Fence Maintenance Tips

Fall is upon us, which means it’s time to give your fence a little bit of extra attention. When autumn arrives, winter is not far behind, bringing punishing weather that can be hard on a fence that’s not well-maintained. Especially if your fence is old or if you have a wooden fence, it’s important to be proactive in getting it ready to stand up to whatever comes its way.

• Clear the way to care for your fence. Remove anything leaning or hanging on the fence, like lawn furniture, tiki torches, or birdhouses. Trim branches that may be overhanging it, and any shrubbery that’s growing too close to the fence. Rake fall leaves away from your fence to prevent damage from mold, mildew, and rot, and never pile leaves against the fence.
• Give the fence a thorough inspection. Walk the entire length of the fence, paying special attention to areas that might be hidden by structures or landscaping. Make note of missing boards, knots or holes in the wood, instability, insect damage, or rot. Once you’ve inspected it, repair any damage before winter weather sets in.
• Patch any holes found during the inspection. Use wood putty to keep the damage from becoming worse, because if you don’t repair the holes, you’re inviting insects and moisture to take up residence and cause real harm. If the holes are too large for wood putty, consider a patch made from another piece of wood (this is called a Dutchman) or replace the boards entirely.
• Seal and waterproof the fence to keep it protected. Periodically test your fence to make sure it’s still waterproof. You can do this by splashing some water on it to see if the water beads on the surface: if it does, the fence is waterproof, but if it soaks in and makes the wood darker, it’s time for a new coat of stain or sealant. As a general rule of thumb, fences should be re-sealed every two to three years, with a new coat of waterproof stain.

A well-maintained fence should last for many years, but when you’re ready for a new fence, call Paramount Fence Inc. for professional installation. At Paramount, we’ve been in business for over ten years, but our combined experience in the fence industry spans more than half a century! We’re a full-service fence sales and fence installation business in the Chicagoland area, and we’re dedicated to providing creative and affordable solutions that address our clients’ needs and fulfill their requests. Our staff offers exceptional customer service, striving to exceed your expectations throughout the fence buying and fence installation process. We provide high-quality, beautiful fences, and our reputation for excellence is well-established. Paramount Fence Inc is a member of the American Fence Association and a registered member of the Better Business Bureau. For more information on how we can help you find the right fence to meet your needs, call us at 630.239.2714 or contact us through our website.

The post Fence Maintenance Tips appeared first on Paramount Fence.

Find out what material you should use for your privacy fence.

There are two main options to consider when installing a privacy fence: wood and metal. There are different incentives for installing each onto your property, and knowing what each fence has to offer will make your decision much easier. Find out what material you should use for your privacy fence.

Wooden Privacy Fence

Wood is one of the most popular choices for homeowners who want a privacy fence. There are many different styles of wood available, ranging from cedar to pine. You can stain the wood to show off its natural elegance, or you can paint it so that it matches the exterior of your house. Wood is also an easier material to work with over metal because you can cut it to whatever size you need with ease. It’s also easier to install a wooden privacy fence. All you need is some screws and nails to get your fence sections secured to your posts. It’s also easier on your wallet to choose wooden fencing as wood has a lower upfront cost. You may have to repair it, but the beauty of choosing wood is that you only have to replace the posts that get damaged instead of replacing the entire fence.

But wood isn’t without its drawbacks. It’s more taxing to maintain because you have to stain or paint it once per year to keep it looking good and to protect it against rotting and unwanted pests. Ultimately, wood will also wear out and need replacing at some point. Wood fences don’t last as long as their metal counterparts.

Metal Privacy Fence

There are many options for metal fencing, including aluminum, wrought-iron, and chain link. If you go with a metal privacy fence, there’s almost no maintenance required, and they can withstand brutal weather. Metal fences also last longer than wood because it’s a more durable material.

The bad news is that a metal privacy fence would be more expensive, but you save money long-term by avoiding maintenance and repair costs. Metal fences also lack variation in style, so it can be challenging to find one that complements your home. Lastly, if your metal fence gets damaged, you’ll likely have to replace the entire panel instead of only replacing the parts that were damaged.

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 Choosing Between a Wood or Metal Privacy Fence: Pros and Cons appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Find out how you can determine the best fencing company to carry out your next fence project.

