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Here is how to make your fencing more bird-friendly.

There are an abundance of reasons that people decide to install fences. Sometimes, they want to protect their yards. In other situations, they may want to keep wildlife away. On occasion, a fence may go up for privacy purposes. Whatever the reason may be, fencing will always serve a purpose.

Unfortunately, not every creature benefits from fencing, and birds are among the creatures that can be harmed because of them. Sometimes, birds collide with fences and can become injured, sometimes even killed if they crash with enough force. If you’re concerned for the birds in your area, there are steps you can take to make your fence more pleasant for them. Here is how to make your fencing more bird-friendly.

Add Some Ribbons to Your Fencing

Ribbons are a simple yet effective way to improve your fencing for your avian visitors.  They make it easier to notice your fence, which means there will be fewer birds crashing into it and getting hurt.

Make Sure Your Fence is Maintained

Your fence can get damaged over time, resulting in possible hazards for birds, such as jagged edges or broken wires. These can pierce through birds fairly easily, especially at the velocity at which they travel. If you maintain your fence, you’ll notice when there are broken pieces sooner rather than later. This minimizes the time during which birds could get themselves injured due to these imperfections.

Don’t Make the Fencing Any Higher Than it Needs to Be

While birds do fly, not all of them fly too highly. There are some that fly near the ground, especially when they are looking for food. Because of this, your fence shouldn’t be any taller than necessary. By keeping your fence height lower, there’s a lower chance that birds will fly into it.

Install a Brush Line

Consider installing some vegetation along your fencing line. This makes it less difficult for birds to determine when there’s an obstacle in their path, which makes it easier for them to avoid your fence. Adding some greenery also has the benefit of making your fencing look more appealing, so there’s added incentive for making this decision.

Let Hercules Fence Help Set Up The Perfect Fence For You

Hercules Fence takes pride in being experts in residential, commercial, and high-security fencing. We have been serving our clients since 1955, with only the most knowledgeable of staff. Our staff is ready to serve you from Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan area. Our branch offices are in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, and Maryland.

Visit our website to see how we can be of service to you. Also, follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Linkedin to stay up to date with our latest news.

The post Making Your Fencing More Suitable for Birds appeared first on Hercules Fence.

When installing a new fence, there are many questions to be considered. First and foremost is: What type of material do you want your fence to be? At Fence Masters, we work with aluminum, wood, wrought iron, chain link and vinyl or PVC. We are happy to help you determine what type of material is best for your residential or commercial property. 

But exactly how many gates you want at your place is more of a personal decision. While we can offer some basic help, you will have to finalize what works best for your yard. We do find that having just one gate is typically not enough for ease of use and being able to enter your yard. Homeowners definitely need to be able to access their home from more than one point, so at least two gates are vital. 

A front yard gate will allow you to leave your home from this point and allow family and friends to easily enter your back yard from your driveway. While a gate that is positioned in the back of your fence will allow for movement of items in and out of the back. Do you have a shed or outbuilding outside of your fence’s perimeter? Then a gate should be positioned near this structure so you can bring equipment and tools easily in and out of your yard. The last thing you want a new fence to do is to make working and living on your property harder!

The size and width of your gates is also an important component to consider. A slimmer-sized gate will be best in areas where mainly people will be entering and exiting. A wider gate is needed for moving anything from lawnmowers to equipment from one place to another. 

Our team understands that putting in a fence at a business may be more for security and protection and more than one gate may be seen as a vulnerable access point. That is why we also recommend that you consider commercial gate operators. You do not want your property to be a fortress that is inaccessible! Gate operators are easier to use than manual gates as they move electronically. They also are limited to those who know the keypad number or have the proper key or card, so the gates are still secure. Again, business owners need to remember that they will still want to get into their property at different points, so strategically placed gates are key to the best fence installation.

We Are Happy to Help

Our Fence Masters crew can come out and view your project plans as well as discuss over the phone what you need and want. Decisions on all aspects of your project are part of what we offer all of our customers in the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana area. Connect to us through our online contact form.  

The post appeared first on Fence Masters

Here are some of the reasons you may have accumulated fence damage.

Fences are great to have for pretty much any property. Whether you need to keep pets or kids from leaving the yard, or you want to keep intruders away, a fence will always have a purpose to serve you. Over time, fences start to get worn down, though, and eventually, you’ll start to see hints of fence damage.

