Essential Wooden Fence Maintenance for the Fall

Is your wooden fence ready for the upcoming colder weather? 

Keeping up with your wooden fence maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to extend its life while also preventing potentially costly repairs or full replacements. Regularly inspecting your fence, or at least taking a good look at it at the beginning of both spring and fall, is a good habit to get into. The team at Fence Masters, Inc. wants to help you stay ahead of issues with your wooden fence, which is why we put together some of our most essential fall maintenance tips for your wooden fence!

Remove Debris from Around Your Fence

Branches, limbs, leaves, and other plant material can build up around the bottom of your fence, especially when the leaves begin to change and fall in the autumn. To prevent these materials from rotting against your fence, always be sure to clean up the immediate area surrounding your fence. In order to prevent a massive haul towards the end of the season, we recommend tidying up a few times throughout the fall and into winter.

Restain the Wood

After a long summer of constant sun exposure and afternoon storms, the staining on your wooden fence may have begun to fade. Inspect the wood for any discoloration and, if desired, restain those sections. Doing so will prevent a complete fence restain and help you stay on top of the appearance of your yard.

Check (and Triple Check) for Problems

Take the extra time to do an in-depth inspection of your wooden fence. Splitting, holes, and decay can easily fly under your radar if you do a glance over. Finding these issues before they turn into a major problem will prevent extensive fence damage, such as collapsing posts. This is also a great time to inspect your fence for loose posts. The weight of potential winter snowfall and other weather-related problems can cause your fence to topple over if some posts or stakes are not secured in the ground. 

Why Fence Maintenance is Important

With the proper maintenance and professional repairs, your wooden fence can last upwards of twelve years or more. Frequent inspections are a great way to identify and take care of any potentially extensive and costly repairs while also giving you a chance to appreciate your wooden fence fully.

Contact Fence Masters Today!

Your fence plays many roles in your yard. Maybe it was installed to define the boundaries of your property or contain a pet or rowdy children. Or maybe you invested in a wooden fence for extra backyard privacy or to increase the value of your home. Regardless of its function, you invested a lot of money into your wooden fence, and it’s important to keep it in the best possible condition. That’s why Fence Masters, Inc. offers fence repairs for all fences that our contractors have installed. Whether you need to get a single panel repaired or a full fence replacement, we are here for you when you need expert fence services. Contact us today for more information or to schedule your fall fence maintenance.

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Fences are a great way to protect your property, but when there are disputes between neighbors, the fence may be at the heart of the dissension. Whether it’s an argument over responsibility for livestock, fence repair, tree limbs, or boundaries, it’s wise to learn a little bit about fence law in order to successfully work through these neighborly tiffs. Sometimes, with some understanding of the law and a willingness to compromise, neighbors can avoid legal action and come to an agreement on their own. Let’s take a look at some common causes of friction and the applicable fence laws.

• Livestock issues are often covered by open range doctrine. If livestock are hit on a roadway, owner liability is dependent on whether the accident happened in an open range or closed range area. In a closed range area, also called fence in, landowners are legally obligated to keep their animals contained. If the animals escape and the landowner has not acted reasonably to prevent this, that owner can be held liable. In an open range, or fence out, area, there’s no obligation to prevent animals from roaming, so there’s no owner liability if an animal is hit by a motorist. Being familiar with this law and knowing whether you live in an open range or closed range area can save you from facing legal consequences.
• Another livestock issue is the question of strays. If livestock wanders onto your property, what should you do? If you know the owner of the animals, you should let the owner know what has happened so that the situation can be remedied. From a legal standpoint, there are certain specific procedures you must follow if you don’t know the owner, and these procedures vary from state to state. You need to try to find the owner, because you can’t just keep stray livestock because it’s on your property.
• Who is responsible for fence repair? Is your neighbor required to contribute when you need to repair or build a boundary fence? The specific rules are different in different states. Look into the laws in your state, also taking into account local zoning laws or homeowners association covenants.
• What happens when trees overhang a neighboring property? In most states, the responsibility falls on the neighbor on whose property the tree originates. However, property owners are often legally permitted to remove tree limbs or roots that encroach on their property.

