Helping a Vinyl Fence Last Longer

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.

Your fence is an investment that you hope will last for years and years. As an outdoor element, it faces wind, rain, sleet and snow year-round. Water can seep in and cause problems to the structure and stability. Catching any issues early is important for the integrity of your fence investment.

What you should look for:

Signs of mold: Too much water spurs the allergen. If there is mold starting to grow on your fence, it needs to be addressed immediately. It can grow on vinyl, painted and unpainted wood surfaces. The fungus can turn up in different colors, including green, orange, yellow, white or black. When it is visible on the surface, it can start to penetrate into the material and cause long-term damage. To deal with mold, wash and scrub with water and dishwashing liquid or a mix of water and vinegar. A pressure washer can be used, but on a low level so that it doesn’t damage the fence. Plan to clean on a sunny day, so that your clean fence can dry and not start the wet, moldy cycle over again. To help prevent mold down the road, make sure you keep up with your fence’s staining or painting. Also, keeping leaves and debris away from your fence will help stop a breeding ground for water and mold.

Sudden fallen piece: If you wake up in the morning and find a panel of your fence has fallen, this could have been triggered by water damage. While repairing the damaged piece is your first priority, you need to also assess the rest of your fence to see if there is damage or mold in these areas as well. Beyond this initial fallen panel, you need to double-check the integrity of the rest of your fence and take steps to lengthen its life.

Internal issues: Unfortunately, you may not always be able to see that there is damage to your fence. If it is internal only, you may have a structure that is compromised and could be knocked down during strong winds or a thunderstorm. While it may be difficult to see any internal damage, you can work to prevent these types of issues by continued maintenance. Your plan should include taking the time to keep an eye on your entire fence. Really look for cracks, scratches or breaks that could lead to further issues down the road and fix them immediately. Pairing this plan with such outdoor chores as mowing or weeding will help get it on the calendar and not be as easy to forget.

Your Neighborhood Fence Experts

Besides fence installation, our team here at Fence Masters also offers emergency repairs for fences we have installed in Northwest Indiana. We have the time and experience in the industry that truly makes a difference. When you want to launch a project or have questions, reach out to us through our online contact form. 

The post appeared first on Fence Masters

Here is what you can do to keep rust from being a problem for your chain-link fencing.

Chain-link fencing is a kind of fencing that is made from materials such as galvanized steel. One problem that can burden these fences is rust, and you want to minimize how much damage rust is able to do to your fence so that it lasts as long as it can possibly last. Here is what you can do to keep rust from being a problem for your chain-link fencing.

Keep Your Chain-Link Fencing Clean

Dust and dirt might have materials in them that trigger corrosion in chain-link fencing. Therefore, whenever you see dirt and dust piling onto your fence, it’s important for you to clean the fence as soon as you can. Cleaning keeps materials that cause corrosion away from your fence, which will ultimately raise its longevity.

All it takes to clean your fencing is a little warm water and a detergent that isn’t too abrasive. Use soft-bristled brushes when cleaning the links on your fencing.

Add Some Rust Protection to Your Chain-Link Fencing

Rust protection can be added to your chain-link fencing so that it has a chance to last longer. Regardless of the fence you have, time will take its toll, so it’s always good to have another line of defense keeping your fence protected against adverse conditions.

If you aren’t sure what type of rust protection your fence could use, consult a fencing company for advice. They’ll know exactly what kind of rust protection your fence needs, especially if the company you contact is local, because they’ll know what weather conditions in the area are likely going to impact your fencing.

Stay on Top of General Maintenance

This goes for pretty much any fence, but keeping up with general maintenance is always going to be a good idea. As long as you check on your fencing every now and then, you’ll be able to detect problems while they’re still small and capable of being fixed without too much trouble.

See if your fencing has accumulated any rust, moisture, or debris, and be sure that climbing plants are kept away. As long as you keep these factors to a minimum, your fencing should last you for years.

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 Stopping Rust From Occurring On Your Chain-Link Fencing appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Here are the fencing rules you should follow before you begin your installation.

People have many reasons for installing fences. Sometimes, it can be due to how cost-effective a fence is and how fences help raise property value. Other times, the main incentive is to boost a property’s aesthetic appeal. Some people set up fences for protective reasons, such as keeping intruders away from the property. Whatever the reason may be, before anything else, you need to have the fence installed. When preparing for the installation, though, there are certain written and unwritten fencing rules you’ll want to follow. Here are the fencing rules you should follow before you begin your installation.

Inform Your Neighbors When You’re Planning a Fencing Installation

It’s not technically a law to let your neighbors know when you’re installing a fence, however, it’s a common friendly gesture that you’ll want to extend to them. Keep in mind that they will also be impacted by the installation. Perhaps they have to move things around before construction starts, such as flowers that could be too close to where all of the construction gets taken place. Since you’re also affecting your neighbors’ yards to an extent, you should make an effort to let them know that the installation will be happening, and you should tell them when said installation will occur.

Consult Your Local Government

Not every local government makes homeowners acquire permits prior to fencing installations, however, there are many who do. Zoning ordinances will typically let people know how large a fence is allowed to be, and they’ll put a limit on the maximum height you can have.

There could also be fencing rules you have to follow that were made by your homeowner’s association. For example, they can make fencing rules limiting what colors your fence can be and what materials are used to create it.

Don’t Leave Dogs Unattended

Dogs are a large responsibility, and while having a fence around your yard may provide extra protection, it’s still no reason to leave your dog alone in the yard. If you end up doing this, your dog could begin exhibiting behaviors that surrounding neighbors will likely not appreciate. Your dog may begin digging or barking, and both of these behaviors can wear people’s nerves down over time. Some dogs also get very anxious and will resort to aggressive behaviors like biting if they feel threatened. That’s why it’s up to you to stay by your dog and make sure everything stays fine.

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 Written and Unwritten Fencing Rules You’ll Want to Know appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Here are the reasons a wrought iron fence could be great having on your property.

Are you thinking of getting a new fence for your property? If so, you could pick from a long list of fencing materials. One such material that you could use is wrought iron. Wrought iron fencing brings property owners a specific list of benefits that make it worth the investment. Here are the reasons a wrought iron fence could be great having on your property.

A Wrought Iron Fence Doesn’t Need Much Maintenance

Upkeep is always going to be a chore for fence owners, so minimizing the amount of maintenance needed for fencing is going to be a huge plus. Some fences, such as those made from wood, will require painting and staining. This is not the case for a wrought iron fence. The powder coat finishing you get from these fences lasts for several years, and it isn’t very prone to peeling or chipping, even if it has to deal with hazardous weather conditions.

This makes wrought iron fencing a near maintenance-free option, which saves you a great deal of time in the long run.

A Wrought Iron Fence Keeps Problems With Animals Under Control

Perhaps you’re dealing with animals that are climbing over your fence and causing trouble. This won’t be an issue if you have a wrought iron fence because these fences have vertical rails. Unlike the horizontal rails that other fences have, vertical rails make it much more difficult for any animal to scale your fence.

By keeping animals out of your yard, it creates a safer environment for your outdoor landscape, which holds even more importance if you have pets or small children you need to protect.

They Come in Many Designs to Suit Whatever Landscape You Have

Wrought iron fences have the benefit of being available in all sorts of designs. The options you have are practically limitless, meaning you can have your fence complement your property, no matter how your home or landscape looks.

Even after you decide on an initial design for your fence, you can go a step further and add your own personal touches to make the fence truly your own. Adding your own creative twists on fencing will really help your property stand out among others and show people that you care for your landscape.

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 a Wrought Iron Fence is Great to Have appeared first on Hercules Fence.