How to Get Rid of Mold on Your Fence

Mold on fence

Many homes and businesses have some form of outdoor fencing. For residential properties, fencing can provide security, keep children and pets safe in the yard, prevent pests and critters from entering, and enhance privacy. A high-quality fence can also be a design statement, adding curb appeal and in many cases increasing your home’s property value. 

A lot of companies also install outdoor fencing for added security and as a design aesthetic, which makes understanding how to care for your outdoor fence just as important as choosing the right style and material. Unfortunately, outdoor fencing is… well, outdoors. Which means it is vulnerable to the elements all year long. 

Over time, moisture from rain, humidity, and even your sprinkler system can lead to the growth of mold and mildew on your fence. A buildup of leaves, dirt, and other organic matter can also contribute to a moldy fence. 

Read on to learn about what types of fence materials are affected, why it matters, and how to prevent and treat mold growth so that you can maintain the beauty and integrity of your outdoor fence for years to come. 

If my fence isn’t wood, do I still need to worry?

It is important to remember that no fence is invulnerable to mold. We tend to think primarily of wood fences succumbing to mold, because wood is porous and contains cellulose (a favorite food source of mold). However, any type of outdoor fencing material can fall prey to mold growth. 

If not properly treated, cleaned, and maintained, even vinyl and aluminum fencing can become hosts to mold, which can grow quickly in small crevices and between the pickets. 

Mold on your outdoor fence may appear as green, brown, or black spots or patches; larger areas of discoloration; or even a white powder-like coating. A mold removal expert can help you determine whether or not you have mold and what steps you should take to fix the problem. 

Is mold on my fence bad? 

For a few reasons, finding mold on your outdoor fencing is less than ideal. 

First, it’s an eyesore. When guests come to your home or clients visit your business, do you really want their first impression to be the moldy fence out front? For the same reason you don’t want to see mold climbing up your walls indoors, nobody wants to look at ugly patches of mold growing on an outdoor fence.

Aside from the way it looks, mold growth may actually shorten the lifespan of your fence. Wood fencing is especially vulnerable and can deteriorate quickly when overtaken by mold. Though non-porous, materials such as vinyl and aluminum can still host mold growth—and many vinyl and aluminum fences sometimes have wooden components. 

Finally, mold growth often has a distinct musty odor that can quickly ruin your beautiful backyard sanctuary. 

Simple tips to keep your fence looking like new

How to prevent mold on a wood fence

  • For wooden fences, opt for pre-treated wood, which is designed to resist mold growth. Be sure to stain your fence upon installation, and every 2–3 years thereafter. 

How to prevent mold on a vinyl fence or aluminum fence

  • For vinyl and aluminum fencing, clean them regularly (at least once a year) to keep them free of dirt and debris. 

General tips:

  • Make sure your fencing is not in the direct path of your sprinkler system, as the excess moisture can lead to mold growth.
  • Use mold-resistant primer, paint, and other coatings for added protection.
  • Keep the area around your fence clear of vegetation and overgrowth. 

More than a DIY job? Call CT Mold Pros.

Outdoor fencing can encompass your yard, garden, pool area, or your entire property. Either way, keeping it clean and maintained is a big job. If you have noticed the telltale signs of mold growth on your fence but lack the time or tools to deal with it, it may be time to call a mold remediation specialist

The photos above are from a recent fence mold removal job completed by our team at CT Mold Pros, and what a difference—it looks like a brand-new fence! Call us today at (203) 920-0265 for a free estimate or fill out this short form with your message to schedule an appointment with one of our trained and certified specialists. We’ll have your fence looking like new again in no time.

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