Fencing can be constructed board by board or with pre-made panels. Installing fencing panels reduces the time and work required to complete the task and provides individuals with an aesthetically pleasing fence.

Pre-made fence panels are easily obtained at big box stores, but a better option is to purchase them from a fencing company or lumber company. Some sawmills will also fabricate pre-made panels to an individual’s specifications. It’s a good option for those that want to customize their fence or incorporate some ornamentation.

Even though there are a limited range of variations in appearance in panels, even pre-made panels can add value and appeal to a home. It’s vastly easier to erect a fence with panels than individual boards. Panels are available in multiple heights and individuals can select from multiple types of wood species, though most are manufactured of pine or red cedar.

With pre-manufactured panels, individuals can get straight to the business of preparing the ground and digging the holes for the supports. Individuals won’t need many tools, either. Depending on the area to be fenced, the average person can complete the installation in a weekend or over the course of several weekends.

Disadvantages

For individuals that take a DIY approach, pre-made panels won’t allow for much in the way of a custom look or fit. It there are variations in the landscape such as dips or hills, panels don’t allow for customization to ensure that each panel is the same height.

When purchasing from big box stores, the panels are often joined using staples rather than nails. Those assembled with staples are weaker and more likely to develop problems.

Pre-made fencing panels can be heavy and unwieldy. Installing them can be difficult, particularly if an individual is attempting to perform the task alone. Plan on having at least one other person to help.

Fences for privacy are outstripping those chosen for purely decorative purposes. In an age where street cameras are common and the potential for nosy neighbors never abates, privacy fencing is a popular way for individuals to gain some privacy and control in their own yards.

Stockade

Highly cost-effective, it can be painted or stained and completely blocks the view from others. It can be constructed of multiple types of wood and be installed vertically or horizontally. The fencing is offered in varying heights to accommodate multiple needs.

Board On Board

This is a style of fencing that utilizes alternating boards on the inside and outside of the fence framework. It’s sometimes referred to as offset or shadow box fencing. Each boar overlaps the next board in the design. The spacing of each board will determine if the fence completely blocks the view from outside or if individuals would have to be at just the right angle to glimpse the fenced-in area. It’s a popular option for HOAs, commercial properties and high-end neighborhoods.

Picket Fencing

This isn’t the low level, white picket fencing popularized in old films. Modern picket fencing for privacy is offered in heights up to 6 ft. and is solid with no gaps between boards. The style retains the traditional sharp and pointed caps on the pickets that have been used since the earliest times to deter trespassers. Individuals can also choose pointed caps in Gothic or French Gothic styles to personalize their fence.

Disadvantages of Wood

The disadvantage of stockade fencing is that the “pretty” side will need to face outward. Stockade fencing can block air flow, isn’t conducive to yard ventilation, and can cause heating of the yard. Board on board fencing is an alternative that allows for more air flow. Wood in general has a shorter lifespan compared to other materials. It will require regular maintenance to prevent mold, rotting, and depredations by insects.

Before engaging the services of a fence contractor, there are 5 basic questions that every potential customer should ask. Knowing the answers will ensure that the fencing is being erected by professionals. Cost will be a factor, but expense doesn’t necessarily translate into a reputable job.

Years in Business

Individuals should choose a company that’s been in business for a significant amount of time and have been conducting business continuously under the same name. Be wary of companies that have made name changes. It also pays to examine the company’s online reputation and its rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Licensing

The installer should be licensed in the State of Florida. Individuals have little recourse if the final result of the fencing is faulty or not as agreed upon in a contract if the installer isn’t licensed. Always insist on a detailed contract and never work with an installer that wants all the money up front. Always make payments to the company, not an individual.

Insurance

It’s absolutely essential that the fencing contractor be insured and that their insurance is current. It provides protection for customers if the company or it’s employees damage anything on the property while performing the installation.

Permitting

Erecting a fence will require permits before any work can begin. An experienced and reputable fence installer will know what permits are required and will obtain them for the work to be done. Be suspicious of companies that expect customers to pull their own permits.

The same is true for contacting utility companies. Installing a fence will impact everything from phone and electric service to water and sewer lines. The contractor should contact all applicable utilities.

Warranty

The fencing should come with a warranty on materials and workmanship. Fencing represents a substantial amount of money and an investment in the home. Never sign a contract that doesn’t include a warranty.

Wind, fire, storms and vandals can damage fencing. Whether a homeowner’s policy will cover the cost to repair or replace fencing will depend on the policy and the cause of the damage. Homeowner’s insurance will typically pay for damages, provided it’s included in the policy’s list of covered causes.

Car Crashes and Vandalism

Vehicles running off the road and crashing into fences is far more common than people think. The driver of the vehicle that caused the damage is typically liable for the costs, but the homeowner’s policy will pay for the repairs or replacement. If the offending driver is known, insurance companies will often seek to recover their costs from the offending driver’s insurer. Insurers will also cover damage due to vandalism.

