Popular Types & Styles of Wood Fences

Wood is a traditional fencing material that remains a popular choice to this day. An elegant wood fence can add property value, increase privacy, and boost security, making it an excellent investment for any homeowner. Consider which wood species make the best fences and the different styles of wood fencing available.

Best Types of Wood for Building Fences

When you invest in a fence, you want the assurance that it will hold up against the elements. The following wood species make durable fences that last for decades:

• Western red cedar naturally resists common outdoor threats, including moisture, rot, and insects. This species looks beautiful and works well as either pickets or posts.
• Pressure-treated pine gets added strength through chemical treatments and physical pressure.
• PVC/vinyl may be a viable alternative if you want a white painted fence look with a longer lifespan and less maintenance than wood fencing.

Popular Styles of Wood Fences

Once you select a wood species, you must decide what style of fence to install. Here are some of the most popular choices:

• Solid wood fences feature pickets that almost touch, maximizing privacy and security for families with children and pets.
• Shadowbox wood fences are characterized by alternating layers of boards on either side of the rails. This creates depth and visual interest while still enclosing the yard effectively.
• Wood picket fences are an American classic. The boards are shorter and spaced further apart, making them a popular choice for front yards. Whether you opt for scalloped, arched, dog ear, or another style of boards, you can expect a picket fence to add charm and elegance to your home.
• Wood split rail fences have a country look, delineating your property line with less wood and a lower cost than other types of fences. This is an ideal choice for homeowners with lots of acreages

At Paramount Fence Inc., we can help you select and install the best wood fence for your property. We serve customers across the Chicago area with creative and affordable solutions designed to stand the test of time. After over fourteen years in business, and with more than 50 years of combined industry experience, our reputation for excellence precedes us. If you’re interested in building a wood fence or pursuing other types of fencing, please call us at (630) 239-2714 or contact us online today.

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Installing the right fence can benefit any property, but how do you narrow down your options? With the right approach and knowledge of the most popular types of fencing available today, you’ll be empowered to make the best decision for your home.

Choosing the Right Type of Fence

Begin your fencing installation project with these tips:

• Consider why you want to install a fence. Perhaps you hope to beautify your property or increase home value with an ornamental fence. Maybe you wish to make your yard safer for your children and pets to play in. Then again, your goal might be to add privacy and security, with a fence that stops prying eyes and keeps intruders away. Whatever the case, defining your needs is the first step.
• Take your home’s style into account. If you live in a traditional farmhouse or ranch-style home, a classic wooden fence might be best. On the other hand, a modern row house might look best with ornamental steel fencing.
• Check with your HOA. If you are part of a homeowners association, find out about any restrictions relating to fence materials, heights, and styles. Even if you aren’t part of an HOA, walk around the neighborhood to see what existing fences are in the area.

Popular Types of Fencing

With your needs, home design style, and HOA rules in mind, it’s time to consider the different fencing options available. Here are some of the most popular choices:

Wood fencing is a timeless classic that works well with almost any home architecture. You can stain the fence to maintain a rustic wood-grain look, or you can paint it white, gray, brown, or any other color you wish. Numerous styles are also available, from tall privacy fences to decorative picket fences.

PVC/vinyl fencing is durable and versatile. Modern PVC fences are very low-maintenance, making them a suitable choice for homeowners who don’t want to devote much time to fence upkeep.

Ornamental metal fencing comes in aluminum and steel, which can be designed to look like wrought iron without the high cost and maintenance. Not only are metal fences beautiful, but they can also increase security with the proper design.

Chain link fencing is durable, easy to install, and more economical than other types of fencing. It can be made of vinyl or galvanized steel with optional privacy slats. Dog runs and yards backing up against wooded areas could be good candidates for a chain-link fence.

At Paramount Fence Inc., we can help you select and install beautiful fencing for your Chicago-area home. We are proud to offer just about every type of fence in almost any style. Most importantly, we work closely with you to make sure you get exactly what you want. For more information about our services, or to request a fencing installation estimate, please call us at (630) 239-2714 or contact us online today.

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Could your home benefit from an ornamental fence? While wood, vinyl, and chain link fences are all popular options, there’s something to be said for ornamental aluminum fences. Versatile, durable, and safe, they also add a certain curb appeal, boosting your property’s appearance as well as its security. Here are some great reasons to choose an ornamental fence.

