When Your fence Deserves a Lovely Style Upgrade

If you’ve got a wooden fence, you may not ever really give it much thought. In fact, it’s likely that no one gives it much thought! Wooden fences are classic, but they’re rarely a conversation starter because they can be boring and non-descript. Do you want to give yours a fence style upgrade? Here are some clever ideas.

• For a simple fencing upgrade, consider the white picket fence. There’s something about a traditional white picket PVC/Vinyl fence that’s wholesome and beautiful.
• Consider going rustic. On the other end of the spectrum from the tidy picket fence is the split rail fence. You can also get a rustic look with a picket fence made from unfinished wood
• Make your fence a vertical garden. For this upgrade you don’t even need to switch out your existing fence. Just fit it with a hanging system of planters and add flowers or vegetables.
• Upgrade to a more modern fencing. Go for a fence with a geometric fence that has a minimalist, sleek look. You could paint it a striking color- just make sure it fits with your neighborhood.
• Go a different direction. Fences don’t have to be horizontal or vertical only. You could just add latticework to your existing fence, for a similar but less complicated look.
• Pick an unusual size of picket. Fence panels are probably the same size all over your neighborhood. Going much wider or much narrower can create a unique look. Check the rules with your subdivision regarding fence board width requirements.
• Try something artistic. People do amazing things with their fences, from painting them to look like colored pencils to drilling holes in the fence and inserting marbles into the holes with the help of a rubber mallet. Use your imagination and you can come up with a fence look that’s uniquely yours!
• Choose something classic, yet ornamental. A beautiful aluminum or steel ornamental fence can give you the timeless look of wrought iron, for much less time and money. It’s a fence upgrade the improves curb appeal and security at the same time.

When you’re ready for a new fence, call Paramount Fence Inc. for professional installation. We’re a full-service fence sales and installation business in the Chicagoland area, proudly serving the following counties in Illinois: Kane, DuPage, Kendall, DeKalb, McHenry, and parts of Cook, Will and Lake. 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 When Your fence Deserves a Lovely Style Upgrade appeared first on Paramount Fence.

If you’re trying to get your sagging fence gate repaired, here are the steps you will want to take.

Do you have a sagging fence gate? If you do, getting it repaired as quickly as possible is the best thing you can do. If you take too much time to make repairs, further damage will accumulate, and it will become more costly and time-intensive to get everything fixed. It could also get more damage and cause security concerns for you. If you’re trying to get your sagging fence gate repaired, here are the steps you will want to take.

Determine if Repairs are the Best Solution for Your Fence Gate

Inspecting your gate will provide some insight into whether or not performing repairs will be the most effective solution for your problem. Take a look at your fence posts, as well as your gate’s structure, and look at the damage. Do you have rotting wood that can’t be fixed? Are the hinges the issue? Knowing the reason that your fence gate is sagging will make it easier to determine if you can make repairs or if you need an entirely new gate.

Replace the Loose Parts That are Holding Your Sagging Fence Gate

A common source of sagging gate concerns will be your fence posts. Soil erosion is a common issue, and this occurs when soil freezes and starts shifting. While we’re still in the middle of fall, and this is a problem most common in winter, it’s something you’ll want to consider as we inch closer to the next season.

When soil erosion occurs, your fence posts could come loose, which means your posts can’t keep your fence gate supported anymore. This is what ultimately causes your gate to sag.

Get your gate removed from your post and then remove the post from your fence while keeping your fence supported. After that, you should excavate your post out of the soil and see if it has sustained damage.

Lastly, get the hole fixed with pea gravel and soil, slide the post back to where it was, and reattach your fence. The hinges and gate should be refitted so your fence can go back to how it was.

Hinges Could be the Source of the Problem

If your hinges aren’t good quality, they could be the reason for your fence gate’s sagging problems. Hinges tend to rust, and eventually, they will come away from your fence post or gate.

