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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The right fence type can really enhance the look of your home and add a healthy dose of curb appeal. But which kind of fence is right for you? Here are three things to consider when deciding what fence style you should get:

1. Purpose

There are a few factors to consider when deciding what fence will work for you and your home. First, what is the main purpose of the fence? If it’s to keep your dog in the yard, you’ll need to consider the size of the dog. A fence with narrowly spaced pickets may be better for a smaller dog, and a taller fence would likely be a smarter pick for a larger dog or a dog that is known to jump. If you’re looking for a fence for pool safety, there are certain fences that meet “pool code,” which you’ll need to consider. Maybe you’re looking for some seclusion from the neighbors. In that case, check out privacy fencing options. Whatever your reason for wanting a fence, there are plenty of fence styles to suit your needs.

2. Surrounding Area

You should also check to see what fence type others in your neighborhood have already installed. If picket fences are the style that everyone seems to have, maybe choosing a picket fence of your own is your best bet. Or maybe you’d rather stand out among the crowd and go for something totally different! Whichever direction you choose to go in, it’s good to at least consider the styles of existing fencing in the neighborhood and area directly surrounding your property. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, there may be restrictions on what kind of fence you can have. It would be best to check on that first to make sure you know what your options are.

3. Architectural Style

Another major factor to consider is your house itself. A white picket fence would look great with a cottage or Cape Cod style home, but can you imagine a white picket fence with an ornate Victorian home? It might look a little silly – a Victorian would probably be better served by a more stately looking aluminum fence. A ranch style home might look great with traditional split rail, where a modern home might look nice with a horizontal fence or basketweave. If you’re having your fence installed, your salesperson can help you decide what style will fit best with your home and your needs.

 

If you’re in the Delaware Valley and can’t decide what fence type makes the most sense for you, give us a call and one of our fence experts can help you determine what kind of fence you need!

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So you got a new fence, and now you have a few questions. Won’t my fence age over time? Do I have to seal it somehow? There are three basic options for “finishing” a fence: painting, staining, or leaving it natural. There are benefits and drawbacks to each option. We are here to help you decide which route is the best for you!

Paint

Painting fences was more popular before there were so many options for stains. We would least recommend painting, because it does require a lot of maintenance. If you do decide to go ahead and paint your fence, you can expect to have to repaint it every 1-3 years, as paint does tend to crack and peel.

Also keep in mind that once you do need to repaint, you will need to scrape off all of the existing paint, prep the surface for new paint, and then finally repaint. It is a lot of work and a lot of time, and over time the painting and repainting will end up costing you more.

Now, we know what you’re thinking: “but how else do I get that white picket fence look?” Well, there are a few options. One is to buy a white vinyl picket fence. Vinyl will never need to be stained, painted, or maintained other than a good cleaning every once in a while. The other option is to use a solid white stain. Read on to find out more about this option!

Stain

Stain wins over paint most of the time, and that’s because it requires so much less maintenance than paint. It may be a higher cost initially, but you will not need to re-stain over and over again.

Eventually the stain will fade and need to be redone, but not nearly as frequently as paint. Stain does not peel or crack, so it requires way less preparation than repainting. A good power wash or washing with a deck cleaner will give you a clean slate to work with before re-staining, without all the scraping and peeling.

There are a lot of options when it comes to staining your fence. One option is a solid stain, which, as mentioned above, will give you that traditional “white picket” look without all the maintenance of paint. Or, if you really love the look of natural wood and just want to protect your fence, there are plenty of semi-transparent options to choose from, too. There are even clear options that simply serve to waterproof and protect your fence.

Natural

The post Should I Paint or Stain My Fence? appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.

The purpose of a fence is simple: It defines property lines, provides privacy and offers protection. For properties that have a fence, it is an integral part of the landscape.

Constantly exposed to the elements, fences can rot, crack, split and otherwise fall apart over time if not manufactured out of a highly durable material. As fencing is so important and should last many, many years, it is important that the material used is as durable as possible.

While there are several different types of materials that fences can be made of, and some materials are much more durable than others.

