Aluminum fences remain a popular choice for Chicago homeowners and businesses due to their durability, stylish nature, and low-maintenance requirements. From the city’s harsh winters to its humid summers, aluminum fences can lose their longevity and visual appeal without essential maintenance.
With the help of Northwest Cedar Fence Company’s seasonal maintenance guide for aluminum fences, you’ll have the proper maintenance tips for each season. Not only will this guide help you protect your investment, it’ll help you keep your property looking its best all year long.
Why Seasonal Maintenance Is Important for Aluminum Fences
Aluminum fences are known for their resistance to rust and corrosion, a key asset when it comes to durability and longevity. However, even with its resistance capabilities, Chicago’s climate can still take its toll. Over time, exposure to various weather elements can cause wear and tear, making seasonal aluminum fence maintenance all the more important. Aluminum fence maintenance also helps:
- The prevention of structural damage from harsh weather conditions
- Preserving the fence’s finish and aesthetic appeal
- Extend the lifespan of the fence
- Avoiding costly repairs by catching and addressing minor issues early
Let’s delve deeper into the aspects of aluminum fence maintenance and its purpose for each season.
Spring Maintenance: Recovering from Winter’s Harsh Effects
Chicago winters can take their toll on aluminum fencing. Fence maintenance in the spring helps recover from the harsh effects of winter. Here are the steps to take for your spring maintenance routine:
1. Inspect for Winter Damage
Since winter can be especially tough on outdoor structures, the first thing you should do is check your fence for signs of damage. Damages to look out for include:
- Loose or wobbly posts caused by ground shifting due to freezing and thawing
- Scratches, chips, or minor dents that could expose the metal underneath
- Rust spots on screws, fasteners, or gates
2. Clean Dirt and Debris
Next, you’ll need to address the dirt and debris that may have accumulated on your fence during the winter. By using a mixture of mild soap and warm water, scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth to get rid of salt, dirt, mud, and fallen branches. Follow this up by rinsing the aluminum fence thoroughly with a garden hose to make sure all residue has been effectively removed.
3. Check and Tighten Hardware
The winter weather can loosen fence components like screws and fasteners. Inspect the fence’s hardware such as the joints, hinges, and latches, and tighten where necessary. Parts that are rusted or damaged should be replaced immediately.
4. Apply a Protective Coating
A protective layer of coating can then be applied to the aluminum fence as an added layer of defense against moisture and UV exposure. You can use a non-abrasive wax or protective sealant. If your aluminum fence has numerous scratches, you can touch it with paint designed for aluminum fences.
Summer Maintenance: Protecting Against Heat and Humidity
Summer aluminum fence maintenance is geared toward protecting your investment from the heat and humidity. Summer maintenance steps include:
1. Routine Cleaning
During the summer, dust, pollen, and grime commonly accumulate on fences. Make sure to wipe down the fence with a damp cloth and follow it up with a spray down on a low setting with a hose to remove all debris.
2. Trim Nearby Plants
Nearby and overgrown vegetation can cause several issues for aluminum fencing. They can scratch the coating, trap moisture that can lead to mold growth, and apply pressure to the fence, causing it to become unstable. Trim any troublesome vegetation to avoid these issues.
3. Inspect for UV Damage
Even with higher resistance qualities, excessive exposure to the sun can still fade the paint or protective coating of the fence. Any dull or faded spots should be met with a new UV-protective sealant or touch-up paint.
4. Lubricate Hinges and Gate Latches
Heat can cause the metal components of a fence to expand and become stiff or noisy. Use a lubricant such as silicone spray or white lithium grease on moving parts such as the hinges and latches.
Fall Maintenance: Preparing for Harsh Winter Conditions
Aluminum fence maintenance in the fall is specifically meant to prepare for the extreme conditions of the winter. Here is how you can prepare your aluminum fence for the winter:
1. Remove Leaves and Organic Debris
The fall season means dealing with fallen leaves and other types of organic debris. Leaves and debris are known to trap moisture which can lead to mold growth and corrosion of the fence. Regularly sweep or hose down the fence to prevent buildups and keep the base of the fence clear of wet leaves and dirt.
2. Check for Early Signs of Corrosion
An important step of fall aluminum fence maintenance is keeping an eye out for early signs of corrosion. Early signs of corrosion can look like orange or brown discoloration around the metal joints of the fence or white and chalky oxidation on the fence surface. Use fine sandpaper to remove signs of corrosion and apply a rust-inhibiting primer before repainting.
3. Stabilize Fence Posts
Before the temperatures drop and the ground freezes, you’ll need to make sure the fence posts are stabilized. The fence posts should be firmly anchored and not leaning. You can reinforce them with gravel or concrete to further prevent shifting during the winter.
Winter Maintenance: Protecting Against Snow and Ice
Once winter has hit, it’s time to protect the fence from snow and ice. Here’s how:
1. Minimize Snow and Ice Buildup
Heavy amounts of snow accumulation and the buildup of ice can put a significant amount of stress on the fence’s panels. Protect your fence by keeping snow piles away from the fence and use a plastic shovel when you’re around the fence to avoid making scratches.
2. Prevent Ice Damage
Damage to your fence can occur when ice expands within its cracks. After a snowstorm, make sure to gently remove ice buildup with warm water. Avoid the use of salt-based deicers, as they are known to corrode fasteners and finishes.
3. Monitor for Storm Damage
Because of the strong winds and freezing rain that come with Chicago winter storms, your fence should be inspected for damage soon after a storm has occurred. Look for dents, loose posts, or fallen branches. Then, promptly tighten or replace any damaged hardware.
Additional Tips for Year-Round Maintenance
Now that we’ve covered the maintenance requirements for aluminum fences by season, let’s go over some additional tips to incorporate throughout the year.
- Use Proper Cleaning Products: Only use a mixture of mild dish soap mixed with warm water with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Harsh chemicals can damage the aluminum finish, so avoid the usage of these products.
- Schedule Professional Inspections: Annual fence inspections from a team of professionals are the best way to understand the current condition of your fence and catch issues early on. This way, minimal repairs can be made, avoiding costly repairs or full replacement.
- Address Damage Immediately: Damages, large or small, should be met with swift action to prevent them from getting worse. From scratches to bent sections, immediate response and action can prevent costly replacements.
Looking to learn more about aluminum fences? Refer to our helpful guide to learn more about the pros and cons of aluminum fences.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your aluminum fence functional and beautiful for the long haul comes with the need for seasonal maintenance. Following our seasonal aluminum fence maintenance guide is the best avenue to achieve that. From minor repairs, touch-ups, or a full inspection, Northwest Cedar Fence Company is here to help.
Contact Us Today!
Need assistance with your aluminum fence? Call Northwest Cedar Fence Company for expert maintenance, repairs, estimates, and installations in the Chicago area.
