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A wood fence is a warm, welcoming addition to your home. Wooden fences complement any style and color of home and come in a wide variety of styles. With care, wood fences last for many years and can add considerable curb appeal to your home. Wood fences come with some maintenance needs, however. Owners of wood fences must consider stain/paint as well as insects that may want to make a home in the wood.Some insects can cause structural damage to a wood fence, shortening its lifespan and reducing the overall lovely appearance of the fence. Which insects should you keep an eye out for? Read on. Termites thrive in Florida's humid climate. They eat any and all types of wood, not distinguishing between older wood that supports your home or a brand new wood fence. Termites looks similar to carpenter ants with a few noticeable differences. Termites: May be brown or white Have long, straight wings of equal length Have straight antenna May have a pincer one one end Termite colonies may be underground or in the wood itself and can spread rapidly. Wood damaged by termites must be replaced right away to stop the spread and remove any termite eggs or larvae living in the wood. Carpenter ants, as their name suggests, like wood. They don't eat wood but nest inside of it, especially wood that is damaged or rotting. The tunnels they build further damage and threaten the structural integrity of any wood they live in. Carpenter ants: Look like ants but are much larger May be brown or black Have wings of unequal length Have bent, elbow-shaped antenna Similar to a termite infestation, wood that has been colonized by carpenter ants must be replaced to prevent further spread and damage. Wood-boring beetles drill into wood and lay their eggs. Once the young beetles hatch, they feed on the wood until they're old enough to fly away. Beetles especially like wood that hasn't been painted or pressure treated. A sure sign you've got wood-boring beetles is small piles of sawdust on or near your fence.If your fence is damaged beyond repair, it may be time to invest in an entirely new fence. If you're fed up with wood, consider a vinyl fence, which offers many of the same styles as wood fences but doesn't attract or support insects.

Summer is right around the corner! We're already feeling the summer heat here in Winter Haven, though. Perhaps you've already started using the pool.Check on the cleaning equipment to make sure they're in good shape for the season. Items you'll need include: Telescopic pole with skimmer head Pool brush Vacuum head and hose (if you use a vacuum) Water test kit or test strips Pool chemicals including shock, chlorine, chlorine stabilizer, and pH alkalinity While you're preparing the pool water and maintenance supplies, it's a good idea to inspect the tile, deck, and fence around the pool. Your pool's fence is a vital safety component and it's worth taking a close look at it to ensure it's stable.When inspecting your fence, visually walk and look over every part of the fence. Start with a fence gate and take a close look at the lock and hinges. Pool fences require a latch and lock to keep out children and animals who might accidentally fall into the water. After checking out the gate, walk the length of the fence visually scanning each board or pole looking for holes, cracks, dry rot, or mold/mildew. To be thorough, walk around both the inside and outside of the fence. An unsound fence may collapse and cause a larger, more expensive problem later on.If you do discover some area of your fence needing repair or feel like the fence needs to be replaced, contact Fence Central in Winter Haven. We service most all of the Central Florida area and can help you to have a safe, fun time in your pool this summer.

Before it gets too hot this summer, consider setting aside some time to perform some routine maintenance on your wood fence. Wood fences make a beautiful addition to nearly any property, whether they're stockade, board-on-board, shadowbox, ranch rail, or picket style. They do require a little love and attention periodically, though, and doing so can extend the life of your wood fence significantly.Fences have to endure a lot of weather of the course of the year: Rain, wind, freezing nights, and blazing hot afternoons. Staining your wood fence puts a layer between the wood and the elements, prolonging its life. The color, quality, and type of stain (oil or water-based) you choose as well as the fence's location will determine how often you need to re-stain. Most stain manufactures recommend a re-staining cycle of 5 years, but that's just an estimate. If you're noticing that you're fence is looking a bit under the weather, you may need to re-stain more frequently. If you choose a light colored stain for your fence, it may require redoing every 1-2 years. Similarly, if your fence faces east or west, it gets more direct sunlight and may need more looking-after.When choosing a new stain, look for one that includes fungicide and herbicide to provide an effective barrier between your fence and things that want to grow on it. If you notice fungus or mold growing on your fence, spray on a solution of 50% bleach and water so that it doesn't prevent your stain from adhering effectively.In addition to re-staining, take a good look at your fence from top to bottom, noting any loose boards or nails. If you feel like your fence is in need of replacing, contact us at Fence Central in Central Florida. We custom make all of our wood fences using premium pressure-treated rails, not the pre-built panels you find at the hardware store. The high-quality materials we use ensure that your fence will last for years and years to come.

