Fencing is a safety precaution and it will also be a beautification project for your home that increases its value. There’s a myriad of factors to consider when installing a fence that will make the difference between being a happy homeowner or one experiencing buyer’s remorse.

Why Do You Want One?

The reason you want a fence can impact the type of fencing you choose. People typically install a fence for safety, security, privacy, to minimize road noise, conceal unattractive features, or establish boundaries.

Cost

Some barriers are more expensive than others. Others are relatively inexpensive and can be installed quickly. Certain types can be more expensive, but are far more durable, available in multiple colors, and can even withstand hurricane force winds.

Maintenance

Depending on the type of fencing, it may require regular inspections, painting or staining. Others only need to be rinsed off with a hose. You need to know how much time you realistically have to spend on maintenance duties, or if you want a minimal maintenance set-it-and-forget-it solution.

Climate Concerns

There’s a wealth of options available for fencing and some react differently to ordinary and extremes in climate conditions. Homeowners can choose wood and metal or revolutionary new materials that can be recycled at the end of their considerable lifespan.

Contractors

Choose your contractor carefully and don’t be afraid to ask for references from former clients. They should be cognizant of local rules and regulations governing fencing in the community and be able to obtain any required permits. Homeowners should expect a professional to answer the phone, not a recording.

Always obtain a written estimate, ensure the materials and work are under warranty, and don’t hire a contractor that pressures you to make immediate decisions or pay in cash. The contractor should be willing to provide information and make recommendations, but the ultimate decision is yours.

For many years, a home with white picket fence came to symbolize achievement of the American Dream. The image was first used in the 1940s and was immortalized in TV and film as the perfect accompaniment to wealth and success. Part of its popularity was psychological, representing safety and stability in response to the ravages of World War II.

Once considered a status symbol, the prevailing attitude toward the barrier has undergone a change and it’s now often viewed as a stylized version of perfection that doesn’t exist with somewhat creepy connotations. However, the innocent picket fence of Americana has darker origins.

Before coming to colonial America, the pickets of the fence – the upright “sticks” – were logs that were sharpened to a point and inserted into the ground. They were used to repel ground attacks and shield archers. They were known by the French word piquet. Pickets were one of the earliest defenses used in ancient times to protect against marauding tribes.

Early colonists also used pickets to frame their land and protect against encroachment by Native American tribes, bandits, and eventually troops sent by the King of England to quell the colonists’ rebellion. They were further used to defend against opposing troops during the Spanish-American War and the country’s Civil War.

White paint was cheap and to dress up the fences, early Americans began painting them white or using a mixture of lime and water to color them and act as a wood preservative. The white picket fence began to lose ground to chain link fencing in the 1950s as the Cold War arrived, but enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in the 1980s.

The fencing also began to obtain a creepy connotation in response to several films that portrayed them as part of a regimented lifestyle that demanded the masses conform. For many, the white picket fence remains a symbol of those that prefer to live in a “perfect” world, blind to the realities of life.

The white picket fence is a simple barrier, but its impact on the U.S. was huge. It continues to be popular fencing option for keeping children and pets safely within their own yards. It’s typically lower than other types of fencing, thereby encouraging neighborly interaction and conversation. Love it or hate it, the white picket fence has become indelibly imprinted on the psyche as a uniquely American icon.

Creating a pet proof backyard entails more than just ensuring a pet can’t get out. It must also incorporate elements to keep roaming pets out, along with the wide variety of wildlife that could potentially enter. There’s also a multitude of factors that most people don’t consider, but are essential for keeping a dog safe from harm.

Chemicals

Canines should be kept away from lawns and plants that have been treated with fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides. Even the residue can result in a toxic response and fertilizers can burn the pads on a pet’s feet.

Clean the Premises

Damp, dark and debris-filled areas are prime real estate for fleas, mosquitoes and other pests. It’s a good idea to regularly clean doghouses and wash blankets or beds dogs use. Sweeping decks, porches and patios will help keep down pests. Don’t forget to address outdoor structures and storage sheds, along with the undersides of porches and decks.

