Author: admin

Here’s our comparison of metal fencing and wood fencing.

Considering how much maintenance we put into the rest of our yards, you may not have new fence installation at the top of your mind. With all the benefits of fencing, including containing pets and kids, adding security and privacy, and increasing your home’s curb appeal, it’s no wonder that so many people end up biting the bullet on installing a new fence. What isn’t always clear is what material you should use, however, as many people are stuck between two common options: metal fencing and wood fencing.

Each material has its own advantages, so it’s a question of what suits your particular needs better. Here’s our comparison of metal fencing and wood fencing.

Appearances

While wood may feel nostalgic and traditional, it also offers rich earthy colors that can go with just about any home style. If you’re looking for something that’s really out there, you can also paint or stain wood fencing to give it a look that’s more specific to your sensibilities.

On the other hand, metal fencing is sometimes perceived as cold and unwelcoming, which can make it perfect for security fencing. However, modern metal fences are incredibly flexible and you can use a number of different metals and accessories to create your own style.

Daily Performance

Due to the nature of wood, wood fencing will often absorb moisture, causing rot and warpage. If you don’t perform adequate maintenance, you can expect a wood fence to deteriorate pretty quickly. Metal fencing on the other hand offers amazing strength and will naturally stand up to the weather much better than a wood fence might.

Regular Maintenance

If you want something you won’t need to maintain regularly, you’re likely looking for something more durable like metal fencing. Most metal fences require very little painting or upkeep due to being galvanized and available in all kinds of finished via powder coatings that also prevent rust. Wood fences will need a bit more, demanding a refinishing every few years if you really want to maintain its look.

Installation Process

Wood fencing materials are usually lighter and easier to install, though since wood can expand and shrink because of moisture, there are some extra considerations you need to factor in. In contrast, metal is a heavy and rigid material that can be difficult for DIY installers to work with. Wood fencing is generally considered to be much easier to install.

The post Comparing Metal Fencing With Wood Fencing appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Here are the biggest things that you will definitely want to think about when it comes time to buy a brand new aluminum fence for your property.

If you are looking for a fence, there are some key things you’ll absolutely want to take into consideration. In fact, when making the big decision about purchasing an aluminum fence, there will always be some essential things you’ll want to take into account. There are a few different things that you’ll want to keep in mind when buying a new fence. Ultimately, having a great aluminum fence will absolutely be amazing for many homeowners — and here are the most important things to keep in mind when on the hunt for a new fence. Here are the biggest things that you will definitely want to think about when it comes time to buy a brand new aluminum fence for your property.

Having A Lifetime Warranty

A key component to any successful fence installation and purchase includes ensuring there’s a lifetime warranty associated with the purchase itself. In fact, there are so many different forms of warranties — especially when it comes to fences. The reality is, when fence shopping, it becomes increasingly important to take note of the potential lifetime warranty options provided. Ultimately, fences should be able to withstand the test of time and many fencing contractors and companies will offer lifetime warranties with the purchase itself.

Think About The Quality Of The Fence

For the most part, having high quality fences become increasingly important when you are shopping for a new fence for your property. In fact, while you might end up getting what you are paying for when purchasing a fence online, it’s often best to choose a more expensive option to guarantee that you are investing in a quality fence that can actually withstand the test of time. Ultimately, you can really see a difference between a quality fence and one that lacks quality. The reality is, poor quality fences are likely to need repairs and replacements a lot sooner than a fence that is designed to last a long time. At the end of the day, investing in a quality fence can really enhance your property overall which is a great way to extend the lifespan of your fence down the line.

The post Considerations When Purchasing an Aluminum Fence appeared first on Hercules Fence.

As a homeowner looking to sell your place, there are many questions that you will face in regards to what is best to make your home as marketable as possible. While cosmetic upgrades can be an easy choice, what about a new fence? While every home and neighborhood is different, we look at questions to consider as you work through this decision.

