Every Toronto fence faces the same enemy: our climate. 80+ freeze-thaw cycles crack and split wood. Summer humidity grows green algae on north-facing boards. Road salt spray greys and corrodes metal. And after a few years without maintenance, that beautiful fence looks decades older than it is. The good news — most of this is surface-level and reversible with proper cleaning.
Fence Materials — PSI & Cleaning Guide
| Material | Safe PSI | Nozzle | Distance | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | 1,200-1,500 | 25° or 40° | 12-18" | Most common Toronto fence. Work WITH grain. Pre-treat algae spots. |
| Cedar | 1,000-1,200 | 40° only | 18-24" | Softer wood — easier to damage. Never use turbo nozzle. Cedar-safe cleaner only. |
| Vinyl/PVC | 1,000-1,500 | 25° or 40° | 12-18" | Won't damage vinyl but too close warps it in sun. Great candidate for soft wash. |
| Chain link | 1,500-2,000 | 25° | 12" | Focus on posts and rails. The mesh itself rarely holds dirt. |
| Wrought iron/metal | 1,500-2,000 | 25° | 12" | Check for rust BEFORE cleaning. Pressure can chip paint over rust spots. |
| Composite | 1,200 max | 40° | 18" | Treat like vinyl. Manufacturer may void warranty if pressure washed — check first. |
The green algae myth: Green growth on your fence is NOT always algae. It could be: (1) Green algae — most common, scrubs off easily. (2) Moss — thicker, holds moisture, accelerates wood rot. (3) Lichen — grey-green, firmly attached, needs chemical treatment before pressure. (4) Mildew — black spots, usually on north side. Each needs a different approach. Blasting everything at max pressure is how fences get destroyed. A pre-treatment spray (oxygen bleach for algae/mildew, commercial lichen remover for lichen) loosens growth so the pressure washer removes it gently instead of forcing it.
The Toronto Fence Calendar
- April: Inspect for winter damage — loose boards, frost heave on posts, cracked rails. Clean salt deposits.
- May: Pressure wash once temps are consistently above 10°C. Let dry 48-72 hours.
- June: Stain/seal wood fences. Need 48 hours dry weather above 10°C. Two thin coats.
- October: Clear leaves from fence base (wet leaves stain wood permanently). Final inspection before winter.
- Winter: Don't pile snow against fence (weight + moisture = rot). Shovel away from fence line.
Pricing — What to Expect
| Service | Cost/Linear Ft | 100 ft | 200 ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean only (pressure wash) | $1.50-$3.00 | $150-$300 | $300-$600 |
| Clean + stain (wood) | $3.00-$6.00 | $300-$600 | $600-$1,200 |
| Clean + seal (wood) | $2.50-$4.50 | $250-$450 | $500-$900 |
| Board replacement | Per board | $10-$25/board (material + install) | |
The "bundle your exterior" strategy: If you're getting your fence cleaned, add your driveway and patio to the same booking. The pressure washer is already on-site, so adding surfaces is incremental cost — not a separate trip. A typical bundle: fence ($200) + driveway ($250) + patio ($150) = $600 separate vs $499 bundled. MANTLE offers 20% off when you add fence to any pressure washing package.
When DIY Makes Sense
Fence cleaning is one of the more DIY-friendly exterior tasks — IF you respect the PSI limits:
- ✅ DIY-friendly: Short fence (under 50 ft), vinyl/PVC, light dirt, you own a pressure washer with adjustable PSI
- ❌ Hire a pro: Green algae/mould (needs pre-treatment), tall fence (6ft+, need to reach top safely), wood fence you want to stain after (bad wash = bad stain), fence backing onto neighbour's yard (overspray liability)
Neighbour etiquette: Before pressure washing your shared fence, let your neighbour know. Overspray will hit their side, their garden, and possibly their windows. Some fence ownership disputes have gone to court in Ontario. If the fence is on the property line, technically both parties own it — get agreement before cleaning or staining, especially if changing the colour.
Add Fence Cleaning to Your Exterior Package
Material-safe PSI. Pre-treatment included. Bundle with driveway + patio for 20% off.
Get Free Estimate →Or call (416) 206-3274
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