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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.

Here are tips on protecting your wood fence against sun and rain damage.

A wood fence is an excellent choice if you want classic, cost-effective fencing. However, as with any material, it’s always best to know the proper maintenance techniques. For example, iron fences involve particular methods to prevent rust and corrosion. With a wood fence, you want to do all you can to avoid sun and rain damage. Otherwise, wood fencing will become dull and less structurally sound. Here are tips on protecting your wood fence against sun and rain damage.

How to Clean Your Wood Fence

Wood fencing appears the most pristine with regular repairs and maintenance. Powerwash your fencing at least once a year at a pound per square inch (PSI) of 1500 to 2000. The spray tips should be 15-25 degrees for a thorough cleaning. Stand at least 18 inches away and wear protective gear such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and gloves because debris can fly off the fence with a lot of force. Additionally, you can remove discolorations and stubborn stains with baking soda.

Take Care of Damage

Inspect your wood fence for missing boards and damaged areas. Walk around the perimeter to search for unusual spots and marks. Check to see if there are patches where the ground meets the wood. Pay attention to nails and edges as well.

Perform these examinations weekly to ensure you keep damages on your radar. The structure becomes susceptible to wear and tear if you don’t repair a wooden fence quickly. Cracks will develop into larger crevices, allowing rainwater into the wood. It’s less expensive to address issues immediately versus paying for an entirely new fence.

Stain the Fence

Extend your fence’s lifespan and protect it from the elements by staining it. Water-repellant sealants prevent the material from moisture damage. Alternatively, you can combine the sealant with an exterior stain to color the fence and aid in environmental protection. Depending on the climate, you should steal or stain the fencing every two to three years. Fortunately, when you hire Hercules Fence, we offer pressure-treated ACQ lumber to aid longevity and durability.

Protect Your Wood Fence from Soil Damage

You can count on Hercules Fence to cut your fence slats properly, ensuring they do not come into contact with the ground. Another option is lining fence posts with half-buried bricks extending down to the bottom slat if safety and security are a concern or if you fear your pets will escape. This notion prevents digging, and because bricks are porous, they will carry water away from the fencing versus allowing it to flow into it.

The post Making Sure Your Wood Fence is Protected Against Sun and Rain Damage appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Here are just a few excellent reasons why chain-link fencing repair should always be left to the professionals.

There is no denying that chain-link fences will eventually need to be repaired at some point. In fact, many homeowners and other property owners may attempt to tackle the problem themselves — but that might lead to costly repairs down the line. The reality is, trusting the professionals to effectively and efficiently repair your chain-link fence is always the best route to take. Ultimately, professionals are experienced and knowledgeable about the proper ways to repair those specific fences and also have all the proper tools to get the job done right the very first time. Here are just a few excellent reasons why chain-link fencing repair should always be left to the professionals.

The Professionals Will Do It In A Lot Less Time

For the most part, when you finally trust the experts to tackle your chain-link fencing repairs, you are surely going to get a repaired fence immediately. In fact, the professionals will be able to repair your fence properly without issues or expending too much time on the repairs overall. The reality is, repairing a chain-link fence yourself is totally possible but more often than not, people who are not in the business of fixing chain-link fences may lack the expertise and know-how to get the job done right the very first time. Ultimately, it can not only be time-consuming for the ordinary person in addition to spending a ton of money on tools and supplies without really repairing the issue effectively or efficiently.

The Professionals Will Make Your Fence Look Brand New

Whenever you attempt to repair a chain-link fence yourself, you will most likely run into a few hurdles and obstacles. In fact, you can usually tell what section of the fence was done by a non-professional. The reality is, a do-it-yourself chain-link fence repair job will typically be able to be seen from a mile away. Ultimately, the professionals can ensure that no one will notice where the repair was done — providing a chain-link fence that looks brand new. At the end of the day, working to repair your own chain-link fence might not be the most efficient way to make the most out of your time overall.

The post Why Chain-Link Fencing Repair is Best Left to the Professionals appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Our furry and fuzzy friends add so much love and laughter to our lives. But they can cause problems to their outdoor perimeters that we install to keep them safe and secure. Beyond doing your best to train your dog to behave appropriately, you can watch out for issues in your yard. We delve into ways that your pets may prompt problems to your fence, so you can watch out for them.

Curious digger: Some dogs enjoy digging – whether it is to explore or try to catch a little critter. When your dog digs around your fence panels or posts, it can cause problems. Holes beneath posts and panels can allow access to unwanted raccoons, rabbits and other creatures and also create unstable fence areas. If there are unstable areas of your fence, they may be more easily caught and damaged by a strong wind.

Jump around: A large amount of jumping by your dog in the same spot can cause structural damage and snap your fence panel. Unfortunately, vinyl fencing can be more susceptible to the weight of a heavier pooch jumping on it and causing cracks.

