Your fence offers your home a protective boundary, but what protects your fence? Rain, snow, sun – your fence faces it all without any help. Such conditions take a toll over time, which is why the lifespan of a wooden fence depends on how well it’s been cared for. One of the biggest issues your wooden fence will face is green algae.
What Causes Green Algae?
Green algae grows on wooden surfaces that receive little sunlight and experience high moisture levels. These moisture levels can be caused by everything from humidity to sprinklers to even rain.
How to Prevent Green Algae
Make sure that your fence has access to sunlight so moisture doesn’t linger. If you cannot remove the shade or excess vegetation, treating your wooden fence with a clear stain or other waterproofing agent can help reduce the risk of algae.
My Fence Has Algae
If your fence is suffering from algae, a simple but thorough cleaning can help remove the problematic growth from the wood. Since algae is so tiny and can grow quickly, you’ll want to make sure to do this right the first time. An imperfect cleaning can leave algae behind, which can then regrow quickly and leave you right where you started.
How to Properly Clean Your Fence
First, you will need the following supplies:
- Plastic sheeting
- Rubber gloves
- Old clothing
- Bucket
- Chlorine bleach
- Scrub brush
- Garden hose
- Power washer
Once you’ve gathered the proper supplies, follow these steps:
- Cover the surrounding plants, grass, and landscaping with the plastic sheet to protect them from the power washer.
- Fill the bucket with a solution of chlorine and warm water.
- Use a scrub brush to scrub the algae spots on the wood.
- Let the bleach mixture sit on the wood for about 15-30 minutes. Do not wait longer than this. Otherwise, the bleach may end up drying on the fence, which can damage it and create unsightly spots.
- Rinse off the bleach solution with water.
- Repeat the bleach step again if the algae remain.
- Once the algae is gone, follow it up with a power washing. This will kill any remaining algae that may be dormant in the grain.
For a New Fence or Fence Repair
If you feel like you’re losing the fight against green algae on your fence, it might be time to call in some reinforcements. Whether it’s repairing your fence or providing you with an entirely new one, our skilled team of professionals at A&O Texas Solutions has the experience and the knowledge to make sure your fence is sturdy, aesthetically pleasing, and well-maintained. Call us today!
