Fence Pressure Washing in Riverview, FL

What Is Growing on Your Fence?

Green algae is probably the first thing you'll notice when a fence starts getting dirty, but it's not the only type of buildup I see. Vinyl fences can also develop mildew, lichen, dirt, pollen, grass clippings and darker forms of algae.

Shaded and north-facing sections can be particularly prone to algae because they often stay damp longer. Lichen and black or orange algae are more difficult to clean and may leave staining behind, even after the growth itself has been removed.

If you're wondering why some sections of your fence turn green faster than others, I've written more about why white vinyl fences turn green in Florida.

Vinyl and PVC Fence Cleaning

Most of the fences I clean are vinyl or PVC, and these materials respond very well to the right cleaning process. The cleaning solution helps break down the algae and other organic growth, while controlled pressure is used to thoroughly clean the fence without unnecessarily stressing the surface.

I typically work in sections of about 8 to 10 panels at a time. This keeps the cleaning solution from drying before I have a chance to pressure wash the section. I then clean each panel individually, working from top to bottom.

Heavier buildup such as lichen or black and orange algae may require additional treatment before the fence is cleaned.

Decorative Aluminum and “Wrought Iron” Fences

Not every decorative fence that looks like wrought iron is actually made of iron. A lot of the decorative fencing installed in newer communities is aluminum, and I see this type of fence frequently in FishHawk. Like vinyl fencing, aluminum can develop a noticeable layer of green algae, especially in areas that stay shaded or damp.

The cleaning process is similar to cleaning vinyl, but I usually reduce the pressure a little more when working on painted aluminum. The goal is to remove the algae and other buildup without damaging or lifting the paint.

Because these fences have individual rails, posts and decorative sections, they can take a little more attention to clean properly. If your decorative fence looks like wrought iron but you're not sure what it's actually made of, that's not a problem. I'll determine what I'm working with and adjust the cleaning process accordingly.

Wood Fence Cleaning

Wood fence cleaning has become less common over the years, but I still clean wood fences when the material and condition are suitable. Wood requires more attention than vinyl or aluminum because it is much less forgiving of mistakes.

The basic cleaning process is similar, using the appropriate cleaning solution and lower pressure. The strength of the solution may need to be adjusted depending on the condition and staining of the wood.

The biggest difference is how carefully the fence needs to be cleaned. I take my time and clean each individual piece of wood rather than quickly working across a large section. Too much pressure or the wrong approach can damage the surface, so patience is important.

Older wood fences also need to be evaluated for their condition before cleaning. Wood that has become soft, deteriorated or weakened with age may not tolerate pressure washing the same way a sound fence does. If I find areas that are too fragile to clean safely, I'll point them out before proceeding.

How Much Does Fence Cleaning Cost?

Most residential fence cleaning is priced based on the number of panels being cleaned, along with the material and condition of the fence.

As a general example, a typical backyard fence with around 30 to 35 panels will usually fall in the $150–$200 range. That includes cleaning the fence facing into the yard and the street-facing gates.

Larger fences, additional sides and fences with heavy algae or lichen buildup may cost more because they require additional time and treatment. If you only need one section cleaned, I can price that separately rather than charging you to clean the entire fence.

I'll look at the fence and give you the price before any work begins, so you know exactly what the job will cost.

When a Fence Has Been Neglected

Some fences are straightforward maintenance jobs. Others have been exposed to algae, lichen and weather for several years and require considerably more time and attention to clean.

Lichen is one of the biggest challenges. I start by spot-treating the affected areas with a stronger solution, then apply my normal cleaning solution across the fence. Once I pressure wash the section, I'll often apply another treatment to the affected areas to continue working on the lichen that remains behind.

Even with that extra treatment, older lichen can leave a light stain on the vinyl after the growth has been removed. I always point this out to customers before I start so they understand that removing the lichen doesn't necessarily mean removing every trace of the stain it left behind.

The same can happen with older algae buildup. The growth itself may come off while some discoloration remains underneath, particularly when the fence has been exposed to the elements for years.

I'll always do my best to bring a heavily neglected fence back to a clean, presentable condition, but the condition of the fence before cleaning ultimately determines how much can be restored.

Fence Cleaning Doesn't Have to Be All or Nothing

Not every fence needs to be cleaned from end to end. Most homeowners are mainly concerned with the areas they see and use, which usually means the fence inside the backyard and the gates facing the road.

If only one section has started turning green, we can focus on that area rather than cleaning the entire fence. This can be especially helpful with north-facing sections or areas affected by shade, irrigation or nearby vegetation.

If the fence has gone several years without cleaning, you may need the entire fence cleaned to bring it back to a consistent appearance. But if you're keeping up with regular maintenance, there's no reason to clean sections that don't need it.

If you're wondering whether you need to clean your entire fence or just the areas that have started turning green, I go into more detail about how I approach partial fence cleaning here.

Keeping Your Fence Cleaner Longer

Once your fence has been cleaned, a few simple things can help slow down the return of algae and other buildup.

Try to keep irrigation from spraying directly onto the fence, especially if you use well water. Trim vegetation back when possible so plants aren't constantly touching the fence, and rinse off pollen and dirt when they begin to accumulate.

For most homes, I recommend having the fence cleaned about once a year. Some areas may need attention sooner, especially if they stay shaded or damp. If you notice one section starting to turn green before the rest of the fence, there's no need to wait until the entire fence needs cleaning. Taking care of that area early can help prevent the buildup from becoming more difficult to remove.

Fence Cleaning Around Riverview and Tampa Bay

I clean residential fences throughout Riverview and surrounding communities in the Tampa Bay area. Most of my fence work is in neighborhoods throughout South Hillsborough County, where vinyl, PVC and decorative aluminum fencing are common.

I regularly clean fences in Valrico, FishHawk, Brandon, Apollo Beach, Gibsonton, Ruskin, Wimauma and Sun City Center, along with other nearby communities.

If you're not sure whether your fence needs a full cleaning or just a few problem areas addressed, I'm happy to take a look and explain what I recommend.