Why Get Professional Help Installing a Fence Gate

Should you get a professional to help you install your fence gate?

We all know the benefits of adding a fence to your property. You can help define your property line, keep animals out, keep pets and children in, create a safer and more private yard, and so on. To complete your fence and get the most out of it, you should also consider having a fence gate for easy access.

You may be considering the DIY route for your entire fence installation or just for the installation of the fence gate, but either way, it may be advisable to opt for professional installation instead. Working with a pro can save you time, money, and effort, but the question still remains: should you get a professional to help you install your fence gate?

Cutting Down Costs

Working with a fence gate installer will help you take advantage of their many connections in the industry. They buy their supplies in bulk, which results in a discount for materials. Usually, a professional fence installer is able to get you many of the materials you need at a discount, so while you are spending more to have someone else install your fence gate for you, you’re spending less on the materials needed to do so.

Save Yourself Some Time

If you’re considering the DIY route and have never installed a fence gate before, you may be unaware of just how daunting of a task this can be. It’s time-consuming and requires a lot of experience to get it right the first time. If you end up making mistakes, which many people do their first time on a project like this, it can end up costing you more and delaying the project. Save yourself some time and get your fence gate installed quickly with the help of a pro.

No Special Tools

By bringing in a contractor, you don’t need to worry about whether or not you have all the right tools. Someone in the business is going to have everything they need to do the job safely and efficiently already. Purchasing or even just renting the tools yourself would add onto the price tag of your installation.

Easier Installation

Many of the materials that go into fence gate installation require serious heavy lifting. Even if you can get all that weight up, you may need to hold it into place while putting posts in the ground. Leave that arduous labor to a professional and your body will be thankful!

Follow All Regulations

Did you know that basically every state, city, and municipality has its own set of laws regarding fence installation? You don’t want to trip up and accidentally break some rule regarding fence gates by doing it yourself. Instead, your professional contractor is going to know exactly what the regulations are and will be able to make sure everything is up to code.

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Wood is a natural and beautiful choice for fencing, and with proper care and maintenance, it can last for years and years. Eventually, the wood may begin to break down and that is a sign it is time to upgrade to a new fence.

If you see these popping up, they are signals to make an appointment for a new wood fence installation.

1. Rotting spots: Even treated, stained and painted wood fence panels and pieces can begin to break down as wood is a natural material. If you begin to see signs of rot, in one or more areas of your fencing, you should consider replacing your whole fence as that is an indicator that your fence is at a point to be replaced. Areas that you may notice rot first include near the ground where there is more moisture. 
2. A lean look: Weather elements, such as strong wind and snow, will eventually take a toll on your wood fence. If you notice that it is no longer straight up and down in sections, then that is a signal that your wood fence is not as strong as it used to be. While one leaning section may be replaced, overall issues should be an indicator to replace your whole fence.
3. Lost or cracked areas: If you begin to see more areas of your wood fencing that have cracks or splits or boards have fallen out, it is time to put in a new fence. Wood is affected by the freeze and thaw cycles each season and eventually, your wood will need to be replaced and not just replaced.
4. Fasteners falling out: Nails and screws help keep your wood fence together and in place. If they are falling out or are loose, they can be a signal that your wood fence pieces can no longer keep fasteners in place. If the integrity of the wood is compromised in this fashion, you will need to put in a new fence.
5. Too many repairs: If you have found that each season you are replacing pieces or repairing your wood fence, then it is probably time for a whole new one. You may be spending less on repairs, but over the long run, it is adding up to be more and more money.

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Read on for tips to getting your fence damage fixed this spring.

Your fence around your residential property does a lot of work for your family. Good fences keep children and pets safely in a yard, while keeping sources of danger out. They help secure and protect your stuff, while also protecting you from liability. They’re also pretty and help improve curb appeal and home value. None of this is true when you have fence damage, however. If your fence has been damaged this winter, it is no longer doing its job. In fact, a damaged fence does the opposite, inviting trouble and putting you at risk for liability and damage. A damaged fence is not something you should put on the back burner. Read on for tips to getting your fence damage fixed this spring.

Is It A Shared Fence?

If the fence is shared with your neighbor, meaning both of you are responsible for it, the costs to repair the damage may be legally sharable too. But simply arranging for a repair and sending your neighbor half the bill isn’t fair. Talk to your neighbor first about the damage, how it happened, what they think should be done to fix it, and if they have suggestions for who to get quotes from. Make sure they are part of the process (if they want to be) if you expect them to share the bill.

