People place barriers around their balconies and decks, never really thinking about the fact that they’re essentially erecting a fence. It’s a critical safety measure to protect people and pets from injuries. Deck fencing can be designed to provide children and small dogs with an outdoor space to safely play.

Balconies

Individuals typically want a more elegant look for their balconies and aluminum is an excellent choice. The metal can be fashioned into a variety of forms with the same great look as wrought iron and its low maintenance. It can be installed vertically or horizontally and it’s a highly durable, versatile and affordable option. Aluminum is environmentally friendly and available in multiple colors.

A newer trend for balconies is tempered glass using steel framing. Tempered glass is about 4 times stronger than traditional glass, it’s heat and scratch-resistant, and provides UV protection. It also aids in sound reduction. If tempered glass sustains an impact, it doesn’t shatter like ordinary glass – it breaks into tiny granules. Tempered glass is available in multiple styles, designs and patterns.

Decks

The choices are almost unlimited when choosing a barrier for a deck. Fencing ranges from elegant to utilitarian and people are only limited by their imagination. Wood is popular but requires painting, staining, and considerable maintenance. It can be customized in multiple ways, but isn’t as durable as other materials.

For a beautiful deck fence that’s almost maintenance-free, consider a composite material like PVC. Another option is SimTek®, a polyethylene plastic. The materials are gaining traction as barriers on decks. Both are strong, and durable and won’t succumb to mold, rotting or insect predations. The materials are eco-friendly and sustainable. They can be customized in various ways and come in multiple colors.

Aluminum and tempered glass are great for balconies and they’re equally applicable for decks. Both materials can be combined with other materials in a myriad of ways for a show-stopping look.

One of the most overlooked accents is fence lighting. Illuminating your yard can be accomplished through underground wiring, but a quicker and more cost-effective method is solar lighting. The optimal method is to have the lighting included as part of the fence installation. However, you can still enjoy illumination, greater security, and enhanced safety with solar lighting.

Solar Lighting

There are so many different types of solar lighting available, it can be overwhelming. Solar units can be installed on fence caps and hung from brackets from fence posts. They’re offered in a myriad of styles from those that look like coach lights to futuristic designs. Solar lights have the advantage of being an environmentally-friendly choice, can be installed anywhere on any type of fencing, and are extremely low maintenance.

Solar lights add ambiance to outdoor environments. The initial cost will depend on the brand and style of lights chosen, but are less expensive than those that rely on underground wiring. Another advantage is that they work even in a power outage. Solar lights are available in different lumen measurements, depending on how much illumination you desire, and can come equipped with motion sensors. There are even models with rotating colors.

Wired Lighting

Best included in the design plan when the fence is installed, wired lighting is tied into a traditional electrical system and requires the installation of underground wiring. They can be installed with a switch that allows you to turn them on or off as desired.

The disadvantage is that they won’t work if a power outage occurs. Many models are also equipped with motion sensors that turn on and off, even if the lights have been doused. Low-voltage lights are typically utilized as accent lighting for plants and pathways and are equally applicable as fence lighting. You can also use strings of lights – full size or miniatures – as temporary lighting for events and gatherings.

There are multiple reasons that you might decide to install a fence and you’ll have a myriad of styles, colors and materials from which to choose. The first step before contacting a fencing specialist is to identify why you want a fence.

Safety and Security

A fence provides safety for children and pets, protecting them from incursions by human trespassers and a wide variety of unwanted wildlife. Fencing is effective for concealing valuables encompassing lawn care equipment, ATVs, PWCs and motorcycles from burglars.

Privacy

Homes are being constructed even closer together than in the past, inhibiting the ability to enjoy time with family and friends. A fence provides a private space for you to enjoy good times away from the prying eyes of neighbors and passersby.

Set Boundaries

Fencing is a great way to establish property boundaries, but it’s always best to consult with your neighbor first. Depending on local laws, they may be responsible for part of the upkeep costs – an expense for which they might object.

Ornamentation and Curb Appeal

If you’re planning on selling your home, a fence can add significant curb appeal and ornamentation all in a single package. Fences are an attractive attribute for buyers and viewed as a money-saving bonus.

