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One of the most charming things about fall is how well the season lends itself to decorations. You may have decorated your porch and hung a wreath on your door, but have you considered sprucing up your fence? If you’ve got a wooden fence, it’s easy to decorate it for the fall. While you’re doing routine maintenance, why not have some fun and make it festive?
• Flower baskets are a great way to add some color to your fence. Fall brings many beautiful blooms, and hanging flower baskets are a wonderful way to showcase them. Feel free to get creative, choosing flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red, and using different interesting containers to hang them. Any container can house your fall flowers, as long as there are holes in the bottom for drainage.
• Climbing plants are a natural way to beautify your fence. You can achieve many different looks with climbing plants, by choosing different types of plants. Ivy can be stunning on a white or natural colored fence, and flowers like clematis and morning glory add a lovely touch. Trumpet creepers have orange and scarlet flowers that attract hummingbirds, and wild passion flowers will bring butterflies to your yard. It’s easy to induce vines to climb your wooden fence: just attach one end of a string to a stake in the ground and the other to the top of the fence, to give the plants something easy to climb.
• Add some elegance with metal finials. Just about any wooden fence can be improved with metal finials, and they’re available in a wide variety of patterns and metals. They look especially striking on a fence with scalloped edges.
• Draw birds or butterflies to your fence for natural charm. In addition to flowering vines, there are many different plants you can place in a garden along your fence to attract butterflies. Ask your local garden center for plants with nectar that draws butterflies, like goldenrod and daylilies. Another fun idea is to add birdhouses to your fence, bringing birdsongs close to your home. You can paint the birdhouses in any way that complements your style, whether that’s whimsical, sophisticated, or something in between.
Your wooden fence should last for many years, but when you’re ready for a new fence, call Paramount Fence Inc. for professional installation. At Paramount, we’ve been in business for over ten years, but our combined experience in the fence industry spans more than half a century! We’re a full-service fence sales and fence installation business in the Chicagoland area, and we’re dedicated to providing creative and affordable solutions that address our clients’ needs and fulfill their requests. Our staff offers exceptional customer service, striving to exceed your expectations throughout the fence buying and fence installation process. We provide high-quality, beautiful fences, and our reputation for excellence is well-established. Paramount Fence Inc is a member of the American Fence Association and a registered member of the Better Business Bureau. For more information on how we can help you find the right fence to meet your needs, call us at 630.239.2714 or contact us through our website.

The post Fall Fence Styling appeared first on Paramount Fence.

It may come as a surprise, but fall is an excellent time for a residential fencing installation.

Are you thinking of adding a fence to your home? A fence can be the perfect way to improve your home’s look and give it more utility. But when is the right time to have residential fencing installed?

Some people will tell you that spring and summer are the ideal seasons for your installation. But you might want to consider installing your fence in the fall. It may come as a surprise, but fall is an excellent time for a residential fencing installation.

Faster Delivery for your Residential Fencing

Most people install fences during the spring and summer. Because of this, fall is a fairly quiet time for fencing contractors. You can take advantage of this because that means there aren’t many orders being made for fences. This will make scheduling your residential fencing installation a lot easier.

When fencing contractors have less business, it works to your advantage, especially when there are special permits you need for your fence. Permits can be processed more quickly when the city permit staff isn’t as busy.

Cost Savings

Scheduling a residential fencing installation in the fall is an economically sound choice. This is mainly because contractors tend to have more time for projects during the fall since they don’t have to rush through a lot of projects to get to all of their customers. What this means for you is that you get the most amount of time with your residential fencing contractor. This gives you time to work with them to find any cost-cutting opportunities.

Maximum Season Time With Your Residential Fencing

For wooden fences, they can warp and splinter during the warmer months of spring and summer. This is due to the intense UV rays that make the wood dry too quickly.

In the fall, these problems are of no concern. Fall is a cooler time of year, so the sun won’t hit your fence as hard. This lets your fence “season up” for a bit, which lets it get a nice even dry. When you have a residential fencing installation in fall, you’re making a strategic move to maximize the longevity of your fence.

