If you live in an urban location, you’ll almost certainly need a permit of some sort giving you permission to erect a fence. If you live in an HOA, you’ll typically need additional permissions from the HOA. However, that’s not always true if you live in a rural area. The need for a permit will depend on the zoning and regulations of the city, community or even county in which you live.

While you may want to turn fencing into a DIY project, failure to obtain a required permit or trying to install a fence that exceeds height requirements can land you in serious trouble. The same is true if you don’t observe set back regulations. The body responsible for enforcing codes can make you take the fence down and all of your money, effort and labor will be wasted.

Don’t purchase fencing unless you’ve checked with your local governmental office, HOA, and any neighborhood associations with which you may be affiliated. You may need to provide the city council or other municipal body with a copy of a survey of your property, along with the fence plan and specifications. You’ll also have to pay for the permit.

The beauty of hiring a professional fence installation company is that the experts will be cognizant of the permitting requirements for your area and will usually pull the permit for you. When you’re choosing your fencing, they can advise you on any height, material or other restrictions that are in force. You’ll also need to know where any underground utility lines are located.

If you hire a professional, the cost of the permit will be included in the cost of the fence installation and they’ll often present all the materials to the city council for you. There’s a wide range of requirements and restrictions that may apply, depending on the type of fence material is being used, if the fence is for a residential or commercial property, and if it has a gate with electrical components.

Home owners often don’t understand the extent of the coverage their home insurance policies provide. The good news is that homeowner’s insurance will cover damage to a fence – provided the damage was due to a covered cause. Depending on the policy, a covered cause may include damage due to a fire, storm, wind or vandalism.

Trees and Storms

If a neighbor’s tree or limb falls on a fence, a homeowner’s policy will typically pay to repair the damage. The same is usually true if a neighbor is cutting branches on their own tree and it damages the policy holder’s fence. Home owners should know that even if the insurance company covers the damage, they may seek to recover the money they paid out on the claim from the neighbor.

The situation can be different and no coverage provided if the insurance company decides the damage could have been prevented or avoided through regular upkeep and maintenance, or if the damage was due to the policy holder’s negligence. In hurricane prone South Florida, an insurance company may exclude damage caused by flooding and winds from the average homeowner’s policy.

Car Crash

While it’s not a regular occurrence, there are instances in which a vehicle leaves the road and crashes into a fence. A homeowner’s policy should pay for the damages. Typically, the driver of the offending vehicle is liable for the damage and their auto policy is responsible for paying for the damage. The home owner’s insurance company may fix the fence, while seeking restitution from the offending driver.

Not Covered

Damage occurring from normal wear, tear and aging of a fence isn’t covered under a homeowner’s policy. Insurance companies won’t pay for damage due to mold, fungus, termites and other detrimental insect pests. Dings and dents from lawnmowers aren’t covered. If damage to a fence was due to vandalism or a vehicle crashed into it, filing a police report is essential and may even be required by the insurance company.

Fencing serves a variety of purposes for businesses. They provide security, control access, and can be used to direct foot traffic. Depending on the choice of fence, the structure can provide visual appeal and enhance the perception of the business.

Aluminum

Stately, elegant and durable, aluminum fencing rivals the appearance of high-end wrought iron and can be customized in multiple ways. Aluminum is a sustainable metal that’s highly decorative and can be equipped with spear pickets for enhanced safety and security. The material isn’t susceptible to corrosion, is available in multiple colors, and is low maintenance.

SimTek®

One of the benefits of SimTek® fencing for commercial endeavors is that its able to withstand hurricane force winds of up to 110 mph and gusts up to 130 mph. When it’s not standing against hurricane winds, it’s a highly decorative and recyclable fencing option. The fencing is able to emulate the realistic appearance of deep-grained wood or high-end granite, its impact resistant, and can be customized in a wide variety of ways.

Chain Link

A chain link fence is an ideal solution for production plants and similar installations that are at risk and vulnerable as determined by the Dept. of Defense. The fencing is relatively inexpensive and can be affixed with tarping known as privacy screening or wind screening to block operations from prying eyes. Chain link can be equipped with an underground cable to prevent wildlife from burrowing under it and overhangs at the top to prevent wildlife from climbing over. The fencing is highly durable and available in multiple colors and heights.

