Is your property surrounded by a fence? If so, you enjoy a privilege that many people don’t have. A fence lends any home or business added security and privacy, and it also boosts the property’s overall value. This is especially true when your fence is well-maintained. The better your fence looks, the greater the benefits! That’s why it’s important to learn how to power wash a fence—and in this blog, we’ll teach you how fence power washing works so you can do the work for yourself if you want.
We are Ehrman’s Pressure Washing, and we are proud to be Jacksonville’s first choice for power washing and exterior cleaning services. Need professional fence power washing? Then give us a call. We’ll be happy to help you.
Why Fence Power Washing Is Important
Why is learning how to power wash a fence important? That’s a great question, and it’s because there are so many related benefits. Consider the following:
- Better-Looking Properties: When your fence has been power washed, it will be much brighter and more beautiful, improving your property’s overall appearance.
- Damage Prevention: Fences that are not power washed are more prone to becoming damaged. Removing harmful debris reduces the risk of surface erosion.
- Hygiene Benefits: By power washing your fence, you eliminate moss, mold, and algae, stopping them from releasing spores that lower your property’s air quality.
We generally recommend that you have your fence power washed once per year. This prevents the worst of debris accumulation and protects your fence from damage. Has it already been longer than a year since your fence was last cleaned? If so, it’s time to do something about it. Either plan to learn how to power wash a fence or reach out to a professional business for help!
What Will I Need to Power Wash My Fence?
If you want to clean your own fence, what tools will you need for the work? First and foremost, you’ll need a pressure washer. A pressure washer is a specialized device that connects to a water source. This water is then highly pressurized, transforming it into a surface cleaning force to be reckoned with. A pressure washer also lets you select how much water pressure you are using, allowing you to custom-tailor your approach based on what sort of fence you are working with (e.g., chain-link fence, wooden fence, PVC fence).
You’ll also need cleaning solutions if you want the best results during your fence cleaning project. A simple power washing detergent goes a long way, helping you strip layers of dirt and grime from your fence. We also recommend having powerful sodium hypochlorite on hand, which will help you eliminate even the toughest stains on your fence. Finally, don’t forget protective equipment (goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes).
Preparations Before Fence Power Washing
Before leaping into the fence power washing process, there are a few important preparations to make. We’ve listed them below for your convenience.
- Relocate items as needed. If there are lawn decorations surrounding your fence, be sure to move them out of the way so they don’t get in the way of your work. This also protects them from being damaged by pressurized water.
- Cover flower beds. Any flower beds near your fence could be harmed by pressurized water if you aren’t careful. To prevent this from happening, cover them with tarps or drop cloths before beginning your work.
- Give yourself enough time. Remember, it takes time to power wash a fence. You’ll want to set aside enough time for the work. We recommend giving yourself five to six hours to familiarize yourself with the process.
Choosing the Correct Water Pressure
Different kinds of fences need different treatment plans. What works for a vinyl fence won’t work for a metal fence, after all. We’ve included a helpful guide for you below. Discover how much water pressure you’ll need for your project:
- Vinyl: 500–1000 PSI
- Softwood: 1000–1500 PSI
- Hardwood: 1500–2000 PSI
- Iron Bars/Chain Links: 2000–2500 PSI
One more thing: don’t forget to put your power washing detergent inside your pressure washer.
Power Washing Your Fence For Beauty
Now that you’ve made it this far, let’s focus on how to power wash a fence and completely restore its beauty! First, choose a starting point, position yourself about eighteen inches away, and keep a steady hold on your power washing hose. Then, thoroughly power wash the fence, cleaning it in top-to-bottom columns. All you need to do is repeat this pattern until the fence has been completely restored. And don’t forget to take extra time to wash between posts and in tight corners as needed. Do what it takes to make your fence stunning!
What should you do if you come across tough stains that you can’t wash away? This is where sodium hypochlorite comes in handy. By applying a thin layer of sodium hypochlorite to tough stains, you’ll rapidly break them down—a process that typically takes fifteen minutes. Once this time has passed, just power wash the area again, and all tough debris should wash away.
Want to Skip DIY Fence Power Washing?
Learning how to power wash a fence isn’t necessarily easy. It requires time, effort, and energy. If you already have a busy schedule ahead of you, you might not have an opportunity to do this work without pushing yourself. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to power wash your fence on your own, don’t worry. By contacting Ehrman’s Pressure Washing, you’ll be able to skip this difficult work and have a team of professionals handle it all for you.
At Ehrman’s Pressure Washing, we pride ourselves on our exterior cleaning services, and we are committed to providing every customer with a five-star experience. That includes you! Contact us online, let us know about your fence, and get a free cost estimate today. Then, choose a time and date for your appointment. We will be there soon to completely restore your fence. You’ll love your fence’s new look once we’ve finished our work.