Whenever you’re getting a fence installed, you’re going to have some preferences regarding how you want it to be done. You’re going to want your fence made with the best materials possible at the lowest prices you need to pay. You’ll also want the best contractor you can find for the job, one who understands your wants and needs, and someone who can build your dream fence. Picking the right fencing company for your fence installation isn’t easy. But taking the time to find the best company for the job is worth it in the long run. Find out how you can determine the best fencing company to carry out your next fence project.

How Does the Staff Communicate With You?

How a fencing company communicates with its customers says a lot about how much they care. Companies should have multiple platforms for communicating with you, such as by phone or email. Pay attention to how quickly the staff responds to any questions or concerns you have. Do they answer the moment you call them? How long does it take them to respond to a voicemail? Attentive staff won’t keep you waiting long.

How Does Their Website Look?

Many people use the Internet to find contractors for them. This means it’s in the best interest of the fencing company to have a website that is pleasant to look at and easy to navigate. Take the time to view every page of their website. How long has the company been in business? What services do they offer? What products do they use? You want all of these details before committing to a fencing company. If you like what their website tells you, it’s a good sign that fencing company will be a good pick for you.

Check Reviews of Past Customers

Thanks to the Internet, it’s easier than ever before to find reviews on any fencing company you want. Read up on some reviews from previous customers and see if they liked the services provided to them. When the fencing company you’re considering has many positive reviews, it’s a promising sign that you could be their next satisfied customer. On the other hand, if there are many reviews with unsatisfied customers, you’re better off finding a different fencing company.

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 Picking a Reputable Fencing Company appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Few options are better for a border than an aluminum chain link fence.

Having a border around your property can do you a world of good. It can help to define the boundaries of your property, give you added protection, and make your yard look more appealing. Few options are better for a border than an aluminum chain link fence. These fences come with a wide array of benefits that make them useful to you throughout the year.

Security

It never hurts to have a little extra security around your house. If you install an aluminum chain link fence, you decide who can enter and who can’t. Proper setup of the fence is vital to ensure maximum protection for you and anyone else living in your home. You can surround the house with a fence, or you could also have a lock added to it for more protection.

Surround Your Property

It makes a lot of sense to use an aluminum chain link fence to surround your property. It makes defining your space much easier when there is a visible border for people to see. This makes disputes with neighbors over territory a thing of the past. Putting a fence like this around your property also helps keep pets and small children from running out of your yard. It gives you a sense of security, knowing your children and pets won’t run into the streets when you have an aluminum chain link fence keeping them in your yard.

Long-Lasting

An aluminum chain link fence offers a lot of property value. Because they are so durable, they will last a long time, allowing you to make a great return on the investment of installing one. After you’ve installed an aluminum chain link fence, you won’t need to get it replaced for a long while. Many people can enjoy their fences for the entire life of their home. This means replacement costs won’t be a problem for you.

Aesthetics

You can give your home more aesthetic appeal by installing an aluminum chain link fence. Links come in different styles. You could go with white chain links that are nearly transparent from a far enough distance. You could get vinyl slats to add a “wow” factor to your fence without giving up the utility of keeping your yard private. You can even decorate your fence for the holidays, so your fence can let you be festive.

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 Reasons to Install an Aluminum Chain Link Fence appeared first on Hercules Fence.

If you’ve got a big dog, your furry friend’s boundless vitality probably necessitates containment. A fenced-in yard is a good solution because it gives dogs a place to safely chase squirrels and run off some of that energy. The challenge, of course, is to find a fence that fits your aesthetic sensibilities while doing the job of keeping your dog in the yard. Think carefully when you’re choosing a fence, considering these five factors.

