Caring For A New Aluminum Fence: What You Need To Know
Posted on: 18 February 2018
Aluminum is an ideal material for fencing, making it a popular choice among residential and commercial customers alike. Not only is aluminum fencing lightweight, but it's also extremely durable and resistant to both rust and corrosion. If you're thinking about having an aluminum fence installed or had one installed recently, there are still a few care and maintenance tips you'll want to follow to keep your fence looking its best.
Protect Against Algae
Interestingly enough, algae is one of the biggest enemies of aluminum. Over time, even a small amount of algae growth can eat away at the protective powder-coating of an aluminum fence. Fortunately, protecting your fence against algae growth is as easy as keeping it clean. You can clean your fence with a mixture of gentle soap (such as dish soap) and warm water, and adding a little bleach can help to kill off any existing algae.
Keep Trees and Shrubs Trimmed
Even though aluminum is very durable, large roots from nearby trees and shrubs can cause any fencing material to become warped over time. This is why it's so important to keep the shrubs and trees around your aluminum fencing trimmed and pruned back. Also, be careful not to plant any trees that could establish large root structures too close to your fence.
Touch Up Paint as Needed
Most aluminum fences are finished with a durable powder-coating, and this coating should last for many years without needing touched up. Some fences may even come with a warranty or guarantee on this coating. Still, it's important to do a quick visual inspection of your fence from time to time to check for chipped and damaged coatings. These can easily be touched up with any store-bought coating designed and formulated for aluminum surfaces.
Avoid Certain Cleaners/Chemicals
There are all kinds of cleaners out there specifically made for aluminum, so be sure to stick with these and be careful using any other type of cleaner on your aluminum fence. Specifically, you'll want to avoid any abrasive cleaners or cleaners that contain acids, as these can damage your fence's finish and lead to long-term damage. Always spot-test a new cleaner on a small area of your fence before widespread use.
Caring for an aluminum fence shouldn't require much of your time or money, which is part of why this type of fencing is so popular to begin with! Still, be sure to follow these guidelines.
Share