7 Tips on Chain Link Fence Cleaning and Maintenance

Chain link fencing can be an attractive and cost-effective way to divide your property. Whether you have a large yard or just a small fence around your home, chain link can help keep your home safe and secure.

The durability of this type of fencing means that it will last for years with just routine fence cleaning and maintenance. If you’re thinking of installing a new chain link fence or if you already have one, here’s what you need to know about keeping it looking great:

1. Pressure Wash Your Chain Link Fence

Pressure washing your chain link fence is one of the best ways to keep it clean and looking great. With a pressure washer, you can really knock out dirt and grime from every crevice of your fence. The more often you pressure wash your fence, the less time it will take to clean it when you do need to wash it again.

How often should you pressure wash your chain link fence? That depends on how dirty it gets! If there are a lot of leaves that fall onto the top of the fence during autumn.

If there are lots of bird droppings from nearby trees throughout the spring and summer months, then chances are good that you’ll want to keep up with regular cleaning just so that they don’t build up into something gross-looking on top of your fencing material itself.

2. Remove Rust From Your Chain Link Fence

Use a wire brush to remove rust. Take your wire brush and scrub if you’re looking at getting rid of rust in your chain link fence.

Ensure you are careful not to get too much dirt inside of the links while you’re cleaning the chain. You also want to ensure that you are wearing appropriate clothing when you perform this task.

3. Fight Corrosion With a Zinc Coating

If you want to protect your chain link fencing from rusting, have a professional apply a zinc coating.

to corrosion and can be applied in several ways, including spraying or dipping. The coating will last anywhere from five to 20 years before it needs reapplication. There are many benefits of chain link fences, so it’s worth investing in add-ons such as zinc coating to make them last longer.

4. Prevent Rust With a Vinyl Coating

A vinyl coating is a great way to prevent rust and keep your chain link fence looking new. The application process is simple and can be done by the homeowner or a professional, depending on how much you want it to cost and what level of workmanship you require.

Vinyl coatings can last for years and will only need to be reapplied if the fence is damaged or exposed to the weather for long periods of time, such as during construction projects.

5. Perform Regular Inspections for Problems

Now that you know a little bit about the types of chain link fences and how they are made, it’s time to learn how to clean them. Cleaning is important because it helps keep your fence looking good and in good condition.

There are many different ways to clean a chain link fence. It depends on what tools you have available, but here are some general guidelines.

First, clean your chain link fence regularly to maintain its appearance and prevent damage from rusting or corrosion. Cleaning the entire fence once per year is usually sufficient for most homeowners’ needs.

However,  some people choose to do it more often than this if they live near areas where environmental factors that could cause damage to their fencing come into play (such as extreme temperatures). This will be more common going forward due to the climate emergency.

6. Paint Your Chain Link Fence to Protect It From the Elements

Painting your chain link fence can help protect it from the elements and prevent damage caused by pets. If you want to keep your chain link fence looking good for as long as possible, painting is an important step. So too is purchasing the right fence in the first place.

You should prime the surface before painting with a high-quality primer. The primer will seal any rust or corrosion on the fence, ensuring that it doesn’t chip off when you paint over it. It also helps with adhesion so that the paint sticks better to the metal when you apply it later on.

When choosing a finish, there are several options available such as satin or semi-gloss enamel paints, which give a little bit more shine than flat latex paints but still provide good protection against UV rays while remaining easy to maintain throughout their lifespan (around 15 years).

7. Keep Pets Away From the Base of the Fence to Prevent Corrosion or Other Damage

If you have pets, it’s important to keep them away from the base of your chain link fence, so they don’t cause any damage. Pets can damage fencing with their claws and chew on it as well.

Not only that, but they may also urinate and defecate near the base of your fence, which will cause rusting and corrosion if left untreated.

Fence Cleaning and Maintenance Is Important

Chain link fencing is durable and long-lasting, but it needs to be cleaned and painted regularly. It also needs to be inspected for problems and repaired if necessary. If chain link fencing becomes damaged or unsafe, it should be replaced as soon as possible.

For more on why fence cleaning and maintenance is important and for a free quote on our services, be sure to contact us today.