Aluminum fencing can be expensive, but makes up for the investment with a number of attributes that can’t be found in other materials. One of the primary benefits is that its an almost maintenance free solution that’s stylish and highly durable.

Aluminum is a preferred fencing material in South Florida. It has the durability to withstand the ravages of hurricane winds due to the spaces between the pickets. It’s equally appropriate for residential locations, commercial enterprises and even small properties where elegance and aesthetic value is important.

Corrosion

One of the problems that impacts fencing in South Florida is corrosion due to the high humidity levels, frequent rain, and salt water. That’s not a problem with aluminum fencing. It doesn’t rust, rot or corrode. Aluminum doesn’t require painting, staining, or other types of treatments. The ability to withstand water and humidity means stains and dust can be removed by washing it down with warm water and any type of gentle dish washing soap.

Insects

Insects, especially termites, can cause considerable damage to wood fences and other types of insects can take up residence in other materials if there’s even the least bit of a crack where they can enter. Aluminum fencing doesn’t attract insects. There’s no need to worry about insects invading the fencing or adjacent homes and outbuildings.

Environmentally Friendly

The metal is 100 percent recyclable and one of the easiest of all metals to recycle. In addition, the carbon footprint to manufacture aluminum has been significantly reduced over the past 30 years.

Other Attributes

Aluminum fences have other benefits. The material can be fashioned into shapes that rival the finest wrought iron, but at much less cost. It’s available in multiple colors. It can be adapted to complement prevailing styles in a neighborhood and customized into virtually any desired decorative design.

Few people consider a gate opener when installing their fence, but it’s convenient and practical. An automatic gate opener is equally applicable for those in the country and city dwellers.

Enhanced Security & Safety

The property owner is in control of who enters, providing an elevated level of safety. It’s an effective way to reduce theft, vandalism and shrinkage for business owners and an alarm system can be combined with the gate opener for home or business safety. An automatic opener can be especially beneficial for homes with children and pets, or that raise prize livestock.

Perimeter Control

This is especially important for those that have large yards or tracts of land, along with businesses that handle sensitive documents or certain types of products. Owners know exactly who is on the premises at all times and the gate openers can be combined with card readers, pass codes or biometric readers.

More Privacy

Since fences are typically set back from structures, an automatic gate opener gives homes and businesses an added level of privacy. It prevents anyone from getting too close to the home or business before owners know who is approaching. The distance involved from the gate to the home or business is also beneficial for preventing the prying eyes of neighbors or would be intruders.

Value and Curb Appeal

There’s something intrinsically appealing about a fence with an automatic gate opener and that works to the owner’s benefit if they’re selling the property. Potential buyers see a valuable feature that they don’t have to install themselves. The openers can be combined with any type of security or decorative privacy fencing for added curb appeal.

Convenience

Nothing can compare with the convenience of an automatic gate opener. It means people don’t have to leave their vehicle during inclement weather to lock and unlock a gate. It also means parents don’t have to leave their children in a running vehicle while they unlock the premises. Gates can be equipped with opener models that contain sensors and will close automatically after a vehicle has passed through.

Security is becoming an increasing concern and fences are the most popular means of protecting properties ranging from homes and businesses to production plants and utilities. With the many choices currently on the market, homeowners don’t have to eschew style when seeking security.

Aluminum

One of the benefits of aluminum is that it can be customized and fashioned into a myriad of decorative designs that rival wrought iron creations. The pickets can be spaced to prevent anyone from climbing it and the fencing can even be equipped with spikes at the top to further deter would be intruders.

Aluminum fencing is available in multiple colors and heights. People on the outside can still see inside your yard, but won’t be able to access it. Potential trespassers also won’t have a place to hide, since you can see through it. Aluminum fencing is virtually maintenance free.

