Home and Construction Business Blog: Home Improvement Tips, Project Advice, & Local Construction Information

A wood fence is a beautiful, functional addition to any home. In addition to adding street value, wood fences provide extra privacy and security to the area they surround. Unlike vinyl or aluminum fences, however, wood fences require some TLC every now and then to keep them looking great. Maintaining your wood fence can extend its life for many years.The best way to ensure a long life for you wood fence is to be sure it's installed correctly. At Fence Central in Haines City, FL, we custom build all wood fences on-site, using only the highest-rated pressure treated 2x4's and concrete to securely set all posts.Once your fence is installed, you'll likely need to seal or paint it every 3-5 years, depending on the type of weather its exposed to and the type of sealant or paint you use. When you go to repaint or stain you fence, check for rot, cracks, and mold. Consider using a pressure washer with water or a water-vinegar mix if there is a lot of stubborn mold or moss growing on the wood. If there are any major places of rot or instability, consider having those pieces replaced so that the integrity of your fence remains intact.

Aluminum fences look great, it's true. Their clean lines and stately appearance lend an air of sophistication to homes while still allowing visibility through the bars. Aluminum fences can also come with details along the top or sides that complement the detailing of your home or garden.Aluminum fences are good for more than just looks, however.Aluminum is an excellent choice if you're looking to fence in an area but don't want to block the view beyond the fence. If your home overlooks a body of water, beautiful tree-line, or open field, you may not want a wooden fence that will hide those lovely sights from view.Homeowners often choose aluminum fences to define property boundaries, provide a barrier for pets and children, and close in pools for safety.If you're considering an aluminum fence, you may have also considered wrought iron. Aluminum has a similar effect as iron without all of the upkeep. Aluminum fences are low-maintenance and never require staining or painting. Aluminum fences also come in a variety of colors that are sure to complement the style and color of your home.Contact Fence Central in Haines City, Florida for a free quote on your new aluminum fence. You won't be disappointed with the beauty, durability, and safety it provides.

Chain link fences are popular for a variety of reasons. They're sturdy, inexpensive, provide a safe area for children and pets to play in, and allow visual access to outside surroundings. Chain link fences are available in different heights and gauges to meet property owners' needs.  All chain link fences are galvanized. Galvanization is the process of coating steel in zinc to deter rusting. You can also have a chain link fence coated in vinyl (pictured above), which further deters rusting and comes in colors to complement a house or building.One benefit of an uncoated chain link fence is that from a distance it's mostly transparent. Adding vinyl coating to the fence adds color and visibility, which could be a benefit or a drawback depending on your goal.A chain link fence coated with vinyl lends a softer appearance than the standard steel variety. The vinyl may also help the fence to blend more into its surroundings, such as if you choose green vinyl and the fence is set against a tree line.For many people, the final decision comes down whether cost or appearance is more important to them. A vinyl coated chain link fence looks more attractive to most people, but a standard chain link fence without coating can cost up to $1.50 less per foot.To further explore your chain link fence options and talk with a fencing specialist, contact Fence Central in Haines City, Florida.

Previously, we discussed what permits you may need before putting up a fence. More specifically, though, in addition to city and county permits you may also need approval from your homeowners' association (HOA) in order to build a fence. Some HOAs have restrictions on fence types, others on fence heights. Going off of what your neighbors have is not necessarily a good measure because they may have been grandfathered in or it's possible they didn't get approval at all. Trying to go under the radar will only work for so long, though, because if the Association does notice, they may require you to take down the fence or pay a fine.Before making firm plans to erect a new fence, carefully review your HOA regulations and/or talk with your local board members. In your formal request to the HOA, include as much information as possible so that the board can make an informed decision. List the material, color, and height of the fence you want to build. If at all possible, include pictures of what the fence will look like. If you anticipate any problems with the fence, try to spell that out in your request and offer solutions.Fence Central in Central Florida is happy to offer advice about how to communicate with your HOA. We can provide fence descriptions and specs, site-plan drawings, and pictures to aid the process. HOA approval can take anywhere from one to six weeks or more, so if you're planning to have your fence up by a certain date, it's best to start early.

