Month: July 2022

You have already selected the material and location of your new fence, so you are along the way in the project timeline. But have you taken the time to speak to your neighbors and make sure that they are part of the loop? It is always good etiquette to discuss any type of home improvement project with your neighbors, but a fence installation is even more important as it can infringe on your neighbor’s space during work.

Here are some tips to guide you through a cool and calm conversation.

Know your boundary: Before you speak to your neighbor, make sure that you have your property line paperwork in order and are able to show your neighbor, in case there are any questions. If there is a current fence that you are replacing, make sure you are clear on who owns it before beginning any work. We always ask that you provide a plat of survey so it is clear we are installing on your property.

Share details: When you are informing your neighbor of your plans, go into details of exactly where it will be, what material it will be and any timeframe of the projected work. You want them to know when our crew at Fence Masters is coming out, so there are not any concerns about strangers being around on your bordering properties. If you will need to be on their property for fence maintenance, this is also a good time to point that out ahead of it being installed.

Convenient time: Ask your neighbor before going over to have the conversation when they have time to talk. You do not want to just interrupt their day and plans by hustling over there and insisting on speaking when that might start the conversation off on the wrong foot. Schedule a time to connect later if your neighbor is busy or does not have time for more than just a quick few minutes. Also, be open to adjusting the installation day if your neighbor has an event planned or will be out of town and they would like to be around during the installation.

Be open: Approach the conversation with an open mind and open ears. If your neighbor has any questions or concerns, take them seriously and find out the answers if you do not know. You want your neighbors to be happy about the project and not resentful. If during the installation, something changes that may affect your neighbor or the work being done, advise them sooner vs. later, so that they are always current with the goings-on.

The post appeared first on Fence Masters

If you’re looking into fence replacement and are just getting started with the whole process, read on and familiarize yourself with some of the most essential basics.

At some point in a fence’s lifespan, it becomes clear that it’s too old to keep going. Replacing a fence can be a great way to spruce up a property and make it just as good as it was when you originally had the fence installed. However, there are some things you’re going to want to keep in mind before you embark on a journey of fence replacement. If you’re looking into fence replacement and are just getting started with the whole process, read on and familiarize yourself with some of the most essential basics.

Understanding Boundaries

Knowing where your property boundaries are is essential. As much as we’d like to hope otherwise, it may be the case that your current fence isn’t actually on the boundary line between you and your neighbors’ property. When looking into fence replacement, you want to understand where the boundaries are and mark them on the land while you install your fence.

You also may want to take some time to discuss this with your neighbor and make sure it’s clear who is responsible for fence upkeep and any other maintenance costs that may arise. It’s also good to be on the same page in terms of what the fence will look like and how the construction process may go. Letting your neighbor know ahead of time can make everything go much easier.

Beneath Your Fence

Remember that there are utility lines in the ground. Pipes and cables may be running under your property, so you want to check with utility companies and be certain that you’re not digging somewhere you shouldn’t be. Those sharp fence posts could end up cutting through water or electricity lines, causing all sorts of issues for you and your neighbors. Scope out utility lines before doing any backyard digging.

Permits and Laws

Most districts and counties have their own permitting rules that you should be aware of. Check with your local building office before you start doing any construction. Building a fence without a permit may be more costly in the end as you could be forced to remove the fence or even get fined. Ensure any contractors are permitted as well.

Local laws are also going to guide the building process. They may indicate what height or materials your fence may be. Brush up on any local regulations before you get started with your fence replacement.

The post What to Know Prior to a Fence Replacement appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Understanding the difference between the signs of a wood fence repair or a wood fence replacement can be a game-changer.

For the most part, a wooden fence will likely need to be repaired at some point — but if not properly maintained you might need a replacement. In fact, a wooden fence that has seen better days is due for either a repair or replacement — but how are you supposed to know whether you can get away with a repair or have to spend money on a full replacement of your wooden fence? The reality is, if your wooden fence has started to grow mold or is missing some pickets, it becomes increasingly important to get your wooden fence in tip top shape as soon as possible to extend the overall lifespan of your fence overall. Ultimately, understanding the difference between the signs of a wood fence repair or a wood fence replacement can be a game-changer for your wallet down the line. Here are a few key ways to finally determine whether your wooden fence needs a simple repair or whether it needs a full replacement.

Understanding The Limitations Of Cosmetic Damage

If your wood fence has any peeling paint or a fading stain, then that tends to be considered a cosmetic issue. In fact, these signs are excellent candidates for a simple wood fence repair. The reality is, when the damage is more severe and affects the overall structural integrity of your wood fence then a replacement might be the best solution. Ultimately, widespread rot and mold are significantly harmful to your wooden fence which is why you typically see professionals recommend a replacement when these unfortunate elements have already settled on your wood fence.

Understanding Your Wood’s Condition

When it comes to your wood fence, paying attention to the overall condition of your wood is essential. In fact, if you happen to notice a lot of splintering or cracking of the wood itself, it might be beneficial to simply get a totally new fence. The reality is, when your lumber is soft or spongy, then having your wood fence replaced becomes increasingly important to keep your property properly protected for many years to come. Ultimately, rot typically weakens the wood itself, leading homeowners to definitely want to consider the benefits of replacing their wood fence as repairs will likely be significantly more costly and might not even fix the issue completely.

The post Deciding Between a Wood Fence Repair or Replacement appeared first on Hercules Fence.

As a rental property owner, you need to keep your tenants or renters safe and secure, just like if it was at your own home. A new or updated fence can create a secure perimeter while not adding too much work to your role as an owner.