Wire Mesh

Aluminum upright supports can be combined with tightly woven wire mesh to create a fence that’s stylish and offers no purchase for intruders to climb over. An additional feature is that it can be extended all the way to the ground level to prevent people from crawling under it and it’s effective for containing children and pets. The mesh provides many of the same attributes of chain link, but is far more aesthetically pleasing than chain link, and comes in multiple colors. Maintenance is minimal.

Vinyl

A vinyl fence can be customized in multiple ways and it’s offered in a variety of different colors and textures. Also known as PVC fencing, there are more than 30 different decorative and unique styles. It forms a solid barrier that prevents would be intruders from seeing in. It’s effective for keeping children and pets inside the yard and requires little to no maintenance.

SimTek®

Another type of fencing that provides a solid barrier is SimTek® You can customize it in a variety of ways and in multiple colors. It’s eco-friendly, resistant to graffiti, can withstand 110 mph hurricane winds. and gusts up to 130 mph. It’s also maintenance free and is effective for keeping children and pets safe from prying eyes.

There was a time when people only had a choice between wood or wrought iron for their fencing needs. Times have changed and vinyl, also known as PVC, has become one of the most highly sought fencing materials for multiple reasons.

Appearance

Vinyl fencing is available in multiple styles, colors, heights, and with multiple customization options to reflect an individual’s personal style. It can be manufactured to imitate the look of stone or wood, allowing individuals to enjoy the benefits of vinyl and the appearance of high-end materials.

Longevity & Durability

Vinyl fencing is manufactured from high-quality synthetic materials or recycled plastics. A vinyl fence can last from 20 to 30 years and provides a great return on investment. The surface is resistant to scratching, insect predations, fungi, and dry rot. Vinyl maintains its structural integrity even in Florida’s subtropical climate and isn’t susceptible to cracking, warping or fading from UV rays. It’s 5 times stronger than wood and has the ability to flex slightly, making it resistant to wind damage.

Little Maintenance

No one wants to spend copious amounts of their leisure time caring for a fence. That makes vinyl doubly popular as it requires little to no maintenance. It doesn’t require painting, staining or other treatments. Vinyl is a non-porous material and doesn’t absorb moisture from rain or humidity. That attribute makes it easy to clean – just spray it down with a hose to keep it looking good.

Safety

One of the unique attributes of vinyl is that it doesn’t burn easily. Firepits can malfunction and fires from BBQs can occur. Vinyl tends to self-extinguish making it one of the safest options available.

Recyclable

More attention is being paid to recyclable options. For those seeking an eco-friendly fencing solution, look no further than vinyl. Most vinyl fencing is 100 percent recyclable and the material emits few VOCs.

People have always been fascinated by exotic wildlife and species not indigenous to their own country. Florida bans individuals from keeping certain types of exotic animals as pets. Too many have escaped or been let loose in the wild where they’ve become a nuisance or even a danger to people, pets and native wildlife.

However, the state does allow keeping some types of exotic animals and it’s the responsibility of the individual to provide appropriate safeguards to keep them contained, in good health, and that means a superior fencing solution.

Zoos, veterinarians, rescue organizations and conservancies that regularly work with wildlife require specialized facilities. When interacting with wild animals, containment consists of much more than an ordinary fence. Animal enclosures must meet highly specialized requirements that protects the animal and keeps people safe.

Zepco Fence is the undisputed leader in wild animal enclosures. The company designed and installed security fences for big cat sanctuaries in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Their innovative designs have been adopted by the state’s wildlife management division. Each containment option is customized to the animal.

The type of fence that’s best for a particular species depends on if the animal is a jumper, climber, digger, or flyer. In addition to the fence itself, the company can incorporate netting over the top of enclosures for those that fly or the inclusion of underground wires and concrete barriers under the perimeter of the fence to stymie diggers. Fencing is also available that has angling at the top to prevent climbers from escaping.

Even the smallest of exotic animals need sufficient space to exercise and it aids in maintaining their mental and emotional health. Containment solutions are available for highly social species, along with those that are shy by nature. Fencing solutions are designed for optimal safety for people and wildlife, minimize stress, prevent escape, and accommodate the natural behavior of the species.

