Make Payment
Request Repair

Month: October 2025

Categories
Podcast

The Right Way to Pressure Wash Your Fence

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. If you live in Pinellas or anywhere else in Florida, you know that mold, mildew, and general grime are just a fact of life. Our humid climate loves to cling to anything outdoors, and your fence is no exception. Pressure washing is a fantastic way to quickly and dramatically restore your fence’s appearance, making it look brand new again. But here’s the thing: while it looks easy, using a pressure washer incorrectly is one of the fastest ways to cause serious, costly damage to your fence. Let’s talk about the right way to do it and avoid those common pitfalls.

Before you even turn on the machine, proper preparation is essential. First, walk the fence line and inspect it for any loose pickets, cracked panels, or wobbly posts. A high-pressure blast will absolutely tear apart any section that is already weak or unstable, so those small repairs need to be made before you start cleaning. Also, clear the area completely of plants, furniture, and anything else that could be damaged by water or cleaning solutions.

The most critical step is choosing the right pressure and nozzle. This is where most homeowners make a mistake. You are aiming to clean the fence, not strip the paint or carve into the wood. For wood fences, you should always use a wide-angle nozzle, like a 25-degree or 40-degree tip, and keep the pressure below 1,500 PSI, ideally around 1,000 to 1,200 PSI. On softer woods, even less is better. Too much pressure will permanently damage the wood fibers, leaving visible, ugly etching marks that can accelerate rot. For durable vinyl fences, you can generally use slightly higher pressure, but a wide tip is still necessary to prevent blasting apart seams or forcing water where it shouldn’t go. Aluminum fences usually only need a gentle rinse, as high pressure can bend the thin pickets.

Next, focus on the cleaning solution. For killing that Florida mold and mildew, water alone often isn’t enough. A simple solution of water and a mild detergent or an appropriate deck and fence cleaning product works wonders. You should apply the cleaning solution first, allowing it to sit on the surface for about 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the solution time to break down the grime and mold spores so the water pressure can easily rinse it away. Remember, the solution does the heavy lifting, not the pressure.

When you actually start washing, technique matters. Always hold the wand at a consistent distance from the fence, typically one to two feet away, and always spray at a slight angle, following the grain of the wood if you have a wood fence. Use long, sweeping, overlapping motions, starting from the top and working your way down. Never point the nozzle straight at the fence or linger in one spot, as this is guaranteed to cause damage. Be extra cautious around fasteners and seams.

Finally, after washing, focus on post-cleaning care. Allow the fence to completely dry for 48 hours. For wooden fences, this is the perfect time to apply a fresh coat of high-quality sealant or stain. Since you’ve just stripped away the old protective layer, applying a new one is essential to protect the freshly cleaned wood from our harsh Florida weather and prevent that mold and mildew from returning too quickly.

Pressure washing is a powerful tool, but like any power tool, it requires respect and the right knowledge. If you’re ever unsure about the right pressure or technique for your specific fence material, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Fence Company Near Me. We’re happy to help you keep your fence looking its absolute best.

Until next time, this is D.J. Marcussen, your friendly fence guy, reminding you that a solid fence leads to solid peace of mind!

Categories
Podcast

How Long Does Fence Installation Take?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. One of the first things a homeowner asks me when they decide to get a new fence in Pinellas is, “How long will the whole process take?” It’s a great question, because nobody wants construction dragging on forever, but the honest answer is that the time required involves more than just the days our crew is physically working in your yard. The total timeline has three main stages: preparation, installation, and cure time, and several factors can influence each one.

The first phase, the pre-installation and permitting stage, often takes the longest, but it’s crucial for a smooth process. Before we dig a single hole, we have to finalize the contract, order the specific materials, and, most importantly, secure the necessary local permits. Here in Pinellas and surrounding counties, permitting can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the volume and the complexity of your project. We also need to coordinate utility locates to make sure we don’t hit any underground lines, which is non-negotiable for safety. We handle all of this for you, but it’s time that needs to be factored into your project timeline.

