Best Aluminum Fence Maintenance Tips: Keep Your Fencing Flawless! (2023 Guide)

Having an aluminum fence installed around your property can give your home the perfect layer of protection and privacy. But to remain attractive and secure, especially through winter months, proper maintenance is critical. And if you are looking to stay ahead of the game, you have come to the right place!

In this comprehensive guide, we will show you all tips to keep your aluminum fencing looking flawless. Keep reading as we take a closer look at how you can maintain peak conditions for years to come!

Take away key points:

• An aluminum fence is an ideal option for your home, and you can keep it optimal with easy maintenance steps
• You can use the hose to spray and wash away the dirt, debris, and other harmful types damaging your material. Unlike wood fencing or vinyl fence, the aluminum material is quicker and more effortless to perform maintenance.
• Follow the different methods below to ensure the best fence conditions for the spring

If you need to know more about how to properly maintain your aluminum fences and keep them in top condition during the whole year to avoid damages, read our cleaning guide below. You’ll find all aluminum fencing maintenance tips to keep them optimal.

Maintaining aluminum fencing: What to pay attention to?

Aluminum fencing is a great addition to any property, providing an attractive and durable barrier between your home and the outside world. To ensure that your fence looks and performs its best, it’s important to give it some regular maintenance.

Here are some tips on what to pay attention to when maintaining your aluminum fence:

– Clean it regularly: Dirt and dust can accumulate quickly on your fence, so make sure to give it a regular cleaning to keep it looking its best. You can simply hose it down with water to remove superficial dirt, but for a deeper clean, use a sponge with mild dish soap and water or a solution of liquid dish soap and vinegar.

– Inspect it for damage: Like any structure exposed to the elements, your aluminum fence can sustain damage over time. Check for any loose or broken parts and repair them as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

– Protect it from scratches: While aluminum fencing is generally pretty durable, it can still scratch if it comes into contact with hard or sharp objects. To minimize the risk of scratches, avoid storing heavy items or tools against your fence or using metal shovels or other metal tools near it.

Overall, maintaining an aluminum fence isn’t too difficult, but it does require a little bit of attention and care. With these tips in mind, you should be able to keep your fence looking great for years to come.

Aluminum fences & powder coated finish routines

Aluminum fences have a durable and glossy finish that can last for many years thanks to a powder coating applied with automatic guns. The powder particles are given an electrostatic charge, allowing them to adhere to the aluminum surface.

The coated aluminum is then cured in an oven, creating a strong bond that can withstand harsh weather without issues like cracking, blistering, or chipping.

However, if you live in a coastal area, industrial, or dusty area, dust particles can accumulate on the surface and cause the powder finish to lose its luster and appear faded. Despite this, you can maintain the appearance of your new fence by using the following cleaning techniques over time.

Method 1: Cleaning the chalk-like residue

Over time, the powder coating on aluminum fences may undergo oxidation, leading to the formation of a chalky residue on the surface, particularly in areas where the fence receives direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

The best solution is to clean the fence with mild soap and water and then rinse it thoroughly. Then you can wipe dry with a soft cloth.

However, if the residue causes the fence to appear dull, applying car wax on the affected railings can restore its shine and give it a good-as-new appearance.

Method 2: Regular maintenance for dusty & coastal areas

If you reside in a dusty area, there are high chances of dust accumulation on the aluminum fence. Besides, people living close to coastal areas experience rough salt water buildup on the fences. In such a scenario, it is advisable to wash off the fences with water at least once a week.

If the buildup persists even after spraying water with a garden hose, you can use mild detergent water and wipe it off the railings gently. However, using an abrasive cleaner, sponge, or scrub brush should be avoided to prevent damaging the powder coating.

Method 3: Regular maintenance for harsh winter seasons

Living in an area with harsh winter seasons can impact the appearance and stability of your fence. This is due to the continuous freezing and thawing of snow and soil that can loosen the posts.

To prevent this, it’s recommended to install fences when the weather is not too cold and to secure the posts with thick cement to prevent any loosening of the fence.

Aluminum fences are ideal for harsh winters because the paint is not prone to corrosion, and it’s rust-resistant due to the snow’s moisture. However, it’s essential to avoid piling up the snow against the fence, as it can create pressure and cause the fence to become loose. So, you might get uneven fencing.

Periodic cleaning & maintenance routines

It’s important to regularly clean and maintain aluminum fences regardless of the weather conditions and location.

1. Quick cleaning methods for aluminum fences

Even if you live in an area with milder weather conditions or low dust, it’s important to clean your aluminum fences periodically to maintain their material and appearance.

