Clean and treat fence?

Hi,

Just looking for some advice on cleaning and possibly treating my fence.

Apart from a gap for the entrance to the drive, I have the same 6' fencing around the whole property. It was put up about 3 years ago and it's made from treated gravel boards used as horizontal slats with about a 15mm gap between each board. It's never had any treatment applied so I think it's about time.

First point is that in places it very green, mainly the more shady areas/sides. So how would be the easiest way to clean it all. There is a lot of it, I'm guessing around 70 metres of it.

With the gaps between the slats, I'm not sure the neighbours are going to appreciate their garden sprayed if I use a jet washer, plus I'll have to go by one. Any other suggestions?

Secondly, should I treat it? I much as my wife wants it all dark brown, I'm keen to keep the silver colour it's faded to, so any suggestions on what to treat it with?

thanks

 

There are various algae treatments, several based on the same active ingredient called (Patio magic, mould magic etc.) Spray or paint it on, let it dry, the mould will dissappear over a couple of weeks. You can then decide whether to paint otherwise treat or not. Bear in mind once you do paint, it will need redoing every 3-5 years or so.

 

I’ve just used Patio Magic on the algae on some of my fencing. It disappeared overnight. It’s best to use a 5 litre garden spray which is easy to control. Personally I would avoid painting a fence if it is all in the same style and condition, much better to let it age naturally. I painted mine as there were three different types and ages of fencing in my garden when I moved here, painting was the best way to get a uniform look. However, painting fencing is laborious and messy and often needs redoing every three or five years depending on the paint you use. I use Cuprinol Garden Shades which gives good coverage and lasts well.

 

Cheers of the advice, Patio Magic seems to work. I've not done it all yet, just a few metres, but all is looking good.

I guess now it's deciding whether to treat it. I'm not keep on painting or any colour that will need regular maintenance to be honest. So I guess 2 questions, does it need to be treated? And if is, is there a clear treatment that anyone can recommend?

 

It depends whether you like the look of your untreated fence and how it mellows to grey/buff as it ages. Once you start treating or painting a fence you commit to ongoing maintenance. I prefer the look of ageing wood and only painted mine because of mismatches as mentioned earlier.

 

I definitely prefer the natural look, plus I don't want the maintenance once it's been painted.

But in the back of my mind I'm thinking treating it with something would help it last longer? Hence wondering if there was something clear it could be treated with.

If it's not going to make any difference, I'll just leave it.

 

If it is pressure treated timber then you don’t need to treat it again. It should last 20+ years

 

You wont believe what I use,
I use the oil out of my chip pan, so boiled sunflower oil, similar to boiled linseed oil.
It does darken the wood a bit and takes a few days to dry.

 

There are clear waterproof treatments for walls and fences. The big DIY chains sell both branded and own brand versions.

 

This is my favourite answer!

 

Yeah but if you treat it it might last 30 yrs.