Pressure washing makes cleaning fences easy. It’s an excellent solution for removing surface dirt and grime, as long as the fence isn’t too dirty or in ill repair. Pressure washing a fence that needs repairs can create further damage.

Settings

When using a pressure washer, a low to medium spray in a fan pattern is best. It will help avoid any potential damage and it will also aid in preventing streaking. The machines can be used on modern materials, along with wood.

There’s no need to blast the fence with all the power available. A psi of 1500 to 2000 is a good setting for fence washing, along with a 25-degree spray tip. Spring and autumn are good times to wash a fence and ready it for the next season.

Safety First

One of the most important things to remember when washing a fence is to ensure there are no people, pets or plants on the opposite side that will be harmed. For safety’s sake, clear loose debris from the fence and work area. Be sure to close any doors or windows to the home. Covering lawn furniture and yard toys is also a good idea.

Washing the Fence

Most individuals simply turn on the pressure washer and begin spraying down their fence. While that can work if the dirt and grime are very light, manufacturers recommend applying a cleansing agent formulated specifically for the fence type.

Work in small sections at a time and work from the bottom up. Applying a detergent to the entire fence before rinsing isn’t a good idea. The soap will dry, harden, and removing it is much more difficult. Let detergent set for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing it off.

For tough dirt and stains that aren’t easily removed, use a rotating scrub brush on the end of the pressure sprayer wand. Individuals can then clean as usual, washing in small sections and rinsing before moving to the next area.

Installing a fence doesn’t mean that people have to give up on greenery. There are a variety of plantings that complement fences. The most common reason people want plants next to their fence is to camouflage it, particularly if it’s chain link fencing.

However, individuals may also want to hide fencing that has become weather worn, if they don’t want to paint or stain it, or if they don’t want to replace it. There are numerous plants that enable people to hide their fence and enjoy a wealth of blossoms using the fencing as a support.

Vines

When it comes to fences, vines are the most often selected solution, especially those that twine rather than lean. Bleeding heart vine is a fast grower with white or red flowers but it’s not a rampant grower. The Queen’s Wreath Vine produces cascading purple flowers, blooms off and on all summer, but needs trimming to keep in contained. Pandora vine has pale pink flowers with a rose-colored center, light scent, and can be trained to form a small bush.

Bushes and Hedges

A unique choice near fences are cycads. They’ve been around since the time of the dinosaurs, come in a multitude of sizes, shapes and heights, along with a distinctive appearance. They’re highly valued for their attractiveness, rarity and add value to properties. These descendants of ancient species are sure to cause a sensation.

Hibiscus, which includes Rose of Sharon, loves the South Florida climate. They’re tolerant of heat, humidity, poor soil, air pollution and drought. Flower colors include red, blue, lavender, pink, white and bi-colors. They’re available in single and double flowering varieties.

Small Trees

People that prefer small trees to hide their fence can choose from Jelly King Crab that grows to 13 ft., redbud that grows to 10 ft., wintersweet that can grow up to 15 ft., and dwarf chestnut oaks that grow to a maximum of 20 ft. Many varieties produce blossoms in colors ranging from red and pink to yellow and white, and provide a source of food for birds, bees and butterflies.

There are multiple reasons that you might decide to install a fence and you’ll have a myriad of styles, colors and materials from which to choose. The first step before contacting a fencing specialist is to identify why you want a fence.

Safety and Security

A fence provides safety for children and pets, protecting them from incursions by human trespassers and a wide variety of unwanted wildlife. Fencing is effective for concealing valuables encompassing lawn care equipment, ATVs, PWCs and motorcycles from burglars.

Privacy

Homes are being constructed even closer together than in the past, inhibiting the ability to enjoy time with family and friends. A fence provides a private space for you to enjoy good times away from the prying eyes of neighbors and passersby.

Set Boundaries

Fencing is a great way to establish property boundaries, but it’s always best to consult with your neighbor first. Depending on local laws, they may be responsible for part of the upkeep costs – an expense for which they might object.

Ornamentation and Curb Appeal

If you’re planning on selling your home, a fence can add significant curb appeal and ornamentation all in a single package. Fences are an attractive attribute for buyers and viewed as a money-saving bonus.

Hiding Eyesores

Everyone partakes of modern conveniences, but those services often come with equipment that’s unappealing to the eye. A fence can hide or camouflage eyesores that include satellite dishes, HVAC units, emergency generators, and electrical boxes. They’re also effective for concealing electrical vehicle charging stations and trash bins.

Complying with HOAs

HOAs can dictate many things and a common rule is keeping “clutter” such as children’s toys and outdoor furniture out of sight. A fence alleviates that concern, but always consult with the HOA to ensure the fence you want conforms to the organization’s guidelines.

Swimming Pools

Pools and spas must be surrounded with an appropriate fence and gate to prevent access by children. Before installing a pool or spa, consult with a fencing specialist to determine what meets safety standards and your aesthetic preferences.

The good news for owners of steel or wrought iron fencing that’s become rusty and unsightly is that the fence can be restored. It will require preparation, primer and elbow grease – or an electric tool to make the job easier and faster. Never attempt to simply paint over a metal fence. The results will look terrible and the paint will flake.

Metal fencing is typically treated with a specialized coating to prevent rusting, but even the best professionally-installed fence has a finite lifespan. If you have an aluminum fence, you won’t see it rust, but it will corrode over time. Metal fencing in South Florida is required to withstand stresses that other locations don’t, primary of which is salt from ocean spray and being drenched in ocean water during hurricanes.