If you’re involved in a fence law dispute, try to resolve it amicably. If 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. For more information, call us at 630.239.2714 or contact us through our website.

The post Fence Laws: Here’s What You Need To Know appeared first on Paramount Fence.

There are certain sources of fence damage that are more likely for homeowners to encounter.

A fence will only be reliable when it is well-built and given plenty of care. It will also help give your home extra beauty and elegance. But if you have any fence damage, you might not get that same appeal and functionality. There are certain sources of fence damage that are more likely for homeowners to encounter.

Corrosion

Most construction materials could start corroding after a long enough time period because of the constant exposure they get to moisture and the sun’s UV rays. Fences corrode in different ways. For example, wooden fences will show rot and mold when they corrode, while metal fences may start rusting.

To stop corrosion from happening, choose fencing material that’s well suited for your climate. For wet climates, you should get a fence with water resistance, as an example. Keep your fence clean to keep grime from building up, and get your material refinished. Take your fence manufacturer’s recommendation when refinishing your fence material.

Holes or Gaps

This type of fence damage is often associated with wooden fences more than any other type of fencing. Fence damage like this usually occurs from heavy storms or if your fence suffers a large impact of some kind.

If you don’t want holes to appear on your fence, make sure your fence is installed and repaired professionally. Usually, whenever slats fall off, it’s because proper fastening wasn’t done. Also, the steps needed to prevent corrosion apply here.

Sagging Gate

Your fence gate will start sagging over time. Sometimes, the deformation that results from sagging can make it harder to use the gate. On top of that, your fence won’t be as safe because sagging can create holes that are large enough for any kids and pets you have to get through your fence.

To avoid this problem, let a professional fencing company assess your gates every season. The evaluation should go over components such as the main gate and your hinges. If you need any parts replaced, get them replaced immediately.

Stains

Stains are an ugly sight for any fence, and even the best fences will feel the effects of nasty stains. While metal fences are usually fine because you can wash stains away, wooden varieties don’t fare as well against stains. Wooden fences have to be monitored closely because stains can sink into wooden material and turn into permanent marks.

Wiping and brushing your fence regularly is a good precaution to combat stains. Don’t use any substances on your fence until you’ve tested them on material separate from your actual fence. You should also go with a color that can be maintained with ease. Darker colors are often a good choice since they hide stains 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 Typical Sources of Fence Damage, and How to Stop Them From Occurring appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Here is what you can do to bring the strength of a rusty wrought iron fence back.

A wrought iron fence offers you a secure border around your property without sacrificing decorative appeal. While it doesn’t do much good at providing privacy, it still does enough to keep intruders away. One of the perks people like most about these fences is how easy it is to maintain them. It doesn’t take too much work to keep a fence in good shape or restore it in the event it takes damage. Even rusting isn’t the end of the world because there are ways you can bring your fence back to life. Here is what you can do to bring the strength of a rusty wrought iron fence back.

Get Rid of Old Paint and Rust

The first thing you should do is get rid of paint or rust that is currently on your fence. You can do this by getting your fence sanded and using a rust remover. Before you apply new paint, make sure you get rid of all of the existing paint first. Applying new paint on top of older paint will cause the new coat to peel and chip.

Rustproof Your Metal

With the help of a rust neutralizer, you can make your wrought iron fence resilient against rusting. There are chemical neutralizers you can use. But if you want to go with a homemade brew, a half & half concoction of vinegar and lemon juice will suffice. Apply your neutralizer by using a wire brush. By doing this, rust won’t appear on your fence again.

Use a Primer and Paint Conditioner That Resist Rust

It’s good to paint your wrought iron fence using a primer that will fair well against rust. The metal will be sealed, and rust won’t be able to wear it down. The primer serves as the base layer, keeping your metal safe against corrosion and moisture. You should use a few layers of primer before you apply a coat of paint to your fence posts. However, paint conditioner is a reliable option that often gets overlooked. All that is required of you is to blend your primer and paint conditioner together.