Once all the permits are secured and materials are delivered, we move to the on-site installation. This phase usually takes the shortest amount of actual calendar time, but it’s not always continuous. The first day is usually dedicated to clearing the fence line, marking the layout, and digging and setting the posts. This involves placing the posts exactly where they need to go and pouring concrete into the post holes. For a standard residential yard, this can often be completed in one day, maybe two for a very large property.

Next comes the unavoidable cure time. This is the pause in the action where the crew might not be on-site, but it’s the most critical step for the fence’s long-term stability. The concrete around those freshly set posts needs adequate time to cure and gain strength before we can attach the heavy panels or rails. Rushing this step is a recipe for a wobbly, failing fence down the road. Depending on the weather and the concrete mix used, this can take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. We never skip this step because we prioritize building a solid, long-lasting fence.

After the concrete is fully cured, the crew returns for the final assembly and finishing. This is when the transformation really happens! We install the horizontal rails, attach the fence panels, pickets, or chain-link mesh, and hang the gates. For most standard jobs, this assembly process takes one to two full days. Once the fence is fully assembled, we conduct a final walk-through with you, ensure the gates latch perfectly, and complete a thorough cleanup of the work area.

It’s important to remember that project variables can influence the timeline. The material matters—a simple chain-link fence often installs faster than a complex custom wood or shadowbox vinyl fence. Terrain also plays a role; a yard on a steep slope or one with rocky ground will naturally take longer than a flat, easily accessible yard. And finally, here in Florida, weather is always a factor. Heavy rain can delay digging, post-setting, or concrete curing, meaning we might have to adjust the schedule to ensure a quality installation.

While every project is unique, for a typical 200-foot residential fence, you should generally plan for the entire process—from initial site prep to final walk-through—to take between three and seven working days of actual crew time, following a two-to-four-week permitting and preparation period. We focus on efficiency without ever sacrificing the structural integrity of your fence.

Until next time, this is D.J. Marcussen, your friendly fence guy, reminding you that a solid fence leads to solid peace of mind!

Categories
Podcast

Who Pays for the Fence Between Two Properties in Florida?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. It’s a classic question that comes up all the time here in Pinellas and across Florida: when a fence sits right on the property line, or when one side of a shared fence needs repair, who actually pays for it? This topic often has less to do with a clear-cut law and more to do with communication, courtesy, and the concept of “common benefit.” Understanding the basics can help you avoid awkward disputes and keep those neighborly relations friendly.

First, let’s clear up a common misconception. In Florida, there is generally no single state law that automatically forces a property owner to pay half the cost of a fence simply because it sits on the property line. Unlike some other states that have specific “right-to-fence” laws, Florida usually leaves the responsibility up to the individual property owners and their agreements. The core issue is whether the fence provides a “mutual benefit” to both properties.

If the fence is old and needs to be replaced, or if one neighbor wants to install a brand-new fence right on the boundary line, the first step should always be open communication. The best-case scenario is that you and your neighbor agree that the fence is needed for mutual benefit, perhaps for security, pet containment, or privacy. In that situation, it’s common practice for neighbors to equally split the cost of the fence installation, including materials and labor. If one neighbor wants a more expensive material or a feature like a special gate, they typically pay the difference in cost. Getting this agreement in writing, signed by both parties, is always the smartest move to prevent misunderstandings later.

Now, what if one neighbor doesn’t want the fence, or doesn’t agree with the type of fence being proposed? If the fence is entirely on one person’s property, that person generally bears the full cost and is free to build it as they wish, provided they follow all local height and setback regulations. However, if the fence is truly on the boundary line and one neighbor refuses to contribute, the neighbor initiating the project usually pays the entire cost. If the fence is later damaged and needs repair, and the non-paying neighbor then receives a benefit from the repair, that could open the door for cost-sharing, but again, good faith and communication are key. You cannot unilaterally decide on a fence and then send your neighbor a bill without a prior agreement.

