Maintenance Guide
Vinyl & Aluminum Fence Care Guide
How to clean, maintain, and get the most life from your vinyl or aluminum fence in Broward and Palm Beach County’s climate.
✓ PVC / Vinyl Fence ✓ Aluminum Fence ✓ Coastal Properties ✓ Warranty Coverage
We Handle Installation — Call (954) 482-0531 PVC / Vinyl Fencing
Low Maintenance. Long Life.
Vinyl fence does not rust, rot, splinter, or require painting or staining. Backed by the Catalyst lifetime warranty, it is one of the most durable options for South Florida’s climate. Maintenance is minimal — mostly cleaning.
Aluminum Fencing
Rust-Free. Powder Coated.
Aluminum fence will never rust and carries a lifetime paint and structural warranty through Winrise. Coastal properties require more frequent rinsing to remove salt buildup. Otherwise maintenance is simple and infrequent.
Cleaning Your Vinyl Fence
Start light and only escalate if needed. Most vinyl fences only need a hose rinse.
1
Light dirt and dust
Rinse with a garden hose. This handles most routine maintenance and should be done a few times per year.
2
Mild stains
Use soap and water with a soft cloth. Dish soap works well. Rinse thoroughly after.
3
Stubborn stains
Any of the following work: Simple Green, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, Mineral Spirits, CLR, or white vinegar. Apply, scrub gently, rinse clean.
4
Algae, mold, or mildew
Use Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash or a similar outdoor cleaner designed for vinyl surfaces. Apply per product directions and rinse thoroughly.
Approved Products
Do Not Use
Your Warranty
Catalyst Lifetime Warranty
- Covers peeling, flaking, cracking, chipping, blistering, rotting, corrosion, and abnormal fading
- Transferable to one future homeowner — 30 years from original purchase
- Commercial properties covered for 30 years
- PerformancePlus: Catalyst repairs or replaces defective product including labor for 2–5 years post-installation
- Made in America — patented technology
- Register within 30 days at CatalystFence.com or call 888-549-7350
What Voids the Warranty
- Painting vinyl fence — any paint application
- Using Goof Off or other harsh solvents
- Failure to register within 30 days of installation
- Damage from hurricanes, storms, or natural disasters
- Improper use or physical damage
Cleaning Your Aluminum Fence
Aluminum is extremely low maintenance. The powder coat finish protects the metal from corrosion — just keep it clean.
1
Light cleaning
Rinse from bottom to top, then top to bottom. Air dry or use a soft cloth. This handles most routine maintenance.
2
Deep cleaning
Rinse first → apply mild soap with a sponge → rinse immediately and thoroughly → dry with a soft cloth. Do not let soap sit on the surface.
3
Hard water stains
Apply CLR per product directions. Rinse thoroughly after treatment.
4
Coastal properties
Salt air accelerates surface buildup. Rinse frequently — at least monthly — to remove salt deposits and prevent long-term staining.
Minor Scratches
Touch-Up Paint
- Minor surface scratches can be touched up with manufacturer-approved touch-up paint
- Match the original powder coat color exactly — ask XL Fencing for the correct product
- Clean the scratched area thoroughly before applying
- Apply thin coats and allow to dry completely between applications
Your Warranty
Winrise Lifetime Paint & Structural Warranty
- Paint finish will not peel, crack, or blister for as long as you own the product
- Fence will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for the same lifetime period
- Aluminum fence panels will never rust — guaranteed
- Winrise will repair, replace, or refund defective parts
- Register within 30 days of installation
XL Fencing Labor Warranty
- 1-year labor warranty from installation completion date
- Covers gate adjustments, hinge replacements, and missing brackets
- Does not cover storm damage, hurricanes, floods, or improper use
- Warranty service handled by our office team — same crew that installed
Annual Maintenance — All Fence Types
Once a year, do a full check-up on your fence regardless of material.
Gates and Hardware
- Adjust gates that are sticking, dragging, or misaligned
- Oil all hinges to prevent rust and stiffness
- Check and tighten all screws and bolts
- Test latches for smooth operation and secure closure
- Do not allow children to swing or hang on gates
Posts and Structure
- Re-tamp any loose posts — push on them to check for movement
- Inspect for leaning or shifting sections
- Check that post concrete footings are intact at grade level
- Look for any sections that have shifted after heavy rain or storms
General Habits
- Keep gates closed when not in use
- Do not stack or lean items against the fence
- Keep soil, mulch, and landscaping clear of fence base
- Redirect sprinkler heads away from fence panels
Common Questions
Vinyl & Aluminum Fence Care FAQ
How do I clean a vinyl fence?
Start with a garden hose rinse for light dirt. For mild stains, use soap and water with a soft cloth. For stubborn stains, use Simple Green, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, Mineral Spirits, CLR, or vinegar. For algae, mold, or mildew, use Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash. Do not use Goof Off — it may damage the surface.
Can I paint my vinyl fence?
No. Do not paint a vinyl fence. Painting voids the Catalyst manufacturer warranty. Vinyl fencing is manufactured with color throughout the material and does not require painting.
How do I clean an aluminum fence?
Rinse from bottom to top, then top to bottom. For deeper cleaning, use mild soap with a sponge, rinse immediately, and dry. For hard water stains, use CLR. For coastal properties, rinse frequently to reduce salt buildup. For minor scratches, use manufacturer-approved touch-up paint.
How long does vinyl fence last in South Florida?
Vinyl fence is one of the most durable fencing options for South Florida’s climate. It does not rust, rot, or require painting. With basic cleaning, vinyl fencing backed by the Catalyst lifetime warranty can last decades.
Will my aluminum fence rust?
No. Aluminum is naturally rust-resistant and the powder coat finish provides additional protection. The Winrise lifetime structural warranty guarantees that aluminum fence panels will never rust.
How often do I need to maintain vinyl or aluminum fencing?
Vinyl and aluminum fencing require minimal maintenance. A rinse with a garden hose a few times per year handles most routine care. Do an annual check-up on gates, hinges, screws, and post stability. Coastal properties with aluminum fencing should rinse monthly to prevent salt buildup.