Here are pros and cons of each type of fencing material:

Wood fence: There is nothing like the natural and iconic beauty and style of a classic wood fence. At your rental property, a wood fence will add a versatile look to your place that can be either a privacy fence or more of a style accent with open panels. You can select the paint or stain color that you use to personalize your fencing. The maintenance of your wood fencing can be the downside to this selection as you will need to maintain the stain or paint and sealant to keep it from being damaged or rotting.

Vinyl fence: As the original PVC fence company in the Chicagoland area, our team has extensive experience in vinyl fencing. This is a great choice for rental property owners seeking privacy at their property. It will not rot or warp, but it does need to be cleaned and scrubbed occasionally to keep off dirt and mold. While vinyl can be affected by weather, our fencing has a mix of inhibitors and additives to help it resist cracking, breaking down in the sun and staying flexible to move with the weather elements.

Chain Link: If you are not concerned about privacy and want a strong perimeter around your rental property, then chain-link fencing is a good choice. It can be tailored to your place with a range of colors, gauges and coatings that you can select for your fence. While it does not offer any privacy, it is a good fence for homes that have pets.

Wrought iron: If you are hoping to add a sense of elegance to the front of your rental, then consider adding a wrought iron fence. While it is not always the best for creating a tight perimeter around a space, wrought iron continues to be a beautiful material for creating an elegant look. Our  team can assist with your design decisions, and we can create one-of-a-kind pieces as we have our own fabrication shop as part of our company.

The post appeared first on Fence Masters

Here is what you should do when trying to choose the right fencing for your yard.

Fences are perfect additions for bringing extra functionality and beauty to your yard. With so many fencing options, however, deciding on the right one is far from an easy task. You have to consider a wide range of factors if you’re going to determine the best fence for your situation. Fortunately, we know what considerations should be made so you can reach the best choice possible. Here is what you should do when trying to choose the right fencing for your yard.

Identify the Purpose of Your Fencing

All fences should have a purpose, and you want to know what purpose yours is going to serve before you even consider installing it. The function of your fence will affect what style is best for you. It will also influence its height, and what material you want to use for the installation.

As an example, wooden fences may be better if you’re looking for extra privacy. On the other hand, aluminum fences can be great for boosting curbside appeal. Taller fences are good if you’re worried about pets jumping over them and escaping your yard. When you know what you need your fence to do, you can figure out what style of fence will help you satisfy those needs.

Consider Maintenance Requirements

All fences require some level of upkeep, and since maintenance will be an ongoing process for whatever fence you pick, it should be factored into which kind of fence you install.

Wooden fences have great curb appeal, but they do come with the most maintenance requirements. On the upside, repairing damage is typically not as expensive. If you want something that isn’t as demanding in maintenance, you could go with an aluminum or steel fence instead. The trade-off is that you’ll spend more money if you ever have to fix any damage on it.

Keep Your Budget in Mind

The fence you pick also needs to fit comfortably into your budget. There is an initial installation cost to consider, as well as a long-term maintenance cost. Wooden fences are cheaper to install, but more expensive to maintain. The inverse can be said for other fences such as aluminum or vinyl.

The height of your fence will also influence its cost, with taller fences costing more money due to the fact that more fencing material is needed to make them. Ultimately, you just need to be sure you know the expenses ahead of time, and be willing to accept them before you commit to whatever fence you opt to get.

The post Deciding on the Right Fencing for Your Property appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Here are some tips on things you should do to maintain your vinyl fence this summer.

One of the main reasons that most people choose vinyl fencing over wooden fencing is that vinyl fencing is far easier to maintain. Wooden fencing requires routine cleaning, as well as periodic sealing by painting or staining to protect the wood from weathering, rot, and insects. Vinyl, on the other hand, requires almost none of that. Your vinyl fence is not completely maintenance-free but it is much lower maintenance than a lot of other materials for fencing. Here are some tips on things you should do to maintain your vinyl fence this summer.

Cleaning

Cleaning should be a common part of your maintenance for any part of your home, and your vinyl fence is no different. Washing your vinyl fence should be at least seasonal, but really should happen every few weeks. If that feels like it isn’t truly “low-maintenance” to you, hold on. Cleaning your vinyl fence is as easy as hosing it down. Mostly you just want to make sure there isn’t any dirt building up on it. If there are ingrained bits of dirt, or your kids wrote on the fence, or there is some mildew that has built up, it may take a little more work. Still, that is usually just using a stiff-bristled brush and a mild detergent or diluted bleach rinse to wash it all away.

Removing Debris And Dangers

If you do find that there is consistent build up of debris, you may need to change the things around the fence. Are there tree branches that hang low and make contact with the fence every time that it rains? Is your kids’ soccer goal right in front of the patch that seems to always be scuffed or muddy? Try moving things to keep the fence safe from as much damage as possible, so you don’t have to do as much cleaning.

Inspect and Repair

Finally, the last thing that you need to make sure is on your maintenance punch list is an annual (at minimum) inspection. Choose a time each year that you will thoroughly inspect the entirety of your fence for damage. If you do find something broken or damaged, fix it as soon as possible. The more quickly you are able to find and repair small damage, the more time and money you will save – bigger, more extensive damage will always be a bigger headache. You should also be in the habit of doing a quick inspection after any major storms to catch this type of damage before it grows.

The post Maintaining Your Vinyl Fence This Summer appeared first on Hercules Fence.