Vinyl and aluminum fences are both excellent choices in their own rights. If you're grappling with the decision of which to get between the two, here are some considerations that may help you choose. Color and style Both aluminum and vinyl fences come in a variety of styles. From small and ornamental to tall and straight, both materials can be molded to fit your desires. Aluminum fences come in a variety of colors, while vinyl fences are typically white (although some manufacturers do produce vinyl fences in colors and even wood grain). Maintenance Compared to other types of fences, if you're in the market for an exceptionally low maintenance fence, both vinyl and aluminum are good choices. Neither type of fence needs to be stained, painted, or cleaned. If you choose Fence Central for your vinyl fence, you'll also get a manufacturer's lifetime warranty that protects against flaking, cracking, and peeling. Privacy & security Both aluminum and vinyl fences protect and secure your home with sheer height. One privacy-related benefit of vinyl is that it can be solid, where aluminum fences have bars or pickets. Still wondering which fence might be the right one for you? Contact Fence Central, our experts can weigh the pros and cons with you and help you to find the perfect fence to fit your property.

A little privacy can turn you back yard from a plot of land into an oasis. Consider whether you want to go with natural trees and shrubs, which are beautiful but take a lot of time to grow and upkeep, or a fence that will add both privacy and beauty. Hedges. Planting tall bushes along your property line can create a natural barrier between you and your neighbors. Consider a quick-trowing column-shaped evergreen, such as Italian cypress. To hep your hedge grow quickly, consider installing drip irrigation. The difficulty with natural hedges is that they require a lot of upkeep to keep them growing well and trimmed. If you're good with garden shears and don't mind the time commitment, they can be a lovely way to add privacy in a way that looks natural. Tree fences and layered lawns. A tree fence is similar to a hedge of bushes. Tree fences work well in larger yards, where you can layer with tall trees in back and bushes and shorter plants up front. Layering creates a more natural look and adds color and texture to your backyard. Similar to a hedge, tree fences can require a lot of upkeep and watering. Dense foliage can also provide a place for small animals to live, which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how disruptive they are to your home. Privacy fence. A privacy fence is the most surefire way to get privacy. Where trees and bushes may wither or die, your fence will stay strong. Wooden fences can be stained or painted to complement the color of your home and provide extra security as well as privacy. Contact Fence Central to talk about privacy fence options. We'll help you find one that will add beauty and value to your home while giving you the privacy you crave.

Greenery and flowers brighten up any fence, whether chain link, wood, vinyl, or aluminum. Chain link fences especially benefit from a little foliage, though, as it softens their industrial appearance while adding privacy. The links also act as an excellent foothold for climbing vines.There are several things you'll need to decide about your greenery. Do you want a vine that has flowers? Fragrance? Do you want a vine that changes with the seasons or stays green all year long? Evergreen vines hold their color, while deciduous vines will shed their leaves annually.Perennial vines such as wisteria, climbing hydrangea, ivy, and trumpet vines are vigorous growing plants that can get quite large and heavy at maturity. If your fence is older, consider reinforcing weak spots or investing in a new one before planting a perennial vine. Perennials bloom once or twice a year and will come back after the cold of winter has past.Annual vines (and some perennials called tender perennials) will grow, mature, and perish within one season, so you'll need to replace them every year. Many annuals produce beautiful flowers or eatables, though. Consider morning glory, moonflower, passion flower, pole beans, cucumber, tomatoes, lima beans, and sweet pea.If you're not sure whether you want to invest the time in vines and flowers, consider a vinyl coating for your chain link fence. Vinyl coatings come in a variety of colors to complement your home, including white, tan, brown, green, and black.

A fence adds value and functionality to your home. Choosing a fence that complements the style of your home also adds beauty. Here are some ideas for different styles of fences. If you don't see what you like here, give us a call. Fence Central in Haines City can custom build the fence of your dreams. Contemporary picket fences: Made of vinyl or wood, contemporary picket fences often have scallops, domes, lattice work, or ornate toppers for visual interest. Vinyl is especially long lasting, requires little maintenance, and comes in a variety of colors. Wood fences can be stained to match or complement the colors of your home. Lattice style fences work well with both traditional and modern homes and make small spaces appear larger because of the lightness and airiness of the latticework. Metal fences: Aluminum fences are perfect for homeowners that want to make a bold statement with their fence but don't want to stain, clean, or paint it. Iron fences were popular in centuries past, but their tendency to rust make them a less popular choice today. Aluminum fences offer a clear view of the scenery beyond the fence, making them perfect for keeping in pets or surrounding swimming pools for homes that don't want to block a back yard view. Horizontal plank wood fences: Most wood fences have vertical planks, but turn the planks so that they're positioned horizontally and you have a very modern look that complements the contemporary home. An added benefit is that horizontal plank wood fences offer the same amount of safety and privacy as their vertical counterparts.

