How Fences are Affected by Different Kinds of Weather

Keep your fences in the best condition they can be in by being aware of what nature might throw at you.

As durable as your fence may be, extreme weather conditions can certainly take their toll. Whether that means snow or rain or wind or exposure to the sun, they can all end up causing damage in certain cases.

This depends on the material your fencing is made of and what kind of maintenance you perform, of course, but we want to provide you with a general rundown of how different kinds of weather conditions can damage a fence. Keep your fences in the best condition they can be in by being aware of what nature might throw at you.

Rain Damage

Often times fences are pressure treated and sealed, which should ideally prevent many of the issues associated with rain. However, if enough rain gets its way into your fence, it will cause damage. For wood fences, that typically means rot, warping, and sagging. But any kind of fence is susceptible to the problems that come with too much rain, including the potential of introducing mold to your fences. A wood fence without any sealant on it is the most likely type of fence to be impacted by the rain, so make sure you’re taking steps to protect that wood and apply a good sealant.

Snow Damage

Snow might appear nice but it can also cause plenty of havoc when it comes to our fences. Enough weight from heavy snowfall and your wood or vinyl fence may begin cracking—or a board might even snap. After snowy days, make sure you check your fences for any signs of damage like cracking or holes. You may even want to brush snow off of your fence if it’s accumulating enough.

Wind Damage

Most fences should be able to stand up to even the gustiest of wind. That said, if your fence isn’t installed properly, it’s certainly possible that the wind can pick your fence up and toss it like a paperweight. Even if your fence is installed properly, the real risk is that wind will pick up other debris and throw it at your fence. Make sure you replace any damaged posts after heavy wind comes rolling through to prevent any further damage.

Sunlight Damage

You may not think of sunlight as being able to cause damage, but it can! This is especially true of wooden fences, which are susceptible to fading and discoloration when exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods of time. Choose materials that are durable and UV resistant and you can rest assured that you won’t have to worry about sunlight damaging your fence. Alternatively, make sure you’re applying a stain or other finish that can help protect your wood fence.

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Both aluminum and steel are incredibly common fencing materials that can really do wonders for protecting any type of property.

There is no denying that both aluminum and steel are durable and long-lasting materials overall. In fact, both aluminum and steel are incredibly common fencing materials that can really do wonders for protecting any type of property. The reality is, each material — steel and aluminum — come with their own unique uses and purposes. Ultimately, determining the best material for your next fence might require that you gain a better understanding of the perks associated with these two fencing materials. Here are some helpful tips regarding the differences associated with aluminum and steel fences so you can better understand which is best suited for your particular property to best suit your specific needs.

Understanding Steel Fences

For the most part, steel fences tend to be common among both residential and commercial properties alike. In fact, steel fences typically are used as a very effective and efficient way to keep your property protected — but also withstand heavy wind and other weather conditions. The reality is, if you are looking for a durable fence for a high traffic area, then steel fences might just be the best choice for you. Ultimately, looking into the durability that is associated with steel fences can be a great way to enhance the protection of your property generally.

Understanding Aluminum Fences

When it comes to aluminum fences, there are some key things to know about. In fact, aluminum tends to be a great choice if you are seeking a fencing material that is lightweight, versatile, and incredibly durable. The reality is, most people who choose aluminum fences typically invest in coated aluminum which increases the overall durability and thereby allows your fence to withstand a lot. Ultimately, aluminum is totally a recyclable material allowing it to be a more environmentally friendly fencing material option compared to other types of fencing materials.

Figuring Out What Material Is Best For You

Having a good understanding about the perks and drawbacks of each type of fencing material is a great way to help you determine the best type of fencing material to invest in for your specific property. In fact, having an idea of specifically what you need from your fence makes a world of a difference when shopping around for fencing material.

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While fencing is often considered a way to enclose your yard and space, it can be so much more. Backyard fencing typically is to add a border, help keep your pets enclosed and provide privacy and your own outdoor oasis spot to enjoy time with your family. On the other hand, front-yard fencing can be so much more. When you add a strip of fencing, possibly with a gate, you can create a whole new look to your home and change up the curb appeal. Having front-yard fencing can really boost your home’s look and style.

Here are ideas of how you can add a new look, border and more to your home.

Wood accents: A traditional style of front-yard fencing continues to be a classic white picket fence. Wood fencing can be installed along your front yard border to create a classic, country style that embodies the American dream of homeownership. Our Fence Masters team can assist with your details by discussing what style will work best at your property. We can install the following wood style fencing: classic picket, scalloped picket, split-rail, post-and-rail and shadowbox. Wood can be painted or stained to create exactly the style you are seeking.