1. Would a new fence boost your curb appeal? First impressions remain an important part of selling your home. While many buyers will see your home online, it is that initial drive-up and first glimpse that can make an impact. Adding a new stylish border to the front of your home in wrought iron can add some oomph to the initial glance of your property. Wrought iron can be customized by our team through our inhouse weld iron shop right on our property at Fence Masters. 
2. Are fences common in your particular neighborhood? If most of your neighbors have fencing, it may be a good idea and investment to install one at your home. Whether we believe or not, potential homebuyers will be comparing your home to those around you and others listed for sale in your community. Not having a fence can be a downside if a homebuyer will have to install one soon after the move.
3. Could a new fence become a selling point? More and more, we all worry about safety and security. Installing a new privacy vinyl fence can become a selling point as it offers both privacy and a sense of safety for potential homebuyers. Vinyl is also an easy fence material to maintain as it only needs a rinse and occasional scrubbing to keep it looking good for a long time. With many pet owners out in the world, it is easier to have a fenced-in backyard to offer a place for dogs to run and play.
4. Should I replace my current fence if it is not in the best condition? This may be the toughest to determine. If your fence is in need of repairs, it can bring down the curb appeal as potential homebuyers may just see a project to tackle. Making repairs or putting in a new fence can really add some punch to your place.

The post appeared first on Fence Masters

Here are the most important things you’ll want to know when it comes to a commercial fence.

With commercial fencing, there are some very important things to know. In fact, commercial fences are quite unique in their overall design  particularly when it comes to the various security and privacy features that many commercial buildings want to implement. The reality is, if you want to replace an existing fence or finally install a brand new commercial fence, there will undoubtedly be some key things you’ll want to take into consideration when deciding which type is best for your specific commercial building. Ultimately, choosing the perfect kind of fencing will definitely enhance your overall business. Here are the most important things you’ll want to know when it comes to a commercial fence to maximize and optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of the fence itself.

Proper Security

When you install a commercial fence, you optimize the security features that encompass the fence itself. In fact, with a proper fence, you can secure the perimeter of your commercial building overall. The reality is, there are so many important aspects of your business and commercial property — which is why you’ll want to properly protect your assets down the line — and that is exactly where a fence can really come into play and prove to be quite effective and efficient. Ultimately, having a fence that provides the proper amount of security can do wonders towards enhancing your commercial business overall.

Effective Access Control

For most commercial businesses there are some features like access control that can really do wonders when incorporated into a fence. In fact, commercial fences are usually designed to keep unauthorized people from gaining access to your facility overall. For the most part, getting access control features can be an excellent investment towards securing your commercial building effectively and efficiently. The reality is, with access control, you can end up deciding who is allowed access to your commercial building and who is not. Ultimately, issues with access control can end up costing you a ton of time and money down the line. At the end of the day, there is no denying that adding security features like access control can really enhance the security and safety of having commercial fencing overall.

The post What to Know About a Commercial Fence appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Should you get a professional to help you install your fence gate?

We all know the benefits of adding a fence to your property. You can help define your property line, keep animals out, keep pets and children in, create a safer and more private yard, and so on. To complete your fence and get the most out of it, you should also consider having a fence gate for easy access.

You may be considering the DIY route for your entire fence installation or just for the installation of the fence gate, but either way, it may be advisable to opt for professional installation instead. Working with a pro can save you time, money, and effort, but the question still remains: should you get a professional to help you install your fence gate?

Cutting Down Costs

Working with a fence gate installer will help you take advantage of their many connections in the industry. They buy their supplies in bulk, which results in a discount for materials. Usually, a professional fence installer is able to get you many of the materials you need at a discount, so while you are spending more to have someone else install your fence gate for you, you’re spending less on the materials needed to do so.

Save Yourself Some Time

If you’re considering the DIY route and have never installed a fence gate before, you may be unaware of just how daunting of a task this can be. It’s time-consuming and requires a lot of experience to get it right the first time. If you end up making mistakes, which many people do their first time on a project like this, it can end up costing you more and delaying the project. Save yourself some time and get your fence gate installed quickly with the help of a pro.

No Special Tools

By bringing in a contractor, you don’t need to worry about whether or not you have all the right tools. Someone in the business is going to have everything they need to do the job safely and efficiently already. Purchasing or even just renting the tools yourself would add onto the price tag of your installation.

Easier Installation

Many of the materials that go into fence gate installation require serious heavy lifting. Even if you can get all that weight up, you may need to hold it into place while putting posts in the ground. Leave that arduous labor to a professional and your body will be thankful!

Follow All Regulations

Did you know that basically every state, city, and municipality has its own set of laws regarding fence installation? You don’t want to trip up and accidentally break some rule regarding fence gates by doing it yourself. Instead, your professional contractor is going to know exactly what the regulations are and will be able to make sure everything is up to code.