• The fence needs to be tall enough to contain a jumper. Big dogs are strong dogs, and many of them are champion high-jumpers! A four-foot fence is not going to contain your Husky, Golden Retriever or Labrador if he really wants to get over it, but six feet is usually sufficient. Don’t make the mistake of adding extensions to gradually make your fence higher, because your dog will learn to jump higher each time you add another extension. The best thing to do is to take down a too-short fence and install a taller fence all at once. Remember, too, that it pays to invest in high-quality materials, like sturdy wood, vinyl, or composite materials, because cheaper, lower-end materials won’t stand up to the punishment a big dog can dish out in terms of charging and chewing.
• Choose a fence that’s impossible to climb. If jumping the fence is not successful, your dog may attempt to climb it. Chain link fences are easy to climb, so they’re a bad idea if you have a big dog. It’s better to choose a solid panel, climb-proof fence, and be careful not to place anything near it that can provide a foothold, like lawn furniture or a birdbath.
• Consider a privacy fence to block your dog’s view. Your dog probably doesn’t care about privacy, but you should care about a fence that keeps him from seeing things on the other side. Dogs stay calmer when they can’t see other dogs, people, and animals, and when they’re hidden behind a privacy fence, they won’t distract other dogs who are taking walks, inciting them to bark.
• Think twice before choosing an invisible fence. An invisible or electric fence may be your only option if local ordinances prevent the installation of a high fence. However, invisible fences won’t keep your dog calm, and can actually worsen behavioral problems in dogs who don’t cope well with being shocked every time they cross the invisible line.
• Give your dog reasons to want to stay in the yard. A good fence can keep your big dog safe, but it won’t prevent him from being bored and restless. Even if your yard is large and fenced, it’s still important to take your big dog on regular walks so he doesn’t feel cooped up. It’s also a good idea to create a dog-friendly yard, with toys to play with, interesting things to do, and somewhere to get out of the sun.

If you need a new fence to keep your best friend safe, call Paramount Fence Inc. for professional installation. At Paramount, we’ve been in business for over ten years, but our combined experience in the fence industry spans more than half a century! We’re a full- service fence sales and fence installation business in the Chicagoland area, and we’re dedicated to providing creative and affordable solutions that address our clients’ needs and fulfill their requests. Our staff offers exceptional customer service, striving to exceed your expectations throughout the fence buying and fence installation process. We provide high-quality, beautiful fences, and our reputation for excellence is well-established. Paramount Fence Inc is a member of the American Fence Association and a registered member of the Better Business Bureau. For more information on how we can help you find the right fence to meet your needs, call us at 630.239.2714 or contact us through our website.

The post Things to Consider When Getting a Fence for Your Big Dog appeared first on Paramount Fence.

There’s a lot to consider when deciding on residential fencing, and knowing what questions to ask will make the decision process easier for you.

You look at your home and see a beautiful yard. Now all that’s left to do is have a fence installed to help define your space. It may come as a surprise, but having fencing installed isn’t always easy. There are many varieties of fencing available these days that the choices can seem overwhelming. There’s a lot to consider when deciding on residential fencing, and knowing what questions to ask will make the decision process easier for you.

Why Do I Need Residential Fencing?

Before you have residential fencing installed, the first question you should ask yourself is why you need fencing at all. There are many reasons to have fencing around your yard. It’s useful for keeping children and pets safe. It can be used to add more privacy. Fences can be used for added security. You could even use fencing to improve the appearance of your house.

These are just some of the uses fences have for people’s houses. But as long as you know what purpose your fence will serve, you can get started on installing it.

What Material Do I Use?

Some materials are more sturdy than others, while different materials can be more appealing. Wire is the most durable fencing material, while lattice fences are great to make your home look more beautiful. If you’re looking for privacy, then you may be interested in wood as your residential fencing material. If you want security around your house, any material will do fine, but you need your fence to be tall enough to keep intruders away. To help keep people away, make sure the rails face the interior because they can serve as stepping stones that let people into your yard.

How Much Do I Plan on Spending on Residential Fencing?

Some residential fencing choices will fit better into your budget than others. Wooden fences are most popular, and typically cost around $20-$50 per foot. However, you need to factor in maintenance costs when choosing your fence, and wooden fences have to be painted and stained over time.

Vinyl fences don’t require painting, which lowers maintenance costs. These fences are usually $20-$40 per square foot to have installed.

If you want a more traditional residential fencing style, you can go with iron or aluminum fences. These cost around $25-$30 per foot and require practically no upkeep from you. They’re great for security if you’re worried about intruders.

There are also wire fences, which come in at around $10-$15 per foot. These fences also require very little maintenance 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 Deciding on the Right Residential Fencing Choice for your Property appeared first on Hercules Fence.

There are three main features your security fencing should have.

Many people install fences around their homes without considering what uses they have for them. They think that having any fence is worse than having nothing. But there’s more to a fence installation than that. Your fence needs to have a purpose, and some styles are better suited for various things.

If you’re looking to protect your home from unwanted guests and burglars, you want strong security fencing. But how do you get the best security fence for your house? There are three main features your security fencing should have.