Remove your gate from your post so you can get the hinges replaced. When you replace the hinges, be sure you invest in high-quality ones.

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 Getting Your Sagging Fence Gate Repaired appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Today, we’re going to look at how leaves can cause damage to your fence and gate so you can stop this damage from appearing in the first place.

Leaves are one of the most captivating aspects of the fall season. They are a spectacle to watch as they fall from the trees around you, and they can be fun for kids as they jump into leaf piles. However, there are problems that these leaves can present, and one problem that can arise is damage on your fence and gate. Today, we’re going to look at how leaves can cause damage to your fence and gate so you can stop this damage from appearing in the first place.

Water Retention

Usually, water doesn’t present itself as a problem because it will evaporate your fence fairly quickly. Water evaporates more quickly when leaves aren’t around because your fencing gets plenty of exposure to the air.

If leaves have a chance to pile around your fencing, however, moisture retention becomes more problematic. Leaves hold in water more easily, and they prevent your fencing from getting as much air exposure. This means your fence will hold water for a longer period of time, and this makes it more likely for your fence to develop water damage.

Dirt

If there are leaves around the edges of your fence, water will splash up frequently anytime there is rainy weather. This results in streaks of dirt developing along your fence’s bottom. Keeping leaves off of your fencing will stop this dirt from ever accumulating.

Pest Damage

Leaves serve to attract a wide range of different insects to your fencing. This is mainly because of the water-retaining properties of leaves. Insects will be drawn to the water that leaves hold.

Leaves do more than offer water to insects, though. They also serve as shelter, and there are many insects that will bury inside of your fencing if there are leaves nearby. Keeping leaves off of your fence is important for ensuring that insects never turn your fence into their new home.

Bad Drainage

You’ll want water flowing away from your house, and it will typically flow down a specified path. Leaves can cause disruptions, however. With enough leaves around your property, water may have a tough time escaping your property. Clearing out your leaves will ensure your drainage system works as it should.

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 a Fence and Gate Can be Damaged by Leaves appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Keeping your children safe inside and outside your home is your top priority as a parent! Smaller children are especially curious and little explorers, and you want to feel confident in letting them roam around your property and enjoy all of the treasures of being outside, such as bug hunts, playing tag and feeling free! If you are planning to install a new fence, consider the characteristics of your choice of fencing materials, so you can sit back and relax and let your little ones have fun.

Vinyl and aluminum are top choices for families with small kids. Vinyl is especially great as not only a secure perimeter, but also a smooth material that will not become a hazard over time as it possibly breaks down. Vinyl is easy to maintain and clean as well for you as it just needs a rinse or an occasional scrubbing with soap and water. It is a sturdy material that will stand up to weather and years of standing tall in your yard. Aluminum is also a good option, but select the style that has smooth surfaces, tops and edges. 

While many of our clients here at Fence Masters enjoy the classic look of a wood or wrought iron fence, the material’s possible hazards should be contemplated by those with little kids. Wood can leave splinters behind in the hands of curious toddlers and wrought iron can have sharp edges. As we do have our own in-house iron-weld shop, we are able to customize your pieces and create a beautiful and safe finish for your fence.

Be Mindful of Your Gate Selection

Any parent of a toddler or preschooler knows how they love to open and close anything! Learning how their actions cause reactions is a key element of growth and development. It is imperative to have a gate that latches securely, so your children can play freely without you worrying about them or having to watch over them every second of their playtime. Our team also works with electronic gate operators that feature electronic entry systems to add another layer of security. Needing a keycode can also keep intruders out as well.

Keeping Climbers Inside

If your small child was not deterred by the crib’s walls, then you probably have a climber! Climbers can get places that you would not even think of, and outside that can be a concern when it comes to your fencing. You do not want areas that could serve as footholds to go up and over. Smooth surfaces do not offer a way to encourage this climbing behavior.

