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To maximize the longevity of your wood fence, here is what you can do.

A wood fence can be a captivating home feature for any yard. On top of extra aesthetic appeal, these fences raise your home’s security levels, making them useful for a variety of situations.

Wooden fences will usually last somewhere in the ballpark of 15 years, but if you take good care of them, that life expectancy could rise up to as many as 20 years, if not more. To maximize the longevity of your wood fence, here is what you can do.

Make Annual Inspections and Repairs

Every year, take it upon yourself to go around your yard and look at your fence. See if your wood fence has sustained any damage throughout the year. Are there boards that have broken? Do you have loose nails? Do screws need to be tightened? These are some of the questions you should ponder when performing your inspection.

In some instances, you will have to make repairs to keep your wood fence in good condition. Broken posts may have to be replaced. For split, cracked, or chipped wood, a waterproof glue should be used to help seal the fence together, which will keep it from deteriorating any further.

You also need a solid drainage system in place so that water doesn’t gather around your fence after a rainstorm. The soil that’s at the base of your fencing has to be packed down firmly, and it should have a slope that points away from the fence itself.

Keep Your Wood Fence Cleaned

Make sure that you’re cleaning your wood either every two or three years. Get rid of any dirt, mildew, moss, and other debris that may have accumulated on your fencing. After that, a UV-resistant and water-resistant coating can be applied to the surface. Once you’ve finished making any repairs that need to be made, scrape off all of the peeling paint you have on the fence, as well as whatever debris still exists, until the new wood is exposed.

After that, you’ll want to clean your fence. Some suggest using a pressure washer for this, or you can always get professional assistance with the cleaning process.

If you see mold on your wood fence, you can deal with it by using a mixture of mild detergent and bleach. The mixture should be roughly ⅕ bleach to ⅘ detergent. Once you have the solution ready, spray it on the fence and wait one hour before you start washing. This deals with mold spores and keeps them from re-growing.

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 Increasing the Longevity of Your Wood Fence appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Here are some problems fencing can have that can lead to dogs escaping your yard.

When you have a fence around your yard, it gives you the freedom to let your dog out and get some fresh air. Or so you might think. While many fences can keep dogs safely in your yard, others might not be as capable of containing your pet. Fences that have significant damage are easier to bypass, meaning dogs have an easier time escaping and getting into danger. Here are some problems fencing can have that can lead to dogs escaping your yard.

Footholds

While footholds don’t signal anything is wrong with the fence itself, they do present a risk to any dogs you may have. If dogs can find places in your fencing where they can plant their paws, it makes climbing over the fence much easier.

For this reason, it’s often best to use a solid fence. Solid fences won’t have spaces in them that could make scaling them easier.

Watch Out for Items Near Your Fencing

Sometimes, the fence itself can help your dog climb over it. Other times, though, your dog could get over your fence with the help of nearby items that could act as stepping stools. Keep boxes, trash cans, and other items that can be climbed away from your fence so that your dog can’t launch off of them and escape.

Dogs Can Squeeze Into Spaces Beneath Your Fencing

Not every dog is going to try jumping over your fence to get out of the yard. Some dogs will opt for the more covert approach and look to get under your fence by fitting through spaces towards the bottom. There are many stimuli that can pique a dog’s curiosity, whether it be a delicious aroma from a neighbor’s backyard barbecue or the bark of another neighbor’s dog.

You need to make sure that both the top and bottom of your fence cannot be bypassed. It’s impressive how creative dogs can get with their escape routes, so you have to take every precaution to prevent them from getting out. Leaving anything to chance may give your dog the opportunity to get out of your yard and get into danger.

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 Fencing Risks That Can Lead to Escapes From Your Dogs appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Learn about some of the cheaper options you have for fences you can build around your home.

Many homeowners are already aware of the many perks fencing can provide. Whether you want more security or you want to make your house look better, there will always be a fence style for you. But what fences work best on a budget? Learn about some of the cheaper options you have for fences you can build around your home.

Split Rail Fences

Split rail fencing is often used around ranches and farms. They do well at corralling animals and marking the boundaries of your property. With that said, you don’t have to be on a farm to get use out of split rail fencing. It can still work perfectly fine for any home.

Chain-Link Fences

Not everyone likes the look of chain-link fences. Some think they can be a little ugly. However, that doesn’t have to be the case. Chain-link fencing can be installed with any number of colors, and you can pair your fence with some wooden accents to help improve its visual appeal. That’s the beauty of chain-link fencing. It’s a cheap fencing option with pure simplicity, and with that simplicity, you give yourself so much versatility.

Vinyl Fencing

This is a more modern fencing style people have been adopting. Vinyl started off not being so interesting to people. It was unappealing to people because vinyl was said to look cheaper than other fencing options, such as metal and wood.