There are many reasons homeowners choose to invest in a fence. Some homeowners want additional privacy or security, some want to contain pets or kids, others recognize the beauty and value that a fence adds to their home. Whatever the reason, it's important to take neighbors into consideration before erecting a fence. If you live in an area with a homeowner's association, you'll need to take their regulations into account too, but that's for a different blog post.Fence etiquette is essentially just being a good neighbor by following zoning regulations (a must-do) and warning your neighbor before starting on the fence installation (a nice-to-do).A professional fence installer will research the property line for you and ensure that the fence doesn't overstep your bounds. If you're planning on installing the fence by yourself, be sure you get the property lines right (consider hiring a surveyor), or your risk having to tear the fence down.As a courtesy, consider telling your neighbors about your plans to build a fence. Many neighbors will be perfectly fine with the notion, especially if you explain your reasons for wanting a fence (unless it's to keep them out of your yard!). Your neighbor may even be willing to split the cost of the shared fence with you if they're considering fencing in the rest of their property as well.

Furry friends are an important part of the family. Whether you have a dog, cat, or exotic pet, it's important to let them run and play in an outdoor space. It's equally important to set boundaries so that they remain safe while outdoors. A fence can help you to contain your pet while adding value and beauty to your property. Here are some tips for fences that are more suited to dogs and cats. If you have both dogs and cats or other types of animals in your care, contact Fence Central to discuss fencing options and the best fence for your particular situation. Fences best suited for dogs The most traditional and probably best solution for dogs big and small is a sturdy wooden fence. Wooden fences are tall enough to discourage jumping and solid to prevent Fido from constantly being antagonized by things going on outside of the yard. If your dog is prone to digging, wooden fences can also be installed with dig-proof underground footing.Chain link fences, both uncoated and coated, are typically used for dog runs, medium-sized penned areas that allow for exercise and visual access to the outside world. Fences best suited for cats If you have a cat that loves to prowl outside, consider a chain link fence with a cat conversion system. Chain link is fairly challenging for Kitty to climb on her own, but the conversion system makes it nearly impossible to scale. The conversion system attaches onto your chain link fence and contains a weight-triggered folding mechanism so that your cat doesn't get out of the yard wind up wandering the neighborhood alone.For cats disinclined to climb, a shorter ornamental fence may be enough to keep them inside the yard. Consider a vinyl fence, which require very little maintenance and will stay beautiful for many years to come.

Homeowner's insurance protects you against accidents and property damage to your home or land. There are several common ways to reduce your homeowner's insurance costs, including installing a home security system, bundling home and auto insurance, and raising your deductible. Installing a fence may also be a way to lower your homeowner's insurance costs. Talk to your insurance provider to be sure. Why would a fence lower my homeowner's insurance rates? A tall, sturdy fence reduces the likelihood of burglary.If you have a pool, hot tub, or trampoline, your insurance may increase without a fence. Fences lessen the chance that people will use your pool, hot tub, or trampoline without your consent and possibly get injured. This is a concern especially for children, who could accidentally fall into a pool and drown or use a trampoline without supervision and become seriously injured.If you're considering adding a fence around a pool, hot tub, or trampoline, be sure to check with your insurance company. They may have specifications that you must adhere to in order for the fence to qualify for a lower insurance rate. For example, your insurance company may specify that the fence: Is at least 4 feet high Features a self-closing childproof latch Touches the ground or has a gap of no more than 2 feet from the ground These are common fence specifications, but again, check with your insurance company to learn about any requirements they have.if you're considering a privacy or security fence, contact Fence Central for a free estimate. We have many attractive materials and styles to choose from or we can custom create the fence of your dreams.

Your fence is a part of your home. Why not include it in 4th of July festivities? There are decoration opportunities for any kind of fence, vinyl, wood, or aluminum. Here are some ideas from your friends at Fence Central. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and safe Independence Day! Picket fence bunting Pin red fabric to one side of the fence with thumb tacks, then weave it through the pickets to create a festive look in no time at all. Draped flag banner Drape red, white, and blue fabrics over the top of fence posts for a classic adornment to any vinyl or wood picket fence. Cups in a chain link fence A chain link fence is made more festive with the addition of plastic cups. This is a great activity for kids. Daisy chains Another kid-friendly activity, colorful paper daisy chains can easily be hung from or draped along fences for a festive look. If you've found other ways to decorate your fence for the holidays, we'd love to see! Contact the Fence Central team.