The post Why Get Professional Help Installing a Fence Gate appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Wood is a natural and beautiful choice for fencing, and with proper care and maintenance, it can last for years and years. Eventually, the wood may begin to break down and that is a sign it is time to upgrade to a new fence.

If you see these popping up, they are signals to make an appointment for a new wood fence installation.

1. Rotting spots: Even treated, stained and painted wood fence panels and pieces can begin to break down as wood is a natural material. If you begin to see signs of rot, in one or more areas of your fencing, you should consider replacing your whole fence as that is an indicator that your fence is at a point to be replaced. Areas that you may notice rot first include near the ground where there is more moisture. 
2. A lean look: Weather elements, such as strong wind and snow, will eventually take a toll on your wood fence. If you notice that it is no longer straight up and down in sections, then that is a signal that your wood fence is not as strong as it used to be. While one leaning section may be replaced, overall issues should be an indicator to replace your whole fence.
3. Lost or cracked areas: If you begin to see more areas of your wood fencing that have cracks or splits or boards have fallen out, it is time to put in a new fence. Wood is affected by the freeze and thaw cycles each season and eventually, your wood will need to be replaced and not just replaced.
4. Fasteners falling out: Nails and screws help keep your wood fence together and in place. If they are falling out or are loose, they can be a signal that your wood fence pieces can no longer keep fasteners in place. If the integrity of the wood is compromised in this fashion, you will need to put in a new fence.
5. Too many repairs: If you have found that each season you are replacing pieces or repairing your wood fence, then it is probably time for a whole new one. You may be spending less on repairs, but over the long run, it is adding up to be more and more money.

The post appeared first on Fence Masters

Read on for tips to getting your fence damage fixed this spring.

Your fence around your residential property does a lot of work for your family. Good fences keep children and pets safely in a yard, while keeping sources of danger out. They help secure and protect your stuff, while also protecting you from liability. They’re also pretty and help improve curb appeal and home value. None of this is true when you have fence damage, however. If your fence has been damaged this winter, it is no longer doing its job. In fact, a damaged fence does the opposite, inviting trouble and putting you at risk for liability and damage. A damaged fence is not something you should put on the back burner. Read on for tips to getting your fence damage fixed this spring.

Is It A Shared Fence?

If the fence is shared with your neighbor, meaning both of you are responsible for it, the costs to repair the damage may be legally sharable too. But simply arranging for a repair and sending your neighbor half the bill isn’t fair. Talk to your neighbor first about the damage, how it happened, what they think should be done to fix it, and if they have suggestions for who to get quotes from. Make sure they are part of the process (if they want to be) if you expect them to share the bill.

What Caused The Damage?

Before fixing your fence, you need to discover the source of the damage. Sometimes it is obvious – a tree fell down in a storm and landed on a section of the fence. Other times it is less obvious – did that section collapse because of rot or a termite infestation? Major issues like termites need a professional to aggressively deal with them. Other issues like rot may be the result of age or lack of maintenance. If you’re not doing what you need to to prevent rot, you’re going to be replacing the fence sections again and again.

Should You Talk To Insurance?

If the damage is major and not due to neglect on your part, talking to your insurance company might be a good idea. It is easy to forget that your policy might include your fence and it could help cover the cost of making repairs, especially for damage due to winter weather and storms.

The post Tips for Getting Fence Damage Fixed During Spring appeared first on Hercules Fence.

When it comes to your fence installation, having a professional fencing contractor can really make a huge difference.

When it comes to your fence installation, having a professional fencing contractor can really make a huge difference towards a successful fence installation. In fact, if you are considering installing a new fence or the perimeter of your property, having the right professional tackle the job will typically be the best way to ensure the installation is as smooth as possible.. The reality is, it can be quite tempting to save money by installing a fence all on your own. But, doing so might just be a bad decision to take. Ultimately, regardless of the type of fence you are thinking of installing, it becomes increasingly important to hire the professionals to effectively and efficiently install any type of fence to the perimeter of your property. Here are just a few of the key reasons why it is so critical that you make sure to hire a professional when installing any new fence to your property.

Avoid Any Future Fencing Problems

WIth the professionals on hand, you can alleviate any potential fencing problems during the installation process. In fact, the professionals are there to help provide important and essential information that’ll end up proving to be fairly invaluable when it comes to your new fence installation. The reality is, when you rely on the expertise of the professional fence installers, it is imperative that you take the time to consider the perks of having a professional fence installer get the job done safely and securely. Ultimately, having a professional install your fence will inevitably guarantee you avoid making any critical mistakes during a fence installation — especially when you attempt to install a fence by yourself.

