If you’re thinking about installing a fence, the first thing to be aware of is that you’ll need a permit to install, replace or repair a fence. South Florida takes the installation of a fence very seriously. The permit rule applies to residential and commercial enterprises, new fence installations, and safety fences around pools. There’s a cost attached to the permit and it varies among locations.

Hire a Professional

There are many advantages of hiring a professional fence installer. One benefit is that the experts know the permit requirements and process in the areas they serve. They will obtain the permit as part of the installation package.

There are a variety of other factors that must be addressed if you’re thinking of erecting a fence. Aside from the primary purpose that you’re installing a fence, there’s material, color and customization options.

Professional Design

Fences need to be designed by a professional fencing company to ensure they comply with all relevant standards. That can include a mandatory set-back away from the property line. You’ll also need to have your property surveyed to establish exact property lines. The consideration may be waived if the property was surveyed within a certain amount of time.

Neighbor’s Permission

You may also need the permission of adjoining neighbors. In some municipalities, the neighbor that shares a property boundary may be partially responsible for the cost of upkeep and maintenance of the fence. That may be an expense they may not want to share.

Specifications

There will be restrictions on the height of the fence. Some types of materials may not be allowed in certain areas. If you’re part of a homeowner’s association (HOA), there may be additional restrictions.

The South Florida soil composition can create difficulties when installing a fence. Specific rules are in place to mitigate problems and ensure they’re anchored properly. The professionals are cognizant of all those specifications.

Zepco Fence…South Florida’s Premier Fence Company
Since 1981 Zepco Fence has been providing superior quality fence products and installations to all of South Florida Residential and Commercial Property owners.

Serving all of Broward and Palm Beach County areas, we are the #1 Fence Company in South Florida.

We encourage you to contact us below to get started with a free estimate on your next fence project.

Call Today at 954-410-9570

Installing a fence is a far more complicated process than most people realize. Each municipality has its own set of rules and regulations governing fences. Without knowing the rules, individuals can easily find themselves being ordered to take down their newly installed fence. A number of other factors also determine how the fence will be erected

Which Fence

The number of fencing styles, colors, materials, and options available can leave individuals overwhelmed. A professional fencing company will take the time to consult with clients, understand their needs, and help them narrow their choices. The primary reasons people erect a fence is for safety, security, privacy, to set boundaries, minimize outside noise, hide unsightly objects or features, and beautification

Legalities

Every municipality has its own set of specifications governing height and appearance of fencing. Those guidelines can be even more restrictive for those in a homeowner’s association (HOA). Failure to comply with prevailing standards can result in legal issues and the professionals are aware of standards in the areas they serve.

A permit is also required to erect a fence. The experts will know what permitting is required and obtain it prior to the commencement of any work to facilitate the project.

Time and Money

Professional fence installers have the equipment needed to erect the fence properly, are experienced in its use, and are cognizant of how fence posts must be anchored for the South Florida soil. Those attributes ensure efficient installation to save clients time and money.

Aesthetics and Value

Properly installed fences increase property values, enhance curb appeal, and are aesthetically pleasing. The work will be completed quickly, to all required specifications, using quality products, and performed right the first time.

Insurance and Warranty

Professional fence installers are insured in the event there’s an accident and something is damaged. The experts warrant their work and materials if there’s ever a problem.

Zepco Fence…South Florida’s Premier Fence Company
Since 1981 Zepco Fence has been providing superior quality fence products and installations to all of South Florida Residential and Commercial Property owners.

Serving all of Broward and Palm Beach County areas, we are the #1 Fence Company in South Florida.

We encourage you to contact us below to get started with a free estimate on your next fence project.

Call Today at 954-410-9570

A wooden fence is an affordable option for many people, but the material also comes with a decision that you’ll need to make – whether to stain it or paint it. A wooden fence looks bright and new when it’s first installed, but weathering due to the elements will quickly turn the wood color into an unappealing gray. There’s no right or wrong choice between paint and stain. Ultimately, the decision of whether to paint or stain is one of personal choice and how much time, effort and money you want to devote to maintenance.

Paint

The look and grain of wood fencing isn’t appealing to everyone. With the high-quality wood paints now available, you can customize the color of your fence in any color of the rainbow – providing it doesn’t violate any local ordinances and your neighbors don’t object.

Paint sets on top of the wood’s surface and a primer will need to be applied prior to painting. Over time, paint will peel, crack and chip. It will last about 5 to 6 years before it must be repainted. Before you can repaint, you’ll need to scrape off the old paint and reapply primer.

Stain

Wood stain penetrates into the wood. It helps protect it, while enhancing the color of the raw wood grain. Be advised that wood stain is typically more expensive than paint.