Fencing

The enclosure will require a fencing option that the canine can’t climb, jump over, or dig under. From raccoons and deer to coyotes and the potential for an occasional panther, the barrier must also prevent wild or stray animals from squeezing through slats or panels, depending upon the style of fence that’s selected. Inspect the fence regularly for weak spots.

Another area where fencing will be critical is the pool. An estimated 5,000 canines die each year from pool-related accidents. Dogs don’t intuitively know how to get out of a pool. There are no guarantees, even with dogs that have undergone training to recognize steps and they may be unable to climb a ladder.

Mow Often

Fleas, ticks and other parasites live in grass and the longer the grass, the bigger the risk that they’ll hitch a ride on your pet and eventually into the house.

Plants

Dogs like to dig, chew, and roll around in greenery. Some types of flowers and bushes are poisonous to dogs, such as amaryllis, azaleas, daffodils, and tulips. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian on poisonous plants. Owners should be prepared to remove existing plants that are toxic and use extreme caution when installing new plantings.

Trash and Recycling

Dogs are naturally curious. They’ll delve into trash cans and recycling containers not understanding the potential for danger such as chocolate or chicken bones. Don’t store trash, recycling containers, antifreeze, cleaning supplies or any type of chemicals where pets can reach them. Antifreeze is deadly to pets.

Water and Shade

Hydration and a shady spot to rest are as important to dogs as it is to their human companions. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times and there should be enough shade plants that enable dogs to get out of direct sun at any time of the day as the sun moves across the sky. Dogs experience dehydration and heat sickness just as their human counterparts and can even die without appropriate shade.

People planning a pool in Florida often forget one of the most important items required by law – a pool fence. Florida law requires every pool owner to install a barrier at least 48 inches in height for any pool that’s 24 inches or more in depth. It can’t have any gaps, openings or other entrances that a curious or unattended child could climb over, crawl under, or push through.

The pool fence must be installed in such a way to ensure it surrounds and blocks off the entire pool and it can’t have any protrusions or indentations that a child could use as a handhold. Pool fence laws apply to in-ground pools and above-ground pools. There are a number of associated laws that govern night swimming, pools and decks and similar situations, many of which new pool owners aren’t aware of until they’ve already contracted for the pool to be installed.

When selecting a pool fence, there are multiple options from which to choose. Many people automatically think of chain link fence because it’s cost effective, can be installed quickly, and is the option of choice for location near lakes and waterways. It’s a good choice and also comes with a bottom cable to prevent unwanted wildlife and pets from entering.

SimTek is another choice that provides beauty, safety, and stylishness. It’s extremely durable and easy to maintain, is available in textures that mimic wood and stone, and provides exceptional sound absorption. It’s also eco-friendly. PVC fencing is another option that is long-lasting, resistant to hurricane winds, highly decorative, and has a lifetime warranty.

For a luxury look that combines elegance with functionality, aluminum fences are an aesthetically pleasing alternative to chain link that’s available in multiple colors and styles. It’s a great way to meet pool protection laws. The rails and gates can be customized for complete safety. Wood stockade fencing is also available.

A pool is a wonderful way to cool off and a focal point for entertaining. It’s also essential that pool owners be in compliance with laws for the safety of small children that don’t understand the danger.

Fencing is beneficial for a multitude of uses. It provides privacy, safety, and aids in reducing noise. There’s more to erecting a fence than simply getting it upright. There are laws and ordinances governing the installation of fencing, along with permits that may need to be obtained. Failure to comply with any existing codes or regulations could result in an order to tear down or move your newly installed fence.

Fences are great for marking boundaries, but it’s absolutely essential that you know exactly where your property line actually is. You’ll need to have the property surveyed if it hasn’t been recently. It’s just one of the reasons that the services of a professional fence installer are so beneficial. They know the laws and are able to obtain any needed permits.

A fencing professional will also know if there are any setbacks. In some locations, fences are required to be set back off the property line. That can range from 2 inches in some places to several feet in others to allow for maintenance. Fences can’t be built on an easement under any circumstances and a neighbor can’t paint or make other changes to a fence that you’ve had erected.

In other locations, you can erect a fence and half of the upkeep and cost will be attributed to your neighbor when they have what’s deemed a substantial building on their property. It also means that your neighbor can cut any tree limbs or bushes that infringe on the fence. In other areas, you may or may not need your neighbor’s permission to install the fence in the first place.

