Precast fence installation can improve your property’s style, security, and privacy. It is also one of the most durable and worry-free fencing solutions. That said, to make the most out of your fencing, you must also ensure proper cleaning.
How Often Should I Clean Concrete Fencing After Installation?
When it comes to cleaning any part of your home exterior, the most important thing to know is how often that cleaning should take place. Cleaning too often wears down materials prematurely (although this isn’t a major concern for concrete) and wastes time and effort that could be better spent elsewhere.
Concrete fencing is very low maintenance, so it only requires occasional cleaning once it has been installed. Unlike wood or metal fencing, you don’t have to worry about rot and rust. This means that the grime really only affects how your fence looks.
You typically shouldn’t have to clean your concrete fencing more than once every few months. Depending on the weather, dust levels, and other factors, your fence might go a year or longer without needing cleaning of any kind. You can touch up any specific spots that get grime on them as needed.
Manually Cleaning Your Concrete Fencing
Given how rarely you need to clean your concrete fencing, it might be economical to forgo any expensive equipment and simply do it by hand. A good manual cleaning can get rid of any accumulated grime if you aren’t afraid of applying a little elbow grease.
No matter how you choose to clean your concrete wall, though, remember to avoid using acidic cleaning agents. Acidity is a significant threat to concrete, which is why so many environmental regulations are in place to prevent acid rain.
Most detergents will do the job just fine. They typically range from neutral to alkaline, so you don’t have to worry about acidity. You can also safely use firm bristled brushes to clean concrete; there’s only a real risk of scratching if you use something especially sharp, like a wire brush.
Pressure Washing Your Precast Fence Post-Installation
Of course, you can make the job much easier by using a pressure washer for your concrete fencing. These pieces of equipment are available in a great many sizes, so you might consider buying or renting your own or hiring professionals to handle the job for you.
In most home exterior applications, you’ll have to be careful when pressure washing, as the high pressure could damage vinyl siding or asphalt shingles. With concrete fencing, you don’t have to worry about anything like that. Your household pressure washer will blast away grime without causing any damage to the concrete below.
If you aren’t familiar with this type of equipment, it might be better to leave it to the professionals. They can make quick work of concrete fences of any size with their commercial equipment.
Dealing With Stubborn Grime
In some cases, you’ll find yourself with seriously stubborn grime on your concrete fencing. Sticky or oily substances can generate a stronghold that even pressure washing cannot break. In these cases, you may need to get a bit physical.
Hand scraping is a very effective method for removing just about any substance from concrete. You can take a flat scraper or a chisel and physically scrape away anything that has become attached to your fence. You shouldn’t have to do this often, but it provides an effective last resort.
Is Sandblasting Concrete Fencing Safe?
Sandblasting is one of the few cleaning methods that can actually harm your concrete fencing. Of course, the structure will be just fine, but you risk damaging surface textures that affect the fencing’s appearance.
This method is typically reserved for removing paint, whether you’re updating your fencing or dealing with vandalism. Sandblasting is one area that should always be left to the professionals, as you risk damaging the texture and sealant of your fencing.
Be Sure to Find High-Quality Installation
One of the most important factors in how your fencing lasts after years of use is the initial precast fence installation. If you want the color and texture of your fencing to hold up to repeated cleaning, you need to know that you’re getting quality materials and installation from the start.
To obtain a precast fence installation that lasts, you can put your trust in the professionals at Fence Installers. Reach out today to get an estimate on your new fence.