While stain doesn’t crack, chip or peel, it does fade due to weathering. Stain will need to be reapplied approximately every 3 years. A pressure wash prior to re-staining is typically all that’s required. Be sure to let the fence thoroughly dry before applying the stain.

There’s a myriad of stain colors from which to choose. A plain pine fence can be stained to emulate the look of expensive wood species such as redwood, walnut and pecan. High-quality wood stains are also beneficial for making the wood less attractive to insects, while helping mitigate mold and rot. Stains are also friendly to people, pets and the environment.

Zepco Fence…South Florida’s Premier Fence Company
Since 1981 Zepco Fence has been providing superior quality fence products and installations to all of South Florida Residential and Commercial Property owners.

Serving all of Broward and Palm Beach County areas, we are the #1 Fence Company in South Florida.

We encourage you to contact us below to get started with a free estimate on your next fence project.

Call Today at 954-410-9570

The most important benefit of receiving an on-site estimate for a fencing project is that there are no surprises later on about any facet of the fence install. It’s a critical second step after you’ve selected the type of fencing you want.

Accuracy

During on on-site estimate, the fence installer will perform a complete walk-around the property and measure the area to be fenced. The installer will be able to ascertain exactly how much fencing will be required for the project.

Problem Areas

He or she will take note of any slopes, hills or other areas that may present special circumstances. That includes accessibility issues, safety hazards, and any existing damage to the area. The expert will also look for any outbuildings or plantings that might be disturbed during the installation process.

Local Laws

Professional fence installers are cognizant of the local ordinances for the areas they serve. They know the height limits that are allowed in front and back yards, along with any material restrictions that may exist in your municipality. The experts also know what permits are needed, can obtain them, and will include the cost in the fencing package.

Cost

If you want to have your installation placed on the fencing company’s list of projects, you could be in for a wait – depending on the company’s work load. Rush jobs and urgent projects can sometimes be accommodated, but the cost will be higher as crews will need to be pulled off other jobs. Any special requests you may have should be voiced during the on-site estimate, as it will affect the cost.

Time Estimate

The fencing estimator will also be able to provide a time table for installation and completion, based on the company’s current scheduling.

Written Estimate

The estimator will take all those factors into consideration when preparing an estimate for the final cost. He or she will also include the cost of the fencing materials for the type of fence you’ve chosen and provide you with a written estimate of the total cost and when work can begin. Never agree to a fencing package unless an on-site estimate has been conducted and you have a written estimate.

Zepco Fence…South Florida’s Premier Fence Company
Since 1981 Zepco Fence has been providing superior quality fence products and installations to all of South Florida Residential and Commercial Property owners.

Serving all of Broward and Palm Beach County areas, we are the #1 Fence Company in South Florida.

We encourage you to contact us below to get started with a free estimate on your next fence project.

Call Today at 954-410-9570

The first step in choosing the right fence for your home is determining what you want the fence
to accomplish. The top reasons for installing a fence are:
 Safety
 Security
 Privacy
 Establish a boundary
 Curb Appeal/Property Value
 Buffer Noise
Safety
Maintaining safety for children and pets is a priority for many people. You’ll want a fence that
children and pets can’t climb over or crawl under. You’ll also want a fence that will be high
enough to deter humans and wildlife from entering the space.
Security
Chain link and aluminum fencing are effective for security purposes. Chain link is less attractive
than other types, but can be affixed with a variety of features to prevent entry. Aluminum
fencing is highly attractive and resembles wrought iron. It’s very durable and can be designed
with spiked tops and similar features.
Privacy
For privacy, nothing beats a solid fence. The fencing can be installed vertically or horizontally.
Solid fencing doesn’t allow anyone to see in or out. Board-on-board installations are similar, but
do allow a small sliver of sight from just the right angle.
Boundaries
Fencing is an excellent way to mark a property line and set a boundary. Erecting a fence is also
effective for keeping pedestrians from cutting across lawns, along with keeping people and pets
away from dangerous slopes.
Curb Appeal
A fence for curb appeal should frame the property and home. It shows off the property to its
best advantage as viewed from the road.
Home Value
The right fence can significantly increase home value. A fence is especially valuable if the home
is going to be sold. It’s an investment that many buyers want and an already installed fence is a
substantial selling point.

Noise
Traffic, sirens, barking dogs and neighbors can make it difficult to relax, watch TV or enjoy time
in your yard. A solid fence is an effective noise barrier and can be especially beneficial for those
that work at night and sleep during the day.

Zepco Fence…South Florida’s Premier Fence Company
Since 1981 Zepco Fence has been providing superior quality fence products and installations to all of South Florida Residential and Commercial Property owners.

Serving all of Broward and Palm Beach County areas, we are the #1 Fence Company in South Florida.

