How to care for your Aluminium Fencing

We often get asked, “how do I keep my aluminium in top notch condition?”

The following care & maintenance procedure will ensure your Urban Group new gates, decks or fences will look good for many years to come.

The frequency of cleaning will depend on your site’s local environmental conditions. If it is dry or very wet this suggests more regular cleaning. Your location will have varying environmental influences so you should factor in differences between urban, rural, industrial and coastal influences.

CARE & MAINTENANCE – Aluminium

For powder coated aluminium gate & fence products including posts

To extend the life of your powder coated aluminium posts, gates & fences, a simple, regular maintenance program needs to be implemented.

The effects of ultra violet light, atmospheric pollution, dirt, grime and airborne salt/other deposits can all accumulate over time and should be removed at regular intervals.

As a general rule cleaning should take place every six months. In areas where pollutants are more prevalent, such as beachfront houses and industrial or geothermal areas, then a cleaning program should be carried out on a more frequent basis i.e. every one to three months.

Do’s and Dont’s of protecting your powder coating

Care of Dulux Powders 

DO’s

• Protect all powder coated aluminium – when building or renovating use approved tapes to protect your aluminium

• Remove all unwanted paint and sealants – remove paint or sealant splatters before they dry

• Use Recommended solvents for stubborn stains – Only use Isopropyl Alcohol or Methylated Spirits and wash off with fresh water

• Inspect your Aluminium regularly – regular inspection will allow you to maintain before repair or replacement is a necessity

• Clean in Mild Conditions – Clean powder coated products when the surface temperatures are below 25°C

DON’TS

• Use aggressive solvents – turpentine, white spirits, thinners, citrus based cleaners or other aggressive solvents

• Rub Powder Coated Surfaces Excessively – especially if your product has a metallic finish

• Allow sunscreen to come in contact with powder coated surfaces – it has been acknowledged that some sunscreens adversely affect powder coated surfaces

• Neglect recommended care and maintenance – Not following maintenance recommendations will void any warranties

Four steps to cleaning your powder coated aluminium gates & fences:

1. Carefully remove any loose surface deposits with a wet sponge

2. Use a soft brush (non-abrasive) and a mild pH neutral household detergent (do not use solvents) in warm water, remove dust, salt and other deposits.

3. For stubborn stains use only Isopropyl Alcohol or methylated spirits and rinse off thoroughly with clean water and repeat Step 2.

4. Rinse off with clean fresh water. 

Restoring weathered or scratched surfaces

If through some misadventure your powder coated aluminium posts, gate or fence is scratched or damaged, don’t panic. Powder coating repair kits are available in all colours. Spray cans make easy aesthetic repairs to scuffed or scratched powder coated surfaces while dab sticks are ideally suited for small scratches.

Damaged Posts, Gates or Fences

If the worst happened and your aluminium products are severely damaged contact our team to discuss replacements that match your site or consider new products for a whole new look.