You’ll want to know why your fence was damaged because you might be able to prevent future damage from happening if you know the source of the problem. Here are some of the reasons you may have accumulated fence damage.

Fence Damage from Pests

There are many critters that can pose a threat to your fence, depending on what fencing material you use. Some people are gravitating away from wooden fences because they are more susceptible to damage from wood-boring beetles, carpenter ants, and termites.

When you see damage from pests, there are a few different routes you can take towards a solution. You could get in touch with an exterminator, or you may be able to purchase a spray to fend them off, depending on the pest in question.

Holes usually form when pests damage your fence, so make sure to patch them up. Otherwise, nests could be built inside of those holes, and you could have an even bigger problem down the road.

Weathering

Weather is a common reason for fence damage. There are all kinds of weather conditions, such as high winds, snow, rain, intense heat, etc., and they can all cause different kinds of damage. For example, intense heat and sun can discolor your fence, while rain and other moisture presents risks of fence rot. Think about what weather conditions are common in your area, so you can assess what types of fence damage you should watch for more often.

Physical Force

The last way your fence could get damaged is due to physical force. This type of fence damage isn’t as likely to occur, but you still have to be ready for that possibility. It’s more likely to happen if you have any pet dogs because they might try to jump over your fence, climb on it, scratch it, or dig underneath it.

Kids can also cause problems for fences when they climb on them because it adds more strain than the posts are meant to handle.

You can try fixing the problem by installing a highly durable fence, but it also helps if you establish that it’s not okay to play with the fence so that it doesn’t sustain unnecessary pressure.

Let Hercules Fence Help Set Up The Perfect Fence For You

Hercules Fence takes pride in being experts in residential, commercial, and high-security fencing. We have been serving our clients since 1955, with only the most knowledgeable of staff. Our staff is ready to serve you from Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan area. Our branch offices are in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, and Maryland.

Visit our website to see how we can be of service to you. Also, follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Linkedin to stay up to date with our latest news.

The post Finding the Reason for Fence Damage appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Today, we will review different kinds of fencing materials so you can determine which one is best for rainy weather.

There are some places that just seem to get more rainy weather than others. If you’re trying to install a fence in a rainy climate, some materials just aren’t going to cut it. That’s why it’s important to know which materials are best suited for damp environments. So what’s the material you should use? Today, we will review different kinds of fencing materials so you can determine which one is best for rainy weather.

Wood Fencing

Wooden fences are very popular due to how aesthetically pleasing they can be and because they are available in many different designs. The question for today, though, is, “how does it perform in the rain?”

The answer is…it depends. If you’re fine putting in the work to maintain your wood fence, it can be a fine option, even in rainy areas. They need to be stained, washed and sealed every year to stay in good condition.

However, even with proper care, some environments are just not suitable for wood. Fence posts make contact with the ground, and when touching the damp ground, it’s easier for these posts to rot and warp. Consider consulting a fencing company if you aren’t sure whether or not wood will be okay as a fencing material. A local company is preferred because they will be used to the weather conditions in your area.

Wrought Iron Fencing

Wrought-iron fences promote a more classic look, and they are incredibly sturdy. Unfortunately, this sturdiness doesn’t protect wrought iron against everything, and rain can be a weakness for these types of fences. Iron is prone to rusting, and even with climates that don’t receive too much rain, rusting can happen frequently.

Your fence will have a better chance of lasting in rainy conditions if it is given good paint jobs and welds. Otherwise, we think it may be best to steer clear of wrought iron as a workable material for your fence.

Aluminum Fencing

Aluminum is one of the lighter metals out there, and many people see this as a huge advantage. There are also many grades of aluminum, allowing you to decide on a fence that suits your budget.

Keep in mind that lower-quality aluminum is more likely to rust than higher-grade aluminum. To summarize, the money you pay is the quality you get, so you may want to invest a little more money into the installation if you want to help your fence last in the rain.

Let Hercules Fence Help Set Up The Perfect Fence For You

Hercules Fence takes pride in being experts in residential, commercial, and high-security fencing. We have been serving our clients since 1955, with only the most knowledgeable of staff. Our staff is ready to serve you from Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan area. Our branch offices are in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, and Maryland.

Visit our website to see how we can be of service to you. Also, follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Linkedin to stay up to date with our latest news.

The post Which Kind of Fencing is Best for Rainy Weather? appeared first on Hercules Fence.

If you don’t already have fence post caps, we’ll go over them with you and review why they’re great for your fence.