Hiding Eyesores

Everyone partakes of modern conveniences, but those services often come with equipment that’s unappealing to the eye. A fence can hide or camouflage eyesores that include satellite dishes, HVAC units, emergency generators, and electrical boxes. They’re also effective for concealing electrical vehicle charging stations and trash bins.

Complying with HOAs

HOAs can dictate many things and a common rule is keeping “clutter” such as children’s toys and outdoor furniture out of sight. A fence alleviates that concern, but always consult with the HOA to ensure the fence you want conforms to the organization’s guidelines.

Swimming Pools

Pools and spas must be surrounded with an appropriate fence and gate to prevent access by children. Before installing a pool or spa, consult with a fencing specialist to determine what meets safety standards and your aesthetic preferences.

It doesn’t matter whether a fence is being installed for privacy, safety, child or pet containment, or aesthetic reasons, it’s essential that the installation be performed by an experienced company that’s fully licensed, bonded and insured. Locating that company can be difficult and the following are some tips for finding an experienced fencing company.

Research

Anyone looking for a fencing professional will need to perform their due diligence. Some red flags to look for include a company that’s recently changed its name and a poor rating with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure that the company has a physical business address.

Recommendations

Ask family, friends and co-workers that have had a fence installed about the company that did the work. Find out if they were happy with the results. Many companies will place a sign on the fence indicating the name of the business that performed the installation. Alternately, individuals may also consider asking the property owner of a recently erected fence about the company and their experience with the installer.

Quotes

Get quotes from at least three fencing companies. The quotes should include the cost, an itemized list of what the company will do, a timeline for completion, the size of the crew required, and when the work will begin.

Services

A professional fencing company will be aware of the ordinances and regulations governing the installation of a fence. Many locales have specific rules regarding the type, color, materials and height of fences. The company will also be able to pull the necessary permits and contact underground utility lines. Each fencing job is different and the company should send a representative to walk the property to be fenced so an accurate estimate can be provided.

Contracts and Warranties

Don’t engage a fencing company without a contract. It should spell out in detail the scope of the project and the terms of payment. Some companies require a down payment or offers payment plans, while others may require half down and the remainder upon completion. Make sure the company provides a warranty on its work, materials, and how disputes are addressed.

A backyard makeover can give people more space to relax, room for entertaining, or new features to enjoy. No matter what the desired makeover, it begins with a plan. The best option for the project’s ultimate planning and execution is to consult with a professional landscaper.

The other alternative is a software program that enables individuals to choose different features around the specified space to see how they’ll look. Start with a dream landscape and work to narrow down the available choices. Keep the following in mind when planning a backyard makeover.

Budget

Even a small makeover can be expensive and will depend on multiple factors. It’s important for individuals to decide how much they’re willing to invest in the makeover. Always expect the cost to be more than anticipated as the price of materials can fluctuate widely over time.

Purpose

The first step is to ascertain what’s to be accomplished with the makeover. Some want to create a cozy retreat, a place for entertaining, or a kid-friendly environment. Unless individuals are handy or enjoy puttering around the garden, choose low-maintenance options.

Likes and Dislikes

It can be helpful to walk around the area to be rejuvenated. Take stock of what’s liked and disliked, as well as those things that might be salvaged and incorporated into the new design. That may include removing trees, bushes and existing flower beds.

For those that live in locations rich in wildlife, it may be prudent to keep out deer and other unwanted animals with a fence. Individuals may have their heart set on specific plantings, but let reality be a guide. All plants simply don’t grow well in some areas and may need more time and care to survive than individuals have.

Materials

There are dozens of materials with which to create the makeover, from concrete and pavers to synthetic materials. The makeover can include ponds, fountains and waterfalls. Outdoor furnishings will need to be waterproof and depending on the size of the area, will need to be versatile and serve multiple purposes to avoid overcrowding.

Rules

Every neighborhood and community are governed by specific rules as to what’s allowable, what’s not, and will require specific permits for the work. That’s where the services of a professional are beyond compare. They’ll know the prevailing rules and be able to pull the necessary permits.