Nowadays, though, vinyl fencing looks beautiful, and you can still have it installed for a respectable price. It’s a type of fencing that doesn’t have to worry about termites, and you can paint it in all sorts of colors.

Wrought Iron Fences

Wrought iron fencing isn’t seen as the cheapest fencing option available. However, if you want to try to minimize your expenses, you can use hedging with your wrought iron fence to make it more affordable. There are plainly vertical posts you could use, or you could go with ornate balusters instead. No matter which you pick, though, wrought iron fencing offers a captivating appearance that is sure to improve your home’s overall aesthetic appeal.

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 Cheap Fences Homeowners Can Install to Save Money appeared first on Hercules Fence.

As experts in our field, one of the most common questions the contractors at Fence Masters is regarding the value a new fence can add to a home. From enhancing your home’s security to adding privacy to your yard, a high-quality fence plays many integral roles, so surely they have an impact on your home’s value, right? 

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as straightforward as many would like. However, since fences are what we know best, the experts at Fence Masters may be able to help you determine how much value a fence installed by our team can add. Keep reading to discover the value your fence can add to the asking price of your home.

So, How Much Value Can a Fence Add?

While it’s not likely you’ll find hard and fast numbers on the amount a quality fence will add to your home’s value, there’s no doubt that there is monetary gain to be found in a high-quality fence. Depending on the fence material, condition, and your home’s location, the value your fence can add to your home can vary.

While we can’t tell you definitively just home your fence can tack on to your asking price, there are several ways you can maximize the value of your fence:

• Proper Fence Maintenance: Stay on top of your fence maintenance if you want to get the most bang for your buck with your fence. Making the necessary repairs, adding a fresh coat of paint, and taking care of rust and moss growth are ways to keep your fence in fantastic condition and draw in buyers.
• Professional Installation: A DIY fence installation may be fulfilling at the moment, but it can be detrimental to your asking price when it comes to listing your home. Having a professional fencing company such as Fence Masters install your fence is a sure-fire way to add some dollars to your home’s price.
• Size: Are you fencing off a small portion of your yard for a garden? Or will it encompass your entire backyard or property? The amount of space in your fence can impact the amount you can add to your asking price. While you may see value in fencing just a small portion of your yard, potential buyers may not see it the same way. A temporary or easy-to-remove fence is better for smaller areas and will not clash with a permanent fence that you install around your yard.

More Than Monetary Gain

A fence adds more than monetary value to your home. The functionality is a significant boost to both purpose and interest value. Buyers who are looking for a home to grow their family will be more interested in viewing homes that are child and pet-ready. A high-quality fence that is already professionally installed will draw more serious buyers to view your home. Recruiting Fence Masters to install a fence or replace your current out-of-date or unsightly one before listing on the market, especially in family-friendly neighborhoods, is a great way to gain potential buyers’ attention while also adding some dollars to your home. 

So, does installing a fence add value to your home? Of course! Whether you’re looking for monetary or functional value, you cannot go wrong with a new fence professionally installed by the contractors at Fence Masters can help you gain what you’re looking for. Contact our Chicagoland fence contractors for a free estimate.

The post appeared first on Fence Masters

Are you getting ready for a new fencing project? Maybe you have some fencing ideas that would suit your yard nicely? Perhaps there is an old fence that you’ve been waiting to tear down. Whatever the reason, there is a lot of work that goes into setting up a new fence. Your fence will stay up for many years, ideally, so you want to be sure the fencing project goes well. That will require proper preparation. Here is what you can do to start getting ready for your new fencing project.

Your fence will stay up for many years, ideally, so you want to be sure the fencing project goes well — this requires proper preparation.

Determine a Spot That Would Benefit From Fencing

Before any fencing project begins, you should determine if you need a fence in the first place. Take a little bit of time to walk around your yard and see if any spots could use fencing. Perhaps some areas could benefit from some additional privacy. In some cases, such as with pools, you’re legally required to have fences surrounding them. Whatever your circumstances are, you want to be sure that it’s worth getting a fence at all before you start an installation.

Think About Fencing Materials

A lot of people may default to wood fencing when thinking about possible fencing materials they could use. However, there are all kinds of materials you can use. Wooden fences are classics for sure, but there are more modern options as well, such as vinyl fencing, which tends to demand less maintenance on your end. Iron fences could be excellent for security purposes if that’s a concern that you have. Whatever role your fence is serving, make sure you pick a material that helps your fence satisfy that role.

Review Laws Put in Place By The Homeowners Association

Before you start a fencing project, ask yourself if the fence you’re installing follows all of the regulations in your area. If you don’t take the time to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations for what you can install, you may find yourself tearing down your fence midway through the fencing project. Plus, you could have to pay a hefty fee. 

Bringing in the help of a professional fencing company can be a great idea because professionals will be up-to-date on all of the latest regulations, plus they can help you with the installation process.

