Can you pressure wash a aluminum fence?

If you want a fence that requires little-to-no maintenance, an aluminum fence is the way to go. All you really need to do to clean it is to use a soft cloth to wipe it down. You can splash a bit of warm water on the cloth to clean areas with more stubborn filth. That said, you can also clean your aluminum fence using a pressure washer.

A Guide On Pressure Washing Fences | Washh Pressure Washing

Q: Can you pressure wash a wood fence?

While it's possible to pressure wash wood fences, you must exercise caution. A high pressure setting can damage or carve the wood, chip away paint, and remove the stain.

Pressure washing fences is an effective cleaning solution, so many homeowners opt for this method. However, pressure washers can damage your fence if you don’t know how to work them properly. After all, not all types of materials are compatible with pressure washing.

Is Pressure Washing Fences a Good Idea?

Fences are not impervious to contaminants. Over time, fences can accumulate various pollutants, including dirt, dust, grime, algae, and even mold. Given their exposure to the elements, fences can also accumulate bird droppings, tree sap, and stains. While traditional cleaning methods may prove helpful, pressure washing provides an easy yet effective way to restore the look of your fence.

Cleaning fences with a pressure washer is possible. For many, it is even their go-to cleaning solution. However, knowing the techniques and precautions to take when using a pressure washer is important. Depending on the type of material, you might need to use a different pressure setting, cleaner, and nozzle tip to avoid damage.

Pressure Washing Wood Fences

While pressure-washing wood fences is possible, you must exercise caution. A high-pressure setting can damage or carve the wood, chip away paint, and remove the stain.

To pressure wash a wooden fence, follow the steps below:

Wet a portion of the wall using a low-pressure setting to prepare it. Work in sections to avoid drying.
Load the pressure washer with your chosen wood-safe fence cleaner.
Apply the soap or cleaner to the rinsed area using a wide nozzle tip.
If you spot any stubborn stains, scrub them away using a soft-bristled brush.
Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes per the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not let the soap dry to avoid streaks.
Rinse the soap away, working your way from top to bottom. Start with a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the wood surface.
Repeat the steps on other sections until you finish washing the entire fence.
Allow the fence to dry completely.

Pressure Washing Steel Fences

It’s best not to use a pressure washer on steel fences. While they are durable, a pressure washer can strip away the surface protection, making it susceptible to erosion in the future. Additionally, a pressure washer can chip away the paint if you have a painted steel fence.

That said, pressure-washing a steel fence using a low-pressure setting and a wider nozzle is possible. This is to avoid using a higher pressure and inflicting potential damage.

Instead of a pressure washer, you can clean a steel fence using old-fashioned methods. Combine dish detergent and warm water in a bucket. Then gently wipe the fence down using a soft cloth dipped in the detergent mixture.

Remember to clean from top to bottom. This way, you won’t dirty up the lower portion of the fence by working bottom up. After this, use a toothbrush to scrub more ornamental or hard-to-reach areas. This will allow you to remove more stubborn filth.

Pressure Washing Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fences are a popular choice among homeowners. They come in a variety of colors and are relatively easy to maintain. Fortunately, you can safely use a pressure washer to clean vinyl fences.

To do this, make sure to follow the steps below:

Using a low-pressure setting, rinse a portion of the fence down with water. Use both hands to hold the pressure washer and keep at least three feet between the nozzle and the fence.
Load the pressure washer with your chosen vinyl-safe fence cleaner.
Using the black (65-degree) nozzle tip, apply the soap or cleaner to the rinsed area.
If you spot any stubborn stains, scrub them away using a soft-bristled brush.
Allow the cleaner to sit for about 3 to 5 minutes or according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not let the soap dry to avoid streaks.
Using a 40-degree nozzle tip, rinse the soap away, working your way from top to bottom.
Repeat the steps on other sections until you finish washing the entire fence.
Allow the fence to dry completely.

Pressure Washing Aluminum Fences

If you want a fence that requires little to no maintenance, an aluminum fence is the way to go. All you really need to do to clean it is wipe it down with a soft cloth. You can splash warm water on the cloth to clean areas with more stubborn filth.

That said, you can also clean your aluminum fence using a pressure washer. To do this, follow the steps below:

Using a low to medium-pressure setting and an angled spray tip, rinse a portion of the fence down with water. Use both hands to hold the pressure washer and keep at least three feet between the nozzle and the fence.
Load the pressure washer with your chosen aluminum-safe fence cleaner.
Using the black (65-degree) nozzle tip, apply the soap or cleaner to the rinsed area.
Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes or per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Using light to medium pressure, rinse the soap away, working your way from top to bottom.
Repeat the steps on other sections until you finish washing the entire fence.
Allow the fence to dry completely.

Pressure Washing Plastic Fences

It is possible to pressure wash a plastic fence. To do this, follow the steps below:

Use a hand brush to remove loose dirt and dust from the fence.
Using a low pressure setting, rinse a portion of the fence down with water.
Load the pressure washer with your chosen plastic-safe fence cleaner.
Apply the soap or cleaner to the rinsed area using a wide nozzle tip.
Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Rinse the soap from top to bottom using light to medium pressure.
Repeat the steps on other sections until you finish washing the entire fence.
Let the fence to dry completely.

Is Power Washing Fences Okay?

The same general rule for pressure washing fences applies to power washing fences. Power washing also uses high-pressure water to clean surfaces. The only difference is that power washing uses heated water, while pressure washing does not. It is best not to use power washing with materials that may warp or deform when hot water is applied.

Should You Hire Fence Cleaning Services?

Cleaning your fence can be time-consuming and tiresome, especially if you do it the old-fashioned way. Fortunately, you can hire a professional service to pressure wash your fence.

Hiring a professional offers many benefits. Professional pressure washers have the right expertise and experience for the job. They know what pressure setting, nozzle tips, cleaners, and techniques to use according to the type of fencing material. They also have access to the proper equipment and safety gear.

When you hire a professional, you can save both time and money. Instead of spending an entire day cleaning your fence, you can delegate the job to a pro, who can get it done in hours. While professionals charge a fee, the cost to pressure wash a fence isn’t very high when considering what you can save for inconvenience and potential repairs should your DIY methods go south.

The Road to Pressure Washing Fences

Fences add to the overall appearance and value of your home. If you have a dirty, poorly maintained fence, you run the risk of lowering your curb appeal and property value. Protect your assets by investing in proper fence cleaning.

Washh offers fence pressure washing services to all properties in Charlotte, NC, and beyond. Call us today at 704.321.8000 or contact us online to get a free estimate!

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