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Does Climate Matter When Picking a Fence?

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There are several things to consider when choosing material for your fence, and one of them is climate. If you take into consideration the weather conditions that your fence will be exposed to, you will improve your chances of picking a durable option. Here is why the climate matters when choosing fence types.

Fence For Warm Weather Climate Needs to Be Durable

Picking fence types for warm weather climates is different from when you are dealing with colder climates. A warm-weather climate fence needs to be durable. Once installed, the fence will have to withstand the heat of the summer sun. It also needs to endure the dry air that sucks moisture and the damage caused by UV rays. The good thing about choosing a fence for warm weather climates is that fence types that can endure heat will also do well even in freezing cold weather. Most people in warm weather climates use vinyl fencing. It is able to withstand the heat, and it can last long, even in the harshest conditions.

Windy Areas and Fencing

When you stay in a windy location, it’s important to ensure that your fence can perform the task of reducing wind flow so that your home is safe. Research shows that solid wood fences can reduce wind flow by as much as 50%. So if you stay in a windy area, it would be a good idea to install a solid wood fence. Some people also recommend semi-solid or slatted panels for windy areas. However, these would offer less privacy; hence most people end up going for solid wood.

Will the Fence be Able to Weather a Storm

If you experience lots of hurricanes in your area, you need to think about whether or not your choice of fence will be able to withstand a storm. The last thing you want is to be worrying about the condition of your fence when the wind is blowing at 70 miles per hour. So, to avoid that, you need to go for the fence that will not be ripped out of the ground easily. Even if you don’t know the best fence for this purpose, when you hire a professional company, you will be covered because they understand the unique challenges that come with installing certain fence types – especially in a hurricane-prone area.

Climate plays a major role when it comes to choosing fence types. For instance, in a hurricane-prone area, you might be forced to consider wooden fences because they are properly posted in the ground, allowing them to withstand high-speed winds. If you are not sure which type of fence you should choose for your climate, contact us today.

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3 Questions to Ask Your Fence Contractor

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Hiring a fence contractor is not something that should be taken lightly. Fence installation can oftentimes be an expensive project, so it’s important to do your research before choosing the company you want to work with. There are many things to consider when hiring a fence contractor, including cost, warranty, and skill level of the company. You should also ask several questions during your consultation to tell if the fence company will meet all your needs. Here are three questions to help guide you through this process.

1. What Types of Warranties or Guarantees Do You Offer?

The fence company you work with must offer some sort of warranty or guarantee. You should look at how long the warranty lasts, what it covers, and who is responsible for the installation process. Most fence companies will offer a one-year labor warranty, which means if something should go wrong with the installation process, you’ll be able to claim your warranty. You should also ask how long the structural warranty lasts and any warranties relating to stain or paint since the fence paint protects it from damage and fading.

2. Does Your Company Work with Property Owners to Help Them Obtain Permits?

Just because a fence looks nice doesn’t mean it’s going to be allowed on your property. For your fence to actually go up, certain permits need to be obtained. If your fence contractor does not work with property owners to provide them with these permits, it’s probably because they do not know how to obtain them. This could be a deal-breaker because obtaining the permit yourself can take days and will ultimately go over the project’s time frame.

3. How Much Experience Does Your Company Have?

Another important question to ask your fence contractor is how long the company has been operating and what type of fencing they specialize in. The more experience a fence company has, the better they will be able to handle any issues that may arise during the installation process. Having some experience with different types of fences and installation processes also helps ensure you won’t be overcharged.

In the United States, about 270,455 people work in the fencing industry. This number is expected to grow due to the growing trend in homeowners wanting more privacy and security. This is why it’s important to hire a fence contractor to match your needs and wants. If you’re looking for fencing contractors all that’s mentioned above and much more, call us today and let us know how we can help you!

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Choosing the Right Fence for a Backyard Oasis

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It’s time to take your backyard to the next level with a fence. A fence can be used for more than just keeping out unwanted guests. It can also be used as an extension of your exterior design or even as a decorative feature in itself. Regardless of your style, there is a fence for you.