Paint

Paint your wrought iron fence with paint that will not give way to rust. Two healthy coatings should do just fine. If you apply two coats of primer, in addition to two coats of paint, you’ll have all of the protection you need to keep your fence safe against the weather.

Maintain Your Fence

Keep an eye on your fence and take note whenever you see your paint peeling or cracking. Take a look to see if rust is starting to develop. If you see fence posts bending, don’t try prying them off. Instead, use some quick-drying cement to secure the fence posts. As long as you’re constantly monitoring your fence, you will be able to catch problems before they get out of hand.

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 Restoring the Strength of a Rusty Wrought Iron Fence appeared first on Hercules Fence.

What color should you choose for your fence? You probably have strong feelings about your indoor palette, so why should you care any less about the colors of your exterior fixtures? The look of your fence has a major impact on the look of your property, so we’ve got some tips for choosing the perfect color.

• Consider your home’s architectural style. The white fence that looks so charming against a traditional cottage or Colonial home will look out of place surrounding a Mediterranean estate. Rustic properties may look best with natural wood-toned fencing.
• Consult your homeowner’s association. There may be policies and regulations governing fence types and colors. You may also want to observe how other fences in the neighborhood are painted, so that you can help preserve a harmonious look.
• Talk to your neighbors. Especially if you share a fence, you will want to let your neighbors weigh in when you’re choosing a color. Even if you’re only painting the fence on your own property, it’s a nice gesture to get the opinions of your closest neighbors. After all, the look of your property will have an impact on the value of their homes.
• Select a color that complements your home. You might choose a color that matches the light trim on your home, or you may coordinate your fence color with your landscaping. Repeating a color that already exists in the exterior palette that you’ve established will create a balanced, aesthetically pleasing appearance. You might even want to carry a color from your interior out onto your fence, particularly if you have large doors or windows through which the fence is prominently seen.
• Be cautious about trendy colors. The orange cedar look may be all the rage where you live, but if it clashes with your house, it’s not the right choice for you. Even neutrals can look wrong if they don’t complement your house. And when you choose a color that’s unusual or even outlandish, you may be decreasing your curb appeal or even the value of your home.

Choosing a new fence color can update the look of your fence and, by extension, your property. Sometimes, though, your fence may be beyond updating. When it’s time for you to choose 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.

The post Finding the Perfect Fence Color appeared first on Paramount Fence.

Vinyl fencing has many advantages over other types of fencing that might make it the preferred material to use.

When installing a fence, you could go with any number of materials. There are fences made of wood and iron. You could go with chain link fencing. But one type of fencing stands out among the others, and that is vinyl fencing. Vinyl fencing has many advantages over other types of fencing that might make it the preferred material to use.

Low Maintenance

Vinyl fencing doesn’t require much effort to maintain. There’s no painting or staining needed, and you don’t have to add chemicals to the surface to keep termites and other kinds of pests away. Once it’s installed, it should be ready to go.

No Hassle to Clean

It doesn’t take too much time to scrub out any dirt that gets on your fence. Some soap and water is all you’re going to need. After that, your fence should be as good as new.

No Rot or Rusting

Some fences, such as wooden or iron varieties, have to worry about the material rotting or rusting. If they don’t handle these issues right away, the fence will break down. Vinyl fences don’t have any of these problems. It won’t deteriorate like other fences, so it’s a safe bet for your outdoor landscape.

Vinyl Fencing is Durable

With vinyl fences, you don’t have to decide between low-maintenance fencing and fencing that is sturdy. You get both when you use vinyl as your fencing material. It can shield itself from the UV rays of the sun, and it has strength that is far stronger than wood. With such high durability, your vinyl fence can handle many brutal conditions, including various types of weather like high winds and storms.

Vinyl Fencing is Easy to Install

Vinyl fences are no trouble to install, similar to wooden fences. As soon as the post holes get dug, the posts get placed in their respective holes, and the rails are placed on the fence, you’ll be good to go. Vinyl fencing is also an easy choice if you want to have a fence that has panels.

