Choosing Fencing for Snowy Weather Conditions

Read on for help choosing the best fencing material for the potentially snowy weather conditions we get in our area.

This area sees an amazing variety of weather conditions, from beautiful temperate springs (and the pouring rain they bring) to scorching summers and crisp falls. But this time of year, the thing on everyone’s mind is snow. We do get a pretty good dose of snow most years, and occasionally we get a winter that gives us way more than enough. While it is impossible to predict how much snow a year will actually deliver, we can predict how well your fence might survive the season. Read on for help choosing the best fencing material for the potentially snowy weather conditions we get in our area.

Choosing The Material

The material that you choose for your fence requires careful consideration. When you’re thinking about snowy weather, metal cannot be beat. Metal will not absorb water like wood can, making it a better choice in wet weather. Metal also needs less maintenance than wood fencing – if you aren’t maintaining your wood fence, you are setting it up to fail. Metal also tends to be sturdier than other choices like vinyl. Vinyl is a great fencing material, but it will bend and break before metal will. If metal is outside of your budget, vinyl is the next best choice for winter weather resistant fencing. Modern vinyl is often reinforced, making it extremely durable.

Choosing The Style

While the potential for snow should not be the end all be all of your fence style decision, it should contribute. When we get a lot of snow, it is often the very wet, very heavy variety. Our snows don’t tend to be light and fluffy. And heavy, wet snow is the type that can do the most damage to a fence. A privacy style fence can be perfect for a lot of reasons, but it also provides a solid surface for snow to land on and freeze to. All that snow building up on a privacy fence does make it more likely to come down. Rails or pickets provide less surface for this action to happen on, as does chainlink style fencing.

Choosing Professional Installation

Finally, when it comes to withstanding the harshest conditions of winter, the way your fence was installed matters. The posts need to be buried deep, below the frost line. This way, they are protected from the expanding and contracting action of the freeze-thaw cycle. If you must DIY your fence installation, make sure that you are doing it right and don’t skimp on the depth of those post holes.

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The natural beauty of wood is a wonderful way to add a privacy fence or secure perimeter to your home or business. A “white picket fence” has been a symbol of the American dream as a homeowner forever. But there is work that goes with installing a wood fence. Wood needs treatment and to be […]

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Security fencing plays an important role in protecting your business.

Security fencing plays an important role in protecting your business. A secure workplace perimeter offers better privacy and security, and in many industries is an absolute necessity. In order to better understand the value of security fencing, it might be helpful to know more about the five top elements of a security fence. Let’s dive in and look at what they are and why they’re important to the safety and security of your property and business.

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Fence Height

For residential fencing, the height that you choose often has to do with either the presence of kids and pets or the limitations of your budget. For security fencing, the purpose of the fence is to secure the perimeter and height helps to achieve that. Most security fencing is 5-6 feet high. The height itself acts as a visual deterrent and also makes it physically harder to scale.

Entrenched Foundation

An entrenched foundation for your security fencing makes it much harder to topple the fence, even with a vehicle. The posts should be entrenched in concrete to withstand the leverage force from a collision. The interior components (panels, pickets, or links) can also be entrenched for added security. By entrenching the entire perimeter, you also create a fence that can withstand digging.

Strong Materials

For residential fencing people often opt for wood because of aesthetics or vinyl because of ease of maintenance. For security fencing, strength trumps all of that, so metal is the material of choice. Industrial steel can withstand great forces, including most collisions. The strength of industrial steel coupled with an entrenched foundation makes a very formidable perimeter.

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Anti-Scaling Options

For security purposes, having a fence that is as difficult as possibly to climb is ideal, which is where anti-scale options come into play. For fencing like chain link, smaller gaps or added material woven into the links can impede climbing. For iron fencing, having vertical rungs and fewer cross bars make it harder to climb. For most security fencing, removing the top rail makes it almost much more difficult to top the fence even if one can climb it. As long as there is enough support to keep the fence sturdy, the top rail is superfluous.

Secondary Fencing

Some security fencing utilizes a secondary layer – either a second layer of fencing material or an actual second fence within the perimeter of the original fence (usually about 10-20 feet within). This secondary layer can help to increase privacy by limiting vision into the property and by limiting sound bleed in either direction. A secondary fence also increases the difficulty of entry, since it would be a second fence to break through or climb over.

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If you’re trying to increase the curb appeal of your wood fencing, look no further.

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Wood fencing is a great option for so many properties. It can add a sense of security or privacy, it can help define the bounds of your property, and it can make your property look nicer. Wood complements just about any other materials you’re using for your home or commercial building, so it’s no wonder that it has become such a common fencing option.

That said, if you want to get the most out of your wood fencing, you need to think about maintenance and keeping the curb appeal as high as you can. If you’re trying to increase the curb appeal of your wood fencing, look no further.

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Seal Your Panels

If you’re one of many fence owners who choose not to paint their wood fencing, you’re going to enjoy the natural beauty of wood for years to come. That is, provided you seal the wood panels. Sealing panels will alter the color slightly but will mostly retain the natural look of your wood fencing while protecting it from moisture. If you notice water soaking into the wood of your fence, it might be time to seal it.

