How To Pressure Wash Your Fence
Josh Richards • Oct 01, 2022
FAQWood fences can become soft, grey and brittle from the sun and rain. As the sun damages wood's surface fibers, the wood will become less strong and grayer. Rain can also cause wood to swell too much, which can lead to the loss of internal fibers as well as the weakening of nails or boards. A power washer can be used to clean these areas.
Here are some great tips and tricks to power wash your fence. Let's begin.
What is pressure washing?
Before you can learn how to pressure wash fences before staining, it is essential to understand what pressure washing means. Pressure washing refers to using high-pressure spraying water to remove dirt, grime, and mold from surfaces such as fences. Two to four high-pressure jets, which rotate around each other when water flows, make up pressure washers. This creates a high-pressure water flow that cleans surfaces quickly and efficiently.
Collect the Necessary Materials
Although pressure washing a fence is easy and does not require many materials, you will wish to gather all necessary materials. You will need the following materials to pressure wash your fence before staining:
Preparation
Get the area ready before you start.
Pressure Washer Safety
Follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer for your pressure washer. The general guidelines include;
PSI & Nozzle selection
If you have an initial idea about using pressure washers, you might know different tips or nozzles that come with the washer. You need to select the nozzle according to your needs since each nozzle has another purpose.
A wrong nozzle can cause severe damage to your fence. The 25-degree tip, also known as the green nozzle tip, is the ideal nozzle tip. Any less than that will not provide enough pressure to clean your fence thoroughly. Anything more significant could cause the damage we are trying to avoid.
The nozzle is only one part of the equation. Let's look at PSI to determine the best level for pressure washing your fence.
Getting the Right Pressure Washer to Use on a Fence
Two pressure washers are available: gas pressure washers and electric pressure washers. The pressure per square inch (psi), the highest pressure a pressure washer can handle, determines how complex the job is. They use a constant stream of water and a water source to deliver a set amount of gallons per hour (GPM).
The electric pressure washers can be used for light-duty cleanings such as garage floors, vehicles, and outdoor grills. They can deliver pressure per square inch between 1,300 and 1,400 and approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per minute.
Our Recommendation: The Simpson Cleaning MSH3125 Megashot is our recommendation. It has a Honda engine and a PSI of 3200 and GPM of 2.5. And 10" wheels for maximum mobility. The Simpson is lightweight, easy to use, and has enough power to clean your fence.
The Simpson Cleaning MS60763 S MegaShot is an excellent alternative if you want something more fundamental. This model has a lower PSI (and GPM) than the MSH3125 at 3100 PSI and 2.4 GPM, respectively.Because it is lightweight and easy to transport, this gas pressure washer was designed for homeowners. You can use either pressure washer to pressure wash your fence.
Process for pressure washing
Although there are minor differences, pressure washing a fence is relatively similar whether it's made of vinyl or wood. Protect plants by trimming back or covering them in plastic sheeting. A pressure washer should have a PSI between 1,000 and 2,000. Begin with a lower pressure setting and a 25-degree spray nozzle.
Hold the nozzle about two feet from the fence if you don't see the desired results. If you prefer, you can increase the pressure slowly. Start spraying by standing slightly closer to a wood. Keep the sprayer moving and working from the bottom on individual panels.
Finally, you should also ensure that your pressure washer is always topped up with water. Depending on the size of your fence project, a 2-3 GPM pressure washer can run out of water quickly.
Note: Spray a small area using different PSI levels to determine the effects on the fence. Then choose the PSI that is expected to give you the best results.
Looking for fence cleaning services in the Orlando, FL area?
If you want to revitalize and stain your fence, you've come to the right place. We're a team of experienced pressure washing specialists who are happy to help you get back on track with your home's exterior.
We know many factors go into ensuring you have an attractive and functional fence, including how well it stands up to weather and other elements. Regarding pressure washing near Orlando, Florida, we've got everything you need to ensure your fence looks its best again.
Call us today at +1 407-222-4058 for a free quote on how we can help!
FAQ
How much psi do I need to clean my fence?
Pressure washers should be rated between 1200-2000 PSI for hardwoods and lower for softer woods.
Can you pressure wash a wooden fence?
You can pressure wooden wash fences, but you should use a lower PSI to avoid damaging the wood. However, taking professional help is recommended, as few risks are involved.
How Often Should You Clean a Fence?
Regular fence maintenance can extend the life of fencing materials. It all depends on what type of fence you have. Wood fences must be stained every 2-3 years to maintain their natural beauty and function.
Reference:
https://pressurewashr.com/pressure-wash-fence/https://www.ergeon.com/blog/post/how-to-clean-your-wood-fence