You may want to replace your fence for any number of reasons. You may simply want to update the appearance or it may not be functional for your current needs. However, there are signs that indicate your fence actually needs to be replaced and the signs are easy to spot, depending upon the material with which its constructed.

Cost

It can be more cost effective to replace an entire fence that’s been installed for several years rather than trying to hold it together any longer. You don’t want to invest any substantial amount of money into a fence that will only last a couple of more years before it must be replaced anyway.

Damage

Chipping, cracking and splitting – or missing boards of wooden fencing – is a sure sign the fence needs to be replaced. It’s an easy matter to replace a single board, but when entire sections are missing boards, it’s unsightly. Non-wooden fencing can experience damage in the form of chipping, cracking and splitting that’s unpleasant to view and comprises the integrity of the structure.

Leaning

A leaning fence is a sign that its lost structural strength. If a single section is leaning, it can often be repaired or replaced. If there’s a generalized leaning along the entire fence, it’s time to be replaced.

Loose & Missing Hardware

Fences use metal fasteners that can encompass nails to screws to hold all the pieces together. Over time, the hardware can rust or loosen due to wind, rain and salt spray. You have a choice of replacing the entire fence or making repairs, depending on the age of the fence. The fence may sustain further damage by trying to repair it.

Rotting

Rot is a common problem in areas of high humidity and rainfall. Florida residents have the additional concerns of hurricanes that result in storm surges and high winds that can exacerbate any existing problems. Signs of rot will appear on fencing where it’s closest to the ground and while preservatives can help, eventually a full-blown case of rot will set in.

Most homeowners know the value of including a gate in their fence installation, but many people overlook the benefits of a lock. They assume that the mere presence of a gate will deter untoward actions. Whether you choose a manually operated or convenient electronic option, every fence gate should have a lock.

1. Safety

Your fence gate provides completion of a solid enclosure where children and pets can play in safety. Without a lock, anyone can enter the property at will by simply pushing open the gate. Children can do the same. Be sure to install locks above the reach of children and pets. Canines have been known to learn how to operate manual locks.

2. Theft Protection

You may have expensive vehicles, outdoor furnishings, lawn equipment and other assets that you’ve worked hard to acquire. Without a gate lock, anyone from your neighbor to a thief can come in and make off with your valuables.

3. Liability

If you’ve never discovered that someone has entered your property to enjoy the amenities, consider yourself lucky. There are an increasing number of people that pay no attention to boundaries. They think nothing of slipping onto your property to use your pool, spa, hot tub, or trampoline. In the course of their marauding, they can injure themselves on toys or tools left in the yard. Depending upon the exact circumstances, your homeowner’s insurance may not cover the costs of any damage or injuries an intruder sustains. You could be liable for the expenses.

4. Insurance Requirements

You probably have items in your yard with the potential to cause an injury or that would be expensive to replace. Good examples are pools and spas and the chemicals to maintain them, treehouses, ziplines, swing sets, trampolines and even ordinary outdoor grills. Installing a strong gate lock can be a requirement of your homeowner’s policy.

5. Deterrent

A fence will discourage most people from unauthorized entry, but others will assume you’re hiding something valuable. A securely locked fence gate is a powerful deterrent to would-be intruders. Few individuals will want to take the time to scale your fence if they can’t gain entry through the gate.

One of the most common problems for those desiring a fence is underestimating the cost. There are many factors to be considered and the fencing itself is just one aspect. A number of variables will determine the final cost of the project. The following are five elements that every individual should consider before erecting a fence.

Yard Size

A smaller yard will obviously cost more to fence than a large one since it will take less material. It’s a good idea for individuals to measure the area to be fenced before they talk to an installer. They should also know the purpose they want the fence to serve. It’s possible that a smaller area would work equally well for uses such as a play area or dog fence.

Material

The type of material selected for the fence will significantly impact the price. Individuals have a choice of wood and chain link to aluminum and PVC. In Florida, one of the most popular choices is SimTek® due to its environmentally-friendly profile and its ability to withstand hurricane force winds.

