Vinyl fences are weather resistant, and, unlike wood, vinyl will not ever rot, splinter, warp, or crack. Vinyl fences are attractive, insect-proof and never need to be painted—nor scraped, sanded, and repainted. Plus, vinyl stays in like-new condition for many years. That is why many homeowners are choosing to have vinyl fencing installed in their yard.
For these and many other reasons, vinyl fencing is touted as being virtually maintenance free, which is true; however, being virtually maintenance free is not the same as being maintenance free. (Truth be told, no building material is 100 percent maintenance free.) Vinyl fencing does require occasional maintenance. To get the most out of your vinyl fence, including a long life and spanking-new appearance, there are two routine maintenance tasks that you must perform: cleaning and repairs.
Cleaning Techniques
Vinyl fencing typically requires a good cleaning at least once a year. The most effective cleaning technique depends on the condition of the fence. A light coating of dirt, dust, pollen, and chalky residue can be removed by simply spraying the fence with a garden hose or by wiping it down with a sponge dipped in warm, soapy water.
Smart Tip: Never use any type of abrasive cleanser or scouring pad on vinyl fencing. Abrasives can scratch and dull the glossy sheen of vinyl.
To remove slightly tougher stains, such as tar, grease, and rubber marks from lawnmower tires, use mineral spirits (a.k.a. paint thinner). Start by putting on rubber gloves and eye goggles. Next, dampen a soft cotton cloth with mineral spirits and lightly wipe the fence clean.
Smart Tip: To reduce algae staining, hose off grass clippings that stick to the fence after lawn mowing and string trimming; algae feeds on the nutrients and sugars in the clippings.
Structural Repairs
To ensure your vinyl fence lasts, it is important to conduct an up-close-and-personal inspection at least once a year. Walk along both sides of the fence and look closely at the fence posts, panels, and horizontal rails. Make sure each vertical post is solidly planted into the ground and is not wobbly, leaning, or loose. If a freeze/thaw cycle has upset a post, dig around it with a shovel until the post settles back down to its original position. Back fill the posthole with a mixture of gravel and soil, then compact the mixture around the post. As you inspect the fence, keep an eye open for any faulty connectors. If one has come loose, tighten it with a screwdriver or wrench. If the connector is broken, replace it. You can order replacement parts from wherever you purchased the fence. Do not forget to inspect the gates, as well.
Smart Tip: Be careful when using a string trimmer near a vinyl fence. The fast-whipping string can easily damage vinyl fence parts. If a landscaper maintains your lawn, caution them to work carefully around the fence.
By keeping up with regular cleaning and making repairs as necessary, your vinyl fence will look good as new for years to come. Central Fence is here to help you keep your fence in tip-top shape!