Enjoy Your Springtime

One of the best parts of doing your residential fencing installation in fall is that the moment spring arrives, you can get straight to enjoying your fence. Rather than trouble yourself installing your fence in the spring, you can be out enjoying the beautiful weather spring has to offer.

You also give yourself more time for spring cleaning and other types of home improvement projects. Why add one more project to the list when you can get it done now? Installing your fence now means having a shorter to-do list in the spring. This means you can knock out your projects faster and start enjoying yourself.

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 Why Fall is a Great Time to Install Residential Fencing appeared first on Hercules Fence.

You install a fence to secure and protect your yard, but have you ever considered that your fence might need protection as well? Standing straight, tall, and new, the fence might seem impervious to harm, but in fact, many different factors can take a toll on your fence. The weather is one such cause of damage, and can dramatically affect your fence in the long term. Which of the elements is most damaging, and how can you protect your fence and lengthen its lifespan?
• The sun can be hard on your fence. It can fade paint and color, causing your fence to age more quickly than it should. If you’ve got a fence made of vinyl or a similar material, the sun’s UV rays can cause your fence to degrade and become brittle. If you do opt for vinyl, choose one of the newer, more UV-resistant options, and if you have a wooden fence you can protect it by painting or staining it with a UV-resistant covering.
• Rain causes different issues for different types of fences. The problem with rain is, of course, the moisture. Wooden fences that stay wet can grow mold or mildew, or even begin to rot. Metal fences can rust, and while vinyl fences don’t tend to be as affected by the moisture, mold can still cause an aesthetic issue. You can prevent these issues by waterproofing your fence and paying attention so that water does not have a chance to stay on it for too long.
• Ice and snow can be problematic in a few different ways. Like rain, ice and snow can cause moisture issues for your fence. Snow and ice can also build up and damage the fence, but the biggest problem is actually salt. Road salt and snow melt are bad for both wood and metal fencing, causing corrosion and damage. Try to decrease your use of salt around your fence, and if your fence is in the path of road salt, consider covering it in burlap when you know the weather is going to warrant salt.
• Wind can negatively impact your fence’s stability. High winds can push on the fence, loosening it from its base, which can cause it to lean and disrupt its structural integrity. Wind can also blow down branches, causing damage to your fence. Trim any branches that hang over the fence, and consider reinforcing the fence posts if you live in an area with high winds.
When you pay attention and take care of your fence, it should last for many years. When the time comes to install a new fence, call Paramount Fence Inc. for professional installation. At Paramount, we’ve been in business for over ten years, but our combined experience in the fence industry spans more than half a century! We’re a full-service fence sales and fence installation business in the Chicagoland area, and we’re dedicated to providing creative and affordable solutions that address our clients’ needs and fulfill their requests. Our staff offers exceptional customer service, striving to exceed your expectations throughout the fence buying and fence installation process. We provide high-quality, beautiful fences, and our reputation for excellence is well-established. Paramount Fence Inc is a member of the American Fence Association and a registered member of the Better Business Bureau. For more information on how we can help you find the right fence to meet your needs, call us at 630.239.2714 or contact us through our website.

The post What Kind Of Impact Does Weather Have On My Fence? appeared first on Paramount Fence.

Summer is almost over- is your fence ready for fall? Many of us take our fences for granted, but they need a little extra care as cooler weather approaches. Especially if you have a wooden, fence, it’s time to clean it up, shore it up, and make sure it’s ready to face the elements throughout the fall and winter.