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 to Start Preparing for a New Fencing Project appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Of the many myths that abound about vinyl fencing, here are the five most common and the truth to set your mind at ease.

If you’ve already decided that a new or replacement fence is in the plan for this year, you’re likely at the stage where you are choosing your fencing material. The traditional choice for residential fencing is wood, but that doesn’t make it the best option for your particular needs. Another very popular choice is vinyl, but some homeowners are wary of this option because of the misinformation that surrounds it. Of the many myths that abound about vinyl fencing, here are the five most common and the truth to set your mind at ease.

Vinyl Isn’t Customizable

If you think that all vinyl fences look the same, then you either aren’t looking hard enough, or you’re mistaking vinyl for some other material. The fact is that vinyl comes in a variety of colors, and vinyl fences are available in many different heights, styles, and colors. Vinyl is among the most versatile and option-rich fencing materials on the market, and you will absolutely be able to find a beautiful vinyl fence that matches your style and aesthetic and boosts your curb appeal.

Vinyl Isn’t “Green”

If you’re worried about how environmentally friendly your fencing material is, vinyl is a great choice. Many people assume it is not a “green” product because it is a plastic. High-quality vinyl fencing can be a great “green” choice, however, because it doesn’t leach chemicals into the soil, doesn’t deplete a natural resource, and may even be recyclable in your community.

Vinyl Fades

This particular myth is a persistent one that goes back to the early days of vinyl. Early in its use, vinyl did fade after years of weathering and sun exposure. Today, however, thanks to advancements in material production, high-quality vinyl doesn’t fade. If you see newer vinyl products that fade in the sun, they are a low-quality, inferior vinyl type.

Vinyl Fencing Is High-Maintenance

Since vinyl fences require very little maintenance, a simple cleaning about once a year, it’s not really clear where this myth comes from. You don’t have to sand, stain, or paint vinyl fencing, and the work of cleaning it can be done in an easy afternoon.

Vinyl Fencing Isn’t Sturdy

The myth that vinyl fencing isn’t sturdy is as strong and long-lasting as vinyl fencing – in a word, very. When it is high-quality and properly installed, vinyl fencing can withstand almost any weather. And, since it doesn’t rot or rust, over the years, it will stay as strong and sturdy as the day you had it installed.

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 Debunking Myths Revolving Around Vinyl Fencing appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Temporary fencing has many uses that make it perfect for protecting your property when you aren’t around.

There are many responsibilities that come with owning a property. Mowing the lawn and keeping the building clean won’t be enough to keep the property in good condition. Sometimes, you won’t be around to take care of your property, and you might need some extra protection while you’re away. A fence would be a solid solution, but you don’t want to pour money into a permanent fence if you’re only going to be gone for a little while. Being away won’t always be a problem, but when you are, temporary fencing is always a solution. Temporary fencing has many uses that make it perfect for protecting your property when you aren’t around.

You Decide Who Enters and Exits Your Landscape

If you aren’t able to keep watch on who’s leaving and entering your property, you need to have measures put in place to regulate access to the area. Temporary fencing works well in this situation because it can keep unwanted guests away. If you don’t believe that a fence will suffice on its own, you could also get a locking system installed.

Temporary Fencing Keeps Vandalism From Occurring

For some people who own property, vandalism may be a concern. Fortunately, temporary fencing can help you combat this issue. It becomes more difficult for vandals to break in and cause damage to your belongings. If your possessions don’t get damaged, you save money that you would otherwise have to spend getting things replaced.

Temporary Fencing is Cost-Effective

It can be expensive installing a permanent fence on your property, and there’s a chance you don’t need to have fencing all of the time. If you have permanent fencing, not only is it pricier to install, but it also demands more of your time due to all of the maintenance requirements that come with having it. Temporary fencing is a much more practical solution when you don’t need fencing all of the time. You can simply rent it for however much time you need. Then, when you’re done with it, you can have the fence returned. This will help you save a large amount of money.

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 The Uses That Temporary Fencing Has For Your Property appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Here is how you’re able to prevent your dog from getting past your fence.

For those who have dogs as pets, you might have decided to install a fence around your yard to keep them from running away and getting into danger. Unfortunately, fences don’t always keep dogs contained. Many dogs will attempt to jump over a fence or consider digging underneath it, and you need to be sure your fence will keep your dog in the yard no matter what. Here is how you’re able to prevent your dog from getting past your fence.

Get Rid of Anything That Helps Them Escape

Dogs can be quite cunning. You’d be surprised how resourceful they can be. They can use everyday items to help escape your yard. What looks like an ordinary garbage can to you could be seen as a stepstool in the eyes of your dog. Firewood could be used in a similar manner. They could even get out with the aid of low-hanging tree branches. You have to be sure that there is nothing in the vicinity that would help your dog get past your fence.