• An ornamental aluminum fence is a great choice around a pool. If you’ve got a pool, you’ll need to put a fence around it to protect your children. An ornamental aluminum fence will look good, but it’s also got the benefit of being corrosion-resistant, which makes it perfect for use near water. Strong and sturdy, an ornamental fence can easily be built to conform to safety regulations and pool codes.
• To enhance the look of your property, you can’t beat an ornamental fence. Metal fencing has a classic, timeless look, which makes it perfect for enclosing your entire estate. There are many different looks available, so you can easily choose a style that complements the architecture of your home and looks good with your landscaping.
• Ornamental fences are suitable for businesses as well as residential properties. Whether used on all or just a portion of your property, ornamental aluminum fences offer visual appeal as well as security to your business. They can be used to separate different areas of your property or control access to your business, while adding an elegant touch to the look of your building.
• An ornamental fence is durable and easy to maintain. Ornamental aluminum fences stand up to everyday wear and tear, and can even take the punishment of storms. In the event that your fence is damaged, it can easily be repaired. In addition to being tough, ornamental aluminum fences are low-maintenance, requiring neither paint, stain, nor sealant.
• For security as well as style, choose an ornamental aluminum fence. For many homeowners or business owners, security is a top priority, and that’s another reason to choose an ornamental fence. In addition to providing an elegant look, they’re ideal for securing your property. A sturdy fence around the property is a strong deterrent for intruders, and you can even install gates with automatic openers for added security and convenience.

When you’re ready for a new fence, Paramount Fence Inc. can install a variety of ornamental fences, in different specifications to meet your needs. As a full-service fence sales and installation business in the Chicagoland area, 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.

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Fencing can be a big investment, one often put off replacing by homeowners. Many choose to let it limp along in a state of disrepair rather than replacing it. While fences can often last for many years, there will come a time when you’ll have to stop repairing your fence and get a new fence. How do you know when that time has come? Do you need a new fence?

• You might not need to replace your fence if it just needs a simple repair. If your wooden fence, for instance, is damaged, you may be able to fix it with wood putty or by replacing a board or a panel. The drawback of this is that the repaired spot will be a different color, but if you’re planning to paint the fence it may not matter. Similarly, you may be able to repair a crack in your vinyl fence by replacing the affected picket or panel. Aluminum fences are quite sturdy, but if you’ve got a loose post you may be able to steady it with some backfill, and if you have a loose rail, a t-brace may be able to strengthen it.
• Sometimes, you’re better off replacing the fence. If fixing your fence would involve replacing more than 20 percent of the panels or pickets, it’s time for a new fence. If several fence posts need to be replaced, it’s probably time to overhaul the entire fence. If your fence is very old, you may not be able to find parts to repair it. Then, too, if your fence is unsightly, with stains, corrosion, or rot, it’s better to replace it than to repair it.
• What if the fence you have is not the fence you want? Your fence doesn’t have to be damaged to warrant replacement. It may not afford you enough privacy, or you may feel that it’s not the right height for your property. Your fence may have been installed by someone who wanted a decorative enclosure, and the fence doesn’t meet your security needs. Additionally, if you have children you’re trying to protect, or a dog who is an escape artist, you may have very specific requirements for a fence. Maybe the fence was already on your property when you purchased the house, and it doesn’t suit your aesthetic style. Not liking the way it looks is a perfectly valid reason to get a new fence.

When you’re ready for a new fence, call Paramount Fence Inc. for professional installation. A full-service fence sales and installation business in the Chicagoland area, 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.

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Here is how a wooden fence can get damaged by cold weather.

Cold weather can be brutal to many aspects of your house and yard, and your fence is no exception. A wooden fence will be especially vulnerable to the cold. It can be burdened by the weight of a heavy blanket of snow. It’s possible that wood cracks, and sometimes, moisture can even be a problem. Knowing what can harm a wooden fence will help you prepare for potential damage down the road. Here is how a wooden fence can get damaged by cold weather.

Moisture Damage

Moisture damage happens gradually, but it can be a serious problem once it finally settles in. The moisture from snow and rain will begin to ingrain itself in your wooden fence. Once the water has settled in, it begins to rot your wooden fence.

Heat-processed wood and water sealers can help your fence defend itself against rot. Cold weather makes it more difficult for wood to dry, so you’ll have to be the one to take action if you want to save your fence. While some people try to save money with untreated wood, the extra cost of treated wood can be of great help to you long-term.

Fluctuating Temperatures Cause Wood to Crack

Water does more than cause wood to rot, especially when temperatures fall. When water freezes, it expands, which can make your wooden fence crack. As temperatures go up and down, repeated instances of melting and freezing take their toll on your wood. Your fence will become weak, and what’s ominous is that the damage may not be noticeable until pressure is applied to it.

Be Wary of Snow Drifts

This is a problem that may be familiar to some of you. Heavy snow drifts have the ability to bring trees and walls down. When you add wind into the mix, you have a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, you can prepare for snow drifts by using boulders and trees to shield your fence. It also helps if you can shovel some of your snow away to avoid drifts becoming too large and unbearable for your wooden fence to endure.

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 Can a Wooden Fence Be Harmed By Cold Weather? appeared first on Hercules Fence.