• Clean around the fence. Get rid of any leaves or debris that’s hanging out around your fence posts. During the fall, make sure to keep your leaves raked away from your fence. If you let debris and leaves build up around your fence or in between the posts, it can trap moisture and eventually lead to rot.
• Get rid of any vegetation that could endanger your fence. Trim low-hanging branches that could fall during winter storms and damage your fence. Ivy, too, should be trimmed away from your fence, so that it doesn’t pull at it and weaken it.
• Make any necessary repairs. Inspect your fence carefully, looking for weak spots like damaged pickets, nails that stick out, decay in the posts, and so on. Fix these issues before the winter weather hits, and your fence will be better able to stand up to the elements.
• Clean the fence itself. If it’s not too dirty, you may be able to clean it with mild detergent, a scrub brush, and a garden hose. If you notice mold or mildew, use a solution of three parts water and one part oxygen bleach, applying it with a garden sprayer and rinsing with water.
• Make sure your fence is waterproof. Once your fence is clean and dry, waterproof it with a sealant, oil-based stain, or waterproof paint. This will protect it from winter storms that can soak the wood, leaving a fence weakened and at risk of decay. What’s more, a newly painted or stained fence adds a fresh look to your backyard.

A well-maintained fence should last for many years, but when you’re ready for a new fence, call Paramount Fence Inc. for professional installation. At Paramount, we’ve been in business for over ten years, but our combined experience in the fence industry spans more than half a century! We’re a full-service fence sales and fence installation business in the Chicagoland area, and we’re dedicated to providing creative and affordable solutions that address our clients’ needs and fulfill their requests. Our staff offers exceptional customer service, striving to exceed your expectations throughout the fence buying and fence installation process. We provide high-quality, beautiful fences, and our reputation for excellence is well-established. Paramount Fence Inc is a member of the American Fence Association and a registered member of the Better Business Bureau. For more information on how we can help you find the right fence to meet your needs, call us at 630.239.2714 or contact us through our website.

The post Fall Preparation appeared first on Paramount Fence.

Summer’s almost over, but there’s still time to squeeze in one more summer deck party. Fire up the grill one last time, have some friends and neighbors over, and make it the best backyard party you’ve ever had. Need some help? We’ve got some tips.

• The food’s the central focus. It doesn’t have to be fancy; some of the best parties have the simplest menus. You can have a barbecue or shish-kabobs, or you can make sandwiches or taco salad. You might ask the guests to bring side dishes. Getting people involved that way lets them feel involved, gives them a chance to bring their signature dishes, and takes some of the pressure off the host. If you really love to cook, feel free to choose one showstopper of a dish to put on your menu and wow your guests.
• Extra touches will make your party extra special. Make a party playlist to set the tone and keep the party moving. Think about the mood you want your party to have, and then fill your playlist with tunes you know people will recognize and enjoy. Play it low, so it doesn’t interrupt conversations or make guests strain to hear and be heard. You might also think about activities, like bocce or horseshoes. Are kids coming? Plan to set out a few things to occupy them, like nerf balls, sidewalk chalk, and badminton.
• The best deck party deserves the perfect setting. Look at your backyard with a critical eye. Does the deck need re-staining? Does the fence need repairs? Are there things in the yard that should be put away before guests arrive? Start with a clean canvas, and then do some fun decorating. Use some color to make it festive, and consider stringing up some lights. Do you have a water feature, like a pool, pond or fountain? That’s the perfect place to put floating lights, to make the party more visually interesting. Most importantly, make sure there’s plenty of comfortable seating. If you don’t have enough lawn furniture, consider renting some extra chairs to make sure everyone has a place to sit.

Is your backyard the perfect hangout spot? If you’re ready for a new fence, call Paramount Fence Inc. for professional installation. At Paramount, we’ve been in business for over ten years, but our combined experience in the fence industry spans more than half a century! We’re a full-service fence sales and fence installation business in the Chicagoland area, and we’re dedicated to providing creative and affordable solutions that address our clients’ needs and fulfill their requests. Our staff offers exceptional customer service, striving to exceed your expectations throughout the fence buying and fence installation process. We provide high-quality, beautiful fences, and our reputation for excellence is well-established. Paramount Fence Inc is a member of the American Fence Association and a registered member of the Better Business Bureau. For more information on how we can help you find the right fence to meet your needs, call us at 630.239.2714 or contact us through our website.

The post Summer Deck Party appeared first on Paramount Fence.

Has your fence made it through winter so far? Are you leery of the wet spring to come? If you’re starting to see signs that your fence is cracking, warping or rotting, it’s not too late to act! Just follow these tips on how to weatherproof fences.