Fires and Storms

If the policy holder’s home, or the neighbor’s, catches on fire and damages the fence, the insurance company will cover the cost. The same is true if the damage is the result of high winds, a hurricane or a tornado. However, be aware that some policies do exclude damage from floods and winds in Florida.

Trees

There are multiple instances when trees can be the cause of damage to a fence. Homeowner’s insurance will pay for repairs or replacement if a limb comes down in a storm or the neighbor cuts a limb and it falls on the fence. However, the claim will be denied if the insurer believes the homeowner was negligent in some way or if the accident could have been prevented or avoided by the homeowner.

Exclusions

Insurance companies have an extensive list of exclusions that may be written into a homeowner’s policy. It’s critical for individuals to understand their coverage. The normal effects of aging or wear and tear on fences isn’t covered. Neither is damage due to termites and other insects, mold and fungi, dings and dents from lawnmowers, or children playing.

Damage sustained from vandalism or a vehicle accident should be reported to the police immediately and homeowners need to take photos of the damage. Both may be required by the insurance company to provide proof of the damage and its extent.

Like many things in life, erecting a fence requires obtaining a permit. Where to get it and the process involved can be confusing, particularly for those that are unfamiliar with it.

Many residential permits can be applied for online, depending on the municipality. Other entities may require a written application be submitted in person. The permit will be issued in the name of the homeowner or the contractor. The permit is typically good for 180 days.

Reputable and experienced fence contractors will normally apply for the permit on behalf of the customer. The expense can be anywhere from $150 to $400 and will be included in the cost of the fencing project.

However, there are a number of other issues that come into play when erecting a fence of which individuals may not be aware. There are limits on how tall the fence can be and in many locales the appearance and materials will also come under scrutiny. Contractors may be required to submit a plan of the project detailing where the fence will run.

Installing a fence impacts water and sewer lines, along with phone and electric service. It will be up to the fencing contractor to contact the relevant utilities to ensure the safety of the fencing crew and that the installation doesn’t interfere with the delivery of any of those services.

There will be rules as to how many feet the fence can come within a right of way, easement or corner. Individuals may not be able to have the fence installed directly on their property line. There may be a required set back, meaning the fence will have to be a specified distance from the property line. That will mean a loss of yard space for the fence owner.

Before any of those steps can be taken, home owners will need to know exactly where their property lines are. That can mean having the property surveyed if there hasn’t been a recent survey.

Privacy is valued today more than ever and adding a privacy fence to your property also increases the value of your home. A fence is equally valuable if you’re keeping your home or if you plan to put it on the market and a privacy fence provides multiple benefits.

Privacy

Privacy fences are available in an array of materials and designs that prevent people from seeing into your yard. You can even have a fence installed that’s manufactured of modern materials, but mimics the look and texture of real wood or stone. Depending on the material and personal preferences, fencing can be installed vertically or horizontally. Fences also help reduce noise pollution.

Security

In today’s world, security is as desirable as privacy. Fencing for privacy also provides a barrier against unwanted intrusions by people, dangerous domestic animals, and wildlife. It’s an effective way to protect children and pets from harm whether you fence the entire yard or just a specified area.

Homes with fences are more attractive to people with children or pets than non-fenced properties. A fence is a deterrent to people that would enter the property for criminal purposes and privacy fencing can be designed with other preventative measures.

Boundaries

Privacy fencing is an excellent way to mark where your property boundaries begin and end. This is especially important if you happen to have less than cordial neighbors.

Aesthetics

A fence provides curb appeal and aesthetic value when the right fence is matched with the home. Not every fence is appropriate for every type of property. That’s when the services of a professional fencing company are invaluable. They can help you decide what type of fence will complement your home before any work begins.

Windbreak & Shade

Privacy fencing has the added advantage or providing a windbreak. Strong winds can easily blow about lawn furnishings and children’s play equipment. A fence may even provide some shade for play areas, depending on the height.

Much has been said about the need for cybersecurity measures, and while securing computers and digital devices is important, the physical security of business premises should never be overlooked. There are 3 security necessities that every enterprise needs.

Camera

Security cameras are an essential element in protecting property from burglars. They can provide the images needed to identify thieves, bring them to justice, and facilitate the return of stolen goods returned. Don’t skimp on the quality or number of cameras. Businesses will want cameras that record in normal light and infrared at night.

Surveillance cameras are just as important inside a business. They’re effective in documenting instances of employee or vendor theft. They’re also beneficial for identifying employees that are using unsafe work habits that can result in costly lawsuits if an injury occurs.

Alarm

While security cameras deter most intruders, the highly-motivated will still attempt to enter. That’s when an alarm system is invaluable. It will notify authorities when an incursion is actually in progress.