Repainting Panels

If you do choose to paint your wood fencing, it’s important that you pay close attention to it over the years. Not only does it look good, but it’ll also seal your panels just like sealant alone would. This is why it’s important that you repaint your fence every few years. Plus, a freshly painted wooden fence is the epitome of curb appeal. Get creative with it!

Maintain Your Landscape

If you have your shrubs, plants, or even overgrown lawn too close to your wood fencing, it may cause some issues and reduce its curb appeal. All of that additional moisture can cause mold and rot, both of which make your fence look much worse. Instead, keep everything pruned, cut, and far enough away from your fence such that it doesn’t become a problem.

Quick Fixes

If you notice any small damages, take care of them quickly. Replace any rotten panels or posts and it will go a long way in terms of your long-term curb appeal. Unsightly damages might seem small enough, but if they aren’t taken care of, they may open the door to bigger, more serious issues.

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Cleaning Your Fence

Even though your fence is exposed to plenty of rain, that doesn’t mean it’ll magically get clean. In fact, rain can cause more dirt than you’d think! Instead, use a power washer on your wood fence regularly to remove any dirt. If you don’t have a power washer, use some warm water and a gentle soap mixture to get your fence clean again.

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These are some big indicators that it may be time to replace all or part of your chain-link fence.

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When on the hunt for a fence that is durable and offers protection, you may have stumbled on the chain-link fence option. It’s an instant classic that is used in so many industrial and commercial areas, but even homeowners take advantage of installing a chain-link fence on their property at times.

However, despite the durability that this kind of fencing offers, there will inevitably come a time when it needs to be replaced. Over the years, sections or even the entire fence will become damaged and should be replaced by an expert who has knowledge about chain-link fences and what to do. This ensures that your chain-link fence replacement is done right and will last for many more years to come. These are some big indicators that it may be time to replace all or part of your chain-link fence.

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Rusting Out

One sign you should always be on the lookout for with any kind of metal fencing, including your chain-link fence, is rust. Rust is an indicator that the structural integrity of your fence has been compromised and will only get worse, meaning that it won’t keep you as protected as you wanted when it was initially installed. If only small parts of your fence are rusted, those can be replaced individually. Just make sure you remove moisture from the area to prevent it from becoming a problem again.

Broken Posts

Once the posts on your chain-link fence begin to break, it will lead to a host of other problems. This includes allowing the chain-link material to become loose, overall resulting in a less secure fence. If left for long enough, the weight of a broken post can even pull on the rest of the fence, removing the chain-link sections entirely. Get a pro to come in and replace your posts in order to restore your fence to its former glory.

Worn-Out Links

While the posts are responsible for creating the overall structure of your fence, the links are equally as important. The links are what actually create security and close the area off. So if you notice that your links are coming apart or otherwise wearing out, it’s a good sign that you should replace them and patch up any weak points that could compromise your security.

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Read on to discover the unexpected benefits a new installation or fence replacement fence for your property.

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If your fence has seen better days, you may be watching the weather forecast and simply crossing your fingers that the most recent wintery mix on the radar doesn’t do it in for good. All you can do is hold out for the spring, because everyone knows you can’t replace a fence in the winter, right? Wrong! Winter is actually a fine time to replace a fence – in fact, in can be one of the best times, if you can fit it in the right window. Read on to discover the unexpected benefits a new installation or fence replacement for your property.

Potential Discounts

Having a fence installed during the winter may actually lead to a lower price for you. In some cases, the materials for constructing the fence may be cheaper in the winter, since there is less demand for them during the slow time for the industry. This could be passed on to you. During the inter, you may also find that some fence installers give discounts to increase their business during the slow period as well.

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Easier Scheduling

By opting for your fence replacement in the winter, you may find that you have a much easier time scheduling the work. Most fence installers are much less busy in the winter, and because of that you will likely find that you have your pick of days to have the work done. If you wait till the spring or summer, the most busy season for many fence installer, you may have to wait weeks after the consultation to actually get on an installation calendar.

Less Life Interruption

You and your family are likely spending less time outdoors during the winter, so having your fence installed now will interrupt your outdoor time less. If you wait until the spring or summer, when everyone wants to be outdoors, you could miss out on that time.

Forestall The Need To Repair

If you wait till after the winter to have your fence replacement completed, you may end up doing more work. If your current fence is already suffering, the winter weather could seriously damage it. In that case, you may have to make emergency repairs over the winter (possibly several times) to continue keeping your family and pets safe. Replacing your fence before it breaks gets ahead of this potential cost by ensuring you go through the winter with a new, strong fence.

Be Ready For Spring

Finally, if you get your fence replacement done during the winter, you will be all ready to go in the spring, while everyone else is still trying to get their fencing tasks started.