Not Giving People a Hiding Place

When you’re considering the security fencing you’re going to pick, go with a see-through option. You need to see who’s on the other side of the fence. If you don’t know who’s on the other side of the fence, you won’t notice any intruder until they’re already on your premises. You want to see any intruders at all times. This includes when they’re leaving the scene because you want to be able to identify the intruder so you can report them to the authorities.

Hard to Climb Over

Security fencing should be no shorter than eight feet. The taller your fence is, the safer your home will be because it becomes tougher for people to get over your fence and into your yard. You have to remember that certain places have rules about how tall you can make your fence. Check with your homeowner’s association before you install your fence to make sure it’s an appropriate height.

Your fence should also have few horizontal rails. Burglars use these rails to help scale your fence, making it easier to climb over it and get on your property.

You also want your security fencing to be spiked or pointed at the top. This way, even if someone gets to the top of your fence, they will be met with an unwelcoming jagged top that may deter them from entering your home.

Not Easily Bypassed

Security fencing doesn’t do you any good if an intruder can easily get around it. That’s why you want a fence that is secured to the ground using concrete. While concrete footings that go the entire length of your fence can get expensive, they are the best defense against someone who wants to go underneath your fence.

You also don’t want your fence to be easy to cut through. You want a durable material that can’t be cut because it denies intruders the shortcut of going through your fence to get to your home. You would also have to get your fence repaired or replaced if someone can cut through it.

Your fence can also benefit from heavy-duty gates. If you decide to go with gates, you’ll want to get them padlocked.

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 Picking Ideal Security Fencing to Defend Your Home appeared first on Hercules Fence.

One of the most charming things about fall is how well the season lends itself to decorations. You may have decorated your porch and hung a wreath on your door, but have you considered sprucing up your fence? If you’ve got a wooden fence, it’s easy to decorate it for the fall. While you’re doing routine maintenance, why not have some fun and make it festive?
• Flower baskets are a great way to add some color to your fence. Fall brings many beautiful blooms, and hanging flower baskets are a wonderful way to showcase them. Feel free to get creative, choosing flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red, and using different interesting containers to hang them. Any container can house your fall flowers, as long as there are holes in the bottom for drainage.
• Climbing plants are a natural way to beautify your fence. You can achieve many different looks with climbing plants, by choosing different types of plants. Ivy can be stunning on a white or natural colored fence, and flowers like clematis and morning glory add a lovely touch. Trumpet creepers have orange and scarlet flowers that attract hummingbirds, and wild passion flowers will bring butterflies to your yard. It’s easy to induce vines to climb your wooden fence: just attach one end of a string to a stake in the ground and the other to the top of the fence, to give the plants something easy to climb.
• Add some elegance with metal finials. Just about any wooden fence can be improved with metal finials, and they’re available in a wide variety of patterns and metals. They look especially striking on a fence with scalloped edges.
• Draw birds or butterflies to your fence for natural charm. In addition to flowering vines, there are many different plants you can place in a garden along your fence to attract butterflies. Ask your local garden center for plants with nectar that draws butterflies, like goldenrod and daylilies. Another fun idea is to add birdhouses to your fence, bringing birdsongs close to your home. You can paint the birdhouses in any way that complements your style, whether that’s whimsical, sophisticated, or something in between.
Your wooden fence should last for many years, but when you’re ready for a new fence, call Paramount Fence Inc. for professional installation. At Paramount, we’ve been in business for over ten years, but our combined experience in the fence industry spans more than half a century! We’re a full-service fence sales and fence installation business in the Chicagoland area, and we’re dedicated to providing creative and affordable solutions that address our clients’ needs and fulfill their requests. Our staff offers exceptional customer service, striving to exceed your expectations throughout the fence buying and fence installation process. We provide high-quality, beautiful fences, and our reputation for excellence is well-established. Paramount Fence Inc is a member of the American Fence Association and a registered member of the Better Business Bureau. For more information on how we can help you find the right fence to meet your needs, call us at 630.239.2714 or contact us through our website.

The post Fall Fence Styling appeared first on Paramount Fence.

It may come as a surprise, but fall is an excellent time for a residential fencing installation.

Are you thinking of adding a fence to your home? A fence can be the perfect way to improve your home’s look and give it more utility. But when is the right time to have residential fencing installed?

Some people will tell you that spring and summer are the ideal seasons for your installation. But you might want to consider installing your fence in the fall. It may come as a surprise, but fall is an excellent time for a residential fencing installation.

