Vinyl Fence Care

How Do I Clean My Vinyl Fence?

Most dirt can be washed off with a mild soap and water solution. 

On occasion, you may want to spray your fence with a garden hose. This will remove grass clippings, dirt and fertilizer chemicals and keep it looking as new as possible.

To remove minor stains, use a non-abrasive liquid cleaner.  

For removal of major stains, try one of the following non-toxic cleaning agents: *Simple Green, Mr Clean Magic Eraser, Mineral Spirits, Trichloroethylene, *CLR (Calcium, Lime and Rust Cleaner) or vinegar.  

Follow the manufacturer’s directions. *Note: Goof Off is not recommended to remove stains.  

Vinyl Fence Maintenance Checklist:  

To maximize the life of your fence, address these areas:  

• Adjust the gate every Spring — As a reminder, gate adjustments and leveling are normal care and maintenance items that the homeowner is responsible for. 
• Oil the gate hinges and tighten the screws once a year.  
• Do not let the gate swing in the wind. Keep it secured.  
• Deter children from swinging on the gate.  
• Re-tamp and realign the loose posts. 

Aluminum Fence Care

How Do I Clean My Aluminum Fence?

Most basic stains can be cleaned using a simple degreaser, such as Simple Green®, and should be rinsed after applying. For hard water stains, CLR® can be used and should be rinsed after applying.

On occasion you may want to spray your fence with a garden hose. This will remove grass clippings, dirt and fertilizer chemicals and keep it looking as new as possible.  

For light cleaning, rinse with water from bottom to top and back to bottom. This will clean the surface on the way up and prevent the collection of dirty “run down” and possible streaking. Air dry or wipe with a soft, lint free cloth.

For more soiled areas, rinse the surface with clean water from the top to bottom. Use a sponge and clean with mild dish soap and water. Immediately rinse any “run down” to lower parts of the fence. Do not allow dish soap to collect or “puddle” on surfaces. Immediately rinse entire section with clean water. It is very important the dish soap does not dry on the surface. Air or wipe dry with a soft, lint free cloth. For stubborn, water-soluble debris, repeat steps above until clean.  

In coastal areas, it is recommended that you frequently spray your fence with water to reduce accumulations of salt and dirt.

Aluminum Fence Maintenance Checklist:  

To maximize the life of your fence, address these areas:  

• Adjust the gate — As a reminder, gate adjustments and leveling are normal care and maintenance items that the homeowner is responsible for.
• Oil the gate hinges and tighten the screws once a year.
• Do not let the gate swing in the wind. Keep it secured.
• Deter children from swinging on the gate.
• Re-compress and realign loose posts.
• Do not stack or mount any objects or material near your fence

Painting Touch-up

Touch-up paint that matches original paint finish is available for minor scratches and dings. Paint cannot be shipped via air — allow 5-7 days for ground shipment.  

Picket Replacement  

Due to the way our aluminum fence panels are constructed, individual pickets cannot be easily removed. As such, we recommend replacement of the entire panel.  

Choosing the Right Fence

A quality fence offers you defined boundaries, enhances curb appeal, boosts property value, and ensures security. When selecting the ideal fence for your needs, take into account aspects such as its purpose, local building regulations, materials, and design options.

What you hope to achieve with your fence will influence key aspects such as material, height, and design. For instance, privacy fences are a popular choice among homeowners due to their effectiveness in keeping children and pets secure.

The level of maintenance you are prepared to handle is a significant factor in determining which type of fence is most suitable for you. Are you ready to invest time in sanding and refinishing your wooden fence every few years? If that’s not feasible, consider opting for a low-maintenance option such as vinyl or aluminum, which may be a more suitable choice.

It is crucial to review your local building codes to ensure that the fence style you prefer meets the regulations. The last thing you want is to purchase all the materials, install your fence, and then find out that your HOA permits only specific styles. Remember, investing in a fence is a significant commitment.