Wood

Businesses that desire wood fencing can choose from three styles – shadowbox, board-on-board or stockade. The fencing can be customized in multiple ways for added decorative value and assembled with hurricane proof nails. Wood fencing can also be painted or stained if desired.

A gate alarm is required for pool safety, but many overlook the value of an alarm for the gate to the fencing surrounding their property. An alarm is a critical element of fencing, particularly if children or pets are involved. Gate alarms also add value to properties.

There are multiple types of gate alarms available that can be installed independently and don’t require a full-fledged security system. Models are available that sound an alarm outside, inside, and have a one-touch bypass button for adults to allow authorized individuals to enter. Many can be operated via a mobile device and allow for a security code to be entered.

Children

Youngsters are naturally curious about the world around them and few things are more tempting than things they can’t reach outside the safety of their fenced in area. If a child can reach the lock on the gate, there’s every expectation that they’ll find a way to trip it. Youngsters can easily run into the street and even be kidnapped. An alarm is an essential tool for warning parents and caregivers if the gate has been opened.

Pets

Many people don’t give dogs sufficient credit for their ability to manipulate gates and locks. A canine that escapes their fence can be hit by passing traffic. There’s no guarantee a good Samaritan will find them and take them to a shelter and “stray” dogs are often picked up and used as bait in dog fighting operations. Gate alarms are also beneficial for protecting the public from guard dogs.

Unwanted Guests

For those that don’t want to deal with door-to-door salespeople, church representatives, or gatecrashers, a fence alarm is a great way to avoid them. The alarm will give individuals enough warning to head unwanted guests off and discourage interaction before they reach the home.

Intruders

Those that mean harm or intend to burgle a home won’t bother with scaling a fence if there’s a gate. Entering through a gate projects the perception that that interloper has a right to be there. An alarm alerts individuals when the gate has been breached, providing an opportunity to notify police.

Many individuals envision their homes surrounded by a traditional white picket fence, while other homeowners opt for a tall wooden privacy fence to hide away from the world. No matter which option individuals choose, there’s painting or staining to consider. Wood fencing left unpainted or unstained will weather.

Painting

One of the best attributes of paint is that it creates a thicker barrier than stain and it comes in multiple colors. A simple pine fence can be painted to give it the appearance of hickory or high-end mahogany. Individuals aren’t limited to wood tones – they can choose pastels or bright, bold colors. The outdoor latex paint available for fencing will dry in 4 to 8 hours, depending upon the weather and humidity level.

The disadvantages are that it peels and chips over time, leaving the fence looking old, worn and neglected. Individuals will need to sand or scrape off the old paint before applying a new coat. A primer should also be applied before painting. The process will need to be repeated more often than staining. Paint prevents wood from breathing and can hasten the end of its lifespan.

Stain

Staining also enables individuals to choose whatever color they’d like for their wood fence. Using stain is a less time-consuming process and will cost less than painting. Individuals won’t have to sand or scrape away the old stain, they can just apply a new coat, provided they’re not changing to a different color, in which case they’ll need to remove the top finish.

Stain enhances a wood’s natural grain, will slow the aging process, and acts as a barrier against UV rays. It can also aid in deterring termites and makes wood less susceptible to rot, cracking and warping. Wood with smaller pores and uneven grain patterns, such as maple and birch, are more resistant to stain.

The color in stained fences will fade over time and a new coat will need to be applied. It doesn’t have to be replaced as often as paint, but stain requires two full days to dry. Some types of wood are better suited to staining than painting.

The ultimate privacy fence is in the eye of the beholder. There are several factors to consider when erecting a privacy fence. It must be high enough so people can’t see over, easy to maintain, and attractive to the eye. It should also be available in multiple styles. Today’s individuals have a myriad of options from which to choose.

SimTek®

SimTek® fencing is highly durable, is an excellent sound barrier and is able to withstand hurricane force winds up to 110 mph and gusts of 130 mph. It’s resistant to graffiti and fading, and has a 25-year warranty. The solid fences are eco-friendly, available in multiple heights, and emulates the look of real wood or stone.

PVC

PVC fencing is a green option that’s able to withstand 100 mph winds and is offered in an array of styles, colors and textures. It’s low maintenance, unaffected by weather, and won’t peel, chip or rot. It also has the Dade County Product Approval Certification and a lifetime warranty.