The most durable fencing materials include:

• Vinyl: Vinyl, or PVC, is one of the most popular fencing materials, primarily because of its unmatched durability. It is resistant to the elements, which means that it won’t rot, rust, crack or splinter when exposed to hot and cold temperatures as well as moisture. A vinyl fence is a great option in climates that experience a variety of weather conditions.
• Wrought Iron: This material is extremely strong, which makes it difficult to break. It won’t crack or splinter when exposed to the elements and is a great choice for security purposes.
• Galvanized Chain Link: When sealed with a special coating, chain link is an extremely durable fencing material. A galvanized chain link fence offers excellent security, and because of the special coating, it more resistant to the effects of the elements.

If you are interested in having a fence installed in the Chicago area, you should contact Fence Masters. With over 30 years of experience, we are one of the leading Chicago fence installation companies and the largest fence contractor in all of the Midwest. For a durable fence at an affordable price, contact us today. We are happy to discuss all of your fencing needs.

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For properties with unique features or owners who want their backyards to be the talk of the town, DIY building a custom fence is the way to go. Plus, by building your own fence, you will save money on installation, and you’ll take pride in the accomplishment of making something that’s both functional and aesthetically enjoyable for years.

While some might intimidated by customizing a DIY fence, luckily customization is just a small part of the process. Building a fence can be easy, especially if you have a little guidance! By using standard materials and installation techniques, you can successfully build a beautiful fence that is uniquely your own! Here are some considerations to help you plan and build your custom fence.

Building a Fence on an Slope or Uneven Ground

One reason you may need to install a custom fence is because of the topography of your yard. Do you want to fence off a yard on a severe slope or a terraced property? Do you have a jagged border with your neighbor or old growth trees you want to avoid cutting down? Maybe that rock climbing wall you installed is at an awkward angle? Whatever the reason, here are some ideas to help you choose a customized fence solution for your sloped or uneven yard.

• A stepped fence works well for sloped ground. Each panel maintains a 90-degree angle, but the panels are connected in a step fashion: each panel will be slightly taller than the one next to it. While this solution does leave some gaps underneath the fence, those can be filled in with landscaping. A stepped fence is perfect for creating privacy or separation.
• A contoured fence works well with gentle hills or slopes to create a fence that hugs the ground. This option is also ideal if you have pets you want to corral, or if you want to keep small animals like rabbits out of your yard. Rather than being completely level on top, the fence may change in height depending on the ground beneath it.
• Rackable fence panels are a great option for slopes as well. With rackable panels, the pickets can move so that when you line the fence rails up with the ground, the pickets still run vertically. A fence that contours to fit your property gives your yard a more uniform look.

With any of these options, using pre-made fence panels is the easiest way to install your fence. While you will need to connect the panels at different heights for a stepped fence and may need to custom cut a contoured fence, the pre-made panels will save you the work of building and measuring your own panels from individual pickets. Check out How to Build a DIY Fence on a Slope for additional advice on fencing a steep section of your yard.

Making a Statement with Unique Fencing Materials

Building a customized fence in the suburbs is different than building one in town. It’s always a good idea to check what rules may apply to your property before starting your fencing project, including fence height restrictions, accepted types of fencing materials, and how far the fence can be from your property line. Since the Fence Authority installs a lot of fence around Pennsylvania, especially the West Chester, PA area, we have some advice on fencing requirements in PA as well as West Chester that you should check out before you begin installing your fence.

If you have free reign over your fence design, you can go wild! Aluminum fences are a great option since they mimic older wrought iron fences but are much more durable and weather-proof. Aluminum can be formed into contemporary designs for a modern home, or it can complement a Victorian home’s decorative gingerbread-style elements. You can also save quite a bit of money when you decided to install an aluminum fence yourself.

If you are looking for a wood or vinyl privacy fence with no spaces, there is still room for customization. The easiest element to make a unique statement is the post cap. While most people opt for post caps that match the color and style of the fence so they blend into the overall design, you can choose post caps in a different color or material. You can even find post caps with unique and helpful features like solar lighting.

To see what fences materials are available for purchase right now, visit our shop.

