What types of commercial properties do you service?

We service all commercial properties in Charlotte NC including parking lots, parking decks, retail centers, office buildings, restaurants, gas stations, hospitals, schools, warehouses, and industrial facilities. Our commercial team handles projects of any size with professional-grade equipment rated up to 4,000 PSI.

Do you offer maintenance contracts for commercial properties?

Yes, we offer weekly, monthly, and quarterly maintenance programs for commercial properties. Contract customers receive priority scheduling, locked-in pricing, and dedicated account management. Most commercial clients choose quarterly service for parking lots and monthly for high-traffic areas like restaurant patios.

Can you work outside of business hours?

Yes, most of our commercial work is performed overnight, early morning, or on weekends to minimize disruption. We're available 6AM-8PM Monday through Saturday and can schedule parking lot cleaning during off-peak hours so your business operations continue uninterrupted.

How do you handle large parking lot projects?

For large parking lots, we section the area and clean in phases to maintain traffic flow. A typical 100-space parking lot takes 2-4 hours to complete. We use industrial surface cleaners that cover 24-48 inches per pass for maximum efficiency on large commercial projects.

Are you insured for commercial work?

Yes, Red Moose Exterior carries comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. We provide certificates of insurance upon request and can add your property as an additional insured if required by your property management company.

Don't Forget Your Fence! Tips for Brightening Borders

Your fence works hard every single day. It keeps pets in, marks your property line, and adds that finished look to your yard. But here's the thing: most homeowners forget about it completely when it comes to exterior cleaning.

Think about it. When was the last time you really looked at your fence?

Over time, dirt, mold, mildew, and algae build up on fence surfaces. What once looked crisp and clean now looks dull and neglected. The good news? Brightening your borders is easier than you think.

Let's dive into simple, effective fence cleaning tips for wood, vinyl, and metal fences. Your property's curb appeal will thank you.

Table of Contents

Why Fence Cleaning Matters

A dirty fence does more than hurt your home's appearance. It can actually cause real damage if left alone too long.

Here's what happens when you skip fence cleaning:

Wood fences absorb moisture from mold and mildew, leading to rot and decay
Vinyl fences develop stubborn stains that become harder to remove over time
Metal fences collect grime that traps moisture and speeds up rust

Regular cleaning prevents these problems before they start. It saves you money on repairs and replacements down the road.

Plus, a clean fence boosts your overall curb appeal. When you invest in house washing for your home, don't leave your fence looking like the forgotten stepchild of your property.

Cleaning Wood Fences: Gentle But Effective

Wood fences are beautiful but need extra care. The wrong approach can damage the grain or force water deep into the wood.

Step-by-Step Wood Fence Cleaning

1. Start with a rinse

Use your garden hose to knock off loose dirt, leaves, and debris. This prep step makes the actual cleaning much easier.

2. Apply a cleaning solution

Mix a gentle cleaner designed for wood. You can use a store-bought wood cleaner or make your own with water, mild dish soap, and a splash of white vinegar.

Avoid bleach on wood fences. It can strip the natural color and weaken the wood fibers.

3. Scrub problem areas

Use a soft-bristle brush for spots with visible mold or mildew. Work with the grain, not against it.

4. Rinse thoroughly

Remove all cleaning solution from the wood. Leftover soap can attract more dirt.

5. Let it dry completely

Give your fence at least 24-48 hours to dry before applying any stain or sealant.

When to Call the Pros for Wood Fences

Sometimes a garden hose and scrub brush aren't enough. If your wood fence has deep-set stains, heavy mold growth, or years of neglect, professional pressure washing delivers better results.

The key is using the right pressure. Too much force damages wood. Too little won't clean effectively. That's where experience matters.

Cleaning Vinyl Fences: Quick and Easy Wins

Vinyl fences are low-maintenance champions. But "low maintenance" doesn't mean "no maintenance."

Dirt, pollen, and algae love vinyl surfaces. The good news? Vinyl cleans up fast with the right approach.