Our Team Can Help

Design and material decisions can be difficult. Have a conversation with one of our team members about what you are needing and wanting from your new fence. We will take these into consideration and guide you toward a decision. Reach out to us today through our online form.

The post appeared first on Fence Masters

Here is how you can make your vinyl fence last longer.

Are you looking to install a fence along your property? If you are, you might be finding it difficult to decide on the right fencing material. If we may make a suggestion, vinyl fencing is a viable option you could pick. It doesn’t require as much maintenance to maintain as other fences, and it still retains a wonderful appearance. Something else great about vinyl fences is how long they can last. Usually, a vinyl fence can last anywhere between 20 and 30 years, but proper maintenance will determine which side of the spectrum your fence will fall under. Here is how you can make your vinyl fence last longer.

Decide on a Suitable Location for Your Vinyl Fence

The first factor determining your fence’s longevity is where you get it installed.  Some environments aren’t suitable for vinyl fences, such as terrains that are uneven or swamp-like. Areas with plenty of weak trees also do a vinyl fence no favors. Your fence will last several years fewer if you install it in these conditions.

Instead, install your fence on a flat and solid terrain with no weak trees around. If you have to install your fence on a slope, it is possible through a process called “racking.”

Give Your Vinyl Fence Regular Inspections

Maintenance isn’t a hassle at all with a vinyl fence, but you still have to care for it. Fortunately, it usually only requires a simple cleaning once every 3 to 6 months. You can clean your fence by using a garden hose. As an alternative, you could use a rag and clean your fence with a mixture of mild detergent combined with some hot water. Typically, this piece of maintenance adds around five more years to your fence’s lifespan.

Also, at a minimum of two times per year, you should inspect your fencing to see if any damage has been sustained. This lets you deal with problems while they’re small and manageable, saving your fence from bigger problems in the long run.

Get Overhanging Branches Trimmed Off

If there are branches looming over your vinyl fence, get them trimmed off because you don’t want them to snap off and fall onto your fence later on. Vinyl fences are made to be durable, but avoiding any unnecessary damage is always in your best interest.

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 Helping a Vinyl Fence Last Longer appeared first on Hercules Fence.

There are many ways your chain-link fencing can be designed to be more exciting.

When you think about what your ideal house might have, does it have fencing around it? If so, what kind of fence would be around your house. Some people might think about your traditional white picket fence or perhaps a more modern wooden one. But have you considered chain-link fencing as a viable fencing option for your home?

As it turns out, there is a large list of benefits to choosing chain-link fencing. It doesn’t have to be as bland as some may think. There are many ways your chain-link fencing can be designed to be more exciting.

Take a More Natural Approach

Many fences go well with natural environments, such as wooden and picket fences. Chain-link fencing isn’t known for going well with natural settings, but you can change that with a few extra installments.

Think about adding some greenery along the edge of your fencing, such as flowers and vines. This will allow your fencing to blend in more seamlessly with the rest of your yard.

Give Your Chain-Link Fencing a Weave

If you have ribbon or yarn, you can weave a lot of different things into your chain-link fencing.  A weave allows you to let your creative juices flow. Pick from a wide range of colors and plan out whatever design you want. What’s great about a fence weave is that everyone in the family can get in on the creative fun. This allows you to put a little extra love and creativity into your chain-link fencing.

Give Your Chain-Link Fencing Some Extra Privacy

Some people might not be in love with the idea of others peering into their yards, so giving your fence some extra features to promote privacy can be a good idea. Privacy slats can be a great addition to any fence. They are easy to install, and they are highly effective at what they are designed to do.

You can also get privacy slats in various colors. This allows you to get your slats to complement the appearance of your outdoor landscape easily. You could even choose multi-color slats for a more unique and eye-catching 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.

The post How You Can Make Your Chain-Link Fencing More Exciting appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Let’s go over what rain does that can do damage to your fencing and how you can keep rain damage to a minimum.