Here are some things to consider when choosing the right fence for your backyard project.

What Materials Would You Prefer?

Wood, aluminum, chain link, or vinyl are all popular choices for a backyard fence. Wood is an obvious choice because it can be stained any color to match your home or yard. Also, natural wood can add warmth and welcome guests into your backyard oasis. Aluminum fencing is also very appealing, with different styles and textures that come in various colors. Chain link fencing is also popular because it can be customized to look like other types of fences. Vinyl fences are becoming very popular because they do not need maintenance and come in great colors or styles. They are basically the easy choice for a backyard fence.

What Height Would Work Best for Your Needs?

Height is important when you’re choosing a fence for your backyard. It all comes down to property lines and what you can get away with. The standard height for a fence is around four to six feet, but there are many other choices. If you want to block out neighbors or busy streets close by, then go with something taller. If you only want to keep out small children or pets, then a standard 4-5 feet would be perfect.

How Long Do You Want the Fence to Run?

If you have an odd-shaped yard to cover, you’ll need to consider this when choosing your fence. There are many different styles of fences that can help you shape your backyard oasis, so it fits your space perfectly. A good example of this is a fence that runs along the side of your home or property for privacy. There are also different types of fencing materials to choose from, so you can have something run all around your yard.

What Backdrop Are You Looking to Achieve?

If you are looking to add a decorative feature or have your yard convey style, then pick something with spacing between each panel, so the fence design is visible from the inside. However, your fence contractor can advise on this further since they have the requisite experience.

Time to Hire a Fence Contractor

Fences can be an easy way to improve your backyard oasis, as well as the value of your home. In fact, when done correctly, landscaping can boost the resale value of your property by up to 14%. When you have a fence installed by a fence contractor, you can rest assured that they will provide excellent service and top-notch fence materials.

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5 Tips for Caring for an Aluminum Fence

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Aluminum is arguably one of the best fencing materials today. Even though each fencing material has its pros and cons, aluminum’s popularity is because its advantages as a fencing material outweigh its disadvantages. Taking good care of your aluminum fence will increase its lifespan and make your property look good at all times. Here are five tips for caring for your aluminum fence.

1. Conduct Routine Cleaning

You should regularly clean your aluminum fence. Fortunately, cleaning an aluminum fence is pretty easy. All you need is a garden hose, soapy water, cleaning rags, and a scrub brush. Start cleaning your fence by spraying areas with accumulated grass, dirt, and stains. Use your scrub brush and soapy water to clean large stains. Wipe dry your fence after cleaning to give it a polished finish. Contact fencing solutions if you need help cleaning your fence.

2. Remove Mildew

Mildew can grow on your fence if you live in a damp area. It is advisable to remove mildew from your fence as soon as they start growing to prevent them from spreading. Try normal washing and scrubbing to remove the growth. If this fails, use a mixture of a cup of laundry detergent, trisodium phosphate, and Clorox bleach.

3. Conduct Regular Inspection

You should inspect your aluminum fence regularly. Look for loose posts, weak rails, uneven fencing, and broken gates. Look for fencing solutions to repair any minor issues as soon as you identify them. The quicker you repair the damages, the better. Don’t wait for them to become major issues. This will save you time and money.

4. Keep Heat Sources Away from Your Fence

While an aluminum fence can withstand direct sunlight, it cannot withstand intense heat like an outdoor heater. More intense heat can bend or spoil your fence. Keep these sources of heat at least 10 inches away from your fence. The heating sources should also be properly shielded.

5. Avoid Damages

Prevention is better than cure. It would be best if you always strived to avoid preventable damage to your fence. Leave your gate closed at all times. An open gate can swing and damage the surrounding fence. Cut weeds near the fence with a handheld trimmer to avoid cutting or scrapping your fence.

