If you have a wooden fence that is covered in a layer of green mildew, then you may be concerned about at the overall condition of your fence. This is a real problem if you want to avoid rot and keep your overall repair and replacement costs down. If mold is an issue for you, then keep reading to learn how to get rid of it and also how you can prevent it from returning.

How To Get Rid Of Mold

You probably know that certain household cleaners are more than capable of getting rid of mold and mildew. This is true of bleach, vinegar, and ammonia. While these cleaners are great when it comes to killing mold spores and removing the fungi, they are most effective when it comes to cleaning non-porous surfaces. Unfortunately, mold spores are extremely small and can hide in the small crevices of your fence. 

Mold spores that are not reached by your cleaning solution will remain and develop into new patches of mold. To make sure your cleaner effectively reaches the mold, place the fluid in a pressure washer. A 50/50 solution of your cleaner and water is a good idea for a mold-removal job. 

You do need to be careful with the washer to make sure you do not dent the wood. You should use a light-duty or low-pressure nozzle. These nozzles are sometimes called soap or cleaning nozzles. If the nozzle does not remove all the mold and mildew with several passes, then add a rotating spray or rotating brush attachment to the end and try again. 

How To Prevent Mold From Returning

Once you have removed the mold and mildew, you want to prevent mold from returning. You can do this by sealing the fence. However, you want to make sure it is completely dry first, or you will trap water close to the wood, and mold will grow again. 

To dry the fence properly, make sure it is in full sunlight for at least two days. Your fence should also receive a good deal of sun if you want to keep the wood mold-free in the future. If any easily removable objects cause shadows to form on the fence during the day, then move them away from the wood.

When you choose a sealer, you have the option of choosing a water-based or oil-based product. Both sealers offer the same type of protection, but the oil-based sealer will give your fence a rich amber tone. However, the water-based sealer will dry much more quickly, so it is easier to apply several coats without having to wait for a long patch of dry weather. 

For additional information, contact a fencing company like City Wide Fence Co.

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