If you've decided to stain your wooden fence, there are several factors to consider when choosing a stain. There are two main bases for stains, oil and water. One type of stain isn't inherently better than the other, it depends on the project and type of wood.There are several advantages for water-based stains: Dries quickly Richer color hue Non-flammable and no hazardous fumes Mildew and mold resistant On the other hand, oil-based stains are good if you want a deep stain. Advantages of oil-based stains include: Deeply penetrates wood More even finish Seals and protects wood from moisture and UV light Requires less long-term maintenance For fences that are going to be directly exposed to the elements, an oil-based stain provides the greatest protection against sunlight, wind, and rain. If your fence is made from wood that naturally repels rotting, such as cedar, you may consider a water-based stain.Fence Central wooden fences are custom-made from the highest-quality premium pressure-treated rails. Premium pressure treated wood lasts considerably longer than standard pressure treated wood and has fewer knots. For more information about our wooden fences, contact Fence Central. We serve most of Central Florida including Auburndale, Bartow, Clermont, Davenport, Haines City, Kissimmee, Lake Alfred, Lakeland, Lake Wales, Poinciana, Polk City, and Winter Haven.

Hurricanes are no joke. High winds, torrential rain, and flying debris can damage your home, vehicles, landscaping, and outdoor structures. As part of your hurricane season preparedness, it is important to make sure your fence is ready before a storm arrives. Proper hurricane preparedness for fences can help reduce the risk of damage and prevent loose fence materials from becoming dangerous debris during severe weather. A damaged fence can impact your property’s security, curb appeal, and overall safety after a hurricane. Before hurricane season begins, take time to inspect your fence and complete any needed repairs. Addressing small issues early can help prevent larger problems when strong winds and heavy rain move through Florida. more Inspect Your Fence Before Hurricane Season One of the most important steps in hurricane prep is carefully checking your entire fence for signs of weakness. Walk around your property and look for: Loose or damaged fence boards Weak or leaning fence posts Loose hardware, screws, or fasteners Damaged gates or hinges Loose lattice panels Areas where the fence may have shifted Wood fences are one of the most common fence types to experience storm damage because individual boards and sections can become weakened over time. Loose boards or panels can be pulled away by strong winds and potentially become flying debris. If your fence has lattice work, make sure those sections are secure as well. Loose lattice pieces can break away during storms and create additional risks for your property. Secure Your Fence Gates Before a Storm Fence gates require special attention during hurricane preparation. A gate that swings open during high winds can experience additional stress, leading to damage to the hinges, posts, or surrounding fence sections. Before a hurricane or tropical storm: Check that your gate closes securely Tighten loose hinges and hardware Repair damaged latches Consider securing the latch with a zip tie for additional stability during extreme weather Taking these simple steps can help prevent your gate from opening unexpectedly and becoming damaged during high winds. Remove Outdoor Items That Can Damage Your Fence Preparing your yard is another important part of hurricane season preparedness. Outdoor items can become dangerous projectiles during severe storms. Before a hurricane reaches your area, move items such as: Patio furniture Grills Lawn decorations Children’s toys Planters Yard equipment These items can be pushed into fences during strong winds, causing hurricane fence damage that may have been preventable. What Type of Fence Is Most Resistant to Hurricanes? No fence is completely hurricane-proof, but some fencing materials are designed to better withstand severe weather conditions. Generally, hurricane resistant fencing options include materials that offer strength, durability, and resistance to wind pressure. Vinyl fencing, aluminum fencing, and properly installed reinforced fencing systems may perform well during storms when compared with weaker or older fence structures. The installation method is also important. Strong posts, proper spacing, quality hardware, and secure foundations all play a role in how well a fence performs during extreme weather. The best fencing option for your property depends on factors such as your location, exposure to wind, local building requirements, and the type of protection you need. What Wind Speed Will Knock Down a Fence? There is no single wind speed that will knock down every fence. The condition, material, installation quality, age, and surrounding environment all affect how a fence responds to strong winds. A newer, properly installed fence may withstand stronger winds than an older fence with weakened posts or damaged boards. Areas with direct wind exposure may experience more severe hurricane fence damage than properties protected by landscaping or other structures. Regular inspections and maintenance before hurricane season can help identify weak areas before they become major problems. Will Homeowners Insurance Pay for Fence Damage After a Storm? Many homeowners insurance policies may provide coverage for fence damage caused by certain storms, including hurricanes, but coverage depends on the details of your policy, the cause of the damage, deductibles, and any exclusions. If your fence is damaged after a storm: Take photos of the damage Document what happened Avoid making major repairs before contacting your insurance company if possible Review your policy or speak with your insurance provider Keeping records can help you better understand your coverage and the next steps for repairs. Inspect Your Fence After a Hurricane Even if your fence appears to be standing after a storm, it is a good idea to inspect it carefully. Look for: Leaning sections Loose boards Damaged posts Broken gates Missing panels Areas where wind or debris caused impact damage Some storm damage may not be immediately visible but can weaken your fence over time. If your fence has been damaged by a hurricane or tropical storm, Fence Central can help evaluate the condition of your fence and discuss repair or replacement options. Prepare Your Fence Before the Next Storm Florida homeowners know that hurricane season requires preparation. Taking time for hurricane prep before severe weather arrives can help protect your property and reduce the risk of avoidable damage. From inspecting your current fence to choosing more durable hurricane resistant fencing, the right preparation can help your fence better handle Florida’s challenging weather conditions. Contact Fence Central today to learn more about fence installation, repair, and storm-ready fencing solutions for your Florida property.

