FENCE CARE GUIDE
A little care keeps your fence looking good and working right. Here’s how to look after each material through freeze-thaw winters, wet springs and summer sun.
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Clean it now and then, keep plants, mulch and sprinklers off it, and check posts, panels and gates after big storms. Wood needs the most care: stain or seal it to protect it from moisture and sun. Vinyl, aluminum, composite and chain link mostly need simple cleaning. Planning a new fence? We’ll walk you through low-upkeep options at a free on-site estimate.
BY MATERIAL & SEASON
Vinyl
Lowest upkeep
Wash with mild soap and water
Rinse off dirt and mildew spots
No painting or staining needed
Aluminum
Rust-free metal
Rinse dirt and pollen off the finish
Check gate hinges and latches
Trim plants that grow through
Wood
Needs the most care
Stain or seal to guard against moisture
Look for loose boards and nails
Keep soil and mulch off the boards
Composite
Wood look, less work
Wash with mild soap and water
No staining needed
Keep leaves and debris from piling up
Chain Link
Simple and tough
Hose off dirt now and then
Check ties and the top rail
Clear vines before they take hold
Gates
The part you use most
Test the latch and swing
Keep the swing path clear
Watch for sagging or dragging
Winter
Freeze-thaw season
Don’t pile shoveled snow on the fence
Clear ice from latches and hinges
Check posts after the ground thaws
Spring & rain
Wet season
Point sprinklers away from the fence
Watch for standing water at posts
Clean off mildew and pollen
If your old fence needs more care than it’s worth, we’ll walk you through low-upkeep options at a free on-site estimate and handle old fence removal. Veterans get $300 off.
★ Veterans: $300 off
Get a Free Estimate
Compare Materials
Every fence needs some care, and some materials need far less than others. Tap a material to see the styles, heights and colors we install.
FAQ
Have a question about your fence? Our Central Ohio team is happy to help.
Call (614) 245-9999
How do you maintain a fence?
Clean it now and then, keep plants, mulch and sprinklers off it, and check posts, panels and gates after big storms. Wood needs the most care. Vinyl, aluminum, composite and chain link mostly need simple cleaning.
Which fence material needs the least maintenance?
How often should I stain a wood fence?
How do I clean a vinyl fence?
How do I protect my fence in winter?
Do you remove old fences?