Pool fencing in Florida has to meet specific requirements for safety. The most common fencing that provides safety and privacy is a stockade fence. They’re available in a couple of different styles that meet Florida safety mandates.

Fencing Requirements

The fence must be at least 48 inches high, with uprights that are no more than 4 inches apart, and have an outward opening gate. The fence must be erected a distance away from the pool’s edge so if a child does enter the area unattended, he/she won’t immediately step into the pool.

The fence must be low enough so a toddler can’t climb under it and have no outcroppings that a child could use as handholds to scale the fence. A pool fence must have a self-latching lock on a self-closing gate that small children are unable to reach.

Stockade Fence

A stockade fence is one of the easiest and quickest fencing options and there are two basic styles. All are made of wood. One is constructed in sections with boards laid touching each other. The fencing is typically installed with vertical pickets, but can also be customized so the boards are horizontal. The “pretty” side must face outward. It’s an effective noise blocker, but also prevents air from circulating through.

Staggered

Sometimes referred to as a double slatted fence, it consists of two rows of alternating boards – one on the outside and one on the inside. Individuals that try to see in would have to be at a precise angle to do so.

A double slatted fence is considered more stylish than stockade fencing. It also has the advantage of presenting the same appearance from both sides. It helps dampen sounds and has the added benefit of allowing air to flow through.

Screens

For those that need the barrier of a fence but want something with a little more aesthetic value, there are screen panels that can be erected on the outside of the fence. They’re available in solid colors and can also be obtained with images.

Having a fenced in area for dogs to play and exercise is an ideal solution for pets and their people. When selecting a fencing option, much will depend on the canine’s proclivity to digging, jumping, chewing, and their response to outside stimulus. Dogs typically try to escape when they’re left alone too long and get lonely or bored. Never punish them for escaping.

Many dog breeds are small in stature, but they’re excellent jumpers and very athletic. They encompass Rat terriers, Jack Russell terriers, Pinschers, Pomeranians, Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Chihuahuas. They’re highly intelligent and their skill sets can be extensive – including opening gates.

Chain Link

A chain link fence is an obvious choice, but it can be climbed. Plastic slats can be inserted in the chain link to make it more attractive and block out things that stimulate the dog to escape. A fence at least 4 ft. tall will discourage most canines, but not all. Don’t leave objects near fences that they can use to give them a boost. Metal fencing is especially beneficial for dogs that chew.

Stockade

Some canines are especially susceptible to outside stimulus. They’ll bark and try to escape. That’s when a stockade fence can help. It blocks the dog’s view of what’s happening on the outside of the fence. Stockade fencing is a good solution, but not for canines that chew.

Preventative Measures

No matter what type of fencing that’s installed, there are some preventative measures that can be employed. It’s also a good idea to equip the dog’s collar with a GPS tracker. Individuals can easily track their dog if they do escape.

Devices known as coyote rollers can be installed at the top of fences to help keep climbers in check. Extensions can be added at the top that form an inward angle, preventing canines from going up and over.

Underground safety cables can be installed to discourage diggers or a concrete footer can be poured under the fence’s perimeter. Gate latches that automatically lock are a good precaution, as are double gates to keep canines from escaping. Make sure the locking mechanism is out of the dog’s reach.

Fencing satisfies the need for beautification, security, safety, and privacy. Once individuals have decided what type of fence they want, it’s time to select a fencing company. There are 5 essential questions anyone should ask before signing a contract.

A competent fence installer will be cognizant of the necessary permits required and be able to obtain them for the project. No matter where the fence will be installed on the property, utility companies will have to be notified and the contractor should handle that. It will keep workers safe and prevent them from inadvertently disrupting electric, gas, phone, or internet service.

