Fencing beautifies and adds value to properties, but the myriad of choices can leave a homeowner’s head reeling. The good news is that there’s a single fencing choice for people in South Florida that combines beauty, durability and no maintenance requirements. That fencing is SimTek®.

Aesthetics

Ideal for any environment, the fencing is a wonder of modern technology. SimTek® is available in a myriad of styles, colors and textures. A unique manufacturing process creates fencing that emulates the appearance of real wood or stone.

Cost Effective

The fencing’s durability and longevity make it one of the most cost-effective purchases many people will ever make for their home. The fencing provides a variety of advantages all in a single fencing option.

Maintenance

SimTek® typically requires no maintenance to keep it looking like new. Deposits of calcium, moss and algae may stick to the surface of a SimTek® fence, but it’s easily removed with a pressure washer.

Graffiti resistant, SimTek® has been tested with multiple types of paint, all of which can be removed with a pressure washer. For the most resistant of paints, individuals can simply spray the graffiti with a little carburetor cleaner, leave for 2 minutes to allow the paint to soften, then power wash it off.

Heat and Wind

A SimTek® fence isn’t affected by water or salt spray, making it ideal for installation on coastal properties. It’s also an excellent sound barrier that blocks 98 percent of outside noise. Conversely, it impedes a majority of the sounds that could disturb neighbors.

The fencing provides superior performance in hot temperatures of up to 140 degrees. Treated with UV-12 inhibitors, it won’t fade or warp. It’s also able to withstand winds of 110 mph and gusts of up to 130 mph, making it particularly beneficial for hurricane-prone areas.

Impact Resistant

The fence is tough and won’t be significantly affected by impacts by objects such as golf balls, rocks and baseballs. Even repeated impacts by a weed eater won’t phase the fencing.

Insects and Soil

SimTek® fencing is unattractive to termites and other insect pests that damage materials. An added bonus is that the fencing isn’t impacted by acidic or alkaline soils that hasten the deterioration of many other fencing options.

A wooden fence can last for up to 20 years when taken care of properly and regular maintenance is performed. However, there will come a time when you may want to replace your fence to update its look or because its at the end of its lifespan. Professionals in the field recommend that you plan on replacing wood fencing every 10 years.

Even though wood is treated to mitigate many common problems, the material is also subject to a variety of detrimental factors in South Florida. They encompass flooding, salt water, chipping, cracking and splitting. Fencing can rot, sustain damage from mold, and a variety of insect pests. Over time it can begin to sag, become discolored, warp, and begin to splinter. The following are some things to consider when deciding to replace your wooden fence.

Easy Solutions

Wooden fencing can be painted and insects can be eradicated. Loose hardware can be tightened and missing hardware can be replaced. Small cracks and holes can be filled with putty or wood filler to prevent more serious damage.

Replacing fence posts will be more expensive and difficult since the old supports will have to be dug out of the soil and they’re typically encased in cement when the fence is installed. You can also replace missing rails or boards. The downside is that a new board or rail will look different than the rest of the fence unless its painted.

Time to Replace

If you need to replace more than 20 percent of the fencing, it’s time to replace the entire structure. Another good reason to replace your fence is if it no longer meets your needs. You may desire more privacy or security than the existing fence provides. It may not be sufficient to keep children and pets contained or unwanted wildlife out.

You may simply want to update the look of your fence or transition to another material or style. No matter what your motivation happens to be, a careful examination of your wood fence is essential before you make a decision.

There are a number of benefits to aluminum fencing and it’s no wonder that it’s a preferred fencing material in South Florida. Fencing must be durable enough to withstand the ravages of hurricanes that produce high winds and flooding involving saltwater. Aluminum is appropriate for small properties, estates, and commercial endeavors.

Aesthetic Value

Aluminum if available in multiple styles, colors and lends itself to a variety of customization options. It provides an elegant look to any property. It can be fashioned to emulate high-end wrought iron and highly stylized gate options.