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The post Why a Fence Replacement is Best Done During Winter appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Fencing material is the top decision that needs to be made when you are installing a new fence at your home or business. Narrowing down your fence material to steel and aluminum can still cause some confusion as to which is best for your particular purposes.  Here we look at the two types of fencing […]

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What are some of the considerations that you should make before building a dog fence?

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Your furry friends are part of your family, and it only makes sense that you want to keep them as safe as possible while they’re  inside or outside of your house. One of the best ways to keep them safe when outside is a dog fence. Whether you have a small dog that runs very quickly or a large dog that has a lot of weight it can use to throw against something, having the right fence for your needs is important. What are some of the considerations that you should make before building a dog fence?

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Jump Height

Even if you don’t think of your dog as being able to jump high, it will shock you to see how high a big dog can jump when it is motivated to do so. When building your dog fencing, you should keep in mind the maximum height that your dog might be able to reach when jumping in the air. In general, most homeowners can safely make the fence 6 feet tall. If your dog is prone to jumping or a very tall, going higher might be a good idea.

Climbing

Beyond jumping, your dog also might try to climb the fence. When building a dog fence, it’s a good idea to choose materials that are not easy to climb. For example, do not choose a chain-link fence. These are very easy for dogs to get a foothold in or get stuck in. However, choosing a panel fence made of wood or vinyl will remove some of the ease of climbing.

Privacy

Does your dog bark and get agitated whenever it spots a person walking by or a squirrel? In those cases, it can be a nuisance for you and for your neighbors. When designing your dog fence, consider using solid panel privacy fencing material. This will stop your dog from being able to see what’s going on on the other side of the fence, which means that they also will not be able to bark at everything on the other side of your fence.

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As a business owner, you are consistently investing in your business – whether that’s in infrastructure or workforce development. A smart investment that you should consider is the installation of a new or upgraded fence around your property at your commercial business. There are many benefits to adding this to your infrastructure, including boosting your property’s value and beyond.

Here we take a look at the reasons to put in a new fence today at your business:

1. More privacy: Depending on what type of business you have, it can be important to have a privacy fence installed at your place for a more private perimeter. Privacy fencing is best in either wood or vinyl. Wood fencing can add a classic look to your place while offering coverage. Vinyl or PVC fencing is a more low maintenance option to add privacy to your place. This fencing just needs a rinse or light scrubbing to keep it looking new and fresh.
2. Access control: When you have your fence installed, you can also choose from various options for your gate or gates. You can decide on where there should be access points as well as what type of gate will serve your employees the best. Beyond manual gates that need an employee to operate, you can install an electronic gate operator that is accessed through a keypad, card or key or that is activated by a motion sensor. An enclosed area with limited access points can create a better sense of safety at your place.
3. Safety and security: Of course, a huge benefit of a fence is the safety that it can provide your property. A new fence is not only good for deterring break-ins, but also for keeping critters and wildlife off of your property. A stronger sense of security will help your employees and clients feel safer.
4. Sense of style: You can add a new vibe to your commercial property just as you would your home through the many options of fencing material. Even within the option of chain-link fencing, you can select color and gauge size to help customize your fencing to your particular property. An area of wrought iron fencing can also provide an avenue to add style to a commercial space. Our in-house shop creates customized wrought iron pieces for our clients.

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Here are some excellent tell tale signs of termites in your wood fence.

There is really no denying that wood fences are very popular among homeowners everywhere. In fact, wood fences can be wonderfully beneficial for a number of different reasons — but with wood fences, comes the potential for termites. The reality is, proper care and maintenance makes a world of a difference when it comes to keeping your wood fence safe and secure overall. Ultimately, termites are incredibly destructive and can totally ruin a perfectly beautiful wooden fence. Here are some excellent tell tale signs of termites in your wood fence.

Any Mud Tubes

One of the key signs of termites living in your wooden fence includes mud tubes. In fact, termites tend to present themselves as the base of the wood fence generally. The reality is, termites typically use these mud tunnels to get around — and create their respective colonies. Ultimately, the bigger the mud tubes and the more you have, the more compromised your wooden fence will be — which usually means it might be necessary to replace your wooden fence and start from new.

Signs Of Visible Holes And Sawdust

Unfortunately, if you are already seeing visible holes and sawdust on your wood fence, it might signal that termites have already wreaked havoc on it. In fact, if you begin to see that there are large holes throughout the fence itself, it’s probably due to a termite infestation. The reality is, termites will eat into the fence itself — particularly via the mud tunnels discussed previously. Ultimately, if you can see many different holes, then contacting a professional to examine the destruction and find a proper solution is usually going to be your best bet.

Actually Seeing Termites

Most obviously, if you can visibly see termites on your fence, then the infestation is all too real. In fact, it can be quite difficult to notice the presence of termites, but if you do, then there really is no question that the infestation has happened and you’ll want to consider the options available — most like a fence replacement — to best remedy the issue effectively and efficiently. The reality is, termites are common among wood fences, but it becomes increasingly important to make sure that you protect your wooden fence against any termites so it can really withstand the test of time.

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