Can a Fence Increase Your Property Value?

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If you’re looking for ways to tackle fence cleaning, especially if you’re opposed to power washing, read on!

Your fence is a valuable part of your home security strategy, offering protection from trespassing, theft, vandalism, and (depending on the type of fence), even shielding your family and belongings from prying eyes. A properly installed, well maintained fence can provide decades of protection while also increasing your curb appeal and home value. The key here is that your fence needs to be maintained. This is especially true of wood fences, which if left unprotected, can succumb to weather, rot, and insects, but is generally true of every fence to one degree or another. Part of maintaining your fence is cleaning it. If you’re looking for ways to tackle fence cleaning, especially if you’re opposed to power washing, read on!

Start By Inspecting

From a distance, what you’re looking at could be dirt, but if you get up close, you may see that it is something else. In the best case scenario, it is just dirt and you can simply wash it away using these tips. In other cases, however, you may find that what you’re looking at is actually mildew, rot, insect damage, or even rust stains from the hardware (bolts, screws, etc) in your fence. In those cases, more care and attention might be needed than you are prepared to give – and in the cases of advanced rot, you may need a contractor to come out and replace parts of the fence.

Get The Right Cleaner

In some cases, you can simply use some dish soap and water to scrub the dirt off of your fence. If you’ve found that the “dirt” is actually mold, mildew, or algea, you can head to the hardware store for a cleaner that can do the job. While you’re there, you may find that they sell deck and fence cleaner that is designed for dirt as well – that is an option if you think you need a little more cleaning muscle than simple soap.

Protect Your Plants

Take time to protect the plants around the fence before you start washing. Depending on the chemicals you’re using to clean, spraying them on the plants may actually kill them.

Spray And Scrub…Or Sand

If you’re washing your fence with a cleaning agent, your best bet is to spray it down, let it sit for a few moments and then scrub it. Having the right tools can help (a course bristled outdoor broom or a scrub brush on a long handle, for instance), but this is still going to be difficult, physical work. Alternatively for your wood fences, you could sand the areas that have staining to remove that layer and then cover the whole thing with a new coat of paint or stain.

The post Wood Fence Cleaning Tips appeared first on Hercules Fence.

If you had planned to paint the fence this year but you just hadn’t gotten around to it yet, the good news is there’s still time.

You know that you need to be staining and sealing or painting your wooden fence every year or two to protect it from the potentially damaging effects of weather and moisture. While wooden fences provide many many benefits, they require more maintenance than almost any other fencing material. If you had planned to paint the fence this year but you just hadn’t gotten around to it yet, the good news is there’s still time (fall is a great season for everything from fence installation to fence maintenance). And we’ve got your inspiration right here with several paint colors that will give your whole yard a new look and feel.

Natural Wood

Natural wood is a great choice for your fence, but one that you likely need to commit to early. For many people, the natural wood look is a phase that you go through before you finally relent and paint a fence. Stain is a beautiful way to change the look of a fence without giving up the natural look. You can adjust the hue with just a tinge of color or a bold color choice, but still allow the wooden grain to show through. While not impossible, it is difficult to return to this option once you layer on coats of paint.

White

White is a traditional choice for fencing, with the white picket look being the most iconic. If you haven’t had a white fence before, the bold, crisp, clean color choice can make the whole fence pop in a more noticeable way than you might be used to. If you also have white trim on your home, painting your fence white can tie everything together and create a unified appearance.

Grey

Grey is a great color choice if you’re still staining or if you’ve decided to commit to paint. In pairs well with both traditional home styles and more modern looks. It is a great in-between choice and really won’t look off in any scenario. In fact, if you have certain types of wood, a grey weathered look is the result of letting it age naturally (this is not an option with all woods, however).

Blue

If you’re looking to add a pop of dramatic color, but you don’t want to go too bold, blue is a great choice. It won’t have the same level of energy as a red, and in most cases it can blend into the background of sky and plants at least a little bit. If you want to be a little edgy with your blue, opt for something very bright or electric.

Black

If black seems like a bold choice, it is. People will definitely notice it. Once you get used to it however, it behaves more like a neutral. It fades into the background, but still gives a modern feel.

The post Paint Colors You Can Try On Your Fence to Give Your Yard a New Look appeared first on Hercules Fence.

When you are focusing on putting a new fence into place, there are a range of considerations that you need to address. You will need to understand your property lines and know exactly where you want it to go with gates located in key areas for ease of access. This decision is pretty cut-and-dry, but what about the type of fencing? This is something that you will need to mull over and here are some questions to get you going.

Why are we putting up a fence? This key question can really direct you the most in what type of material would work best for you. Fencing is available from us here at Fence Masters in wood, aluminum, chain-link, wrought iron and vinyl. If a reason you want a fence up is to keep your pets and children in and intruders out, then you can consider what each type of material will add to your property. For instance, wood may be a boost in curb appeal, but you may be concerned that your dog will scratch it up when it is playing outside.