Fences make great additions to people’s properties. Because of this, you’ll want to treat them with the utmost care and protect them as best as possible. One area that can get damaged on your fence is the fence posts. Fortunately, you can give your posts extra protection with the help of fence post caps. If you don’t already have fence post caps, we’ll go over them with you and review why they’re great for your fence.

Fence Post Caps: What are They?

Fence post caps are coverings that you install on the tops of your fence posts. They can be seen as both decorative features, as well as features that serve a vital function by keeping your fence posts protected.

These caps are available in a wide range of colors, such as white, black, or green, meaning they can be designed to complement all kinds of properties. You can also get these caps made from many materials, such as wood and vinyl.

They’re Not Just Decorative

The most susceptible area of any fence post is going to be the end grain. When the weather gets wet, the tops of the fence posts absorb the most water when compared to the other areas of your posts. When this happens, it can result in the development of moss, mildew, and mold. Eventually, rotting will occur too. On the opposite side of the coin, intense sunlight can also be a problem because it dries out your fence posts. For wooden fence posts, cracking can occur too.

This is where fence post caps come into play because they act as a personal shield to your fence posts. They protect your posts from the various effects of weather, allowing your posts to last longer and stay safer. You can stay safer as well because the rough edges of fence posts will be concealed underneath your fence post caps, making it less likely for your hands to accidentally pick up any splinters.

Some fence post caps are even good at providing protection against different kinds of wildlife. You could even get your caps spiked if you don’t want certain animals sitting on top of your posts.

Let Hercules Fence Help Set Up The Perfect Fence For You

Hercules Fence takes pride in being experts in residential, commercial, and high-security fencing. We have been serving our clients since 1955, with only the most knowledgeable of staff. Our staff is ready to serve you from Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan area. Our branch offices are in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, and Maryland.

Visit our website to see how we can be of service to you. Also, follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Linkedin to stay up to date with our latest news.

The post Reviewing Fence Post Caps and Why They’re a Great Addition to Your Fence appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Here are some Halloween decoration ideas you can try on your fence.

Are you a Halloween enthusiast? If you are, then you’ve probably set up plenty of decorations already. Whether you take the spooky route or you want to take the autumnal-themed approach, there are plenty of ways you can get your landscape ready for the holiday.

One area around your yard that you may not have thought to decorate is your fence, but there are many manners in which you can set it up to help your yard feel more festive. Here are some Halloween decoration ideas you can try on your fence.

Caution Tape

Using caution tape is a simple yet effective way to instill an ominous feeling around the border of your property. It can make your yard feel more intimidating to enter. With caution tape around your fence, who knows what spooky horrors await people in your yard?

You can also choose to add some fake spiderwebs or a “Do Not Enter” sign. Features like these will really help you push the scary aesthetic and make your home the talk of the town.

Black Cats and Bats

A couple of black cat figures and some rubber bats will help bring your haunted house to life. If passersby aren’t prepared, they might be spooked by the creepy creatures lurking around your yard. Cat figures can go at the foot of your fence, while rubber bats can be hung on the fence posts. With even a gentle breeze, any toy bats hanging from your fence will practically fly on their own!

Skeletons

Have you ever wanted your yard to feel like a graveyard? If you have, then skeletons are a great place to start. Hang some fake skeletons along your fence posts. With the bony brigade blocking the entrance to your yard, no one will dare approach your house!

Lights Can Help Create a Spooky Atmosphere

Lights are used for many purposes, and while Halloween is a night-themed holiday, you can still use them to create dramatic effects for your home. You could use string lights that are in the shape of jack-o-lanterns, for example. Another option for those who want a more realistic-looking haunted house is to light their properties with candles or lanterns. These will make your yard feel more ominous, making your yard a place where only the most courageous of people would have the nerve to enter!

Let Hercules Fence Help Set Up The Perfect Fence For You

Hercules Fence takes pride in being experts in residential, commercial, and high-security fencing. We have been serving our clients since 1955, with only the most knowledgeable of staff. Our staff is ready to serve you from Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan area. Our branch offices are in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, and Maryland.

Visit our website to see how we can be of service to you. Also, follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Linkedin to stay up to date with our latest news.

The post Halloween Fence Decorating Suggestions appeared first on Hercules Fence.

If you’ve got a wooden fence, you may not ever really give it much thought. In fact, it’s likely that no one gives it much thought! Wooden fences are classic, but they’re rarely a conversation starter because they can be boring and non-descript. Do you want to give yours a fence style upgrade? Here are some clever ideas.

