Fence Cleaning & Treatment
That Adds Years of Life
London & Surrey

Professional fence cleaning removes algae, moss, mould, green growth and grey weathering from timber fences, panels, gates and garden structures using controlled low-pressure washing and specialist wood cleaning solutions. After cleaning, we apply stain, oil or preservative treatment that penetrates the timber to protect against moisture, UV damage and biological attack.

Timber fences in the UK take the worst of the weather — constant rain, freeze-thaw cycles, UV exposure and biological growth attack the wood from every angle. Without regular treatment, even pressure-treated timber develops rot within 5–7 years. Fence panels are the most frequently replaced garden structure in the UK, and most of those replacements are entirely preventable.

Our service covers all fence types: closeboard, lap panels, hit-and-miss, picket, post-and-rail, featherboard, trellis and garden gates. We also clean and treat pergolas, arbours, garden sheds and other timber structures using the same proven methods.

The cleaning and treatment process takes one day for most residential fences. You get clean, protected timber that looks freshly installed and resists weathering for 3–5 years before the next treatment is needed.

Untreated timber fences in London and Surrey last an average of 5–8 years before panels need replacing. Treated and maintained fences last 15–20 years. The difference in lifetime cost is substantial — a typical terraced house boundary fence costs £800–£2,000 to replace, and that cost is repeated every time panels fail.

Rot starts invisibly. By the time you can see obvious decay — soft spots, crumbling timber, panels leaning or collapsing — the structural posts may already be compromised. Post replacement adds significant cost to what should have been a simple panel swap.

Green algae growth on fences is not just ugly — it holds moisture against the timber surface, accelerating the rot cycle. In shaded areas (north-facing boundaries, under trees), untreated fences can develop visible rot within 3 years of installation.

Grey weathering strips the timber of its natural colour and protective properties. The UV breakdown of lignin exposes raw wood fibres, which then absorb moisture more readily, creating a cycle of accelerating deterioration that becomes harder to reverse the longer it continues.

Wind damage to weakened fences is a common and expensive problem in the UK. Panels that have lost structural integrity through rot and weathering are the first to fail in storms, often pulling posts and concrete bases with them. The cost of storm damage repair — typically needed urgently — far exceeds the cost of preventive maintenance.

Extends Fence Life by Years

Regular cleaning and treatment extends timber fence lifespan from 5–8 years (untreated) to 15–20 years — saving hundreds in avoided panel replacements.

Prevents Rot

Removing moisture-trapping algae and applying penetrating preservative stops the rot cycle before it begins.

Restores Original Appearance

Grey, weathered timber transformed back to a clean, freshly-treated finish. The difference is visible immediately and improves the entire garden.

Protects Against Storm Damage

Structurally sound, well-maintained panels are far more resistant to wind damage than weathered, rotting timber.

Choice of Finishes

We offer clear preservative, coloured stains and fence paints — you choose the finish that matches your garden design.

Both Sides Cleaned

Where accessible, we clean both sides of the fence for complete treatment and protection. Boundary panels that are only treated on one side still deteriorate from behind.

Closeboard fencing (also called featherboard) is the most durable fence type, constructed from overlapping vertical boards nailed to horizontal arris rails. It offers maximum privacy and wind resistance. Closeboard fences respond extremely well to cleaning and treatment because the overlapping boards shed water effectively once treated.

Lap panel fencing is the most common garden fence in the UK. Thin, overlapping horizontal slats are framed between timber or concrete posts. Lap panels are less robust than closeboard and more susceptible to wind damage, but they are also quicker and less expensive to treat. We recommend annual inspection and treatment every 3 years for lap panels.

Hit-and-miss fencing alternates boards on either side of the arris rails, allowing air circulation while maintaining privacy. This design naturally resists wind pressure better than solid panels but has more surface area to treat. We clean and treat both faces for complete protection.

Post-and-rail fencing — whether two-rail or three-rail — is typically found on rural or semi-rural properties and around paddocks. It uses heavier timber that tolerates rough treatment but still benefits from preservative application to prevent ground-level rot, particularly at post bases.

We offer three categories of fence treatment: clear wood preservative (invisible protection that maintains the natural timber colour), coloured fence stain (available in traditional shades including golden brown, dark oak, harvest brown, forest green and slate grey), and solid-colour fence paint (for a more opaque, uniform finish). Each product has different protection characteristics and aesthetic outcomes.

Treatment products we use are water-based, low-VOC formulations from brands including Cuprinol Trade, Sadolin and Ronseal Professional. Water-based products penetrate better than solvent-based alternatives, dry faster, have less odour and are safer around garden plants and pets. They also allow the timber to breathe, reducing moisture trapping.

Maintenance schedules depend on exposure. South and west-facing fences take the most UV and weather punishment and benefit from treatment every 2–3 years. North and east-facing fences retain treatment longer but develop algae faster, needing cleaning every 2 years with treatment every 3–4 years. Fences in heavily shaded areas under mature trees need the most frequent cleaning due to persistent moisture and leaf litter.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions