How to Maintain Aluminium Slat Fencing for Long Life

Aluminium slat fencing has quickly become one of Melbourne’s favourite fencing options. This fencing delivers a clean, modern look that suits everything from inner-city terraces to coastal townhouses and spacious suburban homes. Beyond aesthetics, aluminium is naturally corrosion-resistant. It is also lightweight, durable, and incredibly versatile for even front fences, side gates, privacy screening, or boundary fencing.

While aluminium is known for being low-maintenance, it still benefits from a little attention now and then. With some simple care, your fence will stay looking sharp and performing well for decades. At LATITUDE, we design, manufacture, and install aluminium slat fences and gates right across Melbourne. We always recommend the following aluminium fence maintenance practices to help homeowners get the most out of their investment.

How Often Should You Maintain Aluminium Slat Fencing?

Even though aluminium slat fencing doesn’t demand much upkeep, keeping a regular schedule helps retain its appearance and prevent long-term wear. The frequency of aluminium fence maintenance can vary. It depends on where in Melbourne you live, the surrounding environment, and how exposed your fence is to weather and airborne contaminants.

For most suburban properties, a simple clean every three to six months is more than enough. This timeframe allows you to wash away dust and general grime before it becomes noticeable. Homes near main roads or industrial zones may need more frequent care due to higher levels of pollution settling on surfaces.

Coastal suburbs across Melbourne, such as Brighton, Altona, Sandringham, Williamstown, and Mornington, benefit from more frequent rinsing because salt in the air can leave a residue on powder-coated surfaces. Although aluminium won’t rust like steel, salt build-up can dull the finish over time. So a gentle hose-down every few weeks is ideal.

If you notice a few early signs of wear, it’s usually a hint that your fence could use attention: 

• a dull or chalky finish 

• visible grime along slats or posts 

• salt streaks from the sea breeze 

• minor squeaking in gate hinges or automated components

Taking care of maintenance early keeps the fence performing as intended and avoids larger issues down the line.

Best Cleaning Routine for Aluminium Slat Fencing

A good cleaning routine doesn’t need to be complicated. The key is consistency and the right materials to ensure your powder-coated finish remains smooth, glossy, and damage-free. Regular cleaning keeps your fence looking as polished as the day it was installed.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Method

To achieve the best results, stick to a simple, gentle approach. 

Start by giving your fence a full rinse with a garden hose to loosen and remove surface dust. This prevents scratching during the wash stage.

Next, use a bucket of warm water mixed with mild detergent; simple dishwashing liquid works perfectly. With a soft sponge or microfibre cloth, gently wipe down each slat, front and back. Don’t rush this stage. Instead, slow, even strokes avoid streak marks and ensure you lift away any lingering dirt.

Avoid abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals, solvent-based products, and scouring pads, all of which can damage the powder coating. Aluminium slat fencing is tough, but the wrong cleaning agents can compromise its protective finish.

Once cleaned, rinse the entire fence thoroughly to remove detergent residue. Allow it to air dry, or lightly wipe it with a clean cloth for a streak-free finish. This easy routine is usually all your fence needs to stay in great shape.

How to Remove Stubborn Stains or Build-Up

Sometimes you may encounter stubborn marks, especially if the fence has been a while since its last clean or has been exposed to wet, windy weather. For tougher build-up, reach for a soft-bristle brush. Never use hard bristles or steel brushes, as these provide extra scrubbing power without damaging the surface.

If the stain persists, you can use a specialised aluminium cleaner designed for powder-coated materials. These products lift grime without harming the finish, but always test a small, inconspicuous area first.

After prolonged wet or humid periods, you might notice mould or mildew on shaded sections of your fence. This can happen when moisture is trapped behind plants or in areas with minimal sunlight. 

Address mild mould by cleaning the area with a diluted vinegar solution or a mild, non-abrasive outdoor cleaner. Thoroughly rinse the fence afterwards to ensure no residue remains.

Protecting Your Aluminium Fence Against Melbourne’s Weather

Melbourne’s weather could be sunshine one moment, rain the next, and wind sweeping through in between. Aluminium fence maintenance is simple to withstand these changing conditions, but a little preventive care enhances its resilience and keeps your investment looking flawless.