Weatherproofing a Wood Fence

• Shore up weak points: Walk along both sides of the fence and look for any spots that need maintenance. Hammer in loose nails, drive in new screws, replace decaying posts and prop up damaged pickets. Getting your fence to stand tall and straight is the first step toward making it more resilient in inclement weather.
• Apply a waterproofing sealant: You have three options for waterproofing a wood fence. The first is to apply a silicone or acrylic sealant to protect against water, extreme temperatures, and UV rays. Colored sealant darkens light wood while clear sealant brings out its natural beauty.
• Apply moisture-resistant paint: The second waterproofing option is to paint your fence with latex or alkyd-based paint. These are available in many colors and glosses to provide the look you want. Just be sure to read labels carefully to ensure you purchase paint designed for this application.
• Apply a wax polish: The final waterproofing option is to wax the fence with colored, pine or clear wax. Each type repels dirt, dust, and grit with varying aesthetic effects. You can apply wax to wood fences finished with varnish, shellac or oil-based paint.
• Clear away leaves and debris: When organic materials stay in contact with your fence for an extended period, they promote rot and insect problems. Rake away leaves and other debris regularly throughout the season to prevent this.
• Trim back low-hanging branches: Heavy snow or a strong gust of wind could snap a branch and send it plummeting to the ground. Protect your fence by removing any low-hanging branches that loom over it.

Weatherproofing Other Types of Fences

For wrought iron fences, rust is your biggest problem. If your fence is already rusty, brush off the flakes. Then, apply weatherproof wax or anti-rust paint to help water roll off the metal instead of sticking to it and making it rust. For a more maintenance-free ornamental fence, consider one made of aluminum or steel instead.

PVC and chain link fences are naturally weather-resistant, so all you must do is clean them occasionally with a hose and stiff brush. This removes dirt, stains, and debris to help protect the beauty and extend the lifespan of your fence.

If your fence is too degraded to be restored with these weatherproofing tips, consider springing for a new fence when winter is over. Paramount Fence Inc is a full-service fence sales and installation company serving clients in the Chicago area. We’re dedicated to helping you design and install a beautiful, long-lasting fence around your home or commercial property. To learn more about our services, please call us at (630) 239-2714 or contact us online.

The post How to Weatherproof Fences appeared first on Paramount Fence.

There are several elements that make up a well thought out landscape: they include structure, shape, texture, scent, and movement. But for the majority of us home gardeners, the first element we take into consideration when designing our own personal paradise is color.

Thanks to renowned garden authors like Penelope Hobhouse, who wrote Color In Your Garden,  Rosemary Verey, author of Making of A Garden, and Christopher Lloyd’s Gardening Year, (just to name a few), I became enthralled with color in the garden when I first became a passionate gardener in the late 80s. Although I had worked with design and colors for several years in other arenas, learning how to use it effectively in the landscape was something all together different.

Below are 12 Tips About Color Design that I’ve learned over the years.

1. Color is one of the easiest ways of setting a tone and expressing your personality in the garden.

2. Before buying, hold plants up against each other at nursery, lay pots out on the ground prior to planting, do the exercise from my book, Digging Deep, called Playing with Flowers, or pick up a slew of paint swatches from a paint store and experiment with different combinations at home.

3. Know the basic principles of color design.

Primary Colors are red, yellow, and blue
Secondary Colors are created by mixing two primary colors together: orange (red and yellow), green (yellow and blue) and purple (red and blue)
Intermediate or Tertiary Colors are colors that are created by mixing a primary and a secondary color, for example, blue-green
Neutral Colors – black, white, and brown

4. Warm vs. Cool Colors

Bright colors (reds, oranges, and yellows) jump out at you and look best when used in a sunny location.

Photo above: a smattering of dark and bright colored tulips at Tennis Court Garden at Chanticleer in Wayne, Pa.

Cool colors (blues, purples, and greens) recede into the background and are most effective when used in a partially shady location or in a climate that experiences a lot of grey skies.

Pale colors, yellows, and whites reflect light and brighten shady spots.

