As a homeowner, you put effort into maintaining your house’s curb appeal. You redesign your landscaping, repaint your exterior walls, trim your hedges and water the lawn. But what about your fencing?
Your fence keeps your home secure, adds to your resale value and leaves a lasting impression. Vinyl fencing can especially make an impact because of its modern design, durability and beautiful finish. However, humidity, sun, rain and natural disasters can impact its functionality and appearance. That’s why maintenance is essential, especially with humid Tennessee summers.
When you maintain your vinyl fencing, you can extend its life span and enjoy it for many years.
Vinyl Fence Maintenance Tips in Murfreesboro
Weather and time can affect your vinyl fencing’s aesthetics. Here are some tips for maintaining your Tennessee vinyl fence.
Clean Your Fence
Vinyl can attract less dirt than other materials like wood. However, regularly cleaning a vinyl fence will keep it in tip-top shape for longer. You should wipe away dust and debris and periodically wash your fence with a hose or light-duty pressure washer and mild soap.
Cleaning your vinyl fence every season will remove debris and organic matter like algae and moss, which can build up due to moisture.
Remove Mold and Mildew
Humid Tennessee summers are perfect conditions for mold and mildew to proliferate. While vinyl fences can withstand mold and mildew growth, fungal buildup can attract insects and impact your fence’s appearance and durability.
Removing the mold and mildew in humid months or whenever you notice it will keep your investment in excellent condition. Mix half a cup of white vinegar into a gallon of water, then scrub your fence with a soft-bristled brush and rinse thoroughly with a hose. Wear rubber gloves and coveralls to avoid getting any spores on you.
Avoid Using Harsh Abrasives
Maintaining your vinyl fence includes using suitable cleaning materials and solutions. Hard-bristled brushes, high-pressure washers and harsh chemicals like bleach can strip away the protective layer. Use a mild detergent like dish soap or a water/vinegar mixture to protect the paint and appearance. A soft-bristled brush and a hose or light-pressure washer are also best to avoid damage.
Manage Landscaping
Trees, branches, vines and weeds can impact your vinyl fence, and managing your landscape is vital to protect it. During storms or tornado season, trees and branches can fall into your yard, causing functional and aesthetic damage. Low-hanging branches might scrape off your fence paint and cause dents.
Overgrown vines can wrap around your fence’s pickets, weighing them down. Cutting and removing hazardous elements will prevent damage. Wild weeds also affect your yard’s aesthetics. Since your weed eater or lawnmower might leave scratches, it’s best to pull weeds out by hand.
Regular Inspections and Repairs
Complete regular, annual and seasonal inspections to identify damage and prevent wear. Set calendar reminders to do regular visual reviews and check for algae, dirt and scrapes. Then, you can remove and repair minor obstructions before they worsen.
Get your toolkit and check for loose screws, panel joint wear and unsafe areas and repair them to prevent further damage, especially during winter. Inspecting your fence seasonally and after harsh storms or tornadoes is also best to identify and fix weather damage.
Weatherproof Your Fence
Preparing your vinyl fence for seasonal changes is one of the best ways to prevent weather damage. With hot and humid summers, you must apply UV protection to repel intense sunlight and prevent your color from fading or yellowing. While vinyl can withstand extreme temperatures, reinforcing your fence with a UV-protective coat can preserve the color and surface for longer.
Protect Against Impacts and Dents
Don’t place obstructions like ladders, heavy potted plants, bicycles, sharp objects and lawn equipment on or near your fence. These objects can cause damage if they fall. Avoid putting gravel, dirt and stone on your fence, as these materials can scratch the paint.
How to Clean a Vinyl Fence in Murfreesboro, TN
You can clean your vinyl fence with specialized solutions and techniques. Gather the following materials:
- Hose
- Pressure washer
- Magic eraser
- Mild cleaning solution
- Washcloth
- Scrub brush
Here’s how to keep a vinyl fence clean throughout the year.
- Hose it down: Spray your fence with a hose to loosen and lift dirt, grime and dust. This step can remove most debris if you use a pressure nozzle.
- Erase minor stains: Remove small stains with a magic eraser, working from the top to the bottom of each picket.
- Clean all fence areas: With your mild cleaning solution, use a cloth and a soft-bristled brush to scrub and wash away dirt and stains. Don’t forget about the crannies and crevices.
- Remove stubborn stains: If you have set-in stains, mix a solution of one part bleach to five parts water to target and remove stains. Only use bleach on white vinyl, since it can discolor other shades.
- Wash away dirt: A pressure washer will efficiently remove dirt, organic matter and stains. Use a light setting to avoid harming your fence, yourself and others.
FAQs About Vinyl Fence Maintenance in Murfreesboro
Here are some frequently asked questions about vinyl fence maintenance in Murfreesboro.
Is a Vinyl Fence Easy to Maintain?
While a vinyl fence is low-maintenance compared to materials like wood, it still requires regular care.
What Causes Vinyl Fence Discoloration?
Many factors can cause vinyl fence discoloration. For example, intense or extreme sun exposure will make unprotected vinyl look yellow and faded. Age is another reason for discoloration. Older fencing materials might be more susceptible to fading than new ones. Today, manufacturers make UV- and fade-resistant vinyl.
How Durable Is a Vinyl Fence?
Vinyl is more durable than wood. However, it can crack or break upon impact with objects like cars, bicycles or sports balls.
How Can I Prevent Mold on a Vinyl Fence?
You can apply a protective coating or a home bleach-and-water solution to your vinyl fence to prevent mold growth.
Should You Repaint Your Vinyl Fencing?
You can paint your vinyl fence if you want to change the color. However, repainting is not necessary for prolonging its life. Manufacturers embed paint colors in modern vinyl fencing, preventing fading and extending the color life span.
How Long Does a Vinyl Fence Last?
With proper installation, care and UV sun protection, your vinyl fence can last for many years.
Can You Power-Wash a Vinyl Fence?
You can power-wash vinyl fencing using safe practices and techniques. Remove all nearby obstructions, cover landscaping and use the lowest-pressure setting to avoid damage. Work from top to bottom in sections, then rinse with a hose.
What Are the Risks of Power-Washing a Vinyl Fence?
The risks of power-washing your vinyl fence include stripping away the paint, structural damage and electrical shock.
Choose Master Fence for Residential Vinyl Fence Services in Murfreesboro and Manchester
Get professional and high-quality residential vinyl fence installation and repairs for your Murfreesboro or Manchester home.
With years of industry experience, our team of dedicated technicians can provide premium fencing installations and repairs. We use advanced fence designs, durable materials and installation techniques for your home and Tennessee’s climate. Let us help you choose suitable residential fencing for your needs and budget.
