Outdoor Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Dallas Fence

April 20, 2015

Now that spring is underway, you’re probably thinking about going outside one weekend and giving your yard and house a thorough spring cleaning. One area that homeowners often neglect, however, is their fence. Cleaning a vinyl fence in Dallas isn’t difficult, but it can help it stay fresh and new-looking throughout the rest of the year. Read on to get some helpful tips for revitalizing your fence and yard this spring from Future Outdoors®.

Cleaning a Vinyl Fence

Though it might seem like a big job, cleaning a vinyl fence is actually very simple and painless. Over the winter, wind and ice can cause grime to build upon your fence, and mud and dirt can also accumulate near the bottom due to splashing rain. Fortunately, this grime is very easy to wash off – usually, a simple spray with the garden hose is more than enough to clean a vinyl fence. If it’s been a while since you’ve washed yours off, you might want to wipe it down with a soapy cloth or towel (much like you would when you wash your car) or spray it with a power washer. Either way, it shouldn’t take much time or effort to clean your vinyl fence this spring.


Here are a few tips to make your cleaning go quickly and smoothly:

  • If you need to scrub your fence down, use a simple, biodegradable soap or cleaner to avoid sickening your grass or garden.
  • Power washers are a great tool to make the cleaning go faster. You can even add cleaning solutions to many power washers to increase their effectiveness.
  • You can use the same strategies to clean vinyl decks and shade structures if you need it!

Cleaning a Wood Fence

If you don’t have a vinyl fence, you’ll probably need to invest some more time and effort into your spring cleaning. Wooden fences tend to grab and hold onto dirt and moisture, and they deteriorate at a much quicker pace than vinyl. Keeping your wooden fence looking new and clean will take some work.


Like a vinyl fence, you can use a pressure washer to remove the worst of the dirt and debris from a wooden fence. However, this is only if your fence is stained and not painted. If you did paint your fence, be wary of using high-pressure cleaning, since it can easily strip the paint right off your fence. Test an inconspicuous area first, and avoid any places where the paint is chipped or peeling.


If your wooden fence has mold or mildew on it, you can use a bleach-based cleaning solution to kill the fungus and remove dirt at the same time. You’ll need to scrub the affected areas thoroughly with a stiff brush, and you should be sure to wear gloves to protect your skin.


Here are a few more tips for cleaning wooden fences:



  • If you pressure-wash your fence, be sure to wait until it’s fully dry to paint, stain, or seal it. Water in the wood can affect the way these substances adhere.
  • If your wood fence is warping or bowing, don’t worry too much – that’s relatively normal for wooden fences more than a few years old. It shouldn’t be too hard to pull off boards or panels and replace them with new ones.
  • Cleaning your fence from the top down prevents sections you’ve already cleaned from getting dirty again.

Fence Repairs & Replacement

Occasionally you’ll need to do more than clean your fence to get it ready for the next year. Spring is storm season in Texas after all, and high winds, hail, and debris can easily damage your fence. Depending on the type and extent of the damage, you may need to do some significant repairs or even replace your fence entirely.


Some homeowners choose to go the DIY route, and there are a few benefits to that choice. First, you can save money over hiring a contractor by doing the labor yourself – but remember that contractors often do the same work with better quality and in less time. Also, doing your own fencing is a good way to get exactly the project that you want, assuming you’re skilled enough to create it.

How We Can Help!

For most homeowners, though, fencing isn’t a DIY project. In that case, you should call an experienced Dallas-area vinyl fence contractor such as our team at Future Outdoors®. We can repair or replace any vinyl or wooden fence, and we’ll also help you choose the exact style and color to meet your needs and match your home. Call (972) 576-1600 to schedule your free estimate or visit our Facebook and Twitter pages for more information and tips.

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There is plenty of information on the internet about building and installing your own vinyl fence. However, that doesn’t always mean it’s a good idea to do it yourself. There are a few advantages that you get from working with a professional fence installer like Future Outdoors. Advantages of Professional Fence Installation Time Savings One of the biggest advantages of having your fence installed professionally is saving time versus installing it yourself. Fence installations can be tricky and time consuming, especially if you don’t have much experience. However, our experienced fence crew can install a new fence in just a day or two – and you won’t have to do any of the work yourself. Financial Savings Another major advantage of working with a professional fence installer is that you can actually save money. Depending on the type of fence you want to install you will need to buy materials, tools, and hardware such as screws, nails, or brackets. You will also need to factor in the costs of material delivery and the removal of any waste or old fence materials. In contrast, the cost of a professional fence install takes all of these factors into account. Plus, professionals have the tools and equipment they need already, and can buy materials in bulk at a discount. These savings are factored into your costs, so you often end up paying less than you would when you install on your own. Higher Quality Fence installations can be tricky. It’s important to make sure all the posts are set deep enough, totally secure, and standing straight and level. The panels need to be secure, level, and properly lined up. Corner angles must be measured correctly, and gates need be be secure and strong. If you don’t have the necessary skills or experience, it’s likely you could make a mistake that affects the quality of your finished fence. Professional fence installers, on the other hand, do have the necessary skills. They can install your fence quickly and without mistakes, and even guarantee the quality of your new fence with a warranty. In other words, you don’t just get a higher quality fence – you also get peace of mind. Less Stress Along with ensuring a higher quality result, having your fence installed by Future Outdoors also ensures you don’t need to worry about it. Installing your fence yourself can be stressful, especially if you are trying to get it done quickly or do it in your free time. When you get your fence installed, you don’t need to worry about the process and simply get to enjoy the result. No Code Violations Finally, getting your fence installed ensures you won’t suffer from any legal problems. Codes and permits can be big obstacles to DIY fence installations, especially if your home is part of an HOA. You will likely need to provide plans to your local permit office and get the necessary permits for your area. When you work with Future Outdoors to have your fence installed, though, you don’t need to do any of this work. We take care of all the permits for you, and ensure your fence is built according to code. Call Future Outdoors Today If you’re interested in getting a new fence at the best price, without the stress of installing yourself, give us a call today at Future Outdoors. We can help you choose the best fence for your needs and get it installed easily. Call (972) 576-1600 today or visit us on Facebook to see pictures and read reviews from previous customers.
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