Cool colors and pale shades create a sense of depth in the garden while bright colors make a garden look closer.

Pastels fade in bright sunlight while very warm colors sizzle and come alive.

5. Red infuses a garden with excitement and excitement. Unless creating a ‘hot’ cottage garden, use it sparingly.

Photo Above: Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii, Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ and red poppies in Sorin Garden, Bryn Mawr, Pa.

6. Keep in mind that, like musical notes, how colors are perceived change depending on the context in which they are used.

A color’s intensity will decrease when placed next to a complementary color but will increase when planted next to a contrasting color.

7. When designing a garden, use the same color repeatedly throughout the border to create a cohesive tapestry.

8. Use dark colors sparingly on a light background to create a powerful combination. The opposite is also true: By using a smattering of light colors on a dark background, the intensity of the design will be heightened.

Photo Above: Primula Japonica at Chanticleer Gardens

9. Remember that your color palette changes throughout the season. Be mindful of what plants bloom at the same time to make sure that they work well together.

10. The colors of leaves can make as powerful of a statement as flower blossoms. Include them in the equation when you are deciding what to plant where.

Photo above: Strobilanthes dyerianus (Persian shield), pink salvia, and carex sp. in Sorin Garden, Bryn Mawr, Pa.

11. Don’t think of green as a boring color. You can create an outstanding composition by using silver, light, dark, deep, and chartreuse leaved plants. Keep in mind that the texture of the foliage of the plants has an effect on the design.

*Photo above:  Cotinus coggygria ‘Ancot’ GOLDEN SPIRIT creates a magnificent contrast against the grass.

12. Discard what the doyennes of taste or experts advise when deciding how much and what colors to use in your garden. Follow your instincts and create a color palette that pleases your eye!

Now it’s your turn! Share a color combination that you’ve used in your garden and love.

Please note: A source for some of the information for the above article is from NYBG’S Color Theory In The Garden.

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FAQs About Vinyl Fencing

Vinyl is one of the most popular materials selected by homeowners in Illinois and Indiana for residential fences. At Fence Masters, we specialize in vinyl fencing installation and guarantee that our fencing will be the last fence you ever need! If you’ve been thinking about installing a vinyl fence on your property but have some questions first, here’s a look at some of the most frequently asked questions we hear about vinyl fences:

Why Are Vinyl Fences Such a Popular Choice?

Vinyl fences are our best-selling fence material for a reason: they look great, are extremely durable, are easy to clean, and can be very affordable too! Vinyl can be offered in a few different style and color options as well, all of which look fantastic!

Do I Have to Worry about Discoloration or Weathering of My Vinyl Fence?

One of the things that our customers love most about their vinyl fences is the fact that environmental elements (like rain, snow, sun, moisture, and wind) don’t cause the same level of harm to vinyl that other materials suffer. In fact, you should never have to worry about discoloration of your vinyl fence or excessive weathering. The fences that we offer have UV inhibitors and other additives that are designed to protect the fences from wear and tear of harsh weather and from breaking down in the sunlight.

How Long Should I Expect My Vinyl Fence to Last?

As stated above, we guarantee that this will be the last vinyl fence you ever need! Indeed, the majority of fences offered by Fence Masters are designed to last a lifetime. That being said, we do offer a five-year warranty on all of our installations for fencing and a one-year warranty for gates and back all manufacturing warranties.

What Type of Maintenance Does a Vinyl Fence Require?

Homeowners that aren’t interested in constantly having to service and repair their fences love the fact that vinyl fences are so easy to maintain. These fences are so easy to clean and take care of – all you need to do is spray the fence down with the hose if the fence accumulates dirt, debris, or grass clippings. Even harder-to-remove materials, such as paint, can usually be removed with a pressure sprayer.

Can Vinyl Break Easily?

You don’t want to buy a fence only to have it break on you. If properly installed, your fence should not break under normal conditions, including harsh weather. The fence will likely only be at risk of breaking if a severe amount of force is applied, such as the fence being hit by a vehicle.

How Can I Learn More About Vinyl Fencing?

