Fences outside homes and other structures can be made of wood or vinyl. Many builders opt to use cedar because it is highly resistant to rotting and warping. However, over time with exposure to the elements, the wood can lose its natural oils and take on a grey discolored appearance. Vinyl fences with their glossy finish give a very contemporary feel to the exteriors of any structure and are also resistant to the weather conditions. Like wood fences, vinyl can also accumulate debris like leaves, dirt, and grime. Since vinyl is a non-porous material, the algae you see are only a buildup on the organic gunk on the fence. Whatever may be the kind of fence, pressure cleaning can prove to be highly effective in restoring it to its clean, fresh state.
Equipment Needed
Using the appropriate pressure cleaner and nozzles can help you have the fence cleaned quickly and thoroughly. Here’s what you’ll need.
- Power washer: You’ll need a gas-powered power washer with a PSI of 500 to 800. If you choose models with a higher PSI, take care to spray the fence from a distance of two to three feet. If you’re not quite sure about the right PSI to use, check with the manufacturer of the fences or the vendor where you buy your equipment.
- Nozzles: Get wide-angled tips with 25° to 40° angles that create a wide fan-shaped spray. These nozzles will help you remove the debris without causing damage to the grain of the wood.
- Safety gear: You’ll need safety goggles to protect your eyes and gloves for a firmer grip.
- Detergent: Choose eco-friendly detergents that are appropriate for the kind of fence you’re cleaning. You might also need additional cleaning agents for rust stains like oxalic acid. If you see mold and mildew, check with the vendor the chemicals to use and work according to the directions specific to the cleaner you choose.
- Bring soft-bristled brushes to help remove tough stains. Also, get a rotating brush to tackle tough stains.
- If you’re cleaning a cedar wood fence, carry a paint roller along with semi-transparent oils to give the fence a protective finish.
Prepping the Worksite
Take care to prep the worksite to ensure safety. Here’s how:
- Remove potted plants, furniture, and garden ornaments from around the fence.
- If there are plants near the fence, douse them with water and cover with protective tarp.
- You might also want to wet the soil to dilute the chemicals you might use.
- Close all windows and doors near the fence and latch them securely.
- If you see electrical outlets or fixtures, tape them to prevent water damage.
- Clear the area of loose detritus by sweeping them away.
- Choose a warm day for the pressure cleaning when the worksite is not directly exposed to the sun.
Pressure Cleaning Procedure
Having prepped the worksite, you are now ready to begin with the pressure cleaning. Here are steps to follow.
- Hose down the fence with a regular garden hose to remove loose dirt and grime.
- Tackle mold, mildew, and rust stains by using the correct solutions and rinsing with clean water.
- Using the black nozzle of the pressure washer, begin applying the appropriate detergent. Spray in steady horizontal strokes and work on a specific section at a time.
- Begin at the bottom and spray working upwards until the entire section is covered.
- Do not let the detergent stand for more than 10 to 15 minutes or it can dry can cause streaking.
- Now you can begin rinsing using the pressure washer. Make sure to use a fan spray by way of the 25-degree tip.
- You must always work on a small hidden section to test the force of the spray and its effects on the wood surface.
- Begin spraying from a distance of at least two feet and move closer checking for the effectiveness of the power wash. Rinse from the top of the fence in steady horizontal sweeps until all the detergent has been washed off.
- When working on wood, keep in mind that you only need to shave off a thin layer of the aged wood on the surface and expose the new layer beneath. While some amount of roughening the grain is acceptable so that it catches the sealing solution better, you need to be careful not to erode the wood too deeply and damage it. Keep a close eye on the changing color of the wood. Also, work in the direction of the grain of the wood for more effective cleaning.
- As against spraying and cleaning off the grime at one go, you might want to work gently and come back to the same section two or three times until all the grime has come off.
- For tough stains, you can use a rotating brush to scrub off the dirt. For smaller sections in tight corners, use a soft-bristled brush to clean off the dirt.
Protecting Cedar and Other Wood Fences
Once the pressure cleaning is complete, give the fence 24 to 48 hours to dry thoroughly depending on the weather conditions. Check for any damaged sections of the fence and have a contractor repair broken or missing slats and the nails and joints. Now you’re ready to apply the protective agent or sealant on the fence. Here’s how:
- Pick out an oil-based semitransparent stain with the recommendation of your supplier. These oils seep into the wood to protect it while the pigment acts as a barrier against the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The oils can also work to deter the growth of mildew and mold.
- Make sure you choose a color that shows off the wood’s texture and grain and matches the natural color.
- You might also want to make sure that there is no possibility of rain so that the oiling has time to dry out.
- Use a paint roller and spread the oil in even strokes on three feet sections of the fence at a time. If the wood seems too dry, you can apply additional coats. Use a brush to work the staining well into the wood.
- The effects of oil staining can remain from three to five years. Before touching it up, you can hose down the fence to remove grime.
Using pressure cleaning, you can maintain your fences and have them looking neat and well maintained, and add to the appeal of your home or any other structure. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also prevent long-term damage from weather conditions.
References:
1.“How to Renew Wooden Fences.”The Family Handyman. n.d. Web. 5 Sept. 2016.
2.“Pressure Wash Decks and Fences.”Lowe’s. n.d. Web. 5 Sept. 2016.
3. Gibson, Barbara. “11 How to Pressure Wash a Fence Tips.”Lifetips. n.d. Web. 5 Sept. 2016.
4. Abraham, Carmen. “How to Clean Your Cedar Fence.”Angie’s List. 4 Mar. 2015. Web. 5 Sept. 2016.
5.“How to Pressure Wash Your Vinyl Fence.”The Fence Authority. 10 Feb.2016. Web. 5 Sept. 2016.