Adding Customization to a Fence After Installaion

If you want to add a bit of creativity to a plain fence that has already been installed, painting or staining are great options. Paints and stains can also help freshen up the look of a fence that is slightly worn or that has been around so long that it’s starting to bore you. With a little creativity, there’s a lot of ways you can easily jazz up your fence. Below are a few ideas:

• Add a pop of color by painting your fence! A wood fence can actually benefit from paint since the right kind of paint can help protect the wood. Stain can give your fence a richer look while a bright color can really make your fence stand out. Unlike wood, aluminum and vinyl fences are not great candidates for paint, which takes away one of their biggest benefits—being maintenance-free!
• Consider going with a theme for your backyard! Maybe instead of having a fence that stands out, you want your fence to be backdrop for the design of your backyard.
• Put your green thumb to good use by adding landscaping elements to make your backyard oasis complete. Fences can be a great structure to grow vines on too!

 

Installing Your Custom Fence Yourself

 No matter which option you choose, installing your custom fence yourself is easier than you think. When you purchase a DIY fence kit like The Fence Authority’s EZ Fence 2 Go products, you’ll get high-quality fence materials and easy DIY assembly instructions. Check out our DIY fence guide and leave us your DIY fence customization questions in the comments section below.

 

The post How to Easily Build a Custom DIY Fence appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.

If you’re looking for a way to make your backyard oasis a little more secluded, a privacy fence is a perfect addition for your home. Privacy fences are great because they add security, block prying eyes, and let your furry friends run around leash-free in your backyard.

Building a privacy fence can give you peace of mind, especially if you have young children or pets, but they do require an investment from the homeowner. Whether you are choosing to install a privacy fence yourself like a DIY pro or go with a professional fence company, there are a few factors you have to take into consideration when estimating privacy fence costs.

Here are some suggestions to consider when estimating the cost of a privacy fence. Use this list to help guide your decision making:

1. Check Your Zoning Laws and HOA

Before purchasing any materials, you should make sure your fence will meet your local county requirements and that you have permission to install it. First, you will need to know where you property lines are. If you have any doubts, have a survey done. You should also check your local zoning laws before seriously investing time and money into fence installation. Depending on where you live, there might be height limitations and boundary requirements for fences.

After verifying your local zoning laws, it’s not a bad idea to check with your local Homeowner’s Association (HOA) too. They might have strict guidelines about the types of fences, including materials and colors, you can build on your property. It’s always better to make sure sooner rather than later that your fence meets requirements and that you have permission to build it.

The Fence Authority has been installing fences around West Chester, PA and Montgomeryville, PA for over two decades, so we know a thing or two about fence laws and requirements in Pennsylvania. If you’re curious to learn more about how to find your property line, ask a professional before you start installing.

2. Mark Off Your Utilities

If you do not have a fence around your property already, you are going to have to mark the utility lines before building a privacy fence. Marking off your utilities sounds like a no-brainer, but sometimes this step gets overlooked. Not marking off your utility lines could lead to a nasty surprise like accidentally hitting pipes or wires underground while installing your fence—ouch!

You don’t want your fence directly on top of utility lines either. If the county has to do repair work, your brand new privacy fence might be torn out of the ground, and you’ll have to start all over again. Before digging, call 811 to get in touch with your local utility companies.

3. Determine Land Area and Grading

Alright, so now that you know where your property line is located, you’ve marked off your utilities, and you have the go-ahead to install a privacy fence, it’s time to figure out where exactly it’s going to be on your property. If you live in a townhome community or subdivision, you probably already have a plat that shows the divisions of your land drawn to scale. If you do not have a plat, you can purchase a measuring wheel to determine the amount of fencing materials needed.

While measuring, remember that you are going to be installing a fence post about every six to eight feet depending on the style of fence and panel size selected. Many DIY fence builders forget to account for posts, which are often the most expensive part of the installation. Fence posts must be buried at least three feet into the ground and set with concrete, adding to the cost. If you’re a determined DIYer, we have all the info you need on how to install fences posts that stay put.

If you are building a privacy fence on a slope, you are also going have to consider how to install the fence on an angle. A sloped landscape means more work, as you have to dig, plant posts, pour concrete, and balance the fence. For DIYers, building on a slope can be a time-consuming challenge to tackle. If you hire a professional company, this additional work could lead to higher costs due to longer installation time.