Faster Delivery for your Residential Fencing

Most people install fences during the spring and summer. Because of this, fall is a fairly quiet time for fencing contractors. You can take advantage of this because that means there aren’t many orders being made for fences. This will make scheduling your residential fencing installation a lot easier.

When fencing contractors have less business, it works to your advantage, especially when there are special permits you need for your fence. Permits can be processed more quickly when the city permit staff isn’t as busy.

Cost Savings

Scheduling a residential fencing installation in the fall is an economically sound choice. This is mainly because contractors tend to have more time for projects during the fall since they don’t have to rush through a lot of projects to get to all of their customers. What this means for you is that you get the most amount of time with your residential fencing contractor. This gives you time to work with them to find any cost-cutting opportunities.

Maximum Season Time With Your Residential Fencing

For wooden fences, they can warp and splinter during the warmer months of spring and summer. This is due to the intense UV rays that make the wood dry too quickly.

In the fall, these problems are of no concern. Fall is a cooler time of year, so the sun won’t hit your fence as hard. This lets your fence “season up” for a bit, which lets it get a nice even dry. When you have a residential fencing installation in fall, you’re making a strategic move to maximize the longevity of your fence.

Enjoy Your Springtime

One of the best parts of doing your residential fencing installation in fall is that the moment spring arrives, you can get straight to enjoying your fence. Rather than trouble yourself installing your fence in the spring, you can be out enjoying the beautiful weather spring has to offer.

You also give yourself more time for spring cleaning and other types of home improvement projects. Why add one more project to the list when you can get it done now? Installing your fence now means having a shorter to-do list in the spring. This means you can knock out your projects faster and start enjoying yourself.

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 Fall is a Great Time to Install Residential Fencing appeared first on Hercules Fence.

You install a fence to secure and protect your yard, but have you ever considered that your fence might need protection as well? Standing straight, tall, and new, the fence might seem impervious to harm, but in fact, many different factors can take a toll on your fence. The weather is one such cause of damage, and can dramatically affect your fence in the long term. Which of the elements is most damaging, and how can you protect your fence and lengthen its lifespan?
• The sun can be hard on your fence. It can fade paint and color, causing your fence to age more quickly than it should. If you’ve got a fence made of vinyl or a similar material, the sun’s UV rays can cause your fence to degrade and become brittle. If you do opt for vinyl, choose one of the newer, more UV-resistant options, and if you have a wooden fence you can protect it by painting or staining it with a UV-resistant covering.
• Rain causes different issues for different types of fences. The problem with rain is, of course, the moisture. Wooden fences that stay wet can grow mold or mildew, or even begin to rot. Metal fences can rust, and while vinyl fences don’t tend to be as affected by the moisture, mold can still cause an aesthetic issue. You can prevent these issues by waterproofing your fence and paying attention so that water does not have a chance to stay on it for too long.
• Ice and snow can be problematic in a few different ways. Like rain, ice and snow can cause moisture issues for your fence. Snow and ice can also build up and damage the fence, but the biggest problem is actually salt. Road salt and snow melt are bad for both wood and metal fencing, causing corrosion and damage. Try to decrease your use of salt around your fence, and if your fence is in the path of road salt, consider covering it in burlap when you know the weather is going to warrant salt.
• Wind can negatively impact your fence’s stability. High winds can push on the fence, loosening it from its base, which can cause it to lean and disrupt its structural integrity. Wind can also blow down branches, causing damage to your fence. Trim any branches that hang over the fence, and consider reinforcing the fence posts if you live in an area with high winds.
When you pay attention and take care of your fence, it should last for many years. When the time comes to install a new fence, call Paramount Fence Inc. for professional installation. At Paramount, we’ve been in business for over ten years, but our combined experience in the fence industry spans more than half a century! We’re a full-service fence sales and fence installation business in the Chicagoland area, and we’re dedicated to providing creative and affordable solutions that address our clients’ needs and fulfill their requests. Our staff offers exceptional customer service, striving to exceed your expectations throughout the fence buying and fence installation process. We provide high-quality, beautiful fences, and our reputation for excellence is well-established. Paramount Fence Inc is a member of the American Fence Association and a registered member of the Better Business Bureau. For more information on how we can help you find the right fence to meet your needs, call us at 630.239.2714 or contact us through our website.

The post What Kind Of Impact Does Weather Have On My Fence? appeared first on Paramount Fence.