Fences serve a variety of purposes, but laws can vary widely in regard to their installation. It’s always best to have a professional perform the installation since they’re familiar with local ordinances. Before beginning any fencing project, ensure you have a recent survey to establish property boundaries. Property lines aren’t always straight and physical features can create installation difficulties that only professionals are able to accommodate properly.

Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, you want to get the best value for your money. The longevity of your fence will depend on a multiple elements. You’ll have to compare costs and contrast them against factors such as materials, intended purpose, aesthetic value, and ability to customize.

Wood

The longevity of a wood fence will depend largely on the type of wood used in its construction. Untreated cedar will last anywhere from 15-30 years, spruce can endure for 4-7 years, while pine can weather the elements for 5-12 years. Treated cedar can last 25-40 years, and treated spruce and pine can last for up to 20 years.

Even the treated wood utilized in today’s fencing is subject to moisture from the ground and weather. Wood fences should be inspected regularly for splitting, splintering and rusting of hardware. The wood can also be stained or painted to accommodate its surroundings.

Chain Link

Cost effective and easily installed, a chain link fence will serve its purpose for about 20 years, a vinyl coating will extend its lifespan by several years, and it won’t rust. Chain link offers security and requires little maintenance, but doesn’t provide privacy. Color options are limited and doesn’t allow for much customization.

Aluminum

An aluminum fence is durable, doesn’t rust, and can be customized. It’s available in an array of colors and provides security. Aluminum fencing can last for 20 years with almost no maintenance. It’s an elegant and stately look that adds value to any property.

PVC

The average lifespan of a PVC fence is 20-30 years and many come with a lifetime warranty. PVC fencing is fire-resistant, won’t attract pests, and is unaffected by weather and UV rays. Over 30 decorative and unique options are offered, it requires very little maintenance, and it’s available in a myriad of colors. It doesn’t rot, won’t attract pests, and is non-toxic. PVC fencing is also recyclable.

SimTek®

This is the king when it comes to style, texture and color options, and will last about 25 years on average. It resembles the look of stone and wood grains. SimTek® is resistant to impacts, is noise dampening, and provides security. It’s one of the most durable fencing materials offered and almost completely maintenance free. It’s able to withstand hurricane force winds of up to 110 mph and gusts up to 130. It’s unaffected by sun and extreme temperatures.

Wooden fences are one of the oldest forms of barriers and they’ve come a long way in terms of security and stylishness since their ancient predecessors. Today’s wooden fences are available in multiple styles and are built to surpass South Florida’s stringent Hurricane Building Codes. The three most popular types of wooden fencing are stockade, board-on-board, and shadowbox.

A board-on-board wooden fence is a design in which boards are attached vertically to the rails in such a way that the upright boards alternate one on each side of the rails. The overlapping pattern offers visual privacy even if boards shrink due to weather conditions, but it may cost more than other types.

A shadowbox fence is very similar in design to a board-on-board fence, but doesn’t offer the visual privacy since there are small gaps between the boards. When looking directly at the fence, nothing on the other side is visible. However, if viewed from an oblique angle, outsiders can glimpse what’s on the other side due to the small gaps. One of the benefits is that they hold up well to strong winds since a breeze can pass through.

Almost everyone is familiar with stockade fencing. It’s a design that places vertical boards up tight against each other to form a panel that creates a solid barrier. It’s a simple design, yet very effective for preventing wildlife and intruders from entering while keeping children and pets in. Stockade fencing can be customized to match the architecture of homes and out buildings, while also accommodating slopes and other physical features of the property’s terrain.

Wooden fencing is an option that still remains very popular. It can be painted, stained, customized in a variety of ways, and utilizes modern processes for longevity. They provide privacy, a degree of sound blocking ability, and help ensure safety for children and pets.

Fences provide privacy, mark borders and add value to property. No matter what type of fence is erected, there will be some requirements that must be met. Florida has laws and regulations that individuals must adhere to when they install a fence. If they don’t, individuals can be fined or even required to take it down.