Iron elegance: A stately look can be obtained from the regal look that wrought iron fencing projects. Wrought iron historically has been part of mansions, elaborate gardens and beautiful grounds. It has been around for centuries as it is easy to work with and can be forged by hand. It can be customized and tailored to each and every property to add the unique touch that sets a home and yard apart from the neighbors. At our place, we have our own iron-weld shop in-house. We can work on your wrought iron panels, cantilever gates and railings. Wrought iron can also be found oftentimes around pools and gardens.

Gateway to curb appeal: A new gate along with your front-yard fence can be an eye-catching way to boost your home’s overall curb appeal. A detailed new gate adds character and access to your front yard. Our team works on many types and styles of gates as well as fencing.

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Here is more detail about the benefits of security fencing for your home.

When you think about “security fencing,” businesses, facilities, and commercial establishments might come to mind. However, homes should be just as secure as businesses. Residential fences don’t only hold aesthetic value. However, they should also be functional and make you and your family feel a bit safer. The presence of a fence, especially security fencing, has been known to deter wrongdoers. Here is more detail about the benefits of security fencing for your home.

Security Fencing Adds, Well Security

Farmers Insurance reported an account from Chris E. McGoey, a veteran security consultant. McGoey noted that “a fence that’s only three-feet high with a locked gate can have a deterrent effect,” McGoey also stated that when a home doesn’t have fencing, it means that a burglar can “walk up to a home without looking suspicious.” If you think about it, security fencing would only slow a wrongdoer down and send a message that the homeowner is serious about protecting their property.

You’ll Feel Safer

The presence of a fence deters a trespasser just as much as it will make you and your family feel safer. A home security system and security fencing make homeowners and their families feel extra protected.

You Home’s Market Value Will Increase

Potential homebuyers scout move-in-ready homes. A move-in-ready home is a property that has quite a few enhancements, ensuring that the new homeowners don’t have to shell out a lot of money upgrading the home. A security fence serves a functional purpose. Potential homebuyers will appreciate that they can feel safe and secure on the property. However, picking the right design and style can also boost a home’s curb appeal.

Enhanced Privacy

Many homeowners appreciate it when their homes are more private. A more private home prevents a wrongdoer from seeing the home’s interior and the homeowner’s valuables. It enhances the home’s overall enjoyment and usability. Also, if you want some isolation from neighbors, security fences can also serve that purpose.

Aesthetics

Once again, a fence can boost a home’s curb appeal if you pick the right design and style. Security fencing has come a long way. Today, a wide array of customizations exist. Our fencing contractors can help you find a fence that blends in with your home’s architecture and help you narrow down the spectrum of existing materials.

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Here are a few reasons why you don’t want a broken fence.

High-quality fencing beautifies and adds security to a home or business. A fence does so much for residences and businesses. For these reasons, you want to ensure that a fence is in the best shape. Also, a broken latch or severely damaged and missing sections can be a liability. Here are a few reasons why you don’t want a broken fence.

A Broken Fence Makes Your Property Less Secure

A fence has a vital purpose of guarding and protecting properties. Therefore, it is only as secure as its weakest point. It’s time for a new fence when the fencing is weak, damaged, or has entire sections missing. A rotted post, crumbling concrete, and torn areas can allow the wrong person to gain access.

Check the access gate and lock to see if your fencing is stout and robust. Optimally, the gate should be impenetrable, and the lock or latch should be unassailable. Weak hardware and loose screws quickly compromise your property’s safety.

Hurts Curb Appeal

When fence maintenance is always on your radar, it makes a home or business appear more appealing, dependable, and less vulnerable. A neat outdoor space and well-kept fence show that you take pride in your home or business. Also, a fence’s strength and durability might be top-notch. However, you also want to ensure it doesn’t have a faded, peeling paint job, graffiti sprayed on it, or other signs of deterioration.

A Broken Fence Allows Intrusions

A wrongdoer looks for vulnerable areas in properties when attempting break-ins. Unlocked doors, broken windows, latches, and unsecured perimeter fences are key entry points to help facilitate break-ins. When a fence has missing or damaged slats, sagging or torn chain links, gate latches, or hinges weakened by rust, it makes your property more susceptible.

Causes Injuries

Damaged automatic gates around a business are highly likely to injure people or cause vehicle damage. A fence about to collapse could also hurt someone during a storm. An unstable, unsafe, or wobbly fence can be a liability.

