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If you’re struggling to decide on either wood or vinyl fencing, here are some comparisons to make the choice easier.

What product will be best for a new fence? To answer this question, you have to consider many factors. What weather will it have to endure? What’s the lifespan of your material? Can it handle pests, rotting, and decay? The material used for your fencing will determine how much mileage and enjoyment you get from it. For many homeowners, they choose between wood and vinyl fencing. Both have their merits and shortcomings. If you’re struggling to decide on either wood or vinyl fencing, here are some comparisons to make the choice easier.

Maintenance

Wood fencing is often more demanding. After the installation, you have to repaint and restain it to keep your fence presentable. You’ll also have to deal with warping and rotting, which will often require you to replace damaged boards.

Vinyl fencing requires nearly no maintenance at all. The most you’ll likely have to do is use a hose to keep it clean. Besides that, your fence can hold its own for a long time without you having to put forth too much effort.

Cost of Wood Vs. Vinyl Fencing

This topic has multiple layers to it. Wood fencing has a lower upfront cost to it, making it perfect for short-term use. However, if you’re going to have a wood fence for many years, the costs will start piling up over time. You’ll have to pay to replace boards as they get damaged, and there will also be costs for paint and staining over the years.

Vinyl fencing is more expensive initially. However, once the installation is complete, you won’t have to worry about additional expenses down the road.

How Wood and Vinyl Fencing Look

Very few fences rival the appearance of a classic wooden fence. Wood has been used for fences for many years, and it’s no secret why. They have a traditional American feel to them, and they can easily make your building more warm and inviting. As long as you’re willing to put in the work to take care of your fence, your outdoor landscape will have a captivating look to it for years to come.

Vinyl fencing also has the ability to look stunning. It now comes in many different styles and colors. Some fences can even replicate the appearance of wood, so you don’t have to miss out on that traditional look.

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.

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Here are the main problems that come with DIY fence installations, and why professional help is needed.

DIY fence installations can be amazing! You get that feeling of accomplishment from tackling a project yourself. Once the project is complete, you can take pride in saying that you handled everything on your own. Unfortunately, this is not usually how DIY projects play out, and you will need to get professional help for your project.

More often than not, DIY fence installations don’t go as planned. People get their hopes up that they will be able to do everything they set out to do, but they may overlook some problems that can pop up that stop them from completing their project. Here are the main problems that come with DIY fence installations, and why professional help is needed.

Building the Wrong Type of Fence

You have to do a lot of research before installing a fence, and it’s easy to mess up which materials you need for the installation. You have to think about many things, such as zoning restrictions and what could be hazardous to your fence.

Getting professional help is often best because a fencing company will understand all of the restrictions in your area. They’ll likely ask you questions as well, such as whether animals need to be kept inside or outside of the fence. Fencing companies will use all of the information about your area to determine which fence is best for you.

Not Anchoring Down Anchor Posts to the Proper Depth

Your posts are what give your fence strength. It’s important to know how deeply the posts need to be planted. Your posts also have to be braced for whatever type of fence you get. Many people who try installing fences themselves will attach the fence prematurely, causing the whole structure to fail. With professional help from a fencing company, you won’t run into this problem.

Installing a Fence Beyond Your Own Property

This problem can get messy before long if your neighbor isn’t very understanding. You should never install anything of yours on someone else’s property, but some people don’t pay attention to where their property ends, and a neighbor’s property begins.

With professional help from a fencing contractor, you’ll get the help you need to clarify your property borders so that you don’t unintentionally anger your neighbors.

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 Problems With D.I.Y. Fence Installations That Prove Professional Help is Best appeared first on Hercules Fence.

One of the great things about installing a new fence is that you have the opportunity to increase your curb appeal. Because of that, the color you stain it is extremely important. Your fence greatly impacts the look of your property, so you want it to beautifully complement your home and landscaping. How do you choose the right color?