Vinyl Fencing Gives You Privacy

Vinyl fences can be tall, sometimes up to 8 feet in height. This gives your yard a healthy amount of privacy. If you’re worried about people peering into your yard, or you just want to turn your yard into a peaceful oasis that takes you away from the stresses of the day, install vinyl fencing around your yard today.

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 You Should Install Vinyl Fencing Today appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Whether you dream of adding some classic flair to your home with a white picket fence or you want to add value to your property, Fence Masters can help install a fence that meets your needs. With over 30 years of experience in the fencing industry, we have the knowledge, tools, and team to get your fencing job done right at an affordable price. Thinking of adding a new fence to your yard, or want to replace a current fence? Check out our tips for selecting the right fence for your needs.

Consider Your Needs

Are you looking for some added privacy? Or maybe you want to accentuate your landscaping. Each fencing type comes with its own benefits and uses. While chain-link fencing is a great option for those who want to keep their pets and children safe in their backyards, it might not be the look you’re going for around your flower garden or beds. Fence Masters has a wide selection of fencing types, including aluminum, wood, and wrought iron. Each fencing type has its own benefits, from function to aesthetics.

Check HOA Regulations

Living within a community association can limit the size and type of fencing you can install on your property. Before setting your sights on a specific type, color, and height for your new fence, double check with your association’s standards. There is nothing worse than finding a fence you love only to have it declined by your community’s organization.

Think About Maintenance

How much time are you willing to commit to the maintenance of your fence. If you’re looking for a hands-off experience, choosing vinyl or aluminum are affordable, low-maintenance options for you. Wood fencing requires a little more up-keep, with staining and painting required every couple of years to maintain a fresh appearance, but add the most timeless look to your yard. One thing you won’t have to worry about when getting your fence properly installed by Fence Masters, however, is repairs. By chance something goes wrong with your fence, we offer emergency repairs on all fences we have installed. Simply call our contractors to request your free estimate. 

Call Fence Masters!

As Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana’s experts in fence installation, Fence Masters is here for all your fencing needs. We started our business in 1983 with just two employees and have grown to be the largest, most successful fencing contractors in the Midwest. We pride ourselves on excellent client communication, customer satisfaction, and quality products. Our contractors have the experience and tools needed to install your fence in an efficient and timely manner at an affordable price. 

With our world-class products, you can rest easy knowing your fence will withstand the test of harsh Chicago winters and unpredictable Midwest summers. And we don’t just install fences for residential properties! We also serve commercial properties across NWI and the Chicago area. Contact us today to request your free quote. Our friendly team is waiting to answer your questions and help you find the best fence for your home or business.

The post appeared first on Fence Masters

There are certain characteristics that any security fencing will have, and these are the most common traits you’ll find.

People who think about security fencing will think about a strong and formidable structure that will keep others out and keep them protected. They may think about a fence that is tall and difficult to scale or one that has a barrier to keep people from peering into their yard. There are certain characteristics that all security fences will have, and these are the most common traits you’ll find.

Security Fencing Should Be See-Through

While people might think that putting up a barrier to prevent people from seeing your yard is a good thing, it’s actually detrimental to you. If you put up a barrier, you won’t be able to see intruders coming. You want to minimize the number of potential hiding spots an intruder will have. This makes it easier to find unwanted guests before they breach your defenses. Make sure your security fencing has spacing between its boards.

Security Fencing Should Be Tall

Security fencing can, and should, be around 8 feet in height. This makes it harder for people to climb over your fence. If you can go taller than 8 feet, it can be helpful. However, there may be HOA regulations or city ordinances in place that prevent you from doing this, so make sure your fence abides by the rules.

Difficult to Climb

Being tall isn’t the only way to make your security fencing tough to scale. You can also make it tough by using more vertical rails instead of horizontal ones. Horizontal rails give people footing they can use to get over your fence. If you have to use horizontal rails, make sure they are on your side of the fence. The spacing between the fence boards also has to be narrow enough to prevent people from getting any footing.