What Caused The Damage?

Before fixing your fence, you need to discover the source of the damage. Sometimes it is obvious – a tree fell down in a storm and landed on a section of the fence. Other times it is less obvious – did that section collapse because of rot or a termite infestation? Major issues like termites need a professional to aggressively deal with them. Other issues like rot may be the result of age or lack of maintenance. If you’re not doing what you need to to prevent rot, you’re going to be replacing the fence sections again and again.

Should You Talk To Insurance?

If the damage is major and not due to neglect on your part, talking to your insurance company might be a good idea. It is easy to forget that your policy might include your fence and it could help cover the cost of making repairs, especially for damage due to winter weather and storms.

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When it comes to your fence installation, having a professional fencing contractor can really make a huge difference.

When it comes to your fence installation, having a professional fencing contractor can really make a huge difference towards a successful fence installation. In fact, if you are considering installing a new fence or the perimeter of your property, having the right professional tackle the job will typically be the best way to ensure the installation is as smooth as possible.. The reality is, it can be quite tempting to save money by installing a fence all on your own. But, doing so might just be a bad decision to take. Ultimately, regardless of the type of fence you are thinking of installing, it becomes increasingly important to hire the professionals to effectively and efficiently install any type of fence to the perimeter of your property. Here are just a few of the key reasons why it is so critical that you make sure to hire a professional when installing any new fence to your property.

Avoid Any Future Fencing Problems

WIth the professionals on hand, you can alleviate any potential fencing problems during the installation process. In fact, the professionals are there to help provide important and essential information that’ll end up proving to be fairly invaluable when it comes to your new fence installation. The reality is, when you rely on the expertise of the professional fence installers, it is imperative that you take the time to consider the perks of having a professional fence installer get the job done safely and securely. Ultimately, having a professional install your fence will inevitably guarantee you avoid making any critical mistakes during a fence installation — especially when you attempt to install a fence by yourself.

Providing A Quality Installation Process

There is no denying that most fencing contractors will usually take a lot of pride in their fence installation process. In fact, many fencing companies will provide certain guarantees when it comes to an effective and efficient fence installation to your property. Realistically, the professionals are extremely trustworthy — especially when you select a fencing contractor that is insured and bonded within the industry itself which can ensure that you are protecting your big investment of having a fence to surround the perimeter of your property effectively and efficiently.

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Sometimes a fence replacement could be the best bet for your humble abode.

Owning a home is a big deal — it’s often the biggest investment you’ll make in your entire life. In fact, homeowners will often have quite lofty dreams of what they want their home to look like. The reality is, fences are often associated with a dream home. Ultimately, a fence is a great addition to any home but they can only last a certain amount of time — even with the proper maintenance. Here are some tell-tale signs that your fence might need to be replaced immediately.

Holes In Your Existing Fence

If the boards on your fence have any holes, then it might be time to replace the fence itself. In fact, holes are typically caused by insects or other animals that have got into your fence itself. The reality is, whether you have termites or mice, these pests can really wreak complete havoc on your existing fence. Ultimately, depending on the type of material of your fence, even the slightest amount of pests can be severely damaging to a fence. If your fence is made of wood or other material that is sensitive to the minor presence of pests, then it might be time to finally replace your fence once and for all.

Experiencing Splintered Wood

Just like with any other issues with your fence, finding splintered wood on your fence can be a key sign that the fence is in disrepair and needs to be replaced. In fact, it might look like just an aesthetic issue but splintered wood can actually be a structural issue regarding your fence. The reality is, finally replacing a fence that has any splintered wood is integral to the structure of the fence overall and the protection and safety you need from the fence itself. Ultimately, with splintering wood, you will typically also end up experiencing cracking in the wood itself which can be detrimental to the fence overall. At the end of the day, knowing what to look out for when it comes to your fence is the best way to ensure your home is safe for many years to come. That is why sometimes a fence replacement could be the best bet for your humble abode.

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Here are some options to try if you’re worried about fence rot!

If your home has a wooden fence, you should know that rot is the biggest enemy to all wood fencing. It can impact both the look of your fence while also reducing its durability. It’s not always easy to avoid either; wood fencing makes contact with ground soil so much of the time, making rot seem like it’s an inevitability. Don’t worry though. There are so many steps you can take to stop the spread of rot on your home’s wood fencing. Here are some options to try if you’re worried about fence rot!