• First, of course, you should consider the rest of your property. Look at the colors on other structures, including your house, deck, pergola, or any other structures you may have on your property. Choosing a fence stain color that matches or at least complements the colors of these other elements can make sure it doesn’t look out of place. Choosing to paint the fence to match the trim color on the outside of the house is another perfectly viable option.
• Remember that stains can look different in a sample than they’ll eventually look on your fence. First, you’ll want to test the stain color on the wood you’re planning to stain, because the color may be different than the in-store wood swatch. If you have wood scraps left over, that’s perfect, but if not, look for an inconspicuous testing area. Remember that stains fade over time, so the color you choose should be one that will still look right with the other structures, even after it’s faded to a lighter hue.
• Lighting and area have an impact on the stain color as well. The fluorescent lighting of a hardware store is not going to give you a true feel for how a stain or paint will look once it’s in your home environment. Consider whether the area you’re staining is in sun or shade, and look at the stain in the exact light where it will eventually be installed.
• Size matters when it comes to choosing a color. Color on a small swatch is going to look different than when that color is applied to a large fence. Bear in mind that dark colors tend to make small spaces look smaller, and lighter colors make areas look larger and more spacious.
• Don’t forget your HOA. If your neighborhood has a homeowner’s association or neighborhood association, there are probably rules in place regarding approved stain colors. Do your research, to avoid having to strip your fence and redo it because you chose a color that’s against the rules.

If you’re ready for a new fence, call Paramount Fence Inc. for professional installation. A full-service fence sales and installation business in the Chicagoland area, 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 What Color Should You Stain Your Fence appeared first on Paramount Fence.

Find out whether you should get permanent or temporary fencing.

Fencing comes in many varieties, and the type of fence you select will be dependent on where the fence is installed and how long you need it. It’s perfect for making areas more appealing, private, and safe. So, do you need a fence that lasts for years, or do you only need one for the short term? Find out whether you should get permanent or temporary fencing.

Temporary Fencing

Temporary fencing is used for the reasons you might expect. It’s used when you don’t need a border forever. These fences are installed and removed with ease, meaning they aren’t any hassle. Most kinds of temporary fencing are made from chain link panels. These panels are supported with braces and feet instead of being placed into the ground like permanent fences.

There are many settings that are appropriate for temporary fencing. Construction sites use temporary fencing all of the time. They only need the fence to last until construction is complete. The quick installation and removal of the fence also means people can get to work immediately instead of having to spend too much time on the fence setup.

Traveling carnivals also make use of temporary fences. The fences help guide people to different attractions, and they can prevent people from entering the premises without a ticket.

Other people use temporary fencing at weddings and other private gatherings. With a fence around the venue, unwanted guests will have no way to crash your gathering. You’ll have the privacy you need to enjoy whatever event you’re hosting. Once it’s over, taking down the fence is a breeze.

Permanent Fencing

It will likely not be a surprise what permanent fencing is; it’s fencing that is meant to stay wherever it’s installed. Permanent fencing is better to use in vastly different scenarios from temporary fencing.

Many homes surround themselves with permanent fencing as a means of protecting their property. Some even use fencing as a means of bolstering their building’s aesthetic.

Public areas also make great use of permanent fences. Businesses use them for similar reasons as the people who install fences around their homes. Playgrounds use them to keep children contained in a safe space where they can’t wander from their caregivers. The same goes for schools and daycares, among other facilities that are designed to protect young kids.

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 Picking Between Permanent and Temporary Fencing appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Wood fencing is a great traditional choice in terms of look and charm.

If you’re looking to install or replace the fence on your property this year, there is a lot that goes into the decision. You may be looking at fence installation on personal or business property, and the fundamental qualities are going to be the same: strength, stability, privacy, and protection within your budget. For many people, the search for these qualities brings them to the tried, true, and traditional choice of wood fencing.

Is Wood The Right Choice?

Wood fencing is a great traditional choice in terms of look and charm, but it does require maintenance over the years. Other choices, like vinyl, don’t require maintenance but have a larger up-front cost. Once you decide that wood is the way to go, you may still have to choose between multiple wood types. These options will each give a unique look to the fence, so be sure to talk to your contractor about what is available to you.

How Do You Prepare?

The best choice when it comes to installing fencing is to hire a professional. You can choose to DIY this type of project if you have the skills, tools, and know-how, but hiring a professional is best. When you’re looking for a professional, look for a company with a proven track record of satisfied clients, and one that offers great customer service and support when you call. Once you choose a company, there may be a few things you need to do, such as cleaning your yard of debris and toys or furniture that might get in the way. You also might have to check with other governing bodies, like your home owner’s association, if you have one (your company should know what permits they need and how to get them). Finally, you should talk to your neighbors, letting them know about the fence project and making sure they are aware of the date and start time for the work.

Will There Be Maintenance?