We encourage you to contact us below to get started with a free estimate on your next fence project.

Call Today at 954-410-9570

Dogs are important members of the family and individuals will want to take many of the same
precautions to protect their pets as they would children. Never leave a canine unattended,
even within their enclosure. The following are some tips to help keep pets safely within their
boundaries.
Know the Dog
A 4-ft. fence is adequate for a puppy, but individuals need to plan ahead for the dog’s mature
height. Some breed types have a proclivity toward certain behaviors. Highly intelligent canines
are well able to open locked gates from observing what their human companions do.
Jumping Over
Some dogs are jumpers. Keep doghouses and other items away from fences. Even smaller
canines can be tempted to jump if they can gain elevation.
Crawling Under
A dog may be a digger and if they dig next to the fence, they’ll take the opportunity to escape.
Even worse, they can get trapped underneath it. The simple installation of an underground
barrier can prevent a canine from crawling under the fence or getting stuck.
Climbing Over
Chain link fences are popular dog enclosures, but a determined canine can scale fences if they
can gain a toehold. Chain link fences can be equipped with coyote rollers or inward facing
attachments on top to prevent a dog from climbing up and over.
Squeezing Through
Pay attention to the spacing of fence posts and pickets. Any upright elements should be spaced
closely enough together that a dog can’t squeeze through or get stuck between them.
Blocking the View
Canines can get overly excited when they see people and pets on the outside of the enclosure.
A solid fence will block their view and keep them calmer.
Gates
Dogs can – and do – learn how to operate gate closures. A locking gate is the best precaution.
All closing and locking mechanisms should be located where it can’t be accessed by the dog.

Zepco Fence…South Florida’s Premier Fence Company
Since 1981 Zepco Fence has been providing superior quality fence products and installations to all of South Florida Residential and Commercial Property owners.

Serving all of Broward and Palm Beach County areas, we are the #1 Fence Company in South Florida.

We encourage you to contact us below to get started with a free estimate on your next fence project.

Call Today at 954-410-9570

Fences in South Florida take a lot of abuse. Heat, humidity, insects, and even salt spray can be
detrimental to the structures. However, the real test of a fence’s sturdiness and longevity
comes with the arrival of a hurricane. There are some measures that anyone can take to help
hurricane proof their fence and give it a better chance of surviving a hurricane’s fury.
Hardware
Fencing is typically connected with nails, screws or nuts and bolts. Galvanized hardware is
resistant to rust and corrosion, but not impervious. Inspect fences regularly and have any
fasteners or joiners replaced that are loose, missing, or corroded.
Pickets and Posts
Fence posts are typically fixed in concrete for stability. Make sure any installer sets fence
uprights in concrete. Promptly replace any pickets that become damaged or loose. Another
thing to look for are any posts or pickets that may have become rotted, chipped, cracked,
warped, or the victim of insect predation.
Materials
Some types of materials are more resistant to damage than others. Materials such as vinyl are
more resistant to rain, wind and UV rays than wood, for instance. Wood fences can be blown
over in high winds.
Steel Frame
One of the best ways to hurricane proof any fence is by installing it with a framework of metal
posts. Metal is more resistant to the high winds that accompany a hurricane.
Spacing
Any fence with spaces between the pickets is going to be more resistant to the winds generated
by a hurricane. Those spaces allow wind to flow through, rather than forming a solid barrier to
be battered by wind.
Gates
An open, flopping gate can be twisted and detached from its anchor and has the potential to
damage the fence. Gates should be closed and locked when a hurricane is in the forecast.

Zepco Fence…South Florida’s Premier Fence Company
Since 1981 Zepco Fence has been providing superior quality fence products and installations to all of South Florida Residential and Commercial Property owners.

Serving all of Broward and Palm Beach County areas, we are the #1 Fence Company in South Florida.

We encourage you to contact us below to get started with a free estimate on your next fence project.

Call Today at 954-410-9570

Children are naturally curious about the world around them – and that includes what’s on the other side
of your fence. Simply installing a fence isn’t enough to protect your children. There are additional
elements that must be considered.
Height
Installing a sufficiently high fence may not seem like a problem for those with small children. However,
youngsters have no qualms about climbing a fence. Anticipate their height and reach as they mature.
Don’t leave swings and other toys near a fence that a child can use to get closer to the fence top.
Ground Clearance
Make sure the fence reaches all the way to the ground. A gap between the bottom of the fence and the
ground level is nothing short of an invitation for a child to crawl under it. An added danger is that they
can become stuck.
Outcroppings
Any fence should be free of handholds or outcroppings that a child can use to scale a fence. It will also
prevent them from losing their grasp, falling, and potentially sustaining an injury.
Spacing
The spacing of the posts and pickets is an equally important consideration. There should be no spaces
between posts and pickets that a child can squeeze through or get stuck between.
Damaged Elements
Inspect fences regularly and repair or replace any damaged piece or fastener used to connect it.
Damaged boards, panels or hardware provide an escape route and the potential for injury from broken
boards or metal.
Gates
Fence gates pose a definite risk when trying to keep children contained. Gates should be self-closing and
self-locking. Locking mechanisms should never be within the reach of children.
Never Leave Them Alone
It only takes a moment for children to discover a weakness in a fence. Never leave children unattended,
even in a backyard enclosure. Stray dogs, dangerous wildlife, and enterprising trespassers always remain
a potential danger, even with a fence.