Your fencing is going to be put through a plethora of weather conditions, and it will likely be designed to handle all of them…to an extent. One weather condition that can prove problematic is rain. Over time, rain will break down your fencing and require you to get it fixed up. Let’s go over what rain does that can do damage to your fencing and how you can keep rain damage to a minimum.

Ways Rain Can Damage Your Fencing

Many fences are pressure-treated to make them able to stand up to weather more easily. However, you have to make sure you apply the end coat after holes and nails are formed. If you don’t, rain will get through to your fencing eventually and cause damage.

Your fencing’s bottom is a particularly vulnerable area because moisture can build up at ground level. This moisture can steadily wear down your fence posts, making them rot, which ultimately makes them weaker. After fence posts have been weakened, it becomes more susceptible to damage caused by strong winds or debris.

Damage or holes in your fencing can also prevent it from offering you the security or privacy you want. If enough damage accumulates, you’ll eventually have to get your fencing replaced so you can get a fence that serves the function you want it to serve.

Ways to Keep Your Fencing Protected Against Rain

With timber being a popular fencing material, it’s important to pressure treat the panels. Doing this gets preservatives into the fence, which helps it combat damage from sources such as weather.

You’ll also want to get capping rails and post caps. These are helpful because the top of your fencing is likely to absorb rain once it lands on the fence. Capping rails and post caps keep rain from collecting on top of your fencing, meaning there will be significantly less water to absorb.

Lastly, consider getting gravel boards installed. These boards will serve as a barrier that protects the bottom of your fence from any soil that’s been dampened by the rain.

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 Rain Impacts Fencing and How to Lower Rain Damage appeared first on Hercules Fence.

When you think about parking lots, a fence is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. Nevertheless, parking lot fences are important. They keep unwanted intruders out of your parking lot and protect valuables people may have in their vehicles. The type of fencing you need depends on the functions you need it to perform.

School fences, for instance, should prioritize keeping unwanted visitors from entering the site and keeping staff and students safe. To that end, it’s worthwhile to conduct a risk assessment before installing or upgrading fencing around a school parking lot. Look at the property from a potential intruder’s point of view so that you can better identify weaknesses in its security. Ideally, schools should have separate entrances for vehicles and pedestrians. It’s also wise to consider aesthetics when building a school fence. Look for school fences that strike a balance between security and providing a welcoming environment. This holds true for college parking lots and apartment complexes as well. This doesn’t narrow your options, however. Chain link, ornamental metals, and wooden fences can all be used in some capacity to provide security without seeming forbidding.

In some parking lots, the aesthetics don’t matter as much. Airport fences, for instance, need to be extremely secure and fencing contractors installing them don’t have to worry much with aesthetics. When planning airport fencing, tall fences are a must. Chain link, often topped with barbed wire or razor wire, can provide an effective deterrent to intruders.

Some businesses might prefer parking lot fences that insulate them from other businesses. Guard rails are often used to protect vehicles in one business’s lot from vehicles in another lot. Guard rails are also useful, of course, if there’s a danger of cars sliding into a ditch. Park fences are sometimes built as a protective measure against natural features that could be dangerous to vehicles. In most cases, chain link provides a secure and inexpensive method of protection, available at varying heights to meet your needs for security. For properties where looks are important, ornamental aluminum or steel fences might fit the bill more effectively. Whichever fence you choose, consider adding a secured gate. Having a gated entrance can greatly enhance parking lot security, from both a psychological and practical standpoint. Intruders are deterred by the knowledge of a gate, even when the gate is not locked.

When you’re ready for a new fence, call Paramount Fence Inc. for professional installation. We’re a full-service fence sales and installation business in the Chicagoland area, proudly serving the following counties in Illinois: Kane, DuPage, Kendall, DeKalb, McHenry, and parts of Cook, Will and Lake. 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 Top Reasons Why Fence Installation is Important for Parking Lots appeared first on Paramount Fence.

To clean a vinyl fence properly, there are a few steps you’ll want to take.

