Fence Cleaning in Tampa
Bring fences back to their original color. Pressure Washing Tampa removes mold, mildew, and green algae from wood, vinyl, and aluminum fencing using appropriate pressure and cleaning solutions for each material.
All Fence Types
Wood, vinyl, and aluminum cleaning
Both Sides
Clean yard and neighbor side
Safe Pressure
Proper technique prevents damage
How Tampa Weather Ages Fences
Fences face weather from both sides with no protection. Sun hits them directly all day while moisture accumulates overnight. This constant cycle accelerates aging compared to protected surfaces like house walls under eaves.
North-facing fence sections stay damp longer after rain and develop green algae first. The algae spreads horizontally along fence lines, eventually covering entire sections. South-facing sections fade faster from intense sun exposure but resist algae growth due to drier conditions.
Sprinkler systems aimed at landscaping often spray fences regularly. This constant moisture exposure creates perfect conditions for mold and mildew. Well water adds minerals that leave visible deposits on fence surfaces.
Properties in Palma Ceia, Hyde Park, and Davis Islands have mature landscaping that keeps fences shaded. The shade prevents sun from drying morning dew quickly. These fences turn green within months even when new.
Wood Fence Cleaning
Cedar and pressure-treated pine fences dominate Tampa yards. Both materials develop similar problems but require slightly different approaches. Cedar is softer and needs lower pressure. Pine handles more aggressive cleaning but still requires care.
We apply cleaning solutions that penetrate wood grain and kill organic growth at root level. The solution breaks down algae and mildew without relying solely on pressure. This chemical action prevents the wood damage that happens with high-pressure blasting.
Fence boards run vertically in most installations. We clean from bottom to top, letting solution run down into areas we have not reached yet. This maximizes dwell time and ensures thorough coverage without wasting product.
Post caps and decorative elements need hand detailing. These areas accumulate dirt in crevices that surface cleaners cannot reach. We use appropriate brushes and controlled spray to clean these features without damage.
Dealing with Gray Weathered Wood
Sun exposure breaks down wood lignin, turning natural colors to gray. This weathering is permanent without special treatment. Standard cleaning removes surface dirt but does not restore original wood color.
Wood brightening products reverse weathering chemically. These solutions restore pink tones to cedar and light brown to pine. The process works best on fences cleaned regularly before severe weathering sets in.
Heavily weathered fences might need sanding in addition to cleaning and brightening. This removes damaged surface fibers and exposes fresh wood underneath. We can recommend wood restoration specialists for severely deteriorated fences.
After brightening, wood is ready for staining or sealing. The open wood pores absorb stain better than uncleaned, weathered surfaces. Most homeowners schedule cleaning and staining together for complete fence renewal.
Vinyl Fence Cleaning
Vinyl fencing resists rot and insect damage but still accumulates dirt and grows surface mold. The smooth surface makes cleaning easier than wood, but vinyl can scratch if you use excessive pressure or wrong techniques.
We use lower pressure on vinyl than wood, typically under 1000 PSI. The smooth surface does not need aggressive cleaning. Gentle pressure with proper cleaning solutions removes years of buildup without damage.
White vinyl fences show dirt prominently. They also develop yellow staining from pollen and oxidation. Our cleaning process includes treatments that remove yellowing and restore bright white appearance.
Vinyl fence posts often collect dirt at bases where they meet concrete footings. Grass clippings and soil splash during mowing create dark rings around posts. We detail these areas to match the clean fence sections.
We Clean Both Sides of the Fence
Complete fence cleaning includes both yard-facing and neighbor-facing sides. The neighbor’s side often looks worse because it faces away from regular observation and maintenance.
Access to the neighbor’s side requires coordination. We can reach over most fences to clean the far side, but very tall privacy fences might need neighbor permission for full access. We discuss access during the quote process.
Gate areas see heavy use and accumulate extra dirt from hand contact and foot traffic. Gate hinges and latches need careful cleaning to avoid forcing water into mechanisms. We detail these areas without compromising hardware function.
Fence Line Landscaping Protection
Most fences have plants growing along them. Shrubs, vines, and flower beds run parallel to fence lines, making protection during cleaning essential. We pre-wet plants before applying cleaning solutions and rinse thoroughly after.
Vines growing on fences complicate cleaning. Dense coverage prevents access to fence surfaces. We can clean around light vine growth, but heavy coverage might need trimming before effective fence cleaning is possible.
Mulch beds along fences can deflect spray and runoff back toward fence bases. We work carefully in these areas to avoid washing mulch away while still cleaning fence boards thoroughly.
Typical Results and Timing
Average residential fences take 2-3 hours for cleaning depending on length and material. Wood fences need 24-48 hours dry time before staining. Vinyl and aluminum are ready for immediate use once dry.
Pricing and Quotes
Linear footage, fence height, material type, and access determine pricing. Text photos showing fence condition and overall length for accurate quotes. Mention if you need both sides cleaned or just the yard-facing side.
Tampa Fence Cleaning FAQs
Will pressure washing damage my wood fence?
Not with proper technique. We use controlled pressure under 1200 PSI and work with wood grain. This removes growth without splintering boards or loosening fasteners.
How often do Tampa fences need cleaning?
Most fences benefit from cleaning every 12-18 months. Shaded fences or those near water might need annual cleaning to prevent heavy algae buildup.
Can you clean just sections of fence?
Yes, but cleaning partial sections often shows color difference between cleaned and uncleaned areas. For uniform appearance, we recommend cleaning complete fence lines.
Do you clean both sides?
We can clean both sides of most fences. Very tall privacy fences might need neighbor access for complete cleaning of the far side.
What about fence staining?
We clean fences and can coordinate with professional painters for staining. Wood needs 24-48 hours dry time after cleaning before stain application.
Areas We Serve
Downtown, Ybor City, Channelside, Hyde Park, Westshore, Seminole Heights, Davis Islands, Tampa Heights, Palma Ceia, Harbour Island, Forest Hills, SoHo, Sulphur Springs, and nearby neighborhoods.
We also serve surrounding areas including Brandon, Riverview, Valrico, Wesley Chapel, Temple Terrace, and Lutz.
Ready to Book
Call or text Pressure Washing Tampa for a fence cleaning quote. We will restore your fence and improve your property’s overall appearance.