If you think that vinyl is the right choice for your residential fence, call Fence Masters today to learn more. You can reach our office at 708-758-5250 , or by sending us a message by filling out the intake form on our website.

Summary: If you have been thinking about a vinyl fence, consider the following answers to FAQs about vinyl fencing.

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For homeowners who have wooden fences installed on their properties, proper maintenance and care of the fence are important. While wood can be a very affordable and attractive material, unfortunately, when a wooden fence is improperly installed or cared for, fence rot may occur. The following considers everything you need to know about fence rot, including how to prevent it from happening–

What Is Fence Rot?

Rot occurs as a result of exposure to the environment and is extremely common in wooden fences. It is characterized by the deterioration of the wood, and if unchecked, can eventually lead to the collapse of the fence. There are two primary types of wood rot: dry rot and wet rot.

Wet rot is the most common type of fence rot and occurs when there is too much moisture on the wood. Because the ground is often especially moist, wet rot will usually occur at the base of the fence or on the fence posts. You can usually identify it visually as it may be accompanied by fungal growth, and may notice a musty smell as well.

Dry rot, on the other hand, occurs when your fence is constantly exposed to harsh, dry, and sunny circumstances. This dries out the wood to the point where it may actually crumble in your hand!

How to Prevent Fence Rot

The best way to prevent fence rot is to be aware of the different rot risks for different materials – hardier woods include choices like juniper and cedar, whereas more rot-susceptible woods are pine and tamarack. Of course, choosing a non-wood material is always an option!

If your wood fence is already installed, making sure that it is properly stained on an annual basis is important. You should also apply a protective sealant over the wood to help keep out moisture.

Finally, keep your fence clean and inspect in on a regular basis to check for rot or other damage. The sooner that you spot something and address the problem, the better.

Our Fence Specialists Can Help

At Fence Masters, our fence installation professionals serving Illinois and Indiana are available to answer any questions you have about wooden fences and fence rot. If your fence is in need of fence repair or replacement, we’re your team. We specialize in new fence installation for residential homeowners and offer great financing options. To learn more, contact us today at 708-758-5250 or by sending us a message now.

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Homeowners who are considering the installation of a residential fence have a lot of different options when it comes to material choices. At Fence Masters, we specialize in the installation of vinyl fences, wrought iron fences, aluminum fences, wood fences, and chain-link fences. We know that each different fence material has some benefits and some disadvantages and that choosing the best one for your home can be challenging. Here’s a look into some different factors to consider when choosing a material for your residential fence installation–

Budget

Because budget can be a very limiting factor, your budget should be the first thing that you think about. Not all fence materials cost the same. For example, chain-link fences are typically pretty inexpensive but don’t offer the same aesthetic appeal that other fence materials–like stone or concrete–do. Vinyl is the most popular choice that is pretty affordable, but more expensive than wood up front. Put your budget together and then call us to learn more about what you can afford.

Purpose

Another thing to think about when choosing a fence material is the purpose you want your fence to serve. Is your fence meant to be decorative and part of your landscape? Do you need to keep pets and young children in? Or if your fence being installed for privacy and protection? For privacy, wood and vinyl are great options, as they are both opaque. You can save money by choosing a smaller, wood picket fence if you just want to keep a child or pet in (assuming your dog can’t jump over the fence!). Tip: prioritize your needs over your wants.

Maintenance

Once you are pretty clear about what you need your fence for and how much you can afford, the next thing to think about is how much time and money you’re willing to dedicate towards the maintenance of your fence. Vinyl fences are often the choice for homeowners who don’t want to have to worry about maintenance or cleaning at all as these fences require little care over the years. Wrought iron fences, chain-link fences, and wood fences, on the other hand, can all suffer damage over the years and may need more TLC.

Learn More About the Fence That’s Right for You

To learn more about the different types of fences available and the fence that is right for you, reach out to Fence Masters today. We have locations in both Illinois and Indiana and have been specializing in residential fence installation for over 35 years. Reach us at 708-758-5250 or send us a message using the intake form on our website.

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