Individuals can install a fence without the consent of their neighbor. Regulations vary among locations and governmental units and can be governed by if the property is an empty lot. It’s imperative that home and business owners have a recent survey of exactly where their property lines are before installing any fence.

Most communities require a permit be obtained before a fence is installed. There are also laws against how high the fence can be and in some instances, the fence can’t be built directly on the property line. Individuals may be required to erect it a specified number of inches or even feet away from the actual property line.

Tree branches are an issue that most people don’t consider after they’ve erected a fence. If healthy tree branches encroach on the property or fence, individuals have the right to trim them back. If dead branches from a neighbor’s property fall on the fence and damage it, the neighbor is responsible and can be liable for repairing or replacing the damaged fencing.

In many areas, if an individual installs a fence directly on the property line, the adjoining neighbor could be liable for a portion of the installation and maintenance costs. If the neighbor doesn’t want the fence, it can lead to disputes and even legal action. Having a fence installed by a professional is critical. They will know the laws, will be able to pull any permits needed, and explain what is required.

From time immemorial, fences have been erected for protection. The barriers have expanded from use for personal safety to those designed to protect the public in parks, at construction sites, public pools, schools, and even penitentiaries.

The rise in terrorist attacks have also led to federal regulations that require fencing at sites ranging from water filtration plants to food processing facilities, along with mass transportation hubs, chemical facilities, power plants, and oil-related industries. The regulations are designed to protect the public from terrorist activity affecting food, water, utilities, and natural resources.

For facilities that come under federal regulations for safety, chain link fencing is recommended. It’s available in multiple heights, can be installed quickly, and can be topped with barbed wire or even razor wire for additional security.

Chain link is also economical for industrial and construction sites to prevent entry to locations that pose a serious danger. They’re low maintenance options to secure a perimeter and chain link fencing can be equipped with multiple types of gates, locking mechanisms, and high-tech access features.

In cities where a combination of beauty and functionality is desired, aluminum fencing with the appearance and aesthetic appeal of wrought iron is often utilized. It’s effective for directing foot traffic in parks and blocking access to waterways within those areas. Aluminum is also beneficial at venues where special entertainments are being held. It has the advantages of elegance, durability, and multiple styles and color choices.

PVC fencing is an alternative for public spaces that’s able to withstand severe winds and is available in multiple heights and colors. It’s low maintenance and is unaffected by UV rays or weather for a long-lasting solution.

An area of fencing for protecting the public that few people think about is that used in zoos, animal parks, and rescue organizations for dangerous, endangered, and exotic wildlife. Animal fencing must be designed and installed to exacting specifications and it’s just one area in which Zepco Fence specializes.

Zoos, wildlife sanctuaries and rescue organizations that are responsible for wild, endangered or dangerous animals know the importance of specialized fencing and must adhere to very specific containment specifications. They must keep animals safely contained, provide safety for handlers, and protect the public from potential injury.

Zepco Fence is a leader in the fencing industry and has specialized experience in chain link style wildlife fencing. They designed and installed security fencing for two big cat sanctuaries in Palm Beach and Broward counties in Florida. The innovative designs were so effective that they were adopted by the State of Florida Department of Wildlife Management.

Containing different types of animals requires specialized solutions for each. Depending upon the species, they may dig, climb or jump and those behaviors must be taken into consideration when creating a fencing system. Some big cats, for example, can jump a distance of up to 20 feet from a standing start, leap 15 feet up a tree, climb over a 12 foot fence, and take 40 foot bounds when running.

The primary object of animal fencing is to keep the animals in and it’s increasingly critical for their own protection. There have been instances of high profile break-ins at zoos around the world by poachers. At a Paris zoo, poachers killed a white rhino and stole his horn to sell on the black market.

Fencing is a necessity in many locations through Florida to aid in keeping alligators and other wildlife out of residential yards and swimming pools. Chain link is the most commonly used fencing for protecting children and pets from incursions by a variety of wildlife species. It’s durable, strong, cost effective, and can be installed quickly.

Zepco Fence chain link fence installations come with bottom cable to prevent pets from digging out and wildlife from burrowing in. Gates are installed with childproof locks and self-closing gates for an extra measure of safety.