Choosing the Best Fence for Your Yard

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.

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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.

Here are the signs that should indicate to you that it’s time to replace your wooden fence.

Wooden fences are among the most popular fences homeowners use these days. However, there will come a time when you have to replace your fence because it will start to sustain damage as time goes on. Even keeping up with all of your routine maintenance won’t be enough to keep it from getting old and worn down. With that said, it can be tough to know when it’s time to switch your fencing out and get something new. Here are the signs that should indicate to you that it’s time to replace your wooden fence.

Broken and Damaged Boards

An easy way to tell if your fence needs replacing is if you see boards that are damaged and broken. The weather will begin to wear down your fencing, and your boards will take wear and tear over time.

Pay attention to how many boards are affected. If it’s only one or a couple of boards, you could likely replace those individual boards without replacing your entire fence. However, if you see that many boards are in bad shape, it’s a better option to simply remove your whole fence and get a new one.

Leaning and Sagging Fence

Your fencing may need to be replaced if you see that it’s starting to lean to one side or sag. Sometimes, this is a simple problem that can be fixed by replacing one post. Other times, however, multiple posts have the same problem, meaning your fence has likely begun to weaken.

Your fence’s structural integrity is compromised while it’s in this condition. Because of this, it’s often best to get a fencing contractor to come over and replace it.

Insect Damage

Insect damage can prove to be disastrous to any fence. If you notice that your fencing has holes and gnaw marks, it could be a sign that you have an insect problem. You need to monitor problems like this closely because the damage will only stack up as time goes on. If you address insect problems early, there’s a chance you’ll be able to save your fence before it takes too much damage. If you don’t spot the problem quickly enough, your fencing will likely have to be entirely replaced.

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 When You Should Replace Your Wooden Fence appeared first on Hercules Fence.

If you’re installing a pool on your property, you’ll need to install a fence to protect it. In most areas, there are specific regulations that determine the required height of the fence, and how it must be secured to keep children from accidentally accessing the pool on their own. The type of fence you choose, though, doesn’t need to be simply utilitarian. You can secure your pool for the sake of safety without giving up any aesthetic appeal.

• You could choose a wooden fence, for its classic appeal. Make sure you know the minimum height requirement for your area, but be aware that there may be a maximum height limit as well. When installing a wood fence, be sure the pickets are close enough together to provide appropriate security and protection. And also confirm the gate requirements for access to the pool area.
• A glass fence is a stylish but expensive option. Made of thick sheets of safety glass supported by metal posts, glass fences are expensive to install, and they do require a fair amount of upkeep. Regular cleaning is necessary to keep the glass clear.
• If you’re looking for a low maintenance option, a vinyl fence may be the way to go. Vinyl fences are relatively inexpensive and extremely durable. They come in a wide range of styles and are easy to clean. The only drawback is hat they can be vulnerable to wind damage. If you live in an area with frequent high winds, a vinyl fence might not be the best choice for you.
• Metal fences can be utilitarian or elegant. Chain link is inexpensive and sturdy, while ornamental metal fences can be beautiful and sophisticated. As with wooden fences, you’ll need to pay attention to the height and distance between pickets.
• You might consider a brick or stone wall. This option offers privacy while creating a beautiful look. It can be expensive, but you might be able to install a mix of fence and wall to bring down the cost. A brick wall with ornamental iron gates, for instance, makes for an extremely appealing look.

No matter what style of fencing you choose, when it’s time for a new fence, it’s time to 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 Enhance Your Pool Area With These Fence Ideas appeared first on Paramount Fence.

Here is why you should install fencing this fall.

Summer is coming to a close, and fall is almost upon us. This means leaves, pumpkins, and a chance to improve your home’s yard. One way you can improve your home’s look, and functionality is to install a new fence. Fences make your yard look more formal while also supplying you with extra protection against unwanted guests. Most people decide to get fences installed in the spring and summer because of the great weather those seasons offer, but fall is another great time for an installation if you haven’t done one yet. Here is why you should install fencing this fall.

Take Advantage of a Cheaper Fencing Season

Spring and summer are the busier times of year for fencing contractors. In fall, business isn’t as busy, so you’re more likely to get your fence installed for a cheaper price. This is largely in part because fencing companies may have leftover pieces they didn’t use in the summer. These pieces are still perfectly fine to use, but contractors may offer a discount because they want to use up those materials.

Your Fencing Installation Takes Less Time

Again, fall is a less busy time of year for fencing contractors. This means scheduling an appointment is much easier. There’s also a higher chance that the company you hire will have the materials you need on hand, which isn’t always the case in summer when demands are higher. It may also be easier to get building permits because there aren’t as many building projects that get considered as we get closer to the year’s end.

The Weather is Still Pleasant

Spring and summer are popular times for fencing installations because of their beautiful weather conditions, but fall offers great weather too. The temperatures are mild enough that it isn’t a huge burden on anyone working on your fence. With such great weather, your fencing project will often get completed with minimal delays.

Minimal Damage Will Come to Your Landscape

It’s during these cooler times of year that your landscape becomes more dormant. This keeps your landscape from getting as damaged when renovations are taking place. Then, once spring arrives, you’ll have your fence already installed without having to worry about causing any lasting damage.

The post Benefits To Getting Your Fencing Installed During the Fall appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Your fence line may need special attention and a little TLC. The border can be a challenging spot to work on as it is in close quarters with the fence itself as well as close to your neighbors’ property. But these are not reasons to avoid or ignore areas that can get really built up with grass or weeds and bring down the look of the rest of your manicured yard.

Keep your property line as beautiful as possible with these tips.

