Five Easy Ways To Prepare Your Aluminum Fencing For Fall

As summer begins to give way to fall, thoughts start turning to the cooler months ahead. Fall and winter usually see us spending less time outside and more time indoors snuggling under cozy blankets and sipping on pumpkin spice lattes, but we all still want our outdoor space to stay neat, tidy, and attractive. Here are five easy things you can do now to protect your aluminum fencing and make sure it stays looking great throughout fall and winter.

1. Carry out a thorough fence inspection

Aluminum fencing is extremely durable and long-lasting, but it never hurts to carry out an annual inspection. The changing of the seasons provides a perfect opportunity to do this. In the unlikely event that there are any issues with your fence, it is always easier to rectify problems when they are identified early. Carry out a risk assessment of the rest of the garden and make sure there is nothing that could damage or compromise your aluminum fencing panels during the cooler months ahead.

2. Give your fencing a good cleaning

Make sure your fencing goes into fall looking as good as it can. Aluminum fencing panels are known as a low-maintenance option that can stay looking great for years to come. Aluminum is a non-ferrous metal and is therefore not susceptible to the effects of moisture. It does not rust, corrode or oxidize. It does not scratch, and it never needs to be repainted. Experts say aluminum fencing can last as long as 50 years and beyond. The changing of the seasons is a fantastic opportunity to give your aluminum fencing panels a good cleaning to ensure they look their very best. Simply spray with a hose and then gently wash with soapy water. 

3. Stash away or tie down your garden furniture

Ensure your outdoor furniture is kept stashed away during harsh weather. High winds can cause tables, chairs, umbrellas, and other moveable garden objects to take flight around your space. Make sure they are battened down or stashed away during periods of severe weather and high winds so they do not get blown around your garden, avoiding the risk of them bashing into your aluminum fence and causing damage.

4. Prune bushes and trees

It is important to prune your plants and bushes back ahead of the colder months in order to encourage good, healthy growth again in spring. Ensure plants and bushes have not grown too close to your aluminum fence to avoid the risk of them compromising its integrity. Make sure any trees with overhanging branches near your aluminum fencing are pruned back in order to avoid them falling onto it. 

5. Check post holes, latches, and locks

Take time to check the security of your postholes. Ensure the concrete is still solid and there are no unstable or wobbly posts. Securing them now will prevent them from falling over during high winds or colder weather. You should also check on your latches and locks if you have any. Make sure they are working correctly and lubricate any that seem stiff as colder winter weather can cause them to seize up more.

Following these five simple steps will make sure your aluminum fencing looks its absolute best all year round.