Providing A Quality Installation Process

There is no denying that most fencing contractors will usually take a lot of pride in their fence installation process. In fact, many fencing companies will provide certain guarantees when it comes to an effective and efficient fence installation to your property. Realistically, the professionals are extremely trustworthy — especially when you select a fencing contractor that is insured and bonded within the industry itself which can ensure that you are protecting your big investment of having a fence to surround the perimeter of your property effectively and efficiently.

The post Why Hire a Professional Fencing Contractor appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Sometimes a fence replacement could be the best bet for your humble abode.

Owning a home is a big deal — it’s often the biggest investment you’ll make in your entire life. In fact, homeowners will often have quite lofty dreams of what they want their home to look like. The reality is, fences are often associated with a dream home. Ultimately, a fence is a great addition to any home but they can only last a certain amount of time — even with the proper maintenance. Here are some tell-tale signs that your fence might need to be replaced immediately.

Holes In Your Existing Fence

If the boards on your fence have any holes, then it might be time to replace the fence itself. In fact, holes are typically caused by insects or other animals that have got into your fence itself. The reality is, whether you have termites or mice, these pests can really wreak complete havoc on your existing fence. Ultimately, depending on the type of material of your fence, even the slightest amount of pests can be severely damaging to a fence. If your fence is made of wood or other material that is sensitive to the minor presence of pests, then it might be time to finally replace your fence once and for all.

Experiencing Splintered Wood

Just like with any other issues with your fence, finding splintered wood on your fence can be a key sign that the fence is in disrepair and needs to be replaced. In fact, it might look like just an aesthetic issue but splintered wood can actually be a structural issue regarding your fence. The reality is, finally replacing a fence that has any splintered wood is integral to the structure of the fence overall and the protection and safety you need from the fence itself. Ultimately, with splintering wood, you will typically also end up experiencing cracking in the wood itself which can be detrimental to the fence overall. At the end of the day, knowing what to look out for when it comes to your fence is the best way to ensure your home is safe for many years to come. That is why sometimes a fence replacement could be the best bet for your humble abode.

The post Knowing When It’s Time for a Fence Replacement appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Here are some options to try if you’re worried about fence rot!

If your home has a wooden fence, you should know that rot is the biggest enemy to all wood fencing. It can impact both the look of your fence while also reducing its durability. It’s not always easy to avoid either; wood fencing makes contact with ground soil so much of the time, making rot seem like it’s an inevitability. Don’t worry though. There are so many steps you can take to stop the spread of rot on your home’s wood fencing. Here are some options to try if you’re worried about fence rot!

Wet vs. Dry Rot

There are actually two kinds of rot. Wet rot happens when moisture comes in contact with your wood fencing, typically this happens because your fence is touching the soil beneath it. The result is cracking and softening of the wood accompanied by a damp, musty smell. On the other hand, dry rot happens in very dry climates where the sun and wind end up drying a fence out completely, leaving you with brittle fencing. Dry rot leaves a fence easily broken and it may have a damp smell as well that can happen due to a fence’s decay.

Preventive Steps

When installing wood fencing, consider that there are rot-resistant materials out there. Some of these woods include redwood, cedar, juniper, and cypress. You could also check out treated wood, which doesn’t just help with rot but protects from termites as well. If you want a wooden appearance without the maintenance requirements of wood, you may want to look at alternatives.

Fence Staining

By regularly staining your fence, annually if you can, you can stop rot. Environmental factors may also play a part though. If you’re getting more rainfall and there’s a lot of soil around your fence, it may call for more staining than usual. To test, spray your fence with some water; if it rests on the surface of the wood, the stain is good to go. If it’s absorbed into the wood, you may need a new layer of staining.

Remove Debris

Letting debris pile up is the quickest way to get wood fence rot. Plants, grass, and leaves can all harbor plenty of moisture, and if they’re brushing up against your fence 24/7, they’re pushing that moisture into your fence. Either keep your fence clear of foliage or clean your fence regularly to prevent this problem.

Replace as Needed

If you begin noticing signs of rot, the best thing you can do is replace any affected sections. This may result in replacing the main posts of your fence. You can do this yourself but we’re also happy to come out and make any repairs for you, just be sure to give us a call quickly because rot can spread rapidly.

The post Wood Fencing Rot Prevention Ideas appeared first on Hercules Fence.