Fence Restoration

Restoring your fence if it’s showing signs of rust will aid in prolonging its longevity and maintaining it’s beauty and effectiveness. You can prep the fence and do the work yourself, but it can be a time-consuming task, depending on the method you choose. The alternative is to hire a company that has the tools, technology and experience to do the work.

Before undertaking the project yourself, perform an inspection of the fence to determine the extent of the damage. The fence may simply be showing surface rust and can be restored. If the rust is extensive and has penetrated the surface, it may be a better idea to replace rather than restore.

If you’re performing the work yourself, it’s essential that you remove as much rust as possible. You can remove it manually using a sandblaster, grinder or a liquid rust remover. All the methods are effective, it just depends on how much time you want to invest.

When the fence is free of rust, all that’s left to do is apply a coat of primer and a new coat of anti-rust paint in the color of your choice. You can use a roller paintbrush to apply the primer and paint.

Installing a fence around your home or business may seem like a productive way to spend the weekend, but it’s no walk in the park. There are multiple factors that will determine exactly how the fence will be erected, from the type of soil that’s in the yard to any sloping of the land – and then there are permits. It’s wise to engage a professional fencing company for a myriad of reasons.

The Right Fence

There are so many different types of fences and materials from which to choose, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. A professional fencing company will take the time to consult with potential customers and help them ascertain which fence is right for their particular needs, whether it’s safety, security, privacy or some other purpose.

Legal Issues

Every municipality has its own rules and regulations about the height and appearance of fencing. Those guidelines can be even more stringent for individuals that are part of a homeowner’s association. Failure to comply with prevailing standards can result in legal issues and orders to alter or remove the fence completely.

Permits are part of those rules and regulations. A professional fence installer will know the permits that need to be obtained before work can begin and be able to pull them quickly and efficiently. In many instances, professionals are also cognizant of the standards in the area where the fence will be erected.

Save Time and Money

Proper installation of fencing requires more than a shovel or a posthole digger. Equipment can be rented, but it can be extremely expensive and the average individual may not be able to operate it effectively. Professional installers have all the equipment needed and are experienced in its usage.

Value and Aesthetics

A properly installed fence increases property values, looks great, and increases curb appeal. The work will be completed quickly and to all specifications. Quality products are used and the installation is performed correctly the first time.

There are more rules and regulations than ever before governing the appearance of property and that’s especially true for those that answer to an HOA. No matter where an individual lives, no one wants to look at eyesores in their yard and fencing can solve those unsightly problems with style, beauty and sophistication.

With today’s options, individuals can choose from fencing that emulates the look of high-end wood, stone and granite. Today’s manufacturing processes have created fencing able to withstand hurricane-force winds, that’s resistant to fading and saltwater, and is recyclable.

Vertical and horizontal options are available and fencing doesn’t need to encompass the entire property to be effective. Strategic placement of single fence panels is effective for hiding eyesores and they’re equally appropriate for creating enclosures. Always consult with a professional fence installer. Professionals will know the prevailing standards and be able to obtain any permits needed. Fencing is effective for concealing the following:

• Electrical boxes
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Satellite dishes
• HVAC units
• Emergency generators
• Solar panels
• Trash receptacles
• Clotheslines
• Lawn furniture
• Outbuildings
• Children’s toys
• ATVs, motorcycles, and PWCs

While hiding eyesores is an excellent reason for erecting a fence or individual panels, there’s another good reason for fencing. It serves as a barrier to prying eyes that could be too interested in the possessions a family has amassed.

A great number of items and installations are necessary for the operation of the utilities and conveniences people take for granted every day, but that doesn’t mean they’re attractive or a pleasure to view. Erecting fencing to camouflage those infrastructure elements adds curb appeal and can even act as a focal interest for vining plants.

Individuals have a multitude of selections from which to choose. Chain link is available with screens or slats that can be added, along with long-lasting aluminum, PVC and SimTek®. Fencing can be erected in horizontal or vertical arrangements to accommodate the concealment of any eyesore.

No one wants to spend time and effort maintaining their fencing after it’s installed. With the materials and new manufacturing methods available today, anyone can have a low-maintenance fence installed that will offer long-lasting service, meet a wide range of aesthetic preferences, and require a minimum amount of maintenance.

SimTek®

SimTek® fencing has become the leader in Florida for a wide variety of reasons. Its UV inhibitors mean it won’t fade due to the sun’s harsh rays. The fencing is resistant to saltwater, organic processes, and insects. Graffiti is easily removed with the use of a power washer. SimTek® never needs to be painted or stained and it won’t warp or crack. It’s become the leader in Florida fencing due to its ability to withstand hurricane-force winds of up to 110 mph and gusts of up to 130 mph.

PVC/Vinyl

PVC fencing is a type of vinyl that stands up to harsh weather conditions without rotting, chipping, splintering or peeling. It’s manufactured with UV inhibitors to prevent it from becoming brittle or yellowing from UV rays. The material also withstands high winds, doesn’t need painting or staining, and is unappealing to insects. This type of vinyl fencing has earned the Dade County Product Approval Certification. Vinyl is five times stronger than wood and it’s recyclable.

Aluminum

Today’s aluminum typically has a powder coating applied that will aid in maintaining its finish for years. Aluminum doesn’t rust, rot, or fall prey to insects. The material doesn’t need staining or painting.

Consult a Professional

It’s always best to consult with fencing professionals before deciding on a particular material. Pricing can vary widely and individuals will want to comparison shop. Some fencing types offer more variety in terms of color, styles and customization options. It’s also important for individuals to know why they want a fence, which will affect the choice of material.