Since you can expect a 65% return on investment after installing a fence, it would be best if you took care of your aluminum fence with the above-listed tips to keep it in good shape. Look for fencing solutions if you notice any fence defects – don’t DIY!

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4 Wood Fence Care Tips

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There’s no denying the charm of a wood fence. Out of all the fence types, wood often feels the warmest and most welcoming. However, wood doesn’t last forever, which makes some homeowners reluctant to install wooden fences. Fortunately, a little care goes a long way when it comes to your fence.

1. Clean It Regularly

Within the first 90 days of installation, you should reapply cleaner or brightener as described. Some people clean their wood fences annually. Make sure your cleaner includes mildewcide no matter how often you clean.

The longer you wait in between cleanings, the harder it becomes to remove dirt, and you may have to use a power washer to adequately clean your fence. However, some environments impact fences less, and some types of wood do better in certain climates, so this isn’t always an issue. In fact, some people suggest that you can wait up to five years to clean and re-seal your fence, but this depends almost entirely on your environment.

2. Apply Sealant Periodically

After cleaning your fence, coat it with an exterior wood sealant that protects your fence from sun and moisture, which can cause it to mold, rot, or dry out. Take care to get every crevice with a brush.

During these times, you can stain your fence to refresh or change its appearance. While wood is one of the fence types that require a bit more love, the end result always pays off!

3. Consider Paint

If you don’t mind the look or work, consider painting your fence, which offers more protection than simply sealing it.

4. Keep It Dry and Clear

You can also prolong the life of your fence by protecting it from sprinklers, the moisture from which can cause the wood to rot. You also want to clear bushes or vines from your fence before they have a chance to weigh it down and contribute to rot.

The purpose of maintaining your wood fence isn’t to prevent the wood from aging naturally, but simply to slow that progression. Over time, wood fences will crack, break down, and start to lean. However, each cleaning and sealant application breathes a little more life into your fence and leaves it looking brighter.

A wood fence typically lasts between 10 and 15 years. With these tips, you can prolong the life of your fence. Remember, fences typically earn houses a 65% return on the investment of installing and maintaining them. If you plan on selling your house, a beautiful wood fence will be a great selling point!

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Seamless Landscape Options to Pair With a Vinyl Fence

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How would you like to add $14,000 to the resale value of your home? Adding suitable landscaping can raise your home’s value by as much as $14,000 for every $100,000. Therefore, knowing which landscaping features add the highest dollar value to your home matters. Among the top 10, you will discover that professional landscape design; automated sprinklers; an all-season deck or outdoor kitchen; mulched beds; focal point illumination; entryway appeal; mature shrubs and trees; a manicured front yard, and a well-maintained fence.

Adding New Utilities

Ask your fence company: providing a seamless transition between your vinyl fence and the rest of the yard takes a little planning. For example, adding trees and shrubs might look great this year, only to become a headache in years to come. Consequently, before you plant, consult an arborist or landscape designer to ensure that you consider how that tree or shrub grows, what maximum diameter it will reach, and how tall it will grow, and place it accordingly.

Likewise, if you add automated sprinklers, the schedule has to match the needs of the plants and the realities of your local climate rather than simply switching on at a predetermined time. Sprinklers positioned too close to your fence line can result in undermined fence posts and promote mold growth, especially in shady areas of your yard.

Investing In Your Greenery

Mulch, regular lawn care, and fence maintenance provide the best return on your investment. For example, the National Association of Realtors found that professional lawn care returns $3.52 for every dollar you spend. Likewise, professional arborist services give back every dollar you spend maintaining your trees and shrubs while having mature trees adds as much as 15 percent to property values in the neighborhood.

Expect 69 cents back for every dollar spent on a new patio and 71 cents back from building an outdoor kitchen, whereas a new deck returns 80 cents on the dollar. Sprinkler systems provide a favorable return on investment as well: 86 cents for every dollar spent. Your fence company would advise you to maximize returns by coordinating plans with your vinyl fence project to ensure that the fence height matches your deck’s privacy needs and all fence posts remain evenly spaced.

