Homeowners insurance will typically cover the cost of a damaged fence, but it will depend largely on how the damage was caused. Fence damage may fall under the “other structures” coverage of the policy and may be limited to damage that occurs as a result of vandalism or storms. It’s essential that individuals understand their policies and what it covers.

There may also be monetary limits attached to the amount of coverage provided in the form of percentages. Flood damage is typically excluded from standard coverage policies. Damage resulting from earthquakes is also excluded, even though Florida is tied with North Dakota for the fewest number of earthquakes. An earthquake is Florida is rare, but they have occurred.

Sinkholes are a very real concern for Florida residents and companies are required to offer catastrophic ground cover collapse. However, the coverage is only available as an add-on to an existing policy and individuals will incur additional costs for the coverage.

Fences can be exposed to a variety of damaging conditions and situations. While many of those may inflict damage that mars the cosmetic appearance of the fence, they won’t be covered by homeowners insurance. Fences can be struck by debris from lawn mowers, children driving “ride-on” vehicles, and landscaping mishaps – those aren’t covered. Fences afflicted with mold, fungi, insects, and normal wear and tear aren’t covered, either.

While a car crashing into a fence doesn’t happen very often, if one does damage a fence the homeowner’s policy should cover it. Individuals will also have the option of filing a claim against the driver’s auto insurance, assuming that the driver has an auto owner’s policy.

Trees and limbs falling on a fence from the policy holder’s yard are covered expenses. The insurance company can choose not to cover the damage if it decides the tree or limb fell due to negligence or lack of appropriate maintenance on the part of the homeowner.

If the damage occurs due to a neighbor’s tree, the insurance company may hold the neighbor responsible for the entire cost. The company may also choose to split the cost 50-50 between the homeowner and the neighbor, with homeowners paying the deductible.

Fences can beautify properties from the outside, but you may also want something to dress up and decorate your fence from the inside. There are dozens of creative ways to spruce up a fence that are equally applicable for solid or chain link fences. They can be utilized on the interior to brighten your view or used on the exterior to bring joy to those passing by.

Unique Planters

Planters are one of the most obvious. Additional interest comes from the creativeness of the planters themselves. Consider sections of old rain gutters, “pocket planters” for herbs made of burlap, or old tires. Canning jars and fancy bottles, old boots, wooden pallets, and even PVC pipe can be recycled and fashioned into cost-effective fence planters.

Add Lights

Battery and solar powered lights are an elegant and economical solution that doesn’t require any wiring. Individual lights are an excellent way to create ambiance or a fairy-like appearance while adding an extra level of safety within the environment. If light strings are used, they can be arranged in patterns, to spell out words, or artfully draped to beautify the fence landscape.

Artistic Design

If you have artistic skills – or know someone who does – you can paint or stencil a larger than life flower garden on your fence, a full-fledged mural to please the kids, or anything else you want. One of the most appealing aspects is that a desired design can be created in full color, a single hue, or with glow-in-the-dark paint for a one-of-a-kind look.

Colorful Cups

Specifically designed for chain link fences, the colorful plastic pieces are called “put-in-cups” and insert easily into the fence spaces. They can be utilized to create designs, spell out messages for schools, churches, birthdays, or anything else the imagination can devise.

People are always looking for ways to increase the value of their home and one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors is by creating a unique environment in your own back yard. There are a number of ways that you can increase your home’s value in the event you decide to sell. Even if you don’t plan to sell, you can enjoy the features yourself.

Decks and Patios

Decks and patios provide you with an outdoor space for entertainment and give you approximately 9 percent ROI on your investment. Patios typically offer the same ROI and provide the same benefits.

Fencing

One of the most jealously guarded assets of any home is privacy and fencing can provide that while improving home values. Fencing also provides efficient camouflage for undesirable elements such as trash bins, utility meters, and AC units. ROI will depend on the scope of the fencing and materials.

Fire Pit

A fire pit can provide an average of 67 percent return on investment, depending on the type of fire pit that’s selected. It’s a good idea to check with the local fire department, county commission or homeowner’s association as there may be restrictions on the type that’s allowed.