Soil Composition

Few people think about their soil in any terms other than their lawn. However, the type of soil in which the fencing will be installed will have a substantial impact on the cost. Sandy soil may require deeper postholes and/or concrete for stability, while loamy ground can require larger posts or footings. Clay is hard and difficult to dig in and silty soil provides stability problems when it gets wet.

Land Slopes

Hills and uneven terrain present special challenges and will require extra work by installers. They may need to bring in heavy equipment to level the ground or otherwise make it more amenable to the installation. That will also entail more labor costs.

Permits

Every municipality has permit requirements that must be met before a fence can be erected and the costs can vary widely. The installer will be able to obtain the permit and its cost will be figured into the cost of the installation.

One of the most common reasons for having a fence installed is for the safety of children and pets. Most people would be surprised at how quickly small toddlers can move when they’re determined to get somewhere. Professional fence installers can erect fencing for pools, the entire property, or just a portion of your yard for a variety of safety concerns.

Chain link is the fencing of choice for containing children and pets, but there are many other styles and materials from which to choose. A professional fence installer can present all the available options and assist you in selecting the fencing that best fits your budget and any prevailing architectural considerations.

Children

Youngsters love to climb and explore. That necessitates fencing that a child can’t climb over and doesn’t provide enough room for them to crawl under. Fences can be equipped with automatically locking gates and other preventative methods to provide an additional level of safety.

Fencing should be tall enough to prevent anyone from reaching over the fence. Chain link fencing can also be equipped with privacy screening or slats. It’s effective but not as aesthetically pleasing to view. Vines, bushes and other plantings can be installed for an eco-friendly privacy option.

There are other types of fencing that emulate the appearance of stone, wood and granite. Materials are available in multiple heights, styles and colors. The fencing offers an alternative that requires little maintenance, will last for years, and is able to withstand hurricane force winds.

Pets

If you get a puppy, there’s no way to know if he/she will be an escape artist that prefers to jump, dig or climb their way out of confinement. Fence professionals can help you determine the height of the fence you’ll need based on the dog’s adult size. Fencing can be designed with automatically locking gates and methods to aid in keeping pets, wildlife and intruders from scaling it.

There are also underground preventative measures that can be incorporated during the installation for pets that dig or are small in size. Even if a dog is small in stature, the fence will need to be tall enough to prevent passersby from reaching into the fence and scooping up your canine companion.

For individuals that want a more regimented approach to their community, a house covered by a home owner’s association (HOA) offers a number of benefits. They can provide amenities, a means of controlling property values, and they may take care of chores such as mowing. An HOA also comes with a variety of rules and regulations.

HOAs are very meticulous about their guidelines and have no problem enforcing them which can result in a hefty fine. It’s critical that individuals know the rules in their community before erecting a fence or making any major changes that have the potential of running afoul of the HOA. Always obtain written HOA approval before initiating any changes.

Fencing

There will be rules governing the height of a fence, the type of materials that are acceptable for use, and even regulations as to if you can install a fence at all. You could face fines for every day that the fence violates HOA rules or you could be forced to move it, alter it, or completely take it down.

Paint

If you’re looking to add a little distinction with a colorful new door or other outwardly visible change – think again. HOAs view violations of conformity, appearance, overall style and aesthetics very seriously.

Holiday Decorations

Another common area in which HOAs regulate the environment is through holiday decorations. An HOA will have guidelines for when holiday decorations can go up, when they must be taken down, and the type of decorations that are allowable. The HOA will determine the hours during which the lights can be operated and sound levels for animated or inflatable decorations.

Pets and People

The breed, size and number of pets allowed will be strictly enforced, while some HOAs ban pets of any kind. There will also be restrictions in place as to the number of people that can occupy a home and the length of time that someone can stay for an extended visit.

Other Guidelines

HOAs typically have rules about where trash receptacles can be stored, their placement when it’s time for trash pick-up, how long they can be left in sight, and recycling. If you live in an HOA, there will be regulations about where you can park vehicles and a pass may need to be requested for visitors. Don’t forget to keep up the HOAs maintenance standards on your home and fence.