Limit Your Dog’s View

When your dog is able to see what’s on the other side of your fence, they get the motivation to make the escape. They might find other dogs, people taking walks, or squirrels wandering about, all of which would encourage them to try to get out.

There are a couple of ways you can limit your dog’s view beyond the fence. If you have chain-link fencing, you could add plastic slats to help limit visibility. Sometimes, planting fast-growing vines is the way to go, which adds extra aesthetic appeal to the yard in the process.

Stopping Dogs From Digging Under Your Fence

Many dogs trying to dig beneath your fence are resilient. It’s not often enough to simply fill in the holes that they dig, and this can get tiring when you end up doing it every single day. What you need is a more permanent fix to the problem. An L-footer is a great solution for this issue. You can get a fencing company to help set one up for you. These are handy because they can cut dogs off from the areas where they would attempt digging. If you let grass grow on top of these structures, just keep that in mind when cutting the grass because you don’t want to accidentally mow over them.

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 to Keep Dogs From Getting Past Your Fence appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Here is what you’ll want to do before you get your chain-link fencing installed.

Chain-link fencing is wonderful for many yards to have. They help define your home’s boundaries while granting you much-needed privacy and protection. This is useful for many reasons, such as being able to peacefully work in a garden or for allowing children to play without worry.

Before you can install your fence, however, you have to consider a couple of factors. If you aren’t careful, you’ll end up running into complications that will slow down the progression of your installation. Here is what you’ll want to do before you get your chain-link fencing installed.

Learn About The Regulations In Your Area

It would be unfortunate if you were getting your chain-link fencing installed only to find out halfway through the project that you weren’t complying with the local regulations. That’s why you should speak with a fencing company before you get the installation started. They will know what regulations are in effect so that you can make sure your fence is in compliance with all of the rules.

Prioritize the Function of Your Fence Above All Else

After knowing what it takes to stay in compliance with your area, you’ll want to establish what the function of your chain-link fencing will be. Are you going for beauty, or do you value security more than anything? These factors will influence how tall your fence will be, as well as what building materials should be used to satisfy your needs.

Inform Your Neighbors About the Installation

Sometimes, people will get so caught up in the idea of installing chain-link fencing that they forget to consider what their neighbors might think of the idea. Remember that your fence will also impact your neighbors, so it’s a good idea to let them know ahead of time about the installation. This will give you and your neighbors time to coordinate the installation in such a manner so as not to upset anyone in the process. On top of not wanting to upset anyone, you may even find that your neighbors have great input for you that can help your chain-link fencing installation go more smoothly and leave you more satisfied with the final result.

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 Steps to Take When Installing Chain-Link Fencing appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Here is what you should know about placing your fencing before you begin your installation.

There’s a lot of thought that goes into a fence installation. One of the concerns you’ll have is making sure your fence doesn’t cause problems with your neighbors. It’s important to know how close a fence can be to your property line without causing trouble. Here is what you should know about placing your fencing before you begin your installation.

Determine Your Property Lines Before Installing Fencing

Boundaries must be established so that your fencing doesn’t intrude on your neighbor’s property. To get an understanding of your property lines, you’ll have to look at your house line drawing. This is something you may have received when you bought the property, or you could’ve gotten it from your county deed.

Contact a land surveyor if you don’t have a copy around because you don’t want your fence to go over your property line. You may have to pay anywhere between $500 and $1,000 for their services, but that’s significantly less money than what would have to be spent rebuilding your entire fence or dealing with disputes with your neighbors in a courtroom setting.

Check Rules & Regulations

The rules and regulations in place for your location will determine how far back your fence will have to be. These rules will be determined by your homeowner’s association, and it’s important to stay current on what all of their rules are. If you don’t follow the rules they set in place, you could face serious consequences and fines, and your property value can plummet.

Fencing can usually be installed between 2 and 8 inches away from your property line, but this distance will vary from place to place.

Keep in mind that you are still held responsible for any parts that are outside of your fence and still in your possession. In other words, you have to maintain the lawn around the fence. It is not your neighbor’s responsibility.

If you and your neighbor are both excited about the idea of a fence, you could potentially split costs and maintenance requirements. However, you can’t assume that is how your neighbor will feel. You don’t want to run into legal trouble and be forced to rebuild your fence.

Consult with Fencing Professionals

Before you go through with a fencing installation, it doesn’t hurt to speak with different authorities to guarantee that your fence is installed in a valid place. People you should contact include the president of your homeowner’s association, realtors, neighbors, fence installation companies, and local government representatives.

Contacting all of these people will help you determine how close to the property line your fence can be, as well as figure out an appropriate size and height for your fence.

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 Avoid Neighbor Disputes When Installing Fencing appeared first on Hercules Fence.