Fencing

Fencing is an excellent deterrent against trespassers and there’s a wide array of fencing from which to choose. A sufficiently high chain link fence is always an effective solution and it can be made even more so by adding an extension at the top with an outward angle. It’s also effective for keeping wildlife out. Business owners can also choose to attach barbed wire or razor wire to the top. It’s typically used at production plants, construction sites and utility facilities.

Housing developments, restaurants, non-profits and even animal shelters can benefit from aluminum fencing. It has the appearance of wrought iron, is available in multiple heights, and can be customized with iron spikes.

Another option for housing developments and eateries with outdoor facilities is SimTek® or PVC fencing. They’re stylish, can be installed at varying heights, offers multiple customization options, and don’t provide intruders with protrusions they can use to scale fencing.

Installing a fence can beautify properties, provide security, deter intruders, and ensure safety for children and pets. Before installing any fencing, it’s critical that individuals know exactly where their property lines run. Failure to do so can lead to fines and an order to remove a newly installed by local governing entities.

Individuals often think they know exactly where their property lines are, but without having it surveyed, there’s no way to be absolutely sure. Subtle variances and errors can be made over time. A survey is absolutely essential for two important reasons. The first is that some jurisdictions allow a fence to be erected directly on a property line.

The second reason is that some locations have a setback rule, stating that a fence has to be established a specific distance away from the property line toward the fence owner’s property That means that individuals could lose up to 12 inches of their property usage due to a setback law. If a fence is installed on any part of a neighbor’s property, the individual erecting the fence will have to move it.

It’s just one of the reasons that the services of a professional fencing company are preferable to a DIY approach. The experts will know the prevailing rules in a particular area. They’ll also know what permits are required and be able to obtain them. Failure to obtain proper permitting can also result in individuals being ordered to remove their fence.

Another consideration are neighbors. In some areas, half of the upkeep and cost of fencing will fall upon the neighbors. It’s a responsibility and cost that many don’t want to incur. Individuals may even need their neighbors’ permission before installing a fence. Neighbors will also have the right to remove branches, bushes and growths that infringe on the fence, even if it’s a prized planting belonging to the fence owner.

People often dream of a white picket fence in front of their home, epitomizing the American dream. Others envision white board fences for their equine friends, reminiscent of those of Kentucky thoroughbreds. Before deciding to erect a wooden fence for any application, there are some things that individuals should know about the material.

Pros

Wood fencing serves a variety of purposes. It can keep children and pets from wandering, deter human and wildlife incursions, provide privacy and beautify properties. The initial cost is typically less than other materials and there’s a multitude of wood types from which to choose ranging from pine and cedar to cypress and redwood.

There’s a wealth of different styles of wood fencing from which to choose and the fencing can be customized in multiple ways. Depending on the application, it can be installed in vertical or horizontal styles. If a board or post deteriorates, it’s a relatively simple matter to replace a single defective part of the fence.

Cons

Fencing constructed from any type of wood is going to require more maintenance than other materials. Wood is subject to the growth of moss, mold and algae, especially in Florida where humidity levels are high and significant amounts of rainfall is present. Rot is a prevalent problem. Wood also attracts termites and other types of insects. Individuals will need to pay particular attention to the hardware used to join the fence together.

Over time, wood fencing will begin to dull and take on a gray, washed out appearance. It will need to be primed and painted or stained. Wood is also prone to cracking and splitting. It will shrink slightly after installation as it dries, which can leave gaps where its joined together. Fencing and gates can swell after a heavy rain, making gates harder to open.

People look forward to erecting their very own fence for privacy, safety, security and curb appeal. What they may not realize is that their neighbor might also has a stake in the fence and it may be considered shared property. It’s just one of the reasons that individuals need to thoroughly explore their community’s laws regarding fences prior to contacting a contractor.

The first thing to establish is exactly where their property line runs. That means the property will have to be surveyed. Some municipalities allow fences to be installed directly on the property line, meaning its shared property.

Other locations have a setback rule, indicating that it has to be installed back away from the property line. That would mean relinquishing up to 12 inches of an individual’s usable lawn space. However, if the fence rests entirely on one side of the property line, it belongs to the person that installed the fence.

Depending on the community, individuals may have to notify their neighbor of their intent to install a fence. If fencing is considered shared property, it’s a good idea to inform the neighbors of pertinent laws, especially since they’ll be equally liable for the structure’s upkeep.

It’s a responsibility and expense a neighbor may not be prepared to shoulder for any number of reasons, particularly since they won’t have any say in what type of fence is being installed. A fence isn’t so much of a problem if it’s just going across the front of a property. For those enclosing their entire yard, they’ll have to notify any neighbor whose property adjoins where the fence will be constructed.

If it’s a shared fence, neighbors will have the right to cut tree branches, trim bushes, and address problems with plants that may be infringing on the structure, as long as it’s on their side of the fence – even if it’s a prized possession of the person who installed the fence.