Security Locks

Padlocks for doors or gates along your security fencing are a must. You could go with either self-latching or automatic locks, depending on preference. When you install a locking mechanism, make sure no one can stick their hand in between your fence’s bars and get the latch opened themselves. This will ultimately render your locking system useless.

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 Characteristics You Want in Your Residential Security Fencing appeared first on Hercules Fence.

You see them everywhere, from rural fields to suburban yards. Fences come in many different styles, and just about everyone seems to have one. They represent safety and security, protecting our loved ones, making our yards into sanctuaries, and keeping our property safe. Did you ever think about the history of the fence? In many ways, fences have had a major impact on the development of modern civilization.

Who first came up with the idea of fences? There are certainly famous “fences” in ancient history, from the Great Wall of China to the Walls of Jericho. Fences became a feature of civilization as cultures transitioned from nomads to landowners and farmers. In a way, fences have laid the foundation of the modern world.

Throughout history, there have been cultures that cultivated the land in ways that decimated natural resources, stripping land of its value before moving on. Fencing shifted that ideology, creating a culture in which land was something to be protected and tended, rather than looted and left behind. Installing a fence was a way to protect the land and the populations that lived on it. It was also a way to claim the land as a possession.

Fences have changed styles through the years. During the Bronze Age, many stone walls were erected in Cornwall, and several still stand today. Anglo Saxons used hedges to delineate their boundaries, and these hedges helped prevent soil erosion, attracted pollinators, and created a microclimate that helped their crops grow. The first American settlers used ingenuity and natural resources to create log fences called Virginia Worm fences. Today, the American dream of home ownership is epitomized by the white picket fence.

Fencing has not been devoid of controversy, though. Barbed wire fences in the West created conflict because of its implications for cowboys, migrating Native Americans, and even railroad engineers and later settlers. Fences have been used to emphasize the divide between the haves and have-nots. And some maintain that the concept of land ownership has led to a wide array of problems in modern civilization.

There’s something to be said, though, for property that belongs to someone. Installing fences, protecting what’s yours, creates a mindset of conservation and leads people to accomplish great things in their quest to improve life for future generations. The culture of property leads us to plan for the future and offers us incentive to safeguard our environment.

If you’re ready for a fence of your own, 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.

The post The History of the Fence appeared first on Paramount Fence.

Here are the considerations you should make when you’re deciding on a fencing contractor.

Many people, when getting fences installed, will look to a professional fencing contractor to carry out the installation. This is a smart decision because professionals will have the best tools to tackle the job, and they will know what procedures to follow to ensure the fence stays in good condition.

But pretty much all contractors will tell you the same thing. They will all try to convince you why they’re the best one for the job. Naturally, this can’t be true of all contractors. So how do you pick the best one? Here are the considerations you should make when you’re deciding on a fencing contractor.

Make Sure Your Fencing Contractor Considers Your Needs

Each fencing contractor will offer a different set of services. This means their realms of expertise will vary. Because of this, take a moment to think about what you really want out of your fencing project, then see if the services a fencing contractor provides line up with your list of needs. If there is a company that checks off all of the boxes, they will likely be your best bet.

Consider What Your Fencing Contractor Charges

Cost will be a factor for any project, and it’s no different when having a fence built. Materials and labor expenses will be among the factors that will determine the price of the project. Try to find a fencing contractor who can work within your price range. To help figure out what costs seem fair, it’s best to get bids from multiple companies and compare them to see what the average cost looks like. Just be wary of companies that offer abnormally low prices. These companies may offer services with quality as low as their prices.

Ask to Get a Fencing Contract in Writing

Your fencing contractor will look around your property and talk to you about what needs you have. After that, they will work on a contract for the installation. Really scrutinize this contract and make sure all points on that contract are clarified by your contractor if there is any confusion. The last thing you need is to have a misunderstanding regarding what your contractor will provide for you.

Ask for Guarantees and Warranties

Many companies will offer incentives like these as a means of giving back to their businesses. Don’t feel nervous about asking your fencing contractor about any warranties or guarantees they can provide. Any dependable company will have an offer for you.

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 Considerations When Picking a Fencing Contractor appeared first on Hercules Fence.