Effective Ways to Maintain Your Aluminum Fence

Aluminum fences are extremely low-maintenance and does not rust, blister, or fade as easily as other fences do. Although it is durable, it still requires a little bit of upkeep to maintain its quality and beauty. Here are some easy ways you can take care of your fence to make it look just like the day you first installed it.

Trim shrubs and trees

Stray shrubs and trees located near your fence can scratch, dent, or damage your fence if they grew into it. Always trim your shrubs and trees so it does not make contact with your fence. It is also good to brush stray debris away before it gets picked up by the wind and collides with your fence.

Clean your fence

Clean stains on your fence to keep it looking new. Basic stains can be wiped away with a piece of cloth and degreaser. Mild dish soap, water, and a sponge can be used for tougher stains.

Do not forget to rinse the dish soap and avoid letting it dry on the surface. You should also spray your fence with a garden house every so often to wash away grass clippings, dirt, and chemicals. Make sure to air dry or wipe with a piece of cloth to avoid streaking.

Oil the gate hinges

Although aluminum does not rust, it is recommended that you lightly grease its hinges with liquid graphite or silicon gel lubricant just to ensure that it is lubricated and working well.

Keep it secure

Keep your gate secure and locked. Open gates that swing in the wind is a security and physical hazard. You also risk it slamming into debris or other objects which could damage them.

Treat it with care

Do not allow children to swing, hang, or play on the gate and do not stack or mount any heavy objects on or near your fence.

Eliminate mildew

Mildew often forms on fences if you live in an area that is excessively damp. If you notice mildew forming on the surface of your gate, it is necessary to remove it before it spreads.

Normal washing and scrubbing with mild dish soap and water can remove a small patch of mildew, but a mixture of ⅓ cup laundry detergent, ⅔ Trisodium phosphate, and four cups bleach diluted in a gallon of water will work on more stubborn forms of mildew. Be sure to equip yourself with protective gloves and eyewear, though, when treating your fence.

Keep heat away

Aluminum fences are more than capable of standing firm against the intense heat of the sun, but a more intense heat source nearby could possibly warp its surface. If a BBQ grill or an outdoor heater is positioned near your gate, make sure that it is properly covered and moved at least eight feet away from your fence.

Your aluminum fence is incredibly tough and resilient, but there is no harm in ensuring that it lasts you for years and years to come by properly maintaining it. You can find quality aluminum fence materials, styles, and designs at https://www.illinoisfence.com.