Licensing

The fencing company should be licensed within Florida. It demonstrates that it’s passed the requirements to operate within the state. There are a number of unscrupulous individuals that claim to be fence installers, but have neither the expertise, experience or equipment to do so.

Insurance

This is also a critical question. Any contractor that performs work on the property should be fully insured in the event that there’s an injury, damage to property, or poor workmanship. If the company isn’t insured, clients would have to initiate litigation and if a worker is injured on the job, they could be liable for medical bills if the company doesn’t carry Workers Compensation.

Years in Business

Longevity of the business is a good indicator that the company is known for good work, along with the experience and staffing to install the fence quickly, efficiently and professionally.

Project Time

Individuals will want to determine when the company can begin the project, hours of the day when they’ll be working, and when it will be completed. The project will need to be scheduled, especially if the installer is very busy.

Warranty

A warranty against the material and workmanship protects clients in case anything goes wrong and ensures the contractor has to make repairs. The warranty should extend for at least 12 months.

Hurricanes are a fact of life in South Florida. An untamable force of nature, the storms have the ability to wreak havoc on any human-built structure and that includes fences. While no fence is entirely hurricane proof, there are some types of fences that are better able to survive the pounding that the storms bring on shore.

It’s essential that individuals have their fence installed by a licensed professional who understands the unique challenges that the storms present to fences in South Florida. A category 1 hurricane can have minimum sustained winds of 74 mph. That’s strong enough to blow over trees. Individuals have several options when shopping for a hurricane resistant fence.

Chain Link

This type of fencing isn’t the first that automatically comes to mind when planning a hurricane resistant fence, but it’s a very good option. The spaces in the mesh of a chain link fence allows hurricane force winds to pass through it with little to no damage. Coatings can be applied that will make the metal resistant to salt spray.

Aluminum

An aluminum fence is sturdier than most people think. In addition to metal posts, the narrow pickets have spaces between them, allowing wind to move through it with little impediment. Coatings are also available for aluminum fencing.

SimTek®

The fencing can withstand sustained 110 mph winds and gusts up to 130 mph. It’s the only fencing that meets Miami-Dade wind load certification without making any modifications or adding additional reinforcements. If they’re hit by floating or flying debris, they can be dented but won’t splinter and disintegrate. They’re also available with specialized coatings that are resistant to salt spray.

Vinyl

A vinyl fence is typically able to withstand wind speeds of 65 to 90 mph winds before sustaining damage. Vinyl is a versatile material that will flex slightly in the wind. That helps it stay steady during wind storms.

Pressure washing makes cleaning fences easy. It’s an excellent solution for removing surface dirt and grime, as long as the fence isn’t too dirty or in ill repair. Pressure washing a fence that needs repairs can create further damage.

Settings

When using a pressure washer, a low to medium spray in a fan pattern is best. It will help avoid any potential damage and it will also aid in preventing streaking. The machines can be used on modern materials, along with wood.

There’s no need to blast the fence with all the power available. A psi of 1500 to 2000 is a good setting for fence washing, along with a 25-degree spray tip. Spring and autumn are good times to wash a fence and ready it for the next season.

Safety First

One of the most important things to remember when washing a fence is to ensure there are no people, pets or plants on the opposite side that will be harmed. For safety’s sake, clear loose debris from the fence and work area. Be sure to close any doors or windows to the home. Covering lawn furniture and yard toys is also a good idea.

Washing the Fence

Most individuals simply turn on the pressure washer and begin spraying down their fence. While that can work if the dirt and grime are very light, manufacturers recommend applying a cleansing agent formulated specifically for the fence type.

Work in small sections at a time and work from the bottom up. Applying a detergent to the entire fence before rinsing isn’t a good idea. The soap will dry, harden, and removing it is much more difficult. Let detergent set for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing it off.

For tough dirt and stains that aren’t easily removed, use a rotating scrub brush on the end of the pressure sprayer wand. Individuals can then clean as usual, washing in small sections and rinsing before moving to the next area.