If you’re grappling with different fence ideas to boost curb appeal, here are some choices we recommend.

Are you trying to make your yard stand out among others in your neighborhood? If so, a fence could be the perfect solution for you. If you get the right fence installed, it can completely transform your yard’s appearance. But with so many options from which to choose, deciding on one is no easy task. If you’re grappling with different fence ideas to boost curb appeal, here are some choices we recommend.

Wood Fencing

Think about the classic American white picket fence. It’s been a country staple for decades and still manages to captivate homeowners and passersby to this day. Many wooden fences put looks towards the top of their priority lists. You can select whatever paint color you want for your fence so that it matches your house and yard, and you can even go the extra mile and have gates installed.

Just realize that there is more work that goes into maintaining wooden fences. The curb appeal they offer is superb, but that curb appeal only comes to fruition with hard work and ambition. If you can commit to the labor that comes with a wooden fence, you’ll be left with a gorgeous fence that is sure to impress your neighbors.

Wrought Iron & Aluminum Fences

Wrought iron fences are incredibly sturdy and another timeless classic. These fences tend to complement older houses better because they are more ornate. You can get similar fence styles with other materials, such as powder-coated steel and composite materials. These are cheaper options that also have fewer maintenance requirements.

Aluminum fences have many different picket sizes, as well as post spacing. There are also simpler styles and more fancy choices. Try to find a style that works well with your style of house.

Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fencing offers similar curb appeal to wooden fencing because it can look just like wooden fencing. However, unlike wooden ones, vinyl fences don’t have the same maintenance requirements. They don’t have to worry about cracking, rotting, or splitting.

The downside is that they cost a little more upfront. But the lack of maintenance can make up for the added costs. You also can’t replace a single board and be fine most of the time. More often than not, entire sections have to be replaced when you’re making repairs.

But if you’re willing to accept these shortcomings, you can have a fence that looks great with very little work on your end.

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 Types of Fencing That Boost Curb Appeal appeared first on Hercules Fence.

We’ll go over different materials from which residential fences can be made to help you decide which material suits you the most.

Residential fences do wonders for people’s yards. Their extensive list of perks, from increased privacy to enhanced curb appeal, are among the incentives people have for installing them. The toughest decision may not even be if you should install one. Instead, that choice may solely be which material to use for the creation of your fence. Each material has its tradeoffs, so your decision will hinge on your preferences and where you live. We’ll go over different materials from which residential fences can be made to help you decide which material suits you the most.

Chain-Link

Chain-link residential fences are very common, and they play all kinds of roles around the yard. They’re perfect for families with pets because they help keep them in the yard, unable to wander off and get into danger.

Metal

Metal fences are a little more expensive than chain-link fences. However, you get a lot for your buck. Residential fences made of metal offer both functional and decorative traits. You reach a healthy compromise between a fence that gets your yard noticed and a fence that offers sufficient protection. You can possibly cut down your price a little if you elect to use aluminum to build the fence.

Privacy

Privacy fences, unsurprisingly, give your landscape more privacy. These fences keep your yard concealed, allowing you to turn your yard into a getaway from the stresses of day-to-day life. The second perk of privacy fences is that you can create them from all kinds of fence materials. They can be made from wood, vinyl, and other materials as well.

Picket

Picket fences are a true American staple. They have been the residential fences of choice for many homeowners for decades, and it’s not without good reason. While these fences are usually viewed as solely decorative, you’d be surprised by how much functionality they have. They are built with wide posts made with sturdy materials like wood and vinyl. This gives you a fence that both looks great and functions perfectly. Just because they were used back in the day, it doesn’t mean they can’t be perfectly fine in the modern era as well.

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 Different Types of Residential Fences And Their Uses appeared first on Hercules Fence.

With a wood privacy fence, you grant your home a plethora of different benefits.

Fences are pretty much an icon for many American homes. But not everyone has a fence surrounding their property. Many suburban and rural areas are lacking a strong and reliable fence. This can leave your house feeling less private and less secure. If your home doesn’t have one set up already, consider having a wood privacy fence installed. With a wood privacy fence, you grant your home a plethora of different benefits.

A Wood Privacy Fence Can Help You Identify Property Lines

You always want to know what land is yours and what belongs to a neighbor. This will reduce the number of conflicts you have with people living around you. With the help of a wooden privacy fence, you establish a visible border between your house and your neighbor’s. This fence will serve as a visual indicator as to who owns what pieces of land. Just make sure the fence is installed in the right spot. If you install the fence on your neighbor’s property, you can run into problems. Letting neighbors know when you’re going to install a fence can help with this because they can help clarify what land belongs to them.

