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Pressure WashingFence Cleaning & Restoration
in Ottawa
A grey, weathered fence drags down an otherwise clean property. We restore cedar, pressure-treated, and PVC fences with low-pressure cleaning that lifts the grey oxidation and mildew without splintering the wood.
Every fence type needs a different approach.
One pressure setting does not fit all fences. Cedar splinters under too much pressure. Pressure-treated wood fuzzes. PVC etches. We match the method — PSI, nozzle, cleaning solution, and dwell time — to the material. Here's how we handle each:
Cedar Fences
The most common fence in Ottawa — and the most damaged by DIY pressure washing. We use a sodium-percarbonate wood cleaner (oxygen bleach) at 400–600 PSI. The solution lifts grey oxidation from the surface layer, revealing the warm amber tone underneath. No splintering, no furring, no grain raising. After cleaning, cedar can be left natural or sealed for protection.
Pressure-Treated Wood
Green-tinted when new, weathering to grey in 2–3 years. Treated wood responds well to the same oxygen-bleach cleaning as cedar. The difference: we keep PSI even lower (300–500) because pressure-treated lumber has a softer surface grain that fuzzes easily. The result is a uniform, clean grey-tan that looks intentional, not neglected.
PVC & Vinyl Fences
White PVC fences look terrible when dirty — the contrast against the white makes every algae spot, every dirt streak, every mildew patch obvious. We use a mild detergent-based solution at low pressure with a wide-fan nozzle. No bleach (it can yellow PVC over time). The result is bright, uniform white that looks freshly installed.
Clean, rinse, dry. Simple — but every step matters.
Pre-Inspection & Plant Protection
We walk the fence line before touching anything. Check for loose boards, protruding nails, rot spots. Tarps go down over garden beds and shrubs within 6 feet of the work area. Neighbouring properties are flagged — we notify them before overspray can become a concern.
Apply Cleaner, Let It Work
We spray the cleaning solution bottom-to-top (so it doesn't streak) and let it dwell for 10–15 minutes. This is the step that does the actual work — the solution dissolves the organic layer. We don't rush it. On hot days, we mist to keep the surface wet so the solution doesn't dry prematurely.
Low-Pressure Rinse
We rinse top-to-bottom with a wide-fan tip at 300–600 PSI. The grey oxidation and mildew lift off. We work one section at a time, overlapping passes so there are no visible boundaries. When it's dry — usually within a few hours — the original wood colour is back.
What a clean fence does for your property.
A fence frames your entire property. When it's grey, streaked, and covered in mildew, it pulls down everything inside it — even a perfectly maintained lawn and garden look worse against a dirty backdrop.
A clean fence reverses that dynamic. The warm cedar or fresh white vinyl creates a sharp contrast against the green of the lawn. The property line reads as intentional rather than neglected. And because a fence is visible from both the front and back yards, the improvement is felt from every angle — including your neighbours'.
After Cleaning You Get
Original wood colour restored — cedar goes from grey to warm amber
Mildew and algae killed at the root — won't grow back for 2–3 years
Fence looks years younger — often clients say it looks brand new
No splintering, no furring, no surface damage — the wood is clean, not roughed up
Option to seal after cleaning for extended protection against UV and moisture
Common questions about fence cleaning.
How often should I clean my fence?+
Every 2–4 years for most Ottawa properties. Cedar fences surrounded by trees or in shaded yards may need cleaning every 2 years — damp, shaded conditions accelerate algae and mildew growth. PVC fences in full sun can go 4+ years before the dirt buildup becomes visible.
Can I pressure wash my fence myself?+
You can, but the most common result is splintered wood, raised grain, and a surface that looks clean in some spots and stripped in others. Consumer pressure washers with the wrong nozzle at close range destroy cedar in seconds. We use commercial equipment at controlled PSI with the correct tip and cleaning solution. The cost of us doing it is almost always less than the cost of replacing fence boards you've accidentally damaged.
Will cleaning make my cedar fence look brand new?+
A brand-new cedar fence has a uniform golden-amber colour. Cleaning restores much of that warmth, but a fence that's weathered for 10+ years won't look identical to new — the wood has aged. What you get: a clean, even, warm wood tone that looks cared for. Most clients are shocked at the before-and-after difference.
Should I stain or seal my fence after cleaning?+
It's optional but recommended. A clean, dry fence is the ideal surface for stain or sealant. We can apply a penetrating sealer after cleaning that extends the clean look by 2–3 additional years and provides UV protection. If you prefer the natural weathered look over time, skip the sealant — the fence will weather evenly from a clean starting point instead of a dirty one.
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Give your fence the reset it deserves.
Free assessment. We'll check your fence, recommend the right cleaning method for your material, and give you a clear scope of work.