While we are nearing the end of summer and entering the fall season, there’s still plenty of time to get outside and enjoy your yard. If you have a vinyl fence surrounding your yard, getting it cleaned can make your outdoor landscape more enjoyable while also being more aesthetically pleasing for anyone walking past your house. To clean a vinyl fence properly, there are a few steps you’ll want to take.

Use Water to Rinse Down Your Vinyl Fence

Firstly, spray your vinyl fence down with water. A pressure washer is the preferred tool in this situation, but you’ll be fine using a hose if you would like. You’ll want the weather to be cloudy, and the temperature should be pretty mild. If you try washing your fence during sunny weather, detergents dry out too quickly, and this causes streaks to form.

Use Soap to Deal With Dirt, Algae, and Mold That Has Grown on Your Vinyl Fence

Some people try using bleach to get rid of pesky dirt, mold, and algae on their fences. We don’t advise this because bleach could affect your fence’s color unless your fence is white. Bleach is also dangerous to different plants, as well as pets.

Instead, soap is your best friend for cleaning your vinyl fence. For those with pressure washers, you should use the washer’s soap tip. If you’re rinsing your fence with a hose, use a sponge to wash dirt away.

Rinse Off Your Cleaner

Once you’ve applied your detergent and given it about 5 minutes to settle, you can proceed to rinse it off of your vinyl fence. Just like with your initial rinsing, use the same hose or pressure washer that you used earlier. For those using pressure washers, make sure you don’t apply too much pressure because you can damage your fencing if you’re not careful.

For Stubborn Dirt and Algae, Soft-Bristled Brushes are Advised

If there is particularly stubborn algae or dirt, you’ll need to apply soap to the affected areas again. Do this with the help of a soft-bristled brush, and continue scrubbing and rinsing as necessary. After this step is finished, your vinyl fence should be good to go.

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 Making Sure Your Vinyl Fence is Cleaned Properly appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Here is how you can plan how tall your privacy fence should be.

It can be a tough task trying to decide what height would be ideal for your privacy fence. A lot of factors go into the final decision, and it’s important that you take all factors into consideration before you start your installation. If the height of your privacy fence isn’t thought out carefully, it will either not serve the functions you want it to serve and/, or it will have to be taken down for legal reasons. Here is how you can plan how tall your privacy fence should be.

What Role is Your Privacy Fence Going to Serve?

If you’re installing a privacy fence, you should have a good reason for making the installation. After all, it takes a good amount of time and money to create the fence, so you want that time and money to be worth your while.

The role for your privacy fence can be whatever you want, but the role could be influenced by your surrounding area. Maybe there are neighbors who can peer into your yard, so you need your privacy fence to keep people’s wandering eyes away. Maybe your fence is needed to surround a pool you have installed in the yard. Sometimes, a fence can be used to keep pets, such as dogs, from getting distracted by cars that pass by.

Just consider what you want your privacy fence to accomplish, and decide on a height accordingly. You might want to consult with a fencing company if you are unsure of a good fence height.

Know That a Tall Privacy Fence Isn’t Always the Best Option

Many customers think that it’s always best to get the tallest privacy fencing they can possibly get. However, as we mentioned earlier, you should think about what purpose your fence will serve. Not all fences need to be as tall as possible to serve their role, and taller fences may even be counterproductive to your goals, depending on the fence’s roles.

For example, if you’re installing a fence around your garden, it’s bad to have an incredibly tall privacy fence because you keep light from reaching your plants and letting them grow. You also won’t want to be spending extra money on fencing materials if they aren’t needed.

Consult Your Local Building Office

Understand what heights are permitted for fencing in your area. There are height limitations in various places around the country, so you can’t always have the fence height you’re planning to have. By consulting with your local building office ahead of time, you avoid running into legal issues later that would cause you to take your fence down.

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 Determining the Ideal Height for Your Privacy Fence appeared first on Hercules Fence.