It's halfway through May already! And we're well into spring cleaning, preparing for barbecue and outdoor gathering season. At Fence Central in Central Florida, we encourage people to include their fence in a spring cleaning routine by taking a close look at the fence to see what, if any, maintenance or cleaning needs to be done for the year.If you determine that your vinyl fence could use some spot cleaning, a garden hose and soft bristled brush may be all you need to get rid of a few grass stains or scuff marks. For a more thorough cleaning, consider using a pressure washer.How do you know if a vinyl fence needs pressure washing? Vinyl is a nonporous material, so discoloration on the fence won't be permanent, like it could be with a porous material like wood. If there's a lot of stuck-on debris, dead leaves, and/or algae, though, it could be troublesome to remove by hand. Pressure or power washing can help with that.You may be thinking, I thought pressure washing and power washing are the same thing! And, you're correct in that most people use them interchangeably.  There is a small difference, however. Pressure washing uses pressure + cool water, power washing is pressure + hot water. For most vinyl fence cleaning needs, a pressure washer will be sufficient.Set your pressure washer to 500-800 PSI to start with, gradually increasing pressure if needed to get the fence clean. Use a cleaning solution of 1 gallon water + 1 quart bleach + 1/3 cup powered laundry detergent + 2/3 cup powdered household cleaner.Stand 3-4 feet away from the fence, start at the bottom of the fence and work your way up. If the residue isn't budging, slowly walk closer to the fence to add pressure before adjusting the pressure settings on the machine. Clean for 15 minutes, then rinse off the fence with a garden hose to remove the remains of the cleaning solution.

We've been on a wooden fence roll lately, discussing different types of wooden fences and why Fence Central wooden fences are sturdier and longer-lasting than prebuilt fences you'll find at your local hardware store. If you're still reading, perhaps you've settled on the style of fence you want and are ready to prime and paint. Priming and painting your wooden fence can help to protect it against the elements and prolong its life. Priming seals the wood and will make painting easier.For most types of wood, including pine, an acrylic or latex primer will work well. If you have a red wood fence such as cedar or Douglas fir, you'll need an oil or alkyd-based primer. Without an oil or alkyd-based primer, red particles from the wood may bleed up through the primer and into the paint, muddying the final color of your paint.For any primer, check that it contains zinc oxide and mildewcide. Mildewcide will eradicate any mildew spores that are present in the wood and zinc oxide helps stop new mildew from taking hold. This is especially important in Florida as the warm, moist climate helps mildew flourish.Primer has other features that you may want to pay attention to, depending on your individual concerns and budget restrictions. Some primer have low or no volatile organic compounds (VOC), such as benzene and formaldehyde. Also, if you've already purchased your paint pay attention to which type of paint it is and match your primer to it. Some primers don't work well with high gloss paints, for example.

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.

Vinyl or PVC fences are a beautiful addition to any home. Compared to other types of fences, vinyl requires very little maintenance and can last for many, many years. If you choose a vinyl fence from Fence Central in Haines City, you can be confident that your vinyl fence will last not just years, but a lifetime. Fence Central vinyl fences are U.V. protected and come with a lifetime manufacturer's warranty against flaking, cracking, and peeling.Vinyl fences can become discolored with grass, scuff marks, and bird droppings. Regularly cleaning the vinyl will help your fence to look its best year-round.Start by washing off loose debris with a garden hose and soft-bristled brush. For stubborn areas, fill a bucket with warm water and a squirt of dish soap. Scrub areas with a soft-bristled brush. If that doesn't do it, consider a more harsh solution, like Simple Green, to aid stain removal. For stuck-on pieces of grime or paint, use a plastic tool with a flat edge. Avoid metal tools as they can dent or scratch the vinyl.Make cleaning your fence part of your spring cleaning routine to extended the life of your fence and keep it beautiful.For more information about vinyl fences, contact Fence Central.

Spring cleaning isn't a phenomenon reserved for inside the home. Take advantage of the extended sunlight and mild climate of spring to inspect and clean your fence as well!The harsh Florida sunshine and summertime thunderstorms can take a toll on fences. Performing a yearly inspection of your fence can help you to catch problem areas while they are small and can be easily repaired.Start by walking your fence line, paying close attention to where vertical pieces meet horizontal pieces. Look for signs of mold, mildew, or rot in wooden fences and rust in chain link fences. You may be able to make simple repairs yourself, while more extensive damage may require professional attention. Be especially careful and diligent when checking a fence following a major storm or hurricane, as aged fence posts may become unstable.Clean off any moss or vegetation growing on your fence. To clean a wooden fence, use a scrub brush or pressure washer and water. For stubborn mold or moss, try adding a half of a cup of vinegar for each gallon of water.If you find that your older fence is in need of replacing, contact Fence Central for a free quote. In addition to guaranteeing our workmanship for a full year after installing your new fence, all of our aluminum, chain link, and vinyl fences have additional product warrantees.