Check out these tips for power washing your wooden fence.
Power washing is a great way to thoroughly and quickly clean a surface without a lot of scrubbing and labor. If you have an old fence that is turning grey and nasty, power washing could be a great way to bring it back to its old beauty. Before you go rushing off to rent a pressure washer, however, here are some things to consider.
Is the Fence Stable?
When done properly, power washing should not harm your fence, and cleaning up an old fence is much less expensive than replacing it. However, it doesn’t make much sense to clean an old fence that will likely fall down in the next storm. Before you get ready to wash it, make sure that the fence is structurally sound. While you’re checking out your fence, take the time to try to protect delicate plants or move them out of the way as much as possible. If you need to make repairs on the fence, do those first and then move on to power washing.
No High-Pressure Tactics
Power washing seems like it is all about high pressure, but it’s not. The goal is only to use the highest pressure necessary to get the job done. If you go too high, it could cause the wood to splinter or leave big gouge marks on the surface. If there’s not enough pressure, the water won’t actually blast away the dirt, stains, and oxidation from the surface. It takes some fine tuning, which is why many people opt to have the professionals come in and do it for them. Low-medium pressure should be good to get the job done on most wooden fences without causing damage.
Consider Staining your Wooden Fence
If the gray oxidation of your natural aging fence is what you’re power washing away, consider staining it. If you don’t, the sun and exposure to the elements will cause the grey layer to appear again over time. Adding a stain can help protect the wood, and it also gives you the opportunity to match the color to your home or other landscaping elements. However, you can’t do this right away. After you pressure wash? You have to wait until the fence is totally dry to stain it. If the fence is in direct sunlight that may only take a few days, but in the shade, it will take longer (and of course, any rain will extend the drying time further).
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, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Flickr.
