to let it dry and then sand any rough patches, or sink any nails. If it needs it, now is an ideal time to add a fresh coat of paint or stain. This will help protect your fence from algae or mold growth, as well as protecting it from the sun’s rays.
Now that you know how to clean your wood fence, you can sit back and enjoy the view! If you’ve done all you can to clean and repair your wood fence but it still seems a bit lackluster, contact Outback Fencing. It may be time to start fresh with a new wood fence, and if you live in Utah, Idaho, or Wyoming Outback can help. With Outback, you’re guaranteed professional installation and comprehensive workmanship. For a free estimate on your new genuine wood fence, contact them today!