The post Why You Don’t Want a Broken Fence appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Temporary fencing for your next event could be the key in keeping everyone safe, but here are some further reasons that you should consider it.

Whenever planning an important event, there are some important considerations to make—but none are as important as safety. It’s important that you consider both the safety of the crowd that has gathered as well as any performers, employees, and security guards who may need to be deployed. One way we recommend enforcing safety is through the use of temporary fencing. Temporary fencing for your next event could be the key in keeping everyone safe, but here are some further reasons that you should consider it.

Crowd Control

Planning an event is always fun and you want to do everything in your power to generate hype and get people excited. However, you also want to ensure that everyone’s safe at the same time. If you have a high-profile guest at your event that may cause excitement, temporary fencing between them and the crowd could be a good way to make sure that everyone stays where they ought to be and safety measures are in place.

Prevent Unwanted Guests

Don’t want to deal with unwanted attention? Temporary fencing could be the solution for your event. You can use it to create a perimeter around your event’s location and instead of having it be a free for all, you can direct people to entrances and exits that are preapproved and are staffed with security guards who can help maintain order.

Control Traffic

If your event generates enough excitement, it may attract all kinds of people. And eventually, cars start pouring in, unsure of where they can and can’t park. Temporary fences can be a fantastic way of directing vehicle traffic and creating a boundary for your event so that no one has any confusion about whether or not they’re allowed to park in precious event space. Even just a few pieces of temporary fencing can often be enough to get the message across and help direct people to where they need to be.

A Convenient Solution

Installing an entire fence may sound expensive and difficult but truthfully, these kinds of fences are put up and taken down every day. They’re easy to install and can be taken care of by a professional fencing company. They’re also easy to rearrange, so in the event that there are last-minute changes, temporary fencing could be the right pick for your needs.

The post Why Use Temporary Fencing For Your Next Event? appeared first on Hercules Fence.

While you may love your neighbors and your community, you may feel that something is missing in your backyard – a sense of privacy and seclusion. We all want to feel that we are able to enjoy our backyards without being watched or have our neighbors intrude on our own private time. That is when a privacy fence may be in order! Privacy fencing can offer a way to give you the backyard space that you are seeking. Our team at Fence Masters works with both wood and PVC or vinyl privacy fencing.

Separation is Good for the Soul

While your neighbors may be offended at first that you are planning to install a privacy fence, hopefully they will process it and understand that every relationship needs space. Make sure that you approach your neighbors to discuss your decision and go over where you are planning on having it installed. You do not want to come across as rude, so try to speak to them during a time that is convenient.

Here are four key points to bring up during your conversation:

1. Visible lines: A fence perimeter is a great way to mark off your property line. This may be important to you as a homeowner and it is worth explaining that to your neighbors. This perimeter will really give you a sense of your space and property if you are thinking of adding a barn, outbuilding or pool.
2. A secure zone: Having a fenced-in yard allows you and your family to feel more safe from the outside world. If you have a dog, a privacy fence helps it have a place to play while not worrying about it getting away.
3. More time to make memories: Obviously, the privacy part of a privacy fence is probably the No. 1 reason that you want to install one. If it looks like this factor is bothering your neighbors, gently remind them that they will benefit from some privacy of their own due to your fencing.
4. Be prepared: Your neighbor may not embrace your decision and you will have to face that fact head-on. They may argue that they are worried about their own property line, violating local laws, an obstructed view and more. Talk it out and pledge that you will only use fencing professionals and that you will maintain the fence year after year.

The post Is a Privacy Fence Right for Your Yard? appeared first on Fence Masters.

Here are some of the key things to pay attention to when shopping around for the perfect fencing company for your specific needs.

For the most part, a fence is a great enhancement for any property — commercial or residential. In fact, if you are already thinking about installing a new fence to surround the perimeter of your residential or commercial property, you want to make sure you hire trusted and reliable professionals to get the job done right the very first time. The reality is, just like with any large purchase you make, doing your research should be something that all property owners do before making the final decision on what fencing company to select for their specific fence installation project. Ultimately, finding the right fit requires that you look and understand what it is that you need from your fencing company. Here are some of the key things to pay attention to when shopping around for the perfect fencing company for your specific needs.

Getting Multiple Quotes

Cost and price is key when installing a fence. In fact, it becomes increasingly important to avoid going with the very first fencing company or contractor you meet with — do your due diligence and research. The reality is, it is your responsibility to make sure that you ask for price quotes from multiple contractors to get a better understanding of the actual rate you’d expect. Ultimately, having a greater understanding around the common costs associated with a fence installation can really inform you on what price is a right fit for you and your specific needs.