Step-by-Step Vinyl Fence Cleaning

1. Hose it down

A strong spray from your garden hose removes surface dirt. For light cleaning, this might be all you need.

2. Mix your cleaning solution

Combine warm water with dish soap or a vinyl-safe cleaner. For tougher stains, add a cup of white vinegar per gallon of water.

3. Wipe or spray the solution

Apply your cleaner to the fence sections. A spray bottle works great for spot treatment.

4. Use a soft cloth or sponge

Wipe down each panel. For textured vinyl, a soft brush gets into the grooves.

5. Rinse and admire

Spray off all soap residue. Your vinyl fence should look almost new.

Stubborn Stains on Vinyl

Got grass stains, rust marks, or mystery spots? Try these targeted fixes:

Grass stains: Rubbing alcohol on a cloth
Rust stains: Oxalic acid-based cleaners (follow label directions)
Mold and mildew: Vinegar solution with extra scrubbing

For large vinyl fences or heavy buildup, professional exterior cleaning saves hours of work. Soft washing works wonders on vinyl without risking damage.

Cleaning Metal Fences: Rust Prevention Is Key

Metal fences: whether wrought iron, aluminum, or chain link: face a common enemy: rust.

Regular cleaning removes the dirt and moisture that lead to corrosion. It's the best defense for keeping metal fences strong and attractive.

Step-by-Step Metal Fence Cleaning

1. Brush off loose debris

Use a stiff brush to remove dirt, cobwebs, and flaking paint from metal surfaces.

2. Wash with soapy water

Mix warm water with dish soap. Apply with a sponge or soft brush.

3. Target rust spots early

If you spot rust forming, address it now. Use a wire brush to remove loose rust, then apply a rust converter or primer.

4. Rinse completely

Don't let soap residue sit on metal. It attracts more grime.

5. Dry when possible

Wiping down your metal fence after cleaning prevents water spots and reduces moisture exposure.

Special Tips for Chain Link Fences

Chain link fences collect dirt in all those tiny links. Pressure washing is often the fastest and most effective method for chain link.

The open design allows water to flow through easily. This makes chain link a great candidate for professional pressure washing services.

Want to dress up your chain link fence after cleaning? Consider adding bamboo screens, colorful planters, or climbing plants for extra privacy and style.

DIY vs. Professional Fence Cleaning

You can absolutely clean your fence yourself. But there are times when calling in the pros makes sense.

Consider DIY When:

Your fence is relatively new
Dirt buildup is light to moderate
You have time and the right supplies
Your fence is short or small

Consider Professional Help When:

Your fence has heavy mold, mildew, or algae
You're dealing with multiple fence materials
The fence is tall, long, or hard to reach
You want results that last longer
You're preparing to sell your home

Professional pressure washing and soft washing equipment delivers a deeper clean than household tools. And the time savings alone can be worth it for larger properties.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Fence Bright

Cleaning your fence is a great start. Keeping it clean is even better.

Here are simple habits that extend the life and look of your fence:

Trim plants away from the fence – Overgrown shrubs trap moisture against fence surfaces
Fix damage quickly – Small repairs prevent bigger problems
Clean annually at minimum – Once a year keeps buildup manageable
Seal wood fences – A quality sealant protects against moisture and UV damage
Check for rust on metal – Catch rust early before it spreads

Pair your fence cleaning with regular house washing for a property that looks polished from every angle.

Your Fence Deserves Attention Too

Your fence frames your entire property. It's one of the first things neighbors and visitors notice. A clean, bright fence says you care about your home: inside and out.

Whether you've got classic wood, modern vinyl, or sturdy metal, the right cleaning approach makes all the difference. Start with the tips above, and you'll see results fast.

Ready to brighten your borders without the hassle? Red Moose Exterior Cleaning handles fences of all types and sizes. We use the right techniques for each material, so your fence looks great without any risk of damage.