4. Choose Your Privacy Fence Materials

Now that you have the area measured, you’re ready to select your materials! Typically, privacy fences are about six feet in height and come in pre-built panels. Wooden and vinyl privacy fences are both popular choices for homeowners.

Wooden privacy fences come in several different styles depending on your preference. For those who enjoy home decor, wooden fences are easy to customize with stain or paint to make them all your own, but you will need to reapply stain and paint annually.

If you want a privacy fence that needs little to no maintenance, a vinyl privacy fence or semi-private fence might be a good choice. Vinyl privacy fences are one of the more expensive fencing materials, but have a longer life than wood and require little maintenance. Vinyl comes in similar styles to wood privacy fences, including solid boards and panels with a lattice top.

Choose the material that suits your needs, but remember that going with the cheapest option might not be the best idea long term. A less expensive wood often means it’s of a lower quality and will have to be replaced sooner. A cheaper vinyl fence can mean that the vinyl is thinner and requires more support. Building a privacy fence is an investment, and it’s wise to consider possible upkeep in the future as well as the initial price of installation. Check out the top 7 privacy fence styles you can purchase online today.

 

5. Weight the Costs: Labor vs DIY

Installing your own fence is where DIYers can save the most money. Just remember Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your fence won’t be either. If want to get the most out of building your own fence, research how to install a fence, grab a buddy, and take your time. We also have EZ Fence 2 Go systems that make putting up your own fence a breeze.

To eliminate mistakes, DIYers should seriously consider getting a friend to help with installation. For example, it’s hard for a person to attach panels evenly alone. Taking your time during construction is important too, as attaching panels before the cement around your posts is completely dry will make your fence crooked.

If you want to install a privacy fence right away with no hassle, consider contacting a professional fencing company. While the cost of labor will be higher than doing it on your own, the fence will be installed faster, and you’ll avoid getting frustrated over a DIY job gone wrong.

Want to install a privacy fence?

If you’re ready to install a privacy fence around your property, let us know! Check out the privacy fences we have in stock to get started. If you don’t feel 100% confident in your ability to install a privacy fence and want to sit back and relax, we can help with our professional fence installation service. If you live in West Chester, PA or Montgomeryville, PA, just let us know how we can help you make your backyard the private oasis you’ve always wanted and contact us today.

 

The post How to Estimate the Cost of a New Privacy Fence appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.

When you take on a DIY fence installation project, a lot of decisions are left entirely up to you. This is great if you already know what to do, but not if you’re stuck wondering which installation method to choose. One of the most important installation decisions to make is how to set your fence posts in the ground. Without secure posts, your fence won’t stand much of a chance against the elements! Let’s explore how to ensure your fence posts stay put.

Choosing the Strongest Posts for Your DIY Fence

No matter what type of DIY fence you install, you don’t want weak posts. Wind and gravity will take hold of them, and they’ll start tipping over.

Some types of fences have a greater risk of tipping and therefore require extra care in post installation. Full privacy fences are the most likely to incur damage from wind because they are solid. With no way for wind to pass through, your panels essentially act as wind sails–and they’re held down by only two posts every eight feet or so! Basically, the more surface area your fence has, the harder it will be for your posts to hold it up. Split rail fences have an easier time in the wind because of their sparse rails.

Fence posts should be buried sufficiently deep in the ground. Between a half and third of the post is a good standard. If you’re installing a panel fence, you may want to consider supporting your fence with thicker posts. When it comes to panels, more surface area is bad, but with your posts, you want more surface area! A skinny fence post–especially one supporting a solid panel privacy fence–cannot easily withstand the raging winds. When you dig your post holes, make sure they are three times the width of your fence post.

Proper Fence Post Installation: Should You Use Gravel or Concrete?

Once you’ve chosen the fence posts you want, how exactly do you install them so they stay put? Methods vary, and opinions differ. Some fence posts are set in concrete while others are set in gravel, and you need to decide which method you’ll use for your own fence. Concrete is a stronger material than gravel, yet there are pros and cons of both.

