Aluminum Fence Maintenance Tips for Homeowners

So the time has come to get a fence! First of all, congratulations. In our opinion, a fence can work wonders for your home and property overall. It’s great for safety, security, aesthetics, property line demarcation, and increased home value. But what kind should you get? Wood? Composite? Those are both great in their own ways, but have you considered an aluminum fence? It offers elegance and durability, and requires minimal upkeep!

It’s important to note that we said “minimal upkeep” and not “no upkeep.” As with all structures, regardless of materials used, some form of upkeep is required to prevent it from falling into disrepair. In this blog, we’ll go into the various (but relatively simple) steps you can take to get the most out of your aluminum fence.

Regular Cleaning

Dirt, pollen, and cobwebs don’t discriminate when it comes to building materials. The effects can range from a simple dulled appearance to corrosion, depending on what’s been allowed to accumulate. But here’s the good news: Keeping your aluminum fencing clean is simple. Simply rinse it with a gardening hose to remove most (if not all) of the dirt and debris. For tougher grime, you may need to use a cloth or sponge.

Keep in mind that abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals can cause damage to the protective powder coating on your fence, so be careful to select a gentler cleaner.

Inspect for Damage

It’s always a good idea to regularly take a few minutes to walk the perimeter of your aluminum fence and be on the lookout for signs of wear, tear, and outright damage—we recommend doing it at least once a season, but a higher frequency can’t hurt. When you’re performing one of these inspections, be on the lookout for these telltale signs of damage:

• Scratches, dents, or bent pickets
• Loose or missing screws
• Rust or corrosion on fasteners and other hardware—often found on gates
• Sagging or misaligned gates

When you catch these issues early, it’s probably going to only require a simple fix. Wait long enough, however, and they’ll become bigger issues.

Prevent Corrosion

Unlike, say, iron, aluminum fencing doesn’t rust. That’s a big plus for sure, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Other forms of corrosion can occur when exposed to the elements, so it’s important to be diligent to give your fence some TLC.

Make sure you keep your fence dry whenever possible. Before you ask, we’re not suggesting you wipe the entire thing down with a towel after every rain. We mean it’s a good idea to keep vegetation around the fence trimmed so it isn’t sitting in tall, moist grass all the time. Additionally, try not to overspray the aluminum fence with your sprinklers if you have them.

As we stated earlier, inspect routinely for scratches and replace rusty hardware, as it’s generally not made of aluminum. Make sure you touch up chips or scratches in the finish with paint designed to be applied to metal.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Gate hardware on any fence does a huge portion of the work, so you should return the favor by putting some effort into its upkeep. Once a year, grab some lubricant and apply it to latches, hinges, and locks. You don’t have to douse each piece, either; a few drops should be enough to keep those moving parts, well, moving!

Trim Nearby Vegetation

Plants can make your property look great, but it’s important to be aware of how they interact with the things around them. In the case of a fence, vegetation growing too close to it can do a lot more harm than good. In the interest of both fence and plants, follow these maintenance tips:

• Trim back any vines, shrubs, or tall grass that’s getting a little too cozy with your fence. This will help prevent moisture buildup and scratching.
• We know vines can look pretty, but please don’t let plants grow directly on your fence—that’s what a trellis is for—as it can lead to wear and staining.
• Be aware of your mulch and soil levels, especially near the fence posts.

Repaint or Refinish If Needed

Given enough time, your aluminum fence will begin to show signs of age. That’s normal, but you can increase its visual longevity with a nice new coat of paint or finish! Make sure you use paint that’s compatible with metal to ensure proper adhesion and durability. On top of that, you should clean the surface of the fence, lightly sanding any peeling or otherwise rough areas before applying any coats. Be sure to choose a finish that complements your home!

Trust Albaugh & Sons With Your Aluminum Fence Installation

An aluminum fence is a great choice for many properties, and not just for its visual appeal. It offers plenty of durability, as long as you take some time to perform maintenance. At Albaugh & Sons, we know a thing or ten about aluminum fence installation. Get in touch with us and we’ll make it happen!