• For a simple fencing upgrade, consider the white picket fence. There’s something about a traditional white picket PVC/Vinyl fence that’s wholesome and beautiful.
• Consider going rustic. On the other end of the spectrum from the tidy picket fence is the split rail fence. You can also get a rustic look with a picket fence made from unfinished wood
• Make your fence a vertical garden. For this upgrade you don’t even need to switch out your existing fence. Just fit it with a hanging system of planters and add flowers or vegetables.
• Upgrade to a more modern fencing. Go for a fence with a geometric fence that has a minimalist, sleek look. You could paint it a striking color- just make sure it fits with your neighborhood.
• Go a different direction. Fences don’t have to be horizontal or vertical only. You could just add latticework to your existing fence, for a similar but less complicated look.
• Pick an unusual size of picket. Fence panels are probably the same size all over your neighborhood. Going much wider or much narrower can create a unique look. Check the rules with your subdivision regarding fence board width requirements.
• Try something artistic. People do amazing things with their fences, from painting them to look like colored pencils to drilling holes in the fence and inserting marbles into the holes with the help of a rubber mallet. Use your imagination and you can come up with a fence look that’s uniquely yours!
• Choose something classic, yet ornamental. A beautiful aluminum or steel ornamental fence can give you the timeless look of wrought iron, for much less time and money. It’s a fence upgrade the improves curb appeal and security at the same time.

When you’re ready for a new fence, call Paramount Fence Inc. for professional installation. We’re a full-service fence sales and installation business in the Chicagoland area, proudly serving the following counties in Illinois: Kane, DuPage, Kendall, DeKalb, McHenry, and parts of Cook, Will and Lake. With more than half a century of combined experience, we’re dedicated to providing creative and affordable solutions that address our clients’ needs and fulfill their requests. Paramount Fence Inc is a member of the American Fence Association and a registered member of the Better Business Bureau. For more information, call us at 630.239.2714 or contact us through our website.

The post When Your fence Deserves a Lovely Style Upgrade appeared first on Paramount Fence.

If you’re trying to get your sagging fence gate repaired, here are the steps you will want to take.

Do you have a sagging fence gate? If you do, getting it repaired as quickly as possible is the best thing you can do. If you take too much time to make repairs, further damage will accumulate, and it will become more costly and time-intensive to get everything fixed. It could also get more damage and cause security concerns for you. If you’re trying to get your sagging fence gate repaired, here are the steps you will want to take.

Determine if Repairs are the Best Solution for Your Fence Gate

Inspecting your gate will provide some insight into whether or not performing repairs will be the most effective solution for your problem. Take a look at your fence posts, as well as your gate’s structure, and look at the damage. Do you have rotting wood that can’t be fixed? Are the hinges the issue? Knowing the reason that your fence gate is sagging will make it easier to determine if you can make repairs or if you need an entirely new gate.

Replace the Loose Parts That are Holding Your Sagging Fence Gate

A common source of sagging gate concerns will be your fence posts. Soil erosion is a common issue, and this occurs when soil freezes and starts shifting. While we’re still in the middle of fall, and this is a problem most common in winter, it’s something you’ll want to consider as we inch closer to the next season.

When soil erosion occurs, your fence posts could come loose, which means your posts can’t keep your fence gate supported anymore. This is what ultimately causes your gate to sag.

Get your gate removed from your post and then remove the post from your fence while keeping your fence supported. After that, you should excavate your post out of the soil and see if it has sustained damage.

Lastly, get the hole fixed with pea gravel and soil, slide the post back to where it was, and reattach your fence. The hinges and gate should be refitted so your fence can go back to how it was.

Hinges Could be the Source of the Problem

If your hinges aren’t good quality, they could be the reason for your fence gate’s sagging problems. Hinges tend to rust, and eventually, they will come away from your fence post or gate.

Remove your gate from your post so you can get the hinges replaced. When you replace the hinges, be sure you invest in high-quality ones.

Let Hercules Fence Help Set Up The Perfect Fence For You

Hercules Fence takes pride in being experts in residential, commercial, and high-security fencing. We have been serving our clients since 1955, with only the most knowledgeable of staff. Our staff is ready to serve you from Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan area. Our branch offices are in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, and Maryland.

Visit our website to see how we can be of service to you. Also, follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Linkedin to stay up to date with our latest news.