UV Protection for Long-Lasting Colour

One of the biggest environmental factors affecting outdoor materials is UV exposure. Melbourne’s summers can be particularly harsh, especially in northern and western suburbs where temperatures climb, and sunlight is strong.

High-quality aluminium slat fencing should be finished with UV-resistant powder coating. It prevents fading, chalking, and discolouration. LATITUDE Fencing & Gates uses premium-grade coatings specifically made to withstand Australian conditions.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can apply automotive wax once or twice a year. This creates a subtle protective layer over the powder coat, enhancing its resistance to UV rays and environmental contaminants. It also makes future cleaning even easier by helping dirt wash off more readily.

Preventing Corrosion in Coastal Suburbs

Although aluminium doesn’t rust, the salty sea breeze common in coastal areas can still leave mineral deposits on surfaces. Over time, without cleaning, these streaks can dull the finish or leave stubborn patches of residue.

If you live in coastal suburbs such as Brighton, Altona, Beaumaris, Edithvale, or Mornington, rinse your fence with fresh water every 2 to 4 weeks. This simple step prevents salt from settling and keeps the surface pristine.

Aluminium remains the superior choice for coastal fencing because. Unlike steel, it doesn’t corrode. Even with powder coating, steel is more susceptible to long-term damage in salty environments. Aluminium maintains its structural integrity with far less upkeep, which is why it’s the preferred material for long-lasting coastal installations.

Preventing Damage and Avoiding Common Mistakes

Certain habits can cause unnecessary wear on aluminium slat fencing. By avoiding a few common mistakes, you can significantly extend the life of your fence.

One of the easiest ways to protect your fence is to avoid leaning heavy items, such as ladders, garden tools, wheelie bins, or bulky outdoor equipment, against the slats. Over time, extra weight can bend panels or create pressure marks.

Be mindful of landscaping, too. Planting dense shrubs or hedges too close to the fence can trap moisture and rub against the powder-coated surface, leading to scratches or early fading. Instead, leave a small gap for airflow and trimming access.

When cleaning or tackling stubborn marks, never use steel wool, abrasive pads or harsh scrubbing tools. These can scratch the protective coating and compromise the fence’s long-term durability.

If you ever plan to repaint or resurface the fence, avoid doing so without proper preparation. Poor repainting can weaken the original powder coat and may even void warranties. Always consult a professional before refinishing.

When to Call a Professional for Aluminium Fence Maintenance

Even with the best care routine, there may come a time when your aluminium fence needs attention beyond DIY cleaning. Getting an expert to assess the issue ensures the job is done safely and correctly.

Signs You Need Expert Help

You should consider professional assistance if you notice: 

• Bent slats, often caused by impact or leaning heavy objects 

• Chipped or peeling powder coating, which may require refinishing 

• Loose posts, wobbling panels, or misaligned slats indicate structural concerns 

• Automated gate issues, such as slower opening/closing, strange noises, or sensor problems

Addressing these issues early can prevent more costly repairs and ensure your fence continues to perform as it should.

Why Choose LATITUDE for Aluminium Fencing & Gates

Homeowners across Melbourne trust LATITUDE Fencing & Gates for durable, modern, and custom-built aluminium slat fences and gates. What sets us apart is that we manage everything in-house, design, manufacturing, and installation, ensuring complete quality control from start to finish.

We offer custom powder coating with an extensive range of colours to match your home and style. Our fences and gates use strong aluminium slats paired with engineered steel frames and premium hardware for maximum longevity.

Whether upgrading a front fence, adding a stylish side gate, securing your backyard boundary, or installing an automated driveway gate, LATITUDE delivers the best solutions. We service all parts of Melbourne, offering expertise backed by years of local experience.

In Conclusion

Aluminium slat fencing is one of the easiest fencing materials to maintain. With a simple cleaning routine every few months, it will continue to enhance your home for decades. A little aluminium fence maintenance goes a long way, especially in areas exposed to salt air, intense sunlight, or high pollution levels.

By following the steps in this guide, your fence will remain vibrant, sturdy, and resilient in Melbourne’s ever-changing climate. And when you need repairs, upgrades, or a fully customised installation, the team at LATITUDE Fencing & Gates is here to help.

Contact us today for expert advice, custom designs, and high-quality installations for your aluminium slat fence or gate across Melbourne!