Hosing down the fences once every two to three weeks is typically enough in temperate areas. However, it’s still recommended to perform a deep cleaning routine once a year or every 18 months to keep the fences in good condition, even in low-maintenance areas.

2. Deep cleaning routines for aluminum fencing

To keep your aluminum fence looking like new, it’s recommended to perform a deep cleaning routine at least once a year. Here are the steps involved:

– Remove any wild grass or weeds growing near the fence and gates to keep the fencing area tidy. Check for grass clippings and clean them as well.

– Use a damp cloth or soapy water to wipe each railing to ensure that dirt and residue are removed from the inside out. This step is especially important if the railings are spaced closer together, as simply spraying water may not be enough.

– Rinse the fence thoroughly after using soapy water to avoid corroding the powdered finish. Rinse from the top to the bottom to eliminate dirt streaks.

– If the paint appears dull, applying car wax to the surface can restore its shine and you will get a glossy touch-up paint. However, make sure the fence is completely dry before doing so.

– Oil the hinges that may be making squeaky noises, as well as any hinges that may have become loose with use. Loose hinges can cause the fence to appear crooked and detract from its polished look. Keep the gate open and closed to see if there is noise while moving it.

How to clean gate hinges in aluminum fencing?

To clean gate hinges in aluminum fencing, follow these tips:

– Oil the gate hinges and tighten the screws regularly to ensure smooth movement.

– Clean the gates and hinges with a solution of liquid dish soap and a little white vinegar in hot water.

– Use a bristle brush to scrub away any stubborn dirt or hard water stains from the gates.

– Rinse the hinges and screws with clean water and dry them off with a clean cloth or towel.

– Apply a coat of car wax to the hinges and let it sit for half an hour before wiping off any excess.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your aluminum fence hinges clean and well-maintained, ensuring that your gate operates smoothly and lasts for years to come.

So, how should you generally maintain aluminum fencing?

If you want your aluminum fence to maintain its pristine condition, you need to clean and maintain it regularly. Here are the simple steps to follow:

– Thoroughly rinse the fence with water to remove dirt, dust, and other debris.

– Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing liquid dish soap and vinegar in warm water.

– Dip a sponge or bristle brush in the solution and scrub the fence, starting from the top and working downwards.*

– Rinse the fence again with water to remove any soap residue.

– Use a soft dry cloth to wipe off any excess water and dry the fence.

Remember, regular cleaning and maintenance will help ensure your aluminum fence lasts for years to come.

*Pro tip: Alternatively, a cleaning kit containing soap, a soft bristle brush, and a microfiber cloth can be used for cleaning your aluminum fence.

Tips to prevent rust, corrosion, and damage to your aluminum fences

Even durable materials like aluminum can be susceptible to rust, corrosion, and other forms of damage if not properly taken care of.

Here are some tips to help prevent these issues from occurring and extend the lifespan of your aluminum fence:

– Regular cleaning: Cleaning your aluminum fence regularly is key to preventing rust and corrosion. Use a mild, non-abrasive rust cleaner and a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub away any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the fence. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with water afterward to prevent any residue from causing damage.

– Apply a protective coating: A protective coating will prevent rust and corrosion since a simple degreaser will not be enough. There are a variety of coatings available, such as powder coating, that can provide long-lasting protection.

– Avoid abrasive cleaners: Avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools to clean your aluminum fence, as these can scratch the surface and create areas for rust to form.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your aluminum fence installation looking great and functioning properly for years to come.

FAQs

What is the upkeep for an aluminum fence?

The upkeep of the aluminum fences is to use warm water and different cleaning products for petty repairs and storage of fence materials. Unlike other fencing materials (wooden fencing, metal fencing, vinyl fencing, or other metals), aluminum fence installation requires less maintenance.

Can you pressure wash an aluminum fence?

No, should never use a pressure washer as a power washer for your privacy fence. It will damage metal fencing and other fence materials.

Are aluminum fences durable?

Yes, an aluminum fence is durable for an extended period.

Can an aluminum fence be painted?

Yes, you can paint aluminum fence materials in whatever color you like.

Does an aluminum fence add value to the home?

Yes, the installation of aluminum fences will add more value to your household.

How much does it cost to have an aluminum fence installed?

The fence aluminum fence installation costs between $2,285 and $6,057, and the average price is $4,149.

Should aluminum fence posts be set in concrete?

Yes, you should place the fence posts in concrete to prevent strong wind impacts, loose posts, broken hardware, and broken rails of the fences.

Conclusion

As you can see, the aluminum fence installation requires low maintenance steps to ensure flawless construction. Make sure to check regularly and paint your fences. You can prevent corrosion and rust of fencing materials, broken hardware, and similar damage types.