Fencing in wood, vinyl, or aluminum is an investment for your Northeast Ohio home or business. Protecting it is a priority as we enter the harsh conditions of a typical winter in Ashtabula, Mentor, and Chardon, and into Erie, Pennsylvania.
If you have a wood fence, fall maintenance to prepare for winter may be a part of your regular routine, but even low-maintenance vinyl and aluminum fencing will benefit significantly from some winterizing. The time you take to inspect and clean your fence and perform minor tightening and repairs can save you larger repair or replacement costs and ensure security for your home or business. Your fence will look a lot better, too, improving the overall curb appeal of your home or business.
With these benefits in mind, consider the following maintenance tips to protect your wood, vinyl, or aluminum fence before winter weather sets in.
Take a walk
Every fence will benefit from a walking inspection on both sides to identify potential issues. For wood fences (privacy, split rail, picket) it’s important to inspect on a dry day, as moisture or recent rain can obscure any stains or rot on the fence.
Look for missing or loose pieces, including nails and boards, post caps on a vinyl fence, issues with gates, locks, and hinges, cracks and any other damage. For aluminum fencing, check for bent posts, damage to chain links, and rust.
Winterize before the first freeze
It’s best for the integrity of your fence to winterize before temperatures drop below freezing. Consider it is also a lot more comfortable for you to perform repairs and cleaning while temps are still a bit more comfortable, so make your fence maintenance a part of your fall tasks.
Wood fencing
Remove and replace any boards that are rotten, warped, or cracked right away. Check for loose fence posts and tighten or replace if they are rotting. If cracks are small, you may be able to fill them with wood putty to improve the integrity of the board and the overall appearance of your fence.
Once repairs are complete, scrub your fence with a detergent and bleach mixture to remove dirt and stains. Look for formulations that are specifically for cleaning and eliminating mold and mildew on wood fencing. Scrubbing annually will keep your wood fence looking its best, but take care using a power washer, as this can damage the wood boards. Follow with stain or paint to protect and seal the boards and posts.
Contact your fence expert for direction on the best care for your wood fence.
Vinyl fencing
Low-maintenance vinyl fencing can none-the-less be vulnerable to build up of dirt and debris as well as mildew and mold. Algae growth also can cause stains that can be difficult to remove. Annual cleaning with a non-abrasive cleaner designed for vinyl fencing ensures the vinyl remains stain-free and does not dry out. Choose an overcast day to ensure the cleaner does not dry on the fence before you can rinse.
Clean your vinyl fence using a non-abrasive brush or power washer to prevent scratching and remove the most stubborn stains. Rinse thoroughly to remove all cleaner.
Loose or damaged parts on your vinyl fence can be easily missed and tricky to repair. Contact your vinyl fence expert to help with your inspection of your fence and advise on the best way to secure or replace loose or missing parts.
Aluminum fencing
Your aluminum fence is durable and corrosion resistant, but routine maintenance is critical to keeping it at its best and preventing potential rust. A scrub using a soft bristle brush and a dish soap and vinegar mixture can easily remove dirt and oxidation that cause your aluminum fence to become dull. Check carefully for any spots of rust and scrub these away. A power washer is not recommended for an aluminum fence.
An aluminum-surface paint in a matching color is a great option for touching up worn or scratched areas, and coating hinges and latches with a rust protector can help inhibit any corrosion. You may also consider a applying a powder coat for added protection.
If you have questions about care for your wood, vinyl, or aluminum fence, contact the fencing experts at Thomas Fence, serving Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties and Erie, PA. For more information about all Thomas Fence products and services click here.