The post Getting Your Sagging Fence Gate Repaired appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Today, we’re going to look at how leaves can cause damage to your fence and gate so you can stop this damage from appearing in the first place.

Leaves are one of the most captivating aspects of the fall season. They are a spectacle to watch as they fall from the trees around you, and they can be fun for kids as they jump into leaf piles. However, there are problems that these leaves can present, and one problem that can arise is damage on your fence and gate. Today, we’re going to look at how leaves can cause damage to your fence and gate so you can stop this damage from appearing in the first place.

Water Retention

Usually, water doesn’t present itself as a problem because it will evaporate your fence fairly quickly. Water evaporates more quickly when leaves aren’t around because your fencing gets plenty of exposure to the air.

If leaves have a chance to pile around your fencing, however, moisture retention becomes more problematic. Leaves hold in water more easily, and they prevent your fencing from getting as much air exposure. This means your fence will hold water for a longer period of time, and this makes it more likely for your fence to develop water damage.

Dirt

If there are leaves around the edges of your fence, water will splash up frequently anytime there is rainy weather. This results in streaks of dirt developing along your fence’s bottom. Keeping leaves off of your fencing will stop this dirt from ever accumulating.

Pest Damage

Leaves serve to attract a wide range of different insects to your fencing. This is mainly because of the water-retaining properties of leaves. Insects will be drawn to the water that leaves hold.

Leaves do more than offer water to insects, though. They also serve as shelter, and there are many insects that will bury inside of your fencing if there are leaves nearby. Keeping leaves off of your fence is important for ensuring that insects never turn your fence into their new home.

Bad Drainage

You’ll want water flowing away from your house, and it will typically flow down a specified path. Leaves can cause disruptions, however. With enough leaves around your property, water may have a tough time escaping your property. Clearing out your leaves will ensure your drainage system works as it should.

Let Hercules Fence Help Set Up The Perfect Fence For You

Hercules Fence takes pride in being experts in residential, commercial, and high-security fencing. We have been serving our clients since 1955, with only the most knowledgeable of staff. Our staff is ready to serve you from Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan area. Our branch offices are in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, and Maryland.

Visit our website to see how we can be of service to you. Also, follow us on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Linkedin to stay up to date with our latest news.

The post How a Fence and Gate Can be Damaged by Leaves appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Keeping your children safe inside and outside your home is your top priority as a parent! Smaller children are especially curious and little explorers, and you want to feel confident in letting them roam around your property and enjoy all of the treasures of being outside, such as bug hunts, playing tag and feeling free! If you are planning to install a new fence, consider the characteristics of your choice of fencing materials, so you can sit back and relax and let your little ones have fun.

Vinyl and aluminum are top choices for families with small kids. Vinyl is especially great as not only a secure perimeter, but also a smooth material that will not become a hazard over time as it possibly breaks down. Vinyl is easy to maintain and clean as well for you as it just needs a rinse or an occasional scrubbing with soap and water. It is a sturdy material that will stand up to weather and years of standing tall in your yard. Aluminum is also a good option, but select the style that has smooth surfaces, tops and edges. 

While many of our clients here at Fence Masters enjoy the classic look of a wood or wrought iron fence, the material’s possible hazards should be contemplated by those with little kids. Wood can leave splinters behind in the hands of curious toddlers and wrought iron can have sharp edges. As we do have our own in-house iron-weld shop, we are able to customize your pieces and create a beautiful and safe finish for your fence.

Be Mindful of Your Gate Selection

Any parent of a toddler or preschooler knows how they love to open and close anything! Learning how their actions cause reactions is a key element of growth and development. It is imperative to have a gate that latches securely, so your children can play freely without you worrying about them or having to watch over them every second of their playtime. Our team also works with electronic gate operators that feature electronic entry systems to add another layer of security. Needing a keycode can also keep intruders out as well.

Keeping Climbers Inside

If your small child was not deterred by the crib’s walls, then you probably have a climber! Climbers can get places that you would not even think of, and outside that can be a concern when it comes to your fencing. You do not want areas that could serve as footholds to go up and over. Smooth surfaces do not offer a way to encourage this climbing behavior.

Our Team Can Help

Design and material decisions can be difficult. Have a conversation with one of our team members about what you are needing and wanting from your new fence. We will take these into consideration and guide you toward a decision. Reach out to us today through our online form.

The post appeared first on Fence Masters