A Wood Privacy Fence Increases Your Home’s Security

While not all fences serve to raise your security levels by much, you’d be surprised how much safer your home can be simply with a fence’s existence on your property. With a wood privacy fence in place, it becomes harder for people to peek into your yard. This helps deter thieves, who would prefer to know the layout of your yard ahead of time and know what they want to steal.

A Wood Privacy Fence Helps Protect Children and Pets

Having a yard that’s fully barricaded helps make it as safe as possible for pets and children. With a wooden privacy fence installed, you help keep children and pets from wandering off of your property and getting into danger. As an added bonus, fences give children and pets more freedom around your yard because you know they won’t run off. This means that monitoring their activity outside becomes much less stressful.

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 What Makes a Wood Privacy Fence So Appealing? appeared first on Hercules Fence.

With so many fence options for you to choose from, deciding on the best style, color, and material can be difficult. And, just because you settle on a fence that you love the look of doesn’t mean it’s going to give you the security you seek. The great news is that Fence Masters has an affordable fence option that covers all the bases. Aluminum fences offer you the security and aesthetics you require at your home or business without going over your budget.

Versatile

Gone are the days of sacrificing a beautiful yard for extra security. With an aluminum fence, you can have both. Aluminum fences can be adjusted to fit into any yard and landscape. It doesn’t matter if your yard is completely flat or you live on an incline, Fence Masters can install a gorgeous fence. Plus, aluminum fences come in various styles, colors, heights, and textures, so you are guaranteed to find one that matches the desired look for your yard.

Aluminum fences look great for any type of security you are looking for. Place an aluminum fence around your entire yard to contain pets or young children, place around a garden to keep unwanted visitors away, or enclose your pool space to prevent accidents. 

Durable

Aluminum fences are known for being extremely durable. Unlike their wooden or iron counterparts, maintenance and repairs are virtually nonexistent. Because of their material, aluminum fences do not fall victim to rust, rot, and fading like other fence options out there. Plus, with Fence Master’s professional residential and commercial installation, your fence can withstand Midwest winter storms and the harsh summer heat.

If the unexpected does occur, Fence Masters offers emergency fence repair to all of our past clients. If you have had a fence installed by our professionals, we can repair your fence.

Affordable

While all of Fence Masters’ fence options are affordable, choosing an aluminum fence is one of the most affordable choices, both in up-front cost and, since they are some of the most durable and low-maintenance options on the market, there is virtually no maintenance cost. Plus, aluminum is easy to fabricate, transport, and install, meaning labor and materials costs are lower than what you would find with other fence options such as wrought iron or wood.

Securable

Compared to the chain-link fence that can easily be cut open or a wooden fence that can be scaled, the aluminum fence is your most secure option. With the ability to customize the height and add spear pickets, an aluminum fence delivers a classic look with the added security you desire. 

Dependable

When you get an aluminum fence installed by the experts at Fence Masters, you know you’ll get a dependable product for an incredibly affordable price. We hire only the best fence contractors, meaning you’ll get the best fence installation in the Chicagoland area. Call or get in touch through our online contact form to learn more about our aluminum fence options, get a quote, or discuss how we can help you.

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Here is what you should do to make sure termites don’t destroy your wooden fence.

Termites can wreak havoc on your fence. They feast on wood, raising families that will cause even greater problems if you don’t take care of the problem early on. It can be tough to even know that you have a termite issue until it’s too late, and your fence has already begun to split and fall apart because termites eat away at your fence from the inside out.

The best way to handle termite problems is to prevent them from happening from the start. Here is what you should do to make sure termites don’t destroy your wooden fence.

Constantly Monitor Your Fence

Being aware of everything that happens around your fence is a big deal. By monitoring what goes on, you’ll be able to find noticeable damage the moment it pops up. Common signs of termites include holes in your wood and possible termite droppings.

Go With Pressure-Treated Wood

Pressure-treated wood keeps termites away in a manner that standard wood cannot. It’s a type of wood that has insecticide built right into it. If termites try to burrow into your fence, they won’t be able to accomplish this goal. It’s a slightly more expensive option, but it’s worth it to avoid termite damage. Find out if there is a fencing company near you that offers fences made from pressure-treated wood.

Preserve Your Wood Every Year

If you want your wood to remain free of termites, you have to remain vigilant. Part of keeping the wood protected is to develop a habit of painting your fence and applying a preservative every year. Make sure to apply the coat of preservative before applying the paint. This gives your wooden fence more protection against termites.

Remove Plants and Water From the Area

Termites need a path to get to your wood, and plant life often serves as the perfect gateway to your fence. Clear any plants from the surrounding areas of your fence so that termites don’t have a path to use. Also, make sure the space around your fence is dry. Termites enjoy wood that’s wet and soft because it’s easier for them to eat their way through the wood.

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 Keeping Your Wood Fence Protected Against Termites appeared first on Hercules Fence.