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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

Here are some ideas that you should be open to when looking for your very own dog fence.

Part of the joy of owning a dog is letting them run loose in your yard. However, that’s not so easy if you don’t have a fence. A dog fence allows your dog to get valuable exercise and might let you in on the fun too. There are all kinds of options out there as well, ranging in size and function. What’s right for you and what dog fence will work for your pup? Well, that can depend on a number of factors! Here are some ideas that you should be open to when looking for your very own dog fence.

Wood Fences

If you want to go traditional, you can’t go wrong with wooden dog fences. They offer a natural look, are customizable so you can create one to fit your needs, and they can offer a good amount of privacy depending on what type you pick. Speaking of, there are many styles to consider—a picket fence is a

classic, split-rail fences are also minimalistic but look great, and pallet fences can be a fun DIY project to work on if you only need a dog fence for a smaller area of your yard. Wood fences are one of the easiest options to recommend to people as they’re just so commonly installed.

Metal Fences

Looking for something durable yet affordable? Look no further than a metal dog fence. Something like a chain link fence can help keep your dog social and able to watch your yard for you. You could also go with something more ornamental like steel or aluminum, which can add some extra aesthetic pop to your yard, though they can be quite costly as an option.

Vinyl Fences

Plastic is very common in dog fences. Specifically, you might want to look at vinyl fencing, which is great because it requires little maintenance and doesn’t crack, rot, or splinter. You can even make vinyl fences look just like a wooden fence. Vinyl fences are easy to clean and are durable enough to last you for years to come, so this is one option that should be considered if you’re looking for a fence for your dog.

Invisible Fencing

If you only want to keep your dog from going where it shouldn’t and don’t care about any of the other benefits of fencing like security or privacy, there is the unique option of choosing an invisible fence. This could be a wireless dog fence, which requires additional training, or some people even use wired fences, which can hurt your dog. If possible, look into a physical boundary or try a wireless dog fence.

The post Ideas You Could Try for a Dog Fence appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Wrought iron continues to stand the test of time as an iconic fence material selection. It has been around for ages and offers a way to customize that makes it stand out as a special fencing material. Check out some old-school facts about this still popular fencing option.

In the beginning: The handcrafted art of creating wrought iron has its origins way back in the 12 century. The smelting process, extracting metal from ore, allowed the original blacksmiths to access and use more of the metal. “Wrought” is actually the old form of the past tense of work as blacksmiths had to work the iron to create shapes and forge the pieces. You would find a lot of wrought iron around castles and palaces in the Medieval times in Europe. No two pieces were alike as it was a more complicated process by hand.

Industrial Revolution: Production of iron increased at smelting and forging changed with coal replacing wood for extracting the ore and a new tool being introduced. While most of the process was still completed by hand, rolling came into play, which had iron ore bars piled and reheated to be rolled out into more uniform pieces.

In the States: The Colonists brought wrought iron fencing to the US, but the process was expensive, so typically only wealthier families had it in place on their properties. As blacksmithing became more prevalent, the cost went down and wrought iron was more commonly used. Wrought iron fencing was more elaborate as the Victorian era rolled in. The artistic side of wrought iron truly made its way to the top of the artform as details such as scrolls and finials were crafted. This time period is when the traditional look of wrought iron was developed and still stands the test of time today.

The post appeared first on Fence Masters

Metal fences are quite a durable option. However, even the best fence materials can experience wear and tear.

The concept of metal fencing replacement might seem strange. After all, metal fences are quite a durable option. However, even the best fence materials can experience wear and tear. It’s essential to be proactive in fence maintenance for that reason. Here are the signs that you might need to replace your steel, iron, or aluminum fence.

If Accidental Damage Has Happened to Metal Fencing

Has your fence experienced structural damage from a motor vehicle crash, falling trees, or a weather-related event? If so, then metal fencing replacement should happen as soon as possible. Damaged areas will not only make your fence less durable. However, this damage impacts your safety, privacy, and security.

Corrosion

Modern metal fencing comes with specialized rust-resistant material. However, metal fences aren’t entirely immune to rust spots. We suggest that you have these spots repaired before they eat away at your fencing and cause it to crumble. We also advise paying close attention to the joints that keep the fence standing. Rusty and corroded joints can cause this structure to lose its structural integrity.

Bent, Warped, Leaning, or Sagging Metal

A leaning fence is a safety hazard no one should ignore. You shouldn’t merely attempt to bend back bent areas because, at this point, there is severe damage. In addition, this type of motion will cause your metal fencing to weaken even further. The structure could fall and hurt someone. Also, as it learns more and more, it could pull down connected fencing materials and nearby structures.

Damaged or Exposed Fasteners

It’s always best to look at the screws or nails holding your fence together. If your fasteners are corroding, sticking out from your fence, are wearing down, or are no longer securing segments of your fence together, your fence has a high chance of falling apart.

Corroding Welds

Metal fences have welded areas that contribute to the fence being so strong. Unfortunately, rust appears at welded joints commonly, causing them to become weak and split. Extensive repairs of welds can be challenging. Therefore, more often than not, a metal fencing replacement is better.

The post Signs That It’s Time for a Metal Fencing Replacement appeared first on Hercules Fence.