Irrigation System

An irrigation system takes the work out of watering and ensures a lush and attractive lawn for curb appeal. It’s an easy solution that will give you about 86 percent ROI, while also saving water and money on your water costs.

Landscaping

Privacy is in high demand and homes that have been landscaped for privacy have the potential to recoup 100 percent of the costs during a sale. You don’t have to spend a lot to create an oasis of calm and privacy. Even a small amount of landscaping can add curb appeal and seal the deal for buyers.

Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen can provide approximately 71 percent ROI. Meals can be cooked outside without messing up the indoor kitchen. Your outdoor kitchen can encompass everything from a wet bar and pizza oven to refrigerator and elaborate grill/burner combos.

Pool and Outdoor Shower

A pool is one of the most often added features to a home’s landscaping. An added bonus is an outdoor shower alongside the pool area. The shower can increase home values by up to 7 percent.

Sound System

A sound system is always a bonus and can provide the soundtrack for a patio or pool party to the feel of a tropical island. With modern technology, there’s no need to install an expensive wired system.

Yard wars can occur over a great variety of things, from the installation of a fence, pool or irrigation system to renovating a room. However, what a homeowner may see as an exciting addition that will provide fun, privacy, security, safety, and value to their home may be viewed negatively by neighbors. It can result in expensive and tedious legal action, bad feelings that last for years, or even a desire to move.

Fences cause more disputes between neighbors than any other issue. The saying “Good fences make good neighbors” from the Robert Frost poem “Mending Fences” doesn’t have the same meaning today as it did when the nation was a predominantly agrarian culture. Fencing disputes are legendary and are even the subject of the play “The Great Divide.”

Communication is a key component. It’s always a good idea to talk with your neighbors before beginning any construction project. It will give them a chance to voice any objections. What may seem like a groundless complaint to the homeowner may present a valid consideration for the neighbors. The following are just some of the common issues that can initiate a yard war when erecting a fence.

• Maintenance and upkeep
• Property lines
• Fence height
• Type of fence – chain link, stockade, etc.
• It interferes with visibility
• It’s ugly or ruins the aesthetics of the neighborhood
• An existing fence doesn’t need to be replaced, just repaired
• Disagreement over cost if sharing the expense

The list of potential problems that individuals may encounter from neighbors can seem endless. It’s important that homeowners understand their rights under the law before they hire a fencing company. Almost any locale has specific rules governing fences in relation to their height and materials used, and there may also be what’s known as a set-back – the distance from the property line where the fence can be erected.

One of the most common reasons for erecting a fence is to provide a greater sense of privacy and individuals have a wealth of options from which to choose. Fencing provides an immediate barrier to prying eyes.

Fences for privacy are available in multiple materials that include wood, aluminum, PVC, and SimTek®. There’s a fencing solution to accommodate multiple requirements. The fencing options available today provide exceptional durability and require little maintenance. Some fencing materials can even withstand hurricane-force winds, an important consideration in Florida.

Aluminum

The metal is strong, durable, and can be fashioned into any shape or style desired. It’s available in multiple colors and finishes to complement any landscape or environment.

PVC

The fencing is offered in a myriad of styles and colors. Built with a concern for the environment, it’s unaffected by weather or UV rays, and available in multiple heights. It can be erected in solid panels and can withstand most severe winds without damage.

SimTek®

Durability and style are the benchmarks of SimTek® fencing. It successfully emulates the appearance of wood and stone, while providing a low maintenance privacy barrier. It’s impact-resistant and offered in a wide variety of colors, styles and textures.

Wood

Individuals have dozens of choices for their wood fencing ranging from pine to cedar. The most common type of wood fencing for privacy is the stockade fence. Each panel fits tightly against the next for a solid barrier. Offset fencing is another style, also known as shadow box fencing, created by alternating boards. It can only be seen through if someone is looking at a certain angle.

Ask the Professionals

It’s best to consult with a fencing professional first. He/she will be knowledgeable about any rules or regulations governing fencing and will be able to obtain the needed permits. A professional will be able to assist with choosing the type of fencing that best fits the needs and budget of the individual.