Finally, measure your existing vinyl fence before adding any features. Fence panel heights and the distance between posts may require adjustments. Add lighting wherever landscaping changes result in damp, shady areas that could foster mold growth.

If you’re looking to hire a professional fence company to improve the value of your home, contact Family Fence Company today!

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Privacy Fences: Rude or Justified?

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While it might seem rude to some people, it doesn’t come as a surprise that installing a privacy fence is a great way to add value and security to your home. In addition, there are several other benefits to privacy fences. Below are just a few of the reasons why you should invest in installing privacy fencing.

Security and Value

Installing privacy fencing on your home can significantly reduce the cost of your homeowner insurance rates. While this depends on your insurance provider, most will charge you less if you have a properly built and well-maintained privacy fence. Apart from the insurance, having a privacy fence is also a good way to boost the resale value of your home.

Your home must also feel secure. Even if a privacy fence isn’t the best security measure, it will provide an initial layer of security. Passers-by will not be able to scout your home easily, and they won’t be able to enter without invitation. Research also shows that homeowners with privacy fences feel that the risk of getting robbed is significantly reduced.

Animal Boundary

Your pets need a confined and safe space to play. If you have a privacy fence on your property, your pets also won’t be able to just run off and end up in harm’s way. The fence will also stop them from visiting your neighbor’s property, and it will stop your neighbors’ pets from coming to yours. Uninvited pets can become a nuisance. A privacy fence is also a great way to keep stray animals away.

Protection from Weather

Harsh weather poses a real threat to your home. For instance, when there are high winds, your backyard and outdoor spaces can be ruined. Winds can even cause damage to your house. To protect your yard from this, you can install a privacy fence. Typically, privacy fencing is at least five feet tall. You can also choose between an open or closed design to block wind and get more privacy. Wooden fencing, in particular, is known to be a very effective wind barrier.

Privacy fences are not rude. In fact, they offer many benefits, which is why installing one will add a lot of value to your property. However, if you want to install privacy fencing, make sure it is expertly installed so that you can get all its benefits.

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What to Know Before Installing a Wood Fence

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Wooden fences are very common nowadays. They offer a lot of benefits, so most people are choosing them over other options. However, there are things you must know before your install a wood fence. Read on to find out more.

A Wood Fence is a Great Sound Barrier

A wood fence made from proper materials can act as one of the best sound barriers. With expert installation, you will notice that your wood fence will absorb a significant amount of sound. This means that the moment you enter your yard, sounds from the street and roads will be significantly minimized. This enables you to enjoy your space and be more comfortable. Usually, wood fences are made using pressure-treated lumber. You will also find some good options that are made from plywood.

Wood fencing offers privacy.

Privacy is one of the most common reasons why people install fences. For you to maintain a private space, you can install a wood fence surrounding your lawn, patio, or even a pool area. Such a barrier can enable you to enjoy maximum privacy. Apart from that, a wood fence will also allow air to flow in.

Wood Fencing is a Good Wind Barrier

It is good to have proper airflow on your property. However, sometimes heavy winds can be a danger to your property. In such instances, you will need something to act as a barrier and windbreaker on your property. Solid wood fences can also reduce the wind flow in your yard by up to 50%. For your wooden fence to perform as an excellent wind barrier, always go for an expert installation. DIY can seem like a fun and money-saving move, but your property will not get the protection it needs.

There are Many Styles of Wood Fencing

You can be guaranteed that with wood fences, you will find a style to match your overall home style. There are many styles and colors available for you to choose from. You can go for the typical privacy fence that is around five feet tall. You can also have a closed design to block the wind. The latter also offers more privacy.

When looking for someone to install your wood fence for you, always go for companies with a good online rating and lots of positive reviews. Expert installation is just as important as the quality of the fence you choose. Also, when your fence is installed by an expert, you can even get a guarantee.

