Some things are easier said than done. Keeping your fence clean is one of those things. However, you can’t just skip fence cleaning. Over time, your fence will accumulate thick layers of debris, and if you don’t do something about it, this problem will only go from bad to worse. Because of this, you’ll definitely want to learn how to pressure wash a fence. In this blog, we’ll explain how this process works—that way, you can try DIY fence cleaning for yourself!
We are Water Works Services, and fence cleaning is one of our many specialties. We’ll teach you how to pressure wash a fence the right way. Or, reach out to us for a professional appointment in the Virginia Beach area. We would be happy to serve you!
Why Pressure Wash Your Fence?
Why learn how to pressure wash a fence? By cleaning your fence, you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits. First and foremost, a clean fence looks better than a dirty one. This improves your property’s overall appearance. Homeowners will feel more comfortable in their houses, and business owners will more easily attract customers to their stores, restaurants, banks, etc.
Additionally, cleaning your fence will help it last longer. This is because particles of debris grind against your fence’s surface over time. While this won’t cause serious damage at first, the longer it is allowed to happen, the more severe the consequences will be. Avoid the need to pay for costly repairs in the long run with regular fence cleaning.
How Often Should Your Fence Be Pressure Washed?
When learning how to pressure wash a fence, you may be wondering: how often should your fence be cleaned? Our general recommendation is annual cleaning. By having your fence pressure washed once per year, you will prevent debris from accumulating excessively, ensuring your fence looks relatively clean across all four seasons.
In some cases, property owners may benefit from more frequent fence cleaning. For example, if you are located near a busy street, your fence may become dirty more easily. In this scenario, consider two or more fence cleanings per year. This keeps your fence looking sharp.
What Will I Need For Fence Cleaning?
If you’ve decided you want to learn how to pressure wash a fence, you’ll need to purchase all the necessary equipment. We’ve included a short list of the essentials below. Which ones do you already own? And which ones will you need to buy at a nearby hardware store?
- Pressure Washer: A pressure washer connects to a water source, highly pressurizes the water, and transforms it into a surface cleaning force.
- Hose and Nozzle: A hose and nozzle help you aim water at exterior surfaces and clean them with precision. Different nozzles allow for different spray angles.
- Cleaning Solutions: Use a simple pressure washing detergent to help pressurized water break down debris. We also recommend having sodium hypochlorite on hand.
- Protective Gear: You can protect yourself from pressurized water by wearing goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Preparing For Fence Pressure Washing
Preparing for fence cleaning goes beyond simply purchasing the correct equipment. There are a few other preparations you’ll have to make, too. For example, have you given yourself enough time for the fence pressure washing process? This isn’t the sort of work you’ll want to rush through; speeding through fence cleaning leads to lower-quality results. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time for the work, especially if it’s your first time.
You will also want to consider the area surrounding your fence. Do you have patio furniture or decorations nearby? If so, you’ll want to move these items out of the way. That way, they don’t get in the way of your work, and they don’t become damaged by pressurized water. Consider covering any gardens or flower beds with tarps, too. That way, your plants are safe during the fence cleaning process.
Choosing the Correct Water Pressure Setting
Before pressure washing your fence, you’ll need to choose an appropriate amount of water pressure for the job. We have included a list of the most common fence materials, as well as the respective water pressure settings, below:
- Wood (softwoods): 500–1000 PSI
- Composite: 1000–1500 PSI
- Vinyl / PVC: 1500–2000 PSI
- Metal (aluminum, wrought iron): 2000–2500 PSI
- Chain-Link: 2500–3000 PSI
Also, don’t forget to put detergent in your pressure washer. This makes it much easier to rinse debris off your surfaces.
Pressure Washing Your Fence
Now that you’ve made it this far, let’s discover how to pressure wash a fence together. First, choose a starting point for your work. Then, spray your fence in top-to-bottom columns, slightly overlapping each one as you go. This easy-to-remember pattern helps you ensure the fence’s complete cleanliness. You’ll also be able to see the fence transform as you go! Watch as your fence goes from dark and dull to bright and vibrant.
Even when stubborn debris won’t wash away, you don’t need to worry. Using sodium hypochlorite, you’ll be able to defeat even the toughest grime. All you have to do is apply a thin layer of sodium hypochlorite to the area with stubborn debris. Then, wait fifteen minutes before pressure washing it again. That tough grime should rinse away in a flash.
Need Professional Fence Cleaning?
Learning how to pressure wash a fence is easier said than done. Because of this, you might want an alternative to the DIY process. Good news—by reaching out to Water Works Services, you can avoid doing the work on your own. Schedule an appointment, reclaim your time and energy, and have our experts pressure wash your fence for you!
To get started, contact us online and let us know about your fence. We will provide you with a free cost estimate, and then, you can choose a time and date for our arrival. We will be there soon to thoroughly pressure wash your fence. Expect professional results that leave you stunned. We never settle for less than perfection at Water Works Services.