Fencing is the easiest and most effective way to protect pets from harm. There are multiple fencing materials from which to choose that will keep a pet safely contained while providing beauty to the home environment. There are multiple elements for individuals to consider when choosing a pet fence.

Size of the Pet

That cute puppy that’s so tiny now will eventually mature into a full-size dog. If a fence is erected with spaces between the uprights, the gaps must be small enough to prevent the pet from slipping between them. Fencing with solid panels offers the most protection since there are no gaps through which an animal can escape. The size of the pet as an adult must also be considered.

Skill Sets

If a pet is seeking an escape route, some will try to jump a fence while others are more likely to attempt a breakout by digging under the fence. Still, others are agile climbers. Some pets develop skills on their own that include opening gates. There’s no way to tell if a pet will be skilled at escapes, but a child-safe gate is always a good option.

Fencing materials are desired that don’t provide any way for a pet to gain purchase with their feet for climbing and fences with an underground safety cable are effective in mitigating under-fence escapes. Be sure the fence is high enough to discourage jumpers.

Maintenance

Some pets are more destructive than others. Wood fencing isn’t a good choice for these pets. Vinyl and metal options require little maintenance and aren’t as likely to be destroyed should a pet become restless or bored.

Raise the Roof

While most people are concerned with fences to keep canines contained, a great many cat owners want to give their feline the benefit of fresh air in a safe manner. The same precautions should be considered when erecting a fence for cats as for other pets, but with the added addition of a securely attached overhead barrier to keep the cat from climbing up and over.

The vast majority of people decide to have a fence erected without much thought as to how the fence opening will be secured. A myriad of fencing options are available, along with complementary gates and locks to ensure security and safety. Custom systems can also be designed.

Gates can be equipped with locks that must be physically manipulated that include deadbolts and padlocks, knobs, and lever handles, along with cylinder locks operated with a key. A variety of electronic systems are also available that can be operated with smartphones or from the comfort of a vehicle. Gate locks also encompass electronic models that incorporate a keycard or require a specific code.

Specialized gates and locks can be created for any installation that matches the fencing to which it’s attached. The type of fencing that’s selected will depend on multiple factors. You may desire privacy or security, while others may want to enhance their property value, mute sounds coming from the street, or protect and confine children and pets.

Fencing is available in wood, aluminum, PVC, chain link, and SimTek® materials, each with its own unique features. PVC is available in more than 30 distinct and unique decorative styles that won’t crack, peel, chip, or splinter.

Aluminum fencing is offered in multiple colors and styles. It’s an elegant solution that’s also durable. It can be extremely effective for deterring intruders whether they’re human or wildlife and provides safety for children and pets. Chain link fencing is equally applicable for the same reasons, though not as fashionable in appearance.

Wood fencing can be customized in numerous ways. It’s offered in shadowbox, board-on-board, and stockade styles. All panels are custom created from high-quality, pressure-treated wood and surpasses the South Florida Hurricane Building Code.

SimTek® fencing has become a standard in hurricane-prone Florida. The fencing can withstand hurricane-force winds of up to 110 mph, along with 130 mph gusts. It’s low-maintenance and impact resistant. A proprietary molding process enables it to emulate the appearance of wood grains and granite.

Your new puppy will require much the same in the way of fencing as a child. They’re similar to toddlers in that they’re very curious and don’t understand potential dangers. It’s up to you to protect them by taking appropriate precautions and that certainly includes a fenced-in area where they can run, play, and explore in safety.

It’s equally important to have a secure gate that can’t be accessed by random individuals. Sadly, there are unscrupulous people that will steal dogs from their own yard for any number of nefarious purposes. The pups may be used in dog fighting rings, sold to laboratories, or become part of a puppy mill.

If you choose a fence that’s not solid, it’s essential that the spaces between the vertical elements are close enough together that he/she can’t slip between them. Another important consideration will be the size of the pup when he/she’s full grown. A large adult dog can easily escape an enclosure designed to contain a puppy.

