Professional exterior care
Fence cleaning lifts the green algae, lichen and grime that turn a garden boundary dark and tired. A fence is made of several materials at once: thin timber panels, concrete or timber posts, and concrete gravel boards at the base. Each takes a different approach, so the plan for a fence starts with what it is made of and how old it is.
Request a free quotePressure washing a fence can be effective on concrete, but thin timber panels are easily damaged by a strong jet. Soft washing timber fence panels, using a low-pressure application, a suitable solution and time for it to work before rinsing, cleans the wood without splitting slats or blasting out the soft grain.
Overlap, closeboard and slatted panels are usually made from thin softwood. Jet washing fence panels at close range can splinter slats, push water through the panel and leave a fuzzy, raised surface. Soft washing a wood fence avoids that, letting the solution break down algae and lichen so only a gentle rinse is needed.
Weathered panels will not return to the colour of new timber, and stained fences may lighten unevenly where old stain has faded. That is explained before work starts. If you plan to re-stain the fence afterwards, a clean surface helps a new finish take evenly once the wood is dry.
Concrete posts and gravel boards collect black algae and soil splash at the base. These are robust enough for controlled pressure washing, which removes ingrained dirt faster than soft washing alone. Care is still taken where boards meet panels, so water is not driven hard into the timber above.
On older fences, cracked posts or loose gravel boards are noted. Cleaning will not strengthen a failing fence, and a weak post is better identified before anyone leans on it.
In practice most fences get a combination: soft washing for the timber, more pressure for the concrete. Hardwood or heavy-duty timber may tolerate a little more. The choice is made per part, not per job, which is why describing your fence when you enquire helps.
The soft washing service page explains the low-pressure principle in detail and where else it is used on homes and commercial buildings.
Fences sit beside borders, climbing plants and a neighbour's garden. Plants close to the fence are rinsed or covered before treatment, and overspray is controlled. Your neighbour's side of a shared fence is not cleaned without agreement, and work is planned so runoff does not end up on their patio.
Climbers growing through panels may need trimming back by you beforehand so the fence can be reached. That is mentioned at quote stage.
A clean patio or deck can make a dirty fence look worse, and vice versa. Including the fence in the same visit as patio or decking cleaning gives an even result across the garden. The decking cleaning page covers timber and composite decks.
Send photographs of the fence, the approximate length and height, the panel type and your postcode. Mention whether it has been stained and whether any panels are shared with neighbours. Domestic work is normally within about fifteen miles of Dover, with postcode checks further away. Quotes are free.
Tell Jordan about the property and the work required.