Always Ensure A Contractor Is Licensed And Insured

There is no denying that conducting a wide and broad research component of shopping around when selecting a fencing contractor should be a key component of the search itself. In fact, any reputable contractor would be happy to provide you with their insurance and licenses when asked. By asking this, you can rest assured that the company and contractor are all reliable and trustworthy. The reality is, these are all essential to knowing that you are hiring someone who has the proper experience and authority to safely and reliably install your new fence. Ultimately, having a contractor who cares about standards and safety is incredibly important to ensure that your fence is installed effectively and efficiently overall.

The post What You Want in Your Fencing Company appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Here are some of the most common issues your aluminum fence may face, along with information on how to address them.

Aluminum fences are extremely durable, and can be counted upon to provide highly reliable security whatever your needs may be. As is to be expected, though, certain problems do tend to crop up with this type of fencing after years of steady use. Here are some of the most common issues your aluminum fence may face, along with information on how to address them.

1. Weather Damage

Powerful storms often generate sustained winds and extreme gusts that can affect your fence’s stability and structural integrity. This may not be immediately evident along any given length of fencing, but the cumulative effect is of potentially increased vulnerability. Should a windborne projectile (such as a tree limb) careen into fencing already weakened by countless previous storms, it may cause panels to dent and warp—or even dislodge them outright. The resultant sagging may generate gaps and present a hypothetical security risk, so be sure to contact a local fence installation and repair business right away if you find yourself in these circumstances. Companies like Hercules Fence specialize in quickly and soundly repairing this type of damage.

2. Erosion

As demonstrated above, durable as it may be, aluminum isn’t impervious to the forces of nature—even the seemingly mundane. Erosion can be another culprit when it comes to weakening the general integrity of an aluminum fence. Natural shifts in the ground beneath a fencepost might cause it to bend or buckle, and in especially unfortunate cases make contact with and cause damage to your property. Rapid erosion caused by extreme rains can present a different but no less concerning hazard, wherein multiple adjacent posts are loosened or dislodged in a short period of time. Again, it is highly advisable to contact professionals if this happens, but in the latter scenario a fence-owner may find success in reinforcing shaky or weakened posts with dirt—as long as it’s safe to attempt.

3. Accidents

No type of fence or barrier is entirely accident-proof, and by definition no accident is remotely predictable. If your aluminum fence sustains significant damage from a motor vehicle or any other strange twist of fate, it may be in sorry shape indeed—but not for long, as skilled professionals can quickly repair or replace them. The companies they represent will work closely and compassionately with you to navigate any insurance-related matters, as well.

The post Common Problems Your Aluminum Fence Might Face appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Inevitably, the summer weather begins to turn cooler as fall ushers in another change of seasons. Among your to-do list for prepping your home and property for the winter cold and snow, should be getting your fence in order.

Take the time to follow the following tips to help your fence be ready for its spring debut.

Cleaning it up: Your fence panels have taken a beating during the hot summer days and rainy thunderstorms. With the humid and moist air, you may find that some mold has cropped up on areas of your fence. Scrub this away or use a pressure washer, but carefully so that you do not blast it too hard. Depending on the type of fencing that you have, research cleaners on the market or dish soap, vinegar or bleach diluted with water can all work. If you have a chain link fence, a rinse with a hose should do the trick. Not only does cleaning your fence get rid of dirt and mold, it can bring it back to looking sparkling and new.

Trim the greenery: Spring is when all of your plants and trees have really blossomed and this may have led to leaves or greenery now touching your fencing. It is best to take the time to trim these away so that they are not causing any damage or marring your fence panels.

Took a close look: We know that you see your fence, but do you really look at your fence? During the seasonal changes, it is a great time to see if there are any real issues that have surfaced on your fence during the summer. Check for leaning or damaged posts, rotting wood pieces, cracked, loose or missing vinyl pieces, rust on wrought iron or chain link fencing or crooked and broken gates. We can work with you on fence repairs and assessments before the winter rolls in this year.

Wood refresh: Most fence materials are water-resistant as part of their make-up. While wood may need a new coat of stain or paint. Fall is a good time to apply whatever protectant you are using.

Debris be gone: As fall moves in, more leaves will be falling, more wind will be blowing and organic material can collect near your fence. It is always good to rake away any items that are too close to your panels.

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