It’s also important to check for any Homeowners Association or local ordinance rules. Many HOAs have very specific rules regarding boundary fences, including materials, height, and even shared maintenance responsibilities, and these rules often supersede general county guidelines. Your local city or county building department will also have the final say on where the fence can be placed and the necessary permits. This is where a professional fence contractor can be extremely helpful, as we can identify the property line and ensure the fence is installed legally, which helps prevent future disputes.

Ultimately, installing a boundary fence should be a joint project whenever possible. A cooperative approach maintains positive neighbor relations, and a clear, written agreement about cost-sharing for the installation and future maintenance is the most solid boundary of all. Avoid installing a fence that is clearly intended to harass your neighbor, as Florida does have laws regarding nuisances that could require modification or removal. If you are starting a fence project and want to explore cost-sharing options with your neighbor, we are always happy to provide separate, detailed estimates to facilitate that conversation.

Until next time, this is D.J. Marcussen, your friendly fence guy, reminding you that a solid fence leads to solid peace of mind!

Categories
Podcast

How to Make Your Fence in Florida Last Longer

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. It’s a simple fact: a fence is a significant investment in your personal property. You want it to look great and stand strong for years to come, especially here in Florida where the environment is constantly testing its limits. We have intense sun, high humidity, heavy rain, and active pests—all working against your perimeter. Making your fence last longer isn’t just luck; it comes down to smart choices and consistent, preventative action. So, let’s talk about the best strategies for maximizing the lifespan of your fence.

The first step to longevity starts before installation with smart material choice. If you choose wood, make sure it is pressure-treated or a naturally resistant type like cedar, as this is your primary defense against rot and termites in our humid climate. If low maintenance and extreme durability are your goals, opt for vinyl or aluminum. These materials are engineered to resist the very things that break down wood: moisture, pests, and sun exposure. They require less work over time, meaning they retain their value and appearance longer with minimal fuss. Choosing the right material for your needs and our climate is the single biggest factor in long-term success.

Next up is consistent maintenance and protection. For wooden fences, this means embracing the sealant. A high-quality exterior stain or sealant must be reapplied every two to three years, depending on the product and sun exposure. This protective layer is what prevents UV rays from breaking down the wood and, critically, stops moisture from soaking in, which is the root cause of rot and mildew. For vinyl and aluminum fences, “maintenance” mostly means cleaning. A simple wash with a hose and mild soap once or twice a year will prevent mold and mildew from settling in, keeping the surface looking pristine and preventing minor discoloration.

You must also be vigilant about preventing water and moisture damage. This is an absolute must in Florida. Ensure the ground around your fence slopes away from the base to prevent standing water from saturating the soil and the bottom of the posts. Check your gutters and downspouts to make sure they aren’t dumping water directly onto your fence line. For wooden fences, keeping vegetation trimmed back is crucial, as leaves and branches trap moisture and block the necessary airflow and sunlight needed to dry out the wood after a rain shower. A dry fence is a happy fence.

Don’t ignore the importance of addressing small repairs immediately. This is perhaps the easiest way to add years to your fence’s life. A loose board today can turn into a whole collapsed section during the next strong thunderstorm. Regularly walk your fence line and inspect it for loose hardware, wobbly posts, or sagging gates. Tightening a few screws or resetting a wobbly post right away prevents the problem from escalating and stressing other parts of the fence structure. Paying attention to those minor repairs keeps your fence structurally sound, especially when strong winds come knocking.

Finally, think about protecting against external forces. This includes keeping heavy items, like garden equipment or landscaping materials, away from the fence to prevent accidental damage. During hurricane season, take the time to clear all potential debris from the area and inspect your fence for any pre-existing weaknesses that could fail in high winds. A little preventative reinforcement before a major storm can save you the cost of replacing the entire thing afterwards.

Making your fence last longer is all about being proactive and using materials suited to our climate. A small amount of attention and the right protection will ensure your fence remains a solid, beautiful asset to your home for decades. If you have any questions about preventative maintenance or repairs for your fence here in Clearwater, Odessa or Spring Hill, just give us a call at Fence Company Near Me.

Until next time, this is D.J. Marcussen, your friendly fence guy, reminding you that a solid fence leads to solid peace of mind!

Call Us Now Tap Here