Installing Fence Posts in Crushed Gravel

Even when they’re installed as securely as possible, fence posts mounted in the ground are at risk of moisture damage as rainfall wets the ground and seeps below. The main advantage of crushed gravel is that it drains moisture away from the post. The bits of gravel interlock to mimic the strength of concrete, and many DIYers also choose gravel because it is much easier to remove if you decide to take down your fence. However, gravel cannot always take the place of concrete–and the more secure your fence is, the less likely you are to end up wanting to remove it! If you’re already thinking about taking your fence down, you may want to pick a project that makes you a little more excited for the future of your fence.

Setting Fence Posts in Concrete

Concrete is the most secure material for setting fence posts, especially if you have sandy soil. Gravel may be okay with dense, clay-heavy soil, but in looser soil, concrete is the only thing that will truly keep your fence posts stuck in place. Using premixed concrete rather than dry concrete will ensure ultimate security.

While concrete is sturdy, it lacks the drainage of gravel and can trap moisture, ultimately leading to rot. To combat this problem, when you pour your concrete, fill the hole so that the top of the concrete forms a slight dome. This will enable water to run off the post hold and away from the wooden post. It is also important that your concrete is buried beneath the dirt rather than sticking out of the ground.

Don’t Settle for Fence Posts You Can’t Trust

Try not to skimp on any aspect of installation–even if seems easier in the short term. Proper fence post installation is absolutely crucial for a successful DIY project! If you don’t feel confident in your ability to install sturdy posts, professional fence installation may be your best bet.

Take these considerations into account and install your fence posts properly, and your fence will be guaranteed to last. 

Need step-by step instructions for installing your fence? Just download the handy DIY Fencing Guide!

The post How to DIY Fence Posts that Stay Put appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.

While few yards come close to being perfectly flat, significantly sloped yards present specific challenges for homeowners who want to build their own DIY fences. Don’t let that discourage you—a challenge doesn’t make the project impossible by any means. Many a homeowner with an uneven yard has prevailed and built their dream fence anyway. Besides, the contours of your yard create interest and add to its beauty, especially with a new fence. Let’s look at some of the techniques you can use when installing a fence on a slope or a hill.

Contoured Fences: Smooth Lines for Gentle Curves

When building a fence on uneven terrain, one option is to follow the contours of your yard. This means that the horizontal rails of your fence will follow your yard in a smooth line that is parallel to the ground rather than level. The contoured method works best when the slope is slight rather than dramatic.

However, in order to avoid gaps underneath the panels, your fence may need to be custom-cut. Pre-cut panels such as those available in DIY fence kits may not properly hug the ground of your yard.

Wondering what style of will look best with this method? Scalloped fences are a great idea because the rounded arches of the panels complement the smooth contours of your sloped yard.

Stepped Fences for More Dramatic Slopes

For a steeper slope or hill, following the contours of your land is more difficult. In this case, you probably want to opt for a stepped fence. This installation style is referred to as such because each panel is a bit higher (or lower) than the next, creating the appearance of stair steps. Stepped fences can be easily created with preassembled panels. However, your posts will need to be individually cut to fit the height of each panel.

Filling Gaps in a Stepped Fence

You’ll want each panel to be even and level, so there will be gaps underneath the panels, and these gaps may not be consistent throughout your yard. Gaps can be a problem if you need to prevent a pet from escaping, in which case you will need to find a way to fill them. You may also want to fill your gaps for aesthetic purposes.

One way to do this is by adding planters along the fence, which not only covers the unsightly gaps but allows you to add some living color to your yard. You might also consider growing some delicious fresh veggies in those planters to make them even more functional!

Don’t look at the unique features of your yard as limitations—consider them opportunities to get creative in your design. However, if you do not feel comfortable building a DIY fence in your sloped yard, having a custom fence installed by a fence contractor is also a solid option. Whatever you choose, adding a fence to any yard is an excellent way to give you privacy while increasing the value of your home and making your yard look lovely.

Have you installed a fence in your sloped yard? What challenges were you presented with, and how did you overcome them? Share your experiences in the comments section. 

Have a uniquely curved yard and still struggling with the solution? You can also use the comments section to ask questions and see if other readers have answers, or contact one of the Fence Authority’s Outdoor Living Experts. The terrain in West Chester, PA and the surrounding area isn’t always flat, so we’re used to installing fences on slopes.

Need instructions for building your DIY fence? Check out the handy DIY Fencing Guide!

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