Affordability

The material is affordable and provides good value for the money since it can last for up to 50 years when properly installed. Aluminum is less expensive than other materials.

Durability

Aluminum doesn’t succumb to rot, rust and predations by insect pests. It doesn’t oxidize, corrode, and is able to withstand saltwater without damage. An added advantage is that aluminum fences are designed with space between the pickets, allowing wind to blow through it. That enables the fence to withstand high winds and it’s stronger than vinyl or wood.

Versatile

The fencing is appropriate for keeping children and pets safely contained, while keeping wildlife, stray animals, and human intruders out. Aluminum fencing can be equipped with panels at ground level for an extra level of security for small children and pint-sized pets. It’s also effective as a security measure. For those that like to garden, shrubbery or bushes can be planted against the fence, vines can create a living wall, or the fence can be installed so home owners can see through it.

Low Maintenance

Aluminum requires only minimal maintenance, typically in the form of spraying it down with the garden hose to keep it looking new. Neither will it require yearly refinishing or painting.

It doesn’t matter whether a fence is being installed for privacy, safety, child or pet containment, or aesthetic reasons, it’s essential that the installation be performed by an experienced company that’s fully licensed, bonded and insured. Locating that company can be difficult and the following are some tips for finding an experienced fencing company.

Research

Anyone looking for a fencing professional will need to perform their due diligence. Some red flags to look for include a company that’s recently changed its name and a poor rating with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure that the company has a physical business address.

Recommendations

Ask family, friends and co-workers that have had a fence installed about the company that did the work. Find out if they were happy with the results. Many companies will place a sign on the fence indicating the name of the business that performed the installation. Alternately, individuals may also consider asking the property owner of a recently erected fence about the company and their experience with the installer.

Quotes

Get quotes from at least three fencing companies. The quotes should include the cost, an itemized list of what the company will do, a timeline for completion, the size of the crew required, and when the work will begin.

Services

A professional fencing company will be aware of the ordinances and regulations governing the installation of a fence. Many locales have specific rules regarding the type, color, materials and height of fences. The company will also be able to pull the necessary permits and contact underground utility lines. Each fencing job is different and the company should send a representative to walk the property to be fenced so an accurate estimate can be provided.

Contracts and Warranties

Don’t engage a fencing company without a contract. It should spell out in detail the scope of the project and the terms of payment. Some companies require a down payment or offers payment plans, while others may require half down and the remainder upon completion. Make sure the company provides a warranty on its work, materials, and how disputes are addressed.

Fences are practical barriers that will enhance your property value and provide you and your property with security and protection.  If your business is not properly protected by a quality fence, then you, your business, and your employees are vulnerable.  Here are a few reasons why you may want to add a fence to your commercial property.

Security

Security is usually the first reason that people install a fence around their business as it will enhance protection against intruders, thieves, vandals, and other dangers that your business could possibly face. A fence around a commercial property will prevent the business owner and the employees from being interrupted at work by any random passersby, solicitors, trespassers, thieves, and unwanted guests thus enhancing the productivity of the company.

Privacy

There are many positives that exist for the addition of a privacy fence to your commercial property.  Business property can benefit from having a fence erected around it by keeping inquisitive people and curious eyes at bay,  particularly if your business is located in a residential area. By the same token, if the business is located in an area that is not considered safe, installing a fence around it is usually a good idea.

 Aesthetics

Since image for a business is everything, an aesthetically pleasing fence installed around a commercial property will help conceal sights such as warehouses and working areas that may be considered eyesores.  A fence will also enhance the appearance of the business giving it an overall attractive appearance.  With the variety of materials available to choose from, you will surely find a style to suit your business.

Access Control

A fence can prevent safety hazards by identifying dangerous areas and by keeping people away from such regions.  A fence would be a great tool to avoid accidents, complaints and possible lawsuits that may result from a person wandering into dangerous areas of the establishment.