Curious climbing: Outdoor cats can especially be the culprit of climbing your fence panels to catch some rays in the sun. Just like jumping, the weight of your pet can cause issues to your fence as it is not intended to be walked on. Repeated climbing can cause cracks, snapping, leaning and more.

Nasty nail: Scratching can really cause damage to your fence panels. Wood fencing is especially vulnerable to your pets’ nails. Vinyl and chain link fences are more durable against scratching.

Puppy love: If your little friend is teething, chewing can be a way to ease the pressure or it may become a habit down the road. Either way, fencing is not a chew toy and can be damaged by sharp teeth. Consistent chewing can cause weak areas and points in your fencing and spur structural issues.

Potty break: Urine from your dog can wreak the most havoc on your fence. The moisture can create mold and mildew and damage to your fencing over the years. Urine can also cause discoloration and age your fence before its time. While you cannot keep your pet entirely away from your fence, you can keep it updated and maintained to withstand your pets’ actions.

The post appeared first on Fence Masters

Wood fences are most susceptible to rotting over the years. Here are the most common causes of rot in your fence.

Just like with anything that lives outside, fences tend to rot when they aren’t properly maintained. In fact, wood fences are most susceptible to rotting over the years. The reality is, rot is a destructive condition that can severely impact the overall structural integrity of your fence over time. Ultimately, knowing the best ways to respond to signs of rot in your fence will surely be the best way to salvage your fence for the long haul. Here are the most common causes of rot in your fence and the ebay solutions to treat them effectively and efficiently.

Understanding Wet And Dry Rot

The first thing you’ll want to know is that there is a difference between wet rot and dry rot. In fact, wet rot is usually caused as a result of wood absorbing moisture and then remaining damp for extended periods of time without ever having the opportunity to dry properly. On the other hand, dry rot is simply caused by any continuous exposure to dry and hot conditions. The reality is, both types of rot are hazardous to your fence and should be avoided at all costs. Ultimately, homeowners don’t want their fences to become brittle and fall down, so maintaining your fence properly becomes increasingly important.

A Rotting Structure Already

If your fence is already showing significant signs of rotting, it might be time for a replacement. In fact, to make the appropriate repairs to any type of rotting fence, it’s important to find a professional fencing company who can diagnose the specific cause and see if there are ways to repair parts of the fence without replacing the whole thing. The reality is, if you haven’t taken any time over the years to maintain your fence, the damage may have reached a point that a replacement might be the best solution. Ultimately, having a professional who can discuss the various options with you to determine the best solution for your specific needs and your specific situation is always the ideal way to go.

Preventing Rot In The Future

There are absolutely steps you can take beforehand to prevent rot from ruining your fence in the long run. In fact, removing moisture or dry heat from the fence is always the goal for any homeowner who has a fence in their yard. The reality is, periodic coats of wood water — for wood fences — can be a welcome remedy towards properly maintaining the fence over the years. Ultimately, knowing the best maintenance tips for your specific fence will surely be the way to go to prevent rot from ruining your fence in the future.

The post Causes of Fence Rotting, and How to Respond to It appeared first on Hercules Fence.

As a homeowner, you opted to install a wood fence for its natural beauty, but as the years rolls on, wood can begin to deteriorate no matter how much you take care of it. Wood will eventually break down. Before you pull out that can of stain or paint, check out these signs that your fence is past the point of another coat.

1. Visible rot: While isolated rotten pieces of wood can be switched out and updated, many areas of damage and deterioration will not be good with just a coat of stain. Keep an eye on where your wood fence meets the ground as this is where rotten areas will most likely pop up due to the wood’s closeness to moisture from the ground. During maintenance, the fence at the bottom should receive extra TLC to help keep it preserved as long as possible.
2. Not so straight: Windy weather days will take a toll on your fence after years of standing up against the seasons. When your fence begins to lean in areas, that is due to the general structure losing essential strength. Again, a panel or two can be replaced and so can a few posts, but leaning in lots of areas means it’s time for a new fence.
3. Splits & lost pieces: Cracks in your wood fence are again the result of the sun, rain and cold creating vulnerable areas. Stained and painted wood will eventually break down due to age. Warped and split boards will eventually lead to overall structure issues with your wood fencing.
4. Lost fasteners: A handful of loose or missing nails or screws is no big deal, but as you continue to replace them, those areas of wood will eventually break down and not be able to support a new fastener. There is no point in adding new screws or nails to aging wood.
5. Costly repairs: Even with consistent maintenance and staining, you will have to pay for repairs or do them yourself. As costs add up, there will come a time when it is more cost-effective to replace vs. repair your wood fencing.

The post appeared first on Fence Masters