Zepco Fence…South Florida’s Premier Fence Company
Since 1981 Zepco Fence has been providing superior quality fence products and installations to all of South Florida Residential and Commercial Property owners.

Serving all of Broward and Palm Beach County areas, we are the #1 Fence Company in South Florida.

We encourage you to contact us below to get started with a free estimate on your next fence project.

Call Today at 954-410-9570

Wood remains one of the most popular materials for fencing. It’s affordable and can be
installed in an array of vertical and horizontal designs. However, wood fencing is prone to
warping.

Moisture Content
Wood absorbs moisture from humidity and rain, both of which abound in South Florida’s
subtropical environment. When the sun comes out and boards begin to dry, they do so at an
uneven rate. Warping occurs over time when one part of a board dries faster than another. The
portion that dries fastest will experience shrinkage. The process places stress on the boards and
changes their shape.

EMC
Wooden fence boards expand and shrink until the board’s moisture content is equal to the
relative humidity. It’s known as equilibrium moisture content (EMC). Even though fence board
undergo a process to cure them prior to sale, different species of wood have a natural moisture
content unique to them. All wood fencing boards will eventually attain EMC, but the process
can take days, weeks or months, depending on the wood.

Variables
Thicker pieces of wood will take longer to release or absorb moisture and the end grains
require less time to reach EMC. Painting or staining the wood extends the time to achieve EMC,
but warm temperatures accelerate the process.

Wood Types
Some wood species are more resistant to warping than others – cedar, redwood and fir. Cedar
is very dense and resists cracking. Redwood contains a natural chemical compound that
prevents it from absorbing moisture. Fir is extremely stable once it reaches EMC.
The straighter the grain pattern, the less likely wood is to warp, no matter what species it is.
Boards that come from a tree’s center are also less likely to warp. The way a board is cut, dried,
processed, stacked, and stored will also have an impact on the likelihood of warping, but
consumers have no control over those variables. It can help to seal the ends of the boards to
reduce shrinking and warping, as can staining or painting the wood once it has attained EMC.

Zepco Fence…South Florida’s Premier Fence Company
Since 1981 Zepco Fence has been providing superior quality fence products and installations to all of South Florida Residential and Commercial Property owners.

Serving all of Broward and Palm Beach County areas, we are the #1 Fence Company in South Florida.

We encourage you to contact us below to get started with a free estimate on your next fence project.

Call Today at 954-410-9570

Security is becoming an increasing concern for homes and businesses. There are two basic
types of security fencing and individuals will need to evaluate which best fits their budget,
needs and aesthetics.

Aluminum
An aluminum fence offers the beauty, strength and durability of iron. The fencing is available in
multiple heights and can be customized in a variety of ways. Logos, emblems and designs can
be worked into the gates for an added touch of luxury. The fencing has the beauty and security
of wrought iron, but without the cost.

Aluminum fences are exceedingly difficult to climb by unwanted visitors – both human and
animal. Sharp, pointy spikes can be affixed to the top of pickets as an added deterrent. Small
solar panels can also be incorporated into the design to light the area, making entry particularly
undesirable. No intruder wants to have their actions illuminated.

The pickets on an aluminum security fence can be spaced as closely as the individual desires.
Even small spaces between pickets is beneficial in storms, as it allows wind to flow through
instead of battering at a solid wall. Aluminum fencing fits in well with any environment.

Chain Link
The fencing is used for security purposed on construction sites, manufacturing plants, utility
installations, and correctional facilities. While it provides security, it doesn’t have the aesthetic
appeal of aluminum. However, it’s a viable option for those on a budget and allows for wind to
flow through to prevent the accumulation of stagnant air.

Available in various heights, it’s difficult to climb. The fencing can be designed with angled
extensions at the top that project outward to prevent humans and animals from crossing over
the top. Another precaution is what’s known as coyote rollers. They’re roller bars placed at the
top of the fence to prevent intruders from obtaining a grip. Fencing can be equipped with
deterrents for animals that dig.