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Breaking Down Common Vinyl Fence Myths

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Are you in the process of choosing the perfect fence for your home? Well, you’re certainly not alone. An estimated 80 to 90% of applications received by U.S. zoning committees are for outdoor privacy fences. So, if you need a good quality fence we have a great suggestion for you: Vinyl fences. Vinyl oftentimes gets a bad reputation, so we have debunked a few of the most common myths associated with the material below.

Vinyl Fences Are Not Strong

When buying a fence, the top factor many people consider is durability. The good news is vinyl fences can be pretty durable too, besides a myth to the contrary. The truth is a vinyl fence can hold up well to the elements. For instance, it’s not susceptible to damage from insects or pests like wood since it doesn’t rot. A vinyl fence is also one of the best fencing solutions because it doesn’t rust, whether it’s exposed to rain, wind or heavy snow. In short, a vinyl fence is built to last.

Vinyl Fences Don’t Have Many Options

When people are looking at fencing solutions, they typically want as many options as possible. If you mistakenly think vinyl fences don’t offer many choices, you might miss out on a great fence.

While it’s true that vinyl fences had many similar designs in the past, there are now many options to choose from today. Modern vinyl fences come in many styles and in a wide range of colors that allow you to customize your fence to suit your preferences.

Vinyl Fences Are Expensive

If you need an affordable fence that doesn’t strain your budget, you might also be worried that a vinyl fence won’t make the cut. However, as mentioned earlier, vinyl fences come with many options, so you can be sure to find something that’s within your budget. Also, given that vinyl fences are durable, you are certain to get more bang for your buck.

Vinyl Fences Are Difficult to Maintain

Additionally, vinyl fences are quite easy to maintain, contrary to some myths floating around. Although it might require some light cleaning, you won’t have to treat for rust, since a vinyl fence doesn’t rot or rust. You can clean your fence with a garden hose and a soft cloth anytime you need to.

Vinyl Fences Are not Good for The Environment

With the world becoming more green-conscious, vinyl fences might get a bad rep for not being good for the environment. However, vinyl requires very little energy to produce and they don’t require the cutting down of trees, so they’re actually better for the environment than other options.

Vinyl fences are one of the best fencing solutions around, so keep them on the list if you’re considering adding a new fence to your property.

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Tips for Taking Care Of Your Chain Link Fence

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Chain link fences are a popular option for industrial, commercial, and residential purposes. They can do a good job of protecting your property and are an affordable fencing option, suitable for many budgets. Their value can be compounded even more with proper car and maintenance. So, here are some top tips from a professional fence company for taking care of your chain link fence.

Keep Moisture Away

Chain is susceptible to rust if it comes in contact with moisture, so be sure to make sure it’s treated properly. The best thing to do is give your chain link fence a good coating of rust-resistant spray. When doing so, pay extra attention to the bottom area, where your fence is likely to come in contact with moisture from the soil or grass. This will help you save money in the long run.

Clean it Regularly

The good news is a chain link fence is very easy to clean. All you have to do is use simple dish soap and clean water to get rid of dirt, grime, and other debris like bird feces. Wash your chain link fence as thoroughly as possible with a garden hose. You might need a brush for some light cleaning and you can also add some borax fro extra cleaning power. Regular cleaning will not only keep your fence looking good. But it also ensures it remains functional.

Make Repairs When Necessary

Your chain link fence will need repairs from time to time. It’s well known that landscaping can increase the value of your home by up to 14% and part of that involves keeping your chain link fence in good condition.

The best thing is to conduct regular inspections, so you catch problems before they become serious and costly. Usually the areas that wear down quickly are the connections to the posts – these can become loose and your chain link might pull away from the posts.

The gates can also sag or start digging into the ground. Additionally, your chain link fence may have loose nails or screws that need to be tightened. If you need help you can hire a fence company to conduct regular inspections for you. This keeps you proactive and will save you more money in the long run.

These tips work great for keeping your chain link fence in tip-top condition if you follow them. If you need extra help, be sure to hire an expert fence company. The fence company can also help you upgrade your fence if you choose to down the line.