Wood fencing does require maintenance, specifically periodic staining and sealing. This work will protect your wood fencing and keep it from rotting or otherwise deteriorating as the years go on. You will also need to periodically check your fence for any signs of damage, like loose or broken boards and clear away leaves, branches or debris that accumulates around it.

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 Get Ready for Your Wood Fencing Installation appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Your fence is a valuable addition to your property, adding security, privacy, and curb appeal, and even raising your property value. However, without the proper maintenance, your fence can become the source of problems. You’ll want to keep it clean and in good repair so that it remains attractive and secure, but it’s also important to think about how fence maintenance can help keep pests away from your yard.

• Keep the vegetation trimmed. Thick bushes and tall grass make perfect hiding spots for ants, fleas, spiders, and mosquitos. Your grass should be mowed or trimmed weekly or bi-weekly, and bushes and trees should be trimmed away from your fence and house.
• Debris also provides places to hide. Fallen limbs, dead plants, sticks, rocks, and other yard trash can create breeding grounds for pests, including cockroaches, rodents, snakes, and raccoons. If your fence falls into disrepair, it can become part of the problem, creating debris that hides pests. Pay attention, especially if you’re seeing excessive moisture on your fence.
• Prevent standing water, to control pests. Any containers with water that doesn’t circulate should be emptied, but it’s also important to notice any puddles in your yard. Fill in any gaps under the fence, to help prevent mosquitoes and other pests.
• Wash your fence. When you give your fence a good cleaning, you reveal any potential trouble spots. Pressure wash a wooden fence, but be cautious about using a pressure washer on vinyl, because it can chip and dent. Aluminum fences can be hosed down, and wrought iron should be cleaned with car soap or dishwashing liquid.
• Know which pests are a danger to your fence. Wooden fences are obviously most at risk from things like carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and termites. That’s why they need additional protection from these insects.
• Wooden fences also benefit from sealing. While creosote, a tar-derived compound, used to be the standard to seal wooden fences against pests, sun, and moisture, today there are many other, more ecologically sound, products on the market. Look for a sealant that protects against water, pests, and UV rays.
• There are natural ways to repel insects like termites. Boric acid, for instance, can keep termites from eating your fence if you mix it with a chemical solvent like propylene glycol and apply it to the wood. If you’re installing a new fence, consider woods like cedar or redwood, which naturally repel insects.

If you’re ready for a new fence, call Paramount Fence Inc. for professional installation. A full-service fence sales and installation business in the Chicagoland area, 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 Tips for Protecting Your Fence Against Pests appeared first on Paramount Fence.

If you don’t know when a fence repair is needed, here are some signs that will indicate that it’s time.

Is your fence starting to get worn down? Are there spots on your fence that are curving or falling apart as it continues to age? If so, there is a good chance a fence repair is needed. No matter what material is used to build your fence, it’s only a matter of time until it becomes unable to stand up to the elements. If you don’t know when a fence repair is needed, here are some signs that will indicate that it’s time.

Broken or Damaged Fence Boards

Keep a close eye on your fence boards. Over time, they’ll start to show signs of damage caused by exposure to the weather. Once this happens, replace your boards immediately. Broken boards are not only an eyesore on your fence, but they also pose a safety hazard. Broken fence boards don’t offer the same level of protection since there will be holes that allow people to get through your fence. There may also be jagged edges that can cut people. To get this problem addressed, contact your local fence repair company. They can find the cause of the problem and resolve it, so it doesn’t happen again.

Leaning Fence

If your fence is in bad shape, it may start leaning to one side. Sometimes, all it takes is some reinforcing of your fence posts. However, for a majority of the time, it will be a more serious issue. It is likely that your wood is starting to wear out, which will require you to install a brand new fence before your old one completely collapses.

Insect Damage

This is a problem specific to wooden fences. Pests have a way of getting into your fencing if you’re not careful, and it can cause your fence to rapidly deteriorate. The best thing you can do is take precautions and avoid having insect damage in the first place.

If they have already gotten to your fence, though, you’ll notice it right away. You’ll see tiny holes where they’ve gnawed on your fence, or they will turn your fence into their home. To deal with insect problems, it’s not enough to deal with your fence; you also have to handle the insects so that they don’t damage your fence again. A fence repair company will likely be able to help you with these types of problems.

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 Signs That You Should Get a Fence Repair appeared first on Hercules Fence.