Wet vs. Dry Rot

There are actually two kinds of rot. Wet rot happens when moisture comes in contact with your wood fencing, typically this happens because your fence is touching the soil beneath it. The result is cracking and softening of the wood accompanied by a damp, musty smell. On the other hand, dry rot happens in very dry climates where the sun and wind end up drying a fence out completely, leaving you with brittle fencing. Dry rot leaves a fence easily broken and it may have a damp smell as well that can happen due to a fence’s decay.

Preventive Steps

When installing wood fencing, consider that there are rot-resistant materials out there. Some of these woods include redwood, cedar, juniper, and cypress. You could also check out treated wood, which doesn’t just help with rot but protects from termites as well. If you want a wooden appearance without the maintenance requirements of wood, you may want to look at alternatives.

Fence Staining

By regularly staining your fence, annually if you can, you can stop rot. Environmental factors may also play a part though. If you’re getting more rainfall and there’s a lot of soil around your fence, it may call for more staining than usual. To test, spray your fence with some water; if it rests on the surface of the wood, the stain is good to go. If it’s absorbed into the wood, you may need a new layer of staining.

Remove Debris

Letting debris pile up is the quickest way to get wood fence rot. Plants, grass, and leaves can all harbor plenty of moisture, and if they’re brushing up against your fence 24/7, they’re pushing that moisture into your fence. Either keep your fence clear of foliage or clean your fence regularly to prevent this problem.

Replace as Needed

If you begin noticing signs of rot, the best thing you can do is replace any affected sections. This may result in replacing the main posts of your fence. You can do this yourself but we’re also happy to come out and make any repairs for you, just be sure to give us a call quickly because rot can spread rapidly.

The post Wood Fencing Rot Prevention Ideas appeared first on Hercules Fence.

A fence can add so much more than security and safety to your property. You can transform your property with a new style element as well as add to the beauty of your garden or pool area. Check out some fence styling ideas for 2022.

A place to call your own: Having an oasis that is just yours is more popular than ever. Creating a secluded backyard space that is just yours can offer a way to not only spend time with family and friends, but also a quiet spot to refresh and regroup. A wonderful way to add privacy is with a vinyl or PVC fence that is easy to maintain and take care of for years to come. At Fence Masters, we are honored to be an original manufacturer of vinyl in our region, and we are happy to discuss your space on how best to install a new fence.

A classic that keeps on going: Growing up, you may have dreamed of what your home would look like and a white picket fence has traditionally been part of this notion. Our American ideal is hard to chase, but a pretty picket fence can bring home this element in a way that adds style and timeless elegance. We work with a variety of wood styles that can be utilized on your fence panels and gates. Ask about our wood fence options, such as the classic picket, scalloped picket, stackpole or shadowbox. Our team members can take you through the process of putting in a new fence and putting together a classic, timeless look and feel for your home.

The trend that is always a trend: Wrought iron is truly an ageless choice for a fence that has style and creates a perimeter and border. While you will not gain privacy from a wrought-iron fence, you will gain the lasting beauty that customized and tailored pieces can bring to your property for years and years. We work on our wrought-iron panels, gates and ornamental components all in-house to bring you a unique design that you will be proud to display. Since we fabricate locally, we can turn around your fencing project as quickly as possible and get your job done. 

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If you’re worried that it might be time to repair your wood fence, read on to discover some of the signs that could be indicators of problems that require repairs.

If you’re seeking a traditional look, it’s natural that you’d land on a wooden fence. A wood fence is simply timeless, and it can also offer a good deal of security, privacy, and help you keep an eye on your children or pets. However, as great as your wood fence may be, they will degrade over time since they’re made of a natural material. It may eventually be the case that you have to look into wood fence repairs. If you’re worried that it might be time to repair your wood fence, read on to discover some of the signs that could be indicators of problems that require repairs.

Damaged Fencing

The clearest sign that you need fence repair is fairly obvious: broken sections or downed boards. High winds or personal accidents may be the cause, but if there isn’t any clear reason that part of your fencing is so damaged, it may be the case that your wood fence is getting up there in its age and more sections may need to be replaced. You can patch any problem areas, but it’s also a good reason to give your whole fence an inspection.

Swaying Boards

If heavy winds are causing your boards to sway, that’s a bad sign. Strong, healthy fence posts should only slightly shutter, even under the heaviest winds. Once the wood degrades, however, that shuttering becomes more apparent. If you can tell when looking at your wood fence, it’s a sign that you should contact a fence repair pro. They can see if your fence needs additional support or if there’s another issue that must be resolved.

