Fences are a great addition to any property, improving curb appeal and home value, increasing safety and security and providing many other benefits. And while all fences offer similar benefits, they also have their unique drawbacks, especially when it comes to maintenance. Some fencing materials, like wood, require seemingly endless maintenance to keep them sturdy and safe from rot. Aluminum, by contrast, seems to have no maintenance needs at all, which is close to true. There are some things you should be doing to maintain your aluminum fence, but they are not complicated or time intensive at all.
Around The Fence
The most significant maintenance task you’re going to face with your aluminum fence is one that you would have with any fence: make sure the space around the fence is clean. You don’t want a lot of leaves, trash, sticks, or other debris accumulating around the base of the fence. You also don’t want heavy branches lying across the fence or leaning against it if they’ve fallen out of a nearby tree.
Cleaning Stains
Overall, aluminum fencing requires minimal cleaning. You will find that you need to occasionally rinse it down with a hose to eliminate grass clippings or other debris. If you live in a coastal area, you should rinse it more often to remove salt residue. If your aluminum fence does get stained or soiled, you can clean it with a simple degreaser, or dish soap and a sponge. Remember to thoroughly rinse the fence from top to bottom to remove all of the cleaning agents.
Adjustments And Touchups
One of the most easily damaged parts of an aluminum fence is the gate because it experiences so much movement. Make sure that there isn’t undue stress placed on the gate. This means that you should not let children swing or play on the gate, and you should make sure it is tightly secured during any heavy wind and weather. You should also oil the hinges, tighten the screws, and adjust the gate as needed at least once a year. When you are making these adjustments, check the alignment of the posts and re-tamp any that have come loose. Finally, if you notice dings in the paint, this is also an excellent time to touch them up.
Residential Fences for Your Home from Hercules Fence DC
Hercules Fence DC has been providing homeowners with quality fences for over 50 years. We are well equipped to meet your needs, whether they are residential or commercial. We have extensive experience working with families and pet owners to keep the most important members of their home safe, so call us today about installing a new pet fence for your family. Contact us by giving us a call at 301-441-1600 or visiting us online. To see examples of our work, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Flickr.