Mow and trim: Zipping through outdoor chores may not always leave time for the task of trimming. But skipping this step when you mow will allow grass and weeds to grow higher and higher and make it even more challenging and time-consuming to tackle. It is best to keep the area cut at the same time as you mow. Don’t forget to rake extra grass clippings, so they don’t build up on your fence or blow over to your neighbor’s yard.

Mulch may be the answer: If you would rather not bother with mowing maintenance, consider clearing your fence line from any grass and laying a layer of mulch. Then you can just add more mulch as needed and pick weeds or spray them here and there.

Fence cleanup: Your actual fence – no matter what the material – will need to be cleaned every once in a while. Depending on what your fence material is, you can brush it off with a broom or spray it down with a hose. When you are cleaning your fence, that is also a good time to take a close look and see if there is any damage that needs to be repaired. Wood fencing (even pressure-treated) will need to be stained or painted as part of a maintenance strategy.

Keep neighbors in the loop: If you do need to take on maintenance or repairs of your fence, make sure you let your neighbor know as you will probably need to work on his or her property during the project. You should let them know about your timeline as you do not want them mowing when you are trying to paint or stain or clean the fence.

Our Team is Here When It’s Time for Something New

Weather and sunshine can beat up your fence. As the years and seasons roll on, it may be time to replace your entire fence or just certain panels. No matter what you need, our crew members at Fence Masters have an extensive history of hands-on experience in the industry. We have installed more than 50,000 fences since we first opened in 1983 with just two employees. Today, we work with a large group of contractors to ensure that you receive the professional service that you are expecting. 

When you are ready to start your fencing project, contact us through our online contact form. 

The post appeared first on Fence Masters

Here is what you can do to get your fence ready for fall.

We’re getting towards summer’s conclusion, which means we’re getting closer to the times of pumpkin spice and enjoying cozy sweaters. But beyond that, it’s time for you to get your yard ready for the upcoming fall weather. Part of preparing for the fall is to check on your fence and make sure it’s ready for the change in weather. It has to be capable of handling cooler temperatures and any moisture that might try to settle on it. Here is what you can do to get your fence ready for fall.

Check For Damage

All fences will get damaged over time, although some fences are more susceptible to damage than others (wood being more vulnerable than vinyl, for example). Wooden fences may suffer from rot as a result of summer rainfall and will need to be properly addressed before leaves start piling around your fence and after snow comes down during winter. Getting the fencing replaced is often the best option. Here are signs of a rotting fence:

• You see boards caving in
• Your posts are loose and unstable
• Your gate sags and doesn’t close properly

You might also have loose fence posts. If it’s only a few boards that are problematic, you’ll likely be able to repair your fence. Otherwise, new fencing may be needed. It’s important for your fence to be ready for the upcoming weather ahead of time. You don’t want to be scrambling to get preparations done at the last second.

Get It Waterproofed

For fences made out of wood, they are likely going to make it through the autumnal season if you don’t see signs of rot right now. However, you still want to be sure your fence is waterproofed so that there won’t be a risk of rotting in the future. A splash test can be done to quite literally test the waters. By splashing water onto your fence, you can determine if waterproofing is needed. If the water beads up, you’re a-ok. If the water either makes the wood darker or it gets absorbed, you’ll need to do some waterproofing before rain kicks in and does more serious damage.

Keep Leaves Off Of Your Fence

When fall comes around, you’ll start having to deal with piles of leaves. It’s best for you to keep these leaves away from your fence. Leaves can absorb moisture from any rain that comes down. When leaves are near your fencing, they can transfer that water to your fence. Again, this is mainly a problem for wooden fences. Vinyl fencing doesn’t have the same problems with rotting, but you still have to worry about algae growing. Avoid all of these potential problems by raking leaves away from your fencing when they come 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 Getting Your Fence Ready for Fall appeared first on Hercules Fence.

If you’re trying to decide what kind of fencing to install on your property, you have a lot of options. You may have considered wood, steel, aluminum, chain link, wrought iron, and maybe even bamboo, but have you ever thought about PVC? PVC, or vinyl fencing, has been greatly improved since it was introduced back in the 1980s, and today it’s a durable, low-maintenance, affordable option, well worth considering. Here are some of the reasons PVC fencing may be the best option for you.

PVC Fencing Can Be Installed Easily and Quickly

It’s easy to install and maintain. PVC fencing can be installed easily and quickly because the fences are prefabricated and made in several components. It’s smart to have your fence installed by experienced professionals, but after consulting with you, they’ll be able to get the fence installed easily. Once it’s up, you won’t have to spend much time keeping up with it. PVC fences can easily be cleaned with a hose, and you won’t need to repaint it or do any heavy maintenance. A PVC fence will never be affected by insects or rot, and you can keep mold at bay just by keeping it clean with soap and water. For stubborn stains, you can use vinegar, bleach, or a specialty cleaner to keep your PVC fence in optimal condition.

PVC Is Strong, Durable and Attractive

PVC is strong, durable, and attractive. Wood has proven itself to be durable over the centuries it’s been in use, but PVC/vinyl fencing doesn’t absorb moisture, blister, or wear out. What’s more, this lightweight but durable fencing comes in a wide range of styles, textures, and colors, so that you’re sure to find the right fit for your property. Improvements in the manufacturing process have created PVC fencing that doesn’t fade or yellow in the sun, and aluminum inside the fence posts and panels can increase the strength of the fence.

PVC Provides Excellent Privacy and Security

With PVC fencing, you can achieve excellent privacy and security. Because it’s made of sturdy material and comes in a variety of heights, it’s easy to tailor to the needs of your property. You and your family can feel safe and secure with a PVC fence protecting the privacy of your yard.

Trust Paramount Fence

No matter what kind of fence you decide to install, if you’re ready for a new fence, you can trust  Paramount Fence Inc. to provide high-quality products and 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 Why You Should Choose PVC Fence appeared first on Paramount Fence.