Moisture in Wood

Ideally, wood in your fence should be kept at a distance from soil. Otherwise, moisture can begin to find its way into your wood fence. Sometimes, this can happen when a fence begins to bow and bend, touching the ground more and causing rot. You can also end up getting mold or mildew issues and eventually, the wood breaks down and may even change color.

Pests Moving In

Your wood should be treated to help withstand pest infestation, but nonetheless, it can become a problem over time. If you see any signs of pests, that may be a sign you should call a pro fence repair company. Catching pests early enough can help prevent further damage, so be on the lookout for issues.

The post How to Tell Your Wood Fence Has to Be Repaired appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Privacy fencing is great for turning your backyard into your own sanctuary.

Privacy fencing is great for turning your backyard into your own sanctuary. They look great, keep prying eyes away, and are a great investment to make to your property. If you take care of your privacy fencing with regular maintenance, you can make any fencing material last a long time. Therefore, your choice of material will mainly boil down to your aesthetic preferences – are you looking to add new design cues to your landscape, or are you trying to enhance an established aesthetic? Here are some of the best options for the material to use for your privacy fencing.

Wood

A classic fence material that has been used throughout history, wood makes an excellent base for a new privacy fence. They complement the outdoor setup of homes designed more traditionally. While you can stain the fence with a wide variety of different shades, the best option is one that brings out the natural appearance of the wood. It is arguably the most beautiful of the materials that you can use for a privacy fence, although note that it will require more regular maintenance to help keep it looking nice for years to come.

Vinyl

Vinyl is a popular material for fencing because it is low maintenance and has a very clean look. This makes vinyl privacy fencing a great choice for homes with traditional design as well as contemporary design. While white may be the most sought-after color choice, there are also tan and khaki-colored vinyl which can make the overall impact of the fencing on your landscape more subtle. And vinyl naturally repels mildew, rot, and mold, meaning you’ll only need to wash the panels occasionally to keep this privacy fencing looking stellar.

Aluminum

Aluminum privacy fencing uses vinyl panels set up in an aluminum frame to create a very sleek, defined aesthetic. You’ll often see this fencing used as a way to make a statement in the backyard because it has arguably the most options for customization. Just as with vinyl privacy fencing, aluminum requires almost zero maintenance, so it’s perfect for homeowners who want to set it and then not think about it!

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Make your fence line something special by considering some of these plants that can be amazing additions.

Your new fence is a beautiful addition to your property, but fences are also just as functional as they are attractive. However, you can improve your fence line even more by picking the right plants. Some of them even have additional benefits like beefing up your privacy and making it even harder to see through your fence line. Finally, some of these plants may be just what you’re looking for to improve your home’s curb appeal. Make your fence line something special by considering some of these plants that can be amazing additions.

Cherry Laurel

Suitable for rich and moist soil, people love cherry laurel because it will adapt to just about any light condition. It’s notable because of its shrubs that bloom with dainty, small white flowers that contrast against their evergreen leaves. It has a sweet fragrance you will be sure to notice, particularly during the spring when its cherry-like fruits attract birds.

Clematis

When grown near your fence line, clematis will surely thrive and grow all around your fence. Its blossoms end up creating a wonderful sense of color thanks to their pink, purple, blue, or white blossoms. Since they climb so much, they will do well around a fence where they can take advantage and begin to develop vines. Full sunlight helps these climbers, too.

Privet

Nicknamed “America’s fastest-growing hedge” for a reason, privet can grow over 3 feet each year! This is why it is ideal if you’re looking for a privacy hedge for your fence lines. Some people who need less security but still want privacy even use privet hedges solely. However, their dark green hedges are the perfect complement to your fencing as well.

Boxwood

If you’re looking for ways to get privacy to your fencing, a privacy hedge made of boxwood is the way to go. Boxwood is seen in formal gardens due to its ability to be carved into geometric shapes or other art. It’s just as useful as a privacy hedge because it will keep its foliage all year long.

Arborvitae

A great addition to any fence line, arborvitaes grow in pyramid-like shapes that are ideal when planted in pairs. These little evergreens can keep their foliage throughout the year and are great for a number of climates, provided they receive at least 6 hours of sunlight every day.

Euonymus

Low-maintenance plants can be a good choice for your fence line, so you may want to consider euonymous. It’s a flowering woodland plant sometimes called the wintercreeper, as it generally looks like a small evergreen shrub. They’re richly green with white borders that will grow even in heavily shaded areas.

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