Wood

When it comes to wood, the most common option is stockade style fencing with solid panels placed side-by-side. An offset pattern is also available. It will typically need to be painted or stained and comes in 6 or 8 ft. panels. Wood fencing can be installed vertically or horizontally.

Aluminum

An aluminum fence can imitate high-end wrought iron. It’s not solid fencing, but can be combined with frosted aluminum panels for privacy. Aluminum requires little maintenance. Many individuals install an aluminum fence and plant hedge bushes on the inside, while others plant vines and let them to twine for a living fence.

Chain Link

Chain link is see-through, but colored panels can be affixed to the fencing so no one can see through it. Offered in multiple heights, hedges and vines are often planted on the inside to create a living barrier to complement the fencing. Primarily used for safety and security, chain link is fairly inexpensive compared to other types of fencing and requires little maintenance.

Individuals are no longer limited to standard fence designs or the gates that go with them. Fencing companies offer decorative fences and unique gates to accommodate an extensive range of tastes.

Fence Options

Fencing can be erected in vertical and horizontal designs and multiple types of materials can be combined. Different types of complementary fencing can be used on the same property and at different heights. Wood is being combined with metal and even frosted aluminum panels to create a unique appearance.

Post caps for fencing come in an extensive array of designs. Lighted elements are becoming more popular in fence design, especially those that operate with solar power, to save money and create ambiance for outdoor gatherings.

Individuals can select from materials ranging from wood, aluminum, PVC and SimTek®. Archways are an elegant way to highlight fencing entryways. Bamboo is a sustainably sourced material that’s gaining traction as a fencing material and it’s offered in multiple colors. For those that want a fence, but want the light to shine in, can choose lattice work. It’s aesthetically pleasing and enables individuals to plant vines or other types of plants for privacy and beauty.

Wood or metal fencing can be paired with stone pillars for a truly unique look. An increasing number of people are choosing to dress up their fencing with wood or metal decorations that can be changed according to the season if desired. Flower boxes are an easy way to add interest to a fence, but make sure the fence is properly designed to hold the weight.

Gate Choices

No fence is complete without a gate and individuals can choose from gates with scalloped edges and lightweight aluminum with filigreed elements. Gates are available in single and double styles. Dressing up gates with hand-carved elements are increasing in popularity, depicting everything from animals and woodland scenes to elaborate geometric designs and the owner’s initials.

Aluminum gates emulating wrought iron are highly durable and can be customized in many ways. The gates are being adorned with inlays of faux jewels and carved fantasy items such as unicorns and dragons, along with butterflies, exotic animals and birds, and even dinosaurs.

There’s never a one-size-fits-all solution for fencing when it comes to animals. Some will try to climb a fence, others will try to dig under it, and some will try to jump over a fence. There are some animals that require a fence they can’t see through. Be aware that a fence should also keep out a variety of wildlife.

Dogs

The most common type of fencing for dogs is chain link. It can be equipped with underground guards that prevent canines from digging under it to escape. Chain link is available in multiple heights to prevent dogs from jumping over it.

For dogs that are easily excitable, a wood fence or one of PVC prevents them from seeing outside and can be built to multiple heights. The fencing should be at least 3 times the height of the dog for those that jump or even climb.

Horses

Wood fences are attractive for properties with horses, but they must be high enough to prevent equines from jumping over them, typically 6 ft. in height. The bottom rail must be low enough to deter a horse from crawling under them. Rails should be close enough together to prevent horses from getting their head, feet or legs between them.

A frightened horse may not see a metal fence. PVC fencing is a good option that can be easily seen by equines. It’s durable and can be constructed to meet a wide range of requirements. Wire fencing is often selected due to its low cost, but is difficult for horses to see without some type of highly visible top rail or markers along the fence line.

The squares in woven wire fencing should be small to prevent horses from getting heads, hooves and legs trapped. Mesh fencing is another option that provides springiness should a horse run into it.

Chickens

Chain link is a good choice for backyard chickens, but must have small enough spacing in the mesh to prevent small animals from squeezing through to gain access. Extensions at the top with a 90-degree outward angle prevents wildlife from crawling up and over. Rollers can also be placed at the top to accomplish the same goal.