We all know that one of the best things about a vinyl fence is that it’s practically maintenance free. But to really make your vinyl fencing brilliantly shine like new and keep it looking like it was just installed yesterday for years to come, there are few quick and easy steps that can be taken. Let’s take a look at the 7 simple steps to maintaining a vinyl fence…
Step One – Clean The Vinyl Fence Regularly
It’s just a fact – dirt happens. Rainwater can carry and deposit dirt particles from hundreds of miles away on your home’s fencing. Fortunately, cleaning vinyl fences is a breeze. Just hosing it down alone will usually do the trick, but if you need something more, try a bit of non-abrasive household detergent mixed with water. Just gently sponge away the grime.
Step Two – Remove Any Persistent Stains
Sometimes stubborn stains can find their way to the strangest places. It’s probably no surprise that your sparkle-clean backyard vinyl fence is no exception. Most stubborn greasy or oily stains will wipe away easily using mineral spirits and a soft cloth. Once clean, be sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Step Three – Check The Vinyl Fence’s Stability
No matter how securely your vinyl fence has been installed, sometimes freeze and thaw cycles and other forces of nature (like the kids!) can find a way to loosen fence posts. Every so often, it’s a good idea to walk the fence line and make sure everything is still firm and straight. If the rare problem does arise, it can usually be fixed by adjusting the earth around the post with a shovel and backfilling as appropriate to tighten up the loose fence post and its concrete base.
Step Four – Inspect The Posts Caps
It’s not entirely uncommon for the snap in fence post caps to become loose – again, thanks to expansion and contraction caused by the weather or from being knocked loose by a stray football or two. If you have a loose vinyl fence post cap, simply use specially-formulated PVC fence glue secure the caps back in place.
Step Five – Repair Any Broken Pieces
Although vinyl fencing is incredibly strong, flexible, and durable, damage can still occur when struck by a heavy object such as fallen tree limb. If this happens to your fence, it’s important to try and order replacement pieces that most closely the original broken components. The actual repair procedures will vary by circumstance – sometimes the fix is incredibly simple, while other times it will require removing another section of the fencing and working backwards.
Step Six – Adjust Vinyl Fence Gates
If your vinyl fence has a gate or two, every now and then the gates might need to be adjusted. If the gate is just too heavy for its hinges or posts, one possible alternate solution is to install a gate wheel on the bottom of the gate. This will keep the gate from sagging and allow it to operate in a perfectly smooth fashion.
Step Seven – Have A Lemonade!
Remember – vinyl fences are supposed to be ultra low maintenance, right? The good news is that they are indeed practically maintenance free. Most of the steps above will never even need to be addressed. Instead, use the extra time to sit back and enjoy outdoor living, sipping lemonade (or the beverage of your choice) comfortably from your lawn chair or patio table.
Step One – Clean The Vinyl Fence Regularly
It’s just a fact – dirt happens. Rainwater can carry and deposit dirt particles from hundreds of miles away on your home’s fencing. Fortunately, cleaning vinyl fences is a breeze. Just hosing it down alone will usually do the trick, but if you need something more, try a bit of non-abrasive household detergent mixed with water. Just gently sponge away the grime.
Step Two – Remove Any Persistent Stains
Sometimes stubborn stains can find their way to the strangest places. It’s probably no surprise that your sparkle-clean backyard vinyl fence is no exception. Most stubborn greasy or oily stains will wipe away easily using mineral spirits and a soft cloth. Once clean, be sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Step Three – Check The Vinyl Fence’s Stability
No matter how securely your vinyl fence has been installed, sometimes freeze and thaw cycles and other forces of nature (like the kids!) can find a way to loosen fence posts. Every so often, it’s a good idea to walk the fence line and make sure everything is still firm and straight. If the rare problem does arise, it can usually be fixed by adjusting the earth around the post with a shovel and backfilling as appropriate to tighten up the loose fence post and its concrete base.
Step Four – Inspect The Posts Caps
It’s not entirely uncommon for the snap in fence post caps to become loose – again, thanks to expansion and contraction caused by the weather or from being knocked loose by a stray football or two. If you have a loose vinyl fence post cap, simply use specially-formulated PVC fence glue secure the caps back in place.
Step Five – Repair Any Broken Pieces
Although vinyl fencing is incredibly strong, flexible, and durable, damage can still occur when struck by a heavy object such as fallen tree limb. If this happens to your fence, it’s important to try and order replacement pieces that most closely the original broken components. The actual repair procedures will vary by circumstance – sometimes the fix is incredibly simple, while other times it will require removing another section of the fencing and working backwards.
Step Six – Adjust Vinyl Fence Gates
If your vinyl fence has a gate or two, every now and then the gates might need to be adjusted. If the gate is just too heavy for its hinges or posts, one possible alternate solution is to install a gate wheel on the bottom of the gate. This will keep the gate from sagging and allow it to operate in a perfectly smooth fashion.
Step Seven – Have A Lemonade!
Remember – vinyl fences are supposed to be ultra low maintenance, right? The good news is that they are indeed practically maintenance free. Most of the steps above will never even need to be addressed. Instead, use the extra time to sit back and enjoy outdoor living, sipping lemonade (or the beverage of your choice) comfortably from your lawn chair or patio table.
Fences are important components in the exterior aspect of your property and it ought to be given utmost attention if home improvement is basically in mind.
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