The fence will need to be high enough to prevent an adult dog from jumping over it. Some breeds, such as German shepherds, can easily clear a fence. Ensure there’s nothing your dog can jump on to launch himself over the wall. Dog experts suggest installing a six ft. fence.

Jumping isn’t the only thing you’ll need to worry about. Shepherds, Huskies and similar breeds are adept at climbing. Chain link fence isn’t effective for pups that turn out to be climbers.

Not all dogs are diggers, but some are and you’ll need to install a fence that includes an underground cable at the bottom to prevent tunneling escapes.

One of the ways to minimize the desire for a puppy to head for the other side of a fence is to install a solid barrier rather than a see-through option. Dogs that can see objects on the other side are more likely to try to escape, but less likely to bark at what they can’t view.

You’re responsible for the health, safety and welfare of your new pup. There are multiple types of wildlife, most notably alligators, which can and will prey upon your puppy and can scale fences with sufficient motivation. An invisible fence is never an option in Florida and it’s never a good idea to leave a puppy unattended, even within an enclosure.

PVC fencing has become a popular option for residential environments where sturdiness and beauty are equally important. An increasing number of businesses are using PVC fencing due to its carefree nature and durability. In many areas, home and business owners are choosing it over chain link or wood to accommodate a variety of needs ranging from privacy to security.

Pros

• PVC fencing is very low maintenance. It doesn’t have to be stained or painted and can be kept looking new with a simple rinse with a garden hose.
• The fencing remains unaffected by weather and won’t fade from UV rays.
• It won’t peel, chip, rot or splinter.
• The fencing won’t stain or become discolored even when it’s exposed to salt water.
• PVC fencing is unattractive to insects and is resistant to unsightly fungus.
• There are over 30 different unique and decorative styles from which to choose, it’s available in a myriad of colors, and there are numerous options for customization.
• PVC fencing is nearly five times stronger than the average wood fence.
• The material is recyclable and environmentally friendly.
• It won’t burn in the event of a fire.
• PVC fencing is non-toxic.
• Best of all, PVC fencing is a more cost effective alternative than concrete, brick or stone.

Despite all of its advantages, no fencing material is perfect. PVC fencing does have some disadvantages.

Cons

PVC is more expensive than wood.

Despite the many textures and styles available that give the appearance of stone or brick, when viewed up close, people can still determine that it’s a synthetic material.

PVC does expand and contract with fluctuations in temperatures, which means it can begin to become brittle toward the end of its 20-30 year lifespan.

Multiple Options

Individuals considering a fence should speak with a fencing professional. The options available will surprise most people. The experts can provide individuals with information on all the different materials, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and help clients choose the right fencing for their needs and budget.

Fencing is a decorative addition to any property. However, most individuals don’t know the value that it can add to their homes, particularly if they’re planning to sell in the future. A fence provides one of the best ROI ratios available, making the property more desirable to a wider range of potential buyers. In addition to the monetary and aesthetic value, fencing satisfies a myriad of other desires.

There are specific considerations when erecting a barrier that homeowners should consider when choosing a fence. A fencing professional can help with those decisions. To be an enhancement rather than a detraction, the fencing should complement the character and architecture of the surrounding environment.

One of the biggest benefits to a fenced yard is that it appeals to the elderly and people with children and pets. It provides an extra layer of safety and security from unwelcome humans entering the space and it’s a definite deterrent to incursions by a wide variety of wildlife.

For those that crave privacy and relief from road noises, a fence can be the perfect solution. Advanced technology has made possible fencing options able to buffer up to 95 percent of sound, while also providing the privacy that so many people desperately seek.

Homes with a pool are required to maintain a fence that prevents access by small children. The pool will be a draw for many buyers and the fence provides safety for youngsters, the elderly, and pets. Having a pool and the fencing already installed is a powerful incentive for many people.

Fencing can also be utilized to conceal unsightly features such as air conditioning units, trash cans, and generators. It prevents individuals from falling off slopes, bluffs and cliffs on the property, thereby mitigating the potential for a lawsuit. Fencing materials can mimic the look of wood or granite to meet aesthetic considerations. Fencing is also available that will withstand hurricane force winds, a feature that will definitely add value to any Florida home.