Do we need more privacy? If privacy is a key reason why you are installing a new fence, then you will want to focus on wood or vinyl options as they offer a blocked view unlike chain-link or aluminum. Privacy fencing is important to homeowners who are near their neighbors and hope to enjoy some peace and quiet in their own backyards.

How much maintenance do we want to perform? Wood fencing is beautiful and can be tailored to your space with different stain or paint colors, but it does need to be maintained. Repairs may need to be done to your wood fence panels down the road after being affected by weather elements. Vinyl fencing is easier to maintain and can be just rinsed and occasionally scrubbed softly with a brush and detergent.

How can we boost our curb appeal? If your new fence is going to be very visible in the front, then curb appeal should be part of your decision. A fence has a function, but that does not mean that you cannot add a new style to your home as well. We offer tailored pieces for our wrought-iron fencing, which is a stylish avenue to a new look. Our in-house iron fabrication shop allows us to work on pieces just for you.

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Here are some of the biggest reasons why you should choose autumn for your residential fencing projects.

Summer is a hard time of year to tackle many home improvement projects, as the weather is hot, and thunderstorms can throw a wrench in your plans. However, fall is an amazing time of year to install residential fencing. Here are some of the biggest reasons why you should choose autumn for your residential fencing projects.

More Availability

Spring and summer are among the busiest seasons for home improvement, and that includes residential fencing. When you opt to have your fence installed in another season, like fall, you’ll enjoy more availability from contractors. This means that your process will happen more smoothly, and you will have a shorter length of time between when your project starts and when you’re enjoying your finished fence.

Growth Is Dormant

Installing a fence is somewhat destructive to your yard, as portions of it need to be dug up so that the posts can be properly placed. Adding your residential fencing during a period of the year when growth is dormant can minimize damage and allow you to fill in any patchy spots with overseeding in the fall or in the spring.

Get the Most Out of Your Fence

Scheduling your residential fencing project for the spring or summer means being unable to use your yard for a period of time. Getting the task done in the fall will allow you to get the most out of your yard all spring and summer long. Additionally, if you are installing a pool fence, getting it done now will make sure that your pool is ready to open when Memorial Day weekend arrives next year.

Better Weather

Finally, having your residential fencing project completed in the fall will increase your chances of having temperate, beautiful weather. Weather problems can lead to delays in installation, as fences should only be installed in certain conditions. While experienced fence installers like those on our team work as hard as possible to install throughout the year, fall is an excellent time for your fence project.

The post Why Fall Is the Season for Installing Residential Fencing appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Here are just some of the key signals associated with an improper fence installation.

For the most part, homeowners tend to gravitate towards fences for a variety of different reasons. In fact, homeowners typically opt for fencing to surround the perimeter of their properties for a number of different reasons — from being a lovely landscape feature to providing much-needed privacy or security. The reality is, fence installations are really essential for homeowners overall. Ultimately, installing a fence absolutely requires a professional to get the job done right — but when done improperly, you can be left with disastrous results. Here are just some of the key signals associated with an improper fence installation.

Completely Ignoring Property Lines And Your Neighbors

Before you hire a fencing contractor, it is key that you take the time to actually determine your property lines. In fact, there are typically very specific requirements associated with your locality that makes the most out of the rules and regulations regarding adding fences and other accessories to your property. The reality is, some local communities are a bit stricter than others — so it makes it necessary that you look at the rules and regulations that you need to abide by before you initiate a fence installation. Ultimately, knowing your property lines and the rules surrounding your property lines will be the perfect way to ensure that you make the most out of your fence installation — without worrying about getting into neighborly disputes.

Minimal Height

Having a fence that isn’t the proper height — or lacks height in general can be a clear sign that the fence installation might have been done improperly. In fact, when it comes to a properly installed fence, you want to make sure that the height makes sense with your property overall. The reality is, fence height is so important to the effectiveness and the efficiency of your fence generally. Ultimately, you’ll definitely want to consider your needs as you embark on finding the perfect fence for your humble abode — consider that if you have a swimming pool or plan on installing one, you’ll likely need a six foot fence installed around it for safety reasons. If you install one that is shorter, you’ll end up spending more money and time on installing another one in the end.

The post Signs Your Fence Installation Was Done Incorrectly appeared first on Hercules Fence.

Holiday decorating can create an atmosphere of cheer and joy during the season. While you may already be hanging lights on your porch and adding a wreath to your front door, you may be craving more of a holiday look. That is where your fence can come in as a backdrop to even more holiday […]

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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.

The post How Fences are Affected by Different Kinds of Weather appeared first on Hercules Fence.

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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