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Seasonal Fence Maintenance Checklist for Fall in Pinellas, Florida

Seasonal Fence Maintenance Checklist for Fall in Pinellas, Florida

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. It’s that time of year when the intense heat of the Pinellas summer starts to ease up, and we get into those beautiful, slightly cooler Florida fall days. For homeowners, fall is the perfect time to switch gears from storm prep to routine maintenance. After battling the high humidity, heavy rains, and relentless sun all summer, your fence needs a little TLC to ensure it stays strong through the upcoming “cooler” months and is ready for the next storm season. So, grab your gloves, and let’s go over your essential Fall Fence Maintenance Checklist.

The first item on your list should be a thorough post-summer inspection. Walk the entire perimeter of your fence line and look closely for signs of wear caused by summer storms. Check for loose boards, wobbly posts, or split rails. Pay special attention to your fence gates. Are the hinges tight? Does the latch catch securely? High winds can strain connections, and sun can warp materials, causing things to shift. Tightening a few screws now can prevent a major gate failure later. For wooden fences, tap the base of your posts to check for any soft spots that might indicate developing rot, which is accelerated by summer humidity.

Next, you need to tackle cleaning and moisture control. The summer humidity here in Florida is a perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. If you notice any green, black, or fuzzy growth on your fence, fall is the best time to clean it off. Use a mild bleach solution or a dedicated fence cleaner with a soft brush and rinse well. This prevents the mold from eating into the material, especially wood. If you have a wood fence, and it’s been a few years since your last treatment, fall is an excellent time to reseal or restain it. Applying a high-quality sealant now will help the wood repel the increased moisture from any winter rains and protect it from the low-angle, intense sunlight we get during the winter months.

It’s also crucial to focus on clearing the fence line. Our abundant Florida vegetation grows fast during the summer. Trim back any shrubs, bushes, or vines that have crept up against the fence panels. Remember, plants trap moisture and block airflow. That keeps your fence damp and encourages rot and pests. By clearing the fence line, you ensure the fence can dry completely after rain, which significantly increases its lifespan. While you’re at it, check the ground. If you have leaves or yard debris piled up against the fence base, rake them away. Decaying organic matter holds moisture and can speed up ground-level damage.

Finally, deal with any issues related to ground stability. After a summer of heavy rains, the soil around your posts may have settled or shifted. If you notice small holes or gaps where the soil has sunken around a post, backfill those areas with soil or gravel to stabilize the post footing. Ensuring your posts are firmly anchored is your best defense against the next round of strong winds we’ll inevitably face. Also, if you have any low spots in your yard that tend to pool water near the fence, fall is a great time to implement a small drainage solution to protect the base of the fence from constant moisture exposure.

Taking an hour or two this fall to perform these maintenance tasks will pay huge dividends, protecting your fence from Florida’s challenges and ensuring it remains a beautiful, functional barrier for your Pinellas home.

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

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How Much Does a New Fence Cost? (And Why)

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. It’s the million-dollar question (or at least, the few-thousand-dollar question) that’s on everyone’s mind when they call us here in Pinellas and that’s: “How much is a new fence going to cost me?” It’s a completely fair question, but answering it isn’t as simple as giving a single price per foot. The truth is,the cost of a new fence depends on several key factors, andunderstanding why these factors matter will help you budget accurately and make the best decision for your property.

The single largest factor in the cost of a new fence is the material you choose.

• Wood Fencing: Generally, wood is the most affordable option for initial installation. A pressure-treated pine fence offers a great blend of price and functionality. However, remember this cost is just the beginning. You need to factor in the long-term cost of sealants, stains, and potential repairs due to rot or pests here in Florida.

• Aluminum Fencing: Aluminum typically comes in the highest but that there are many factors. A few are based on height, color and if you’re looking at a residential or commercial application. It costs more than wood upfront but is a fantastic value because it’s virtually maintenance-free, rust-free, and incredibly durable. The cost can vary based on the grade of aluminum and any decorative elements you choose.

• Vinyl Fencing: Vinyl often falls in the middle for pricing per linear foot. You’re buying decades of durability and almost zero maintenance. When you look at the total cost of ownership over 20 years, vinyl is the most cost-effective solution because you eliminate the time and money spent on ongoing upkeep.

Beyond the material, the style, height, and complexity of the design play a huge role. A simple four-foot-tall, three-rail aluminum fence costs significantly less than an eight-foot-tall, solid board privacy fence. Why? The taller the fence, the more material is required per linear foot, and the deeper and more complex the post footings need to be to handle the increased wind load here in Florida. Custom features, such as decorative post caps, lattice tops, custom color matching, or specific staining, will also increase the material and labor costs.

The third major component of the price is labor and site conditions. Our experienced crews ensure a long-lasting, code-compliant installation, and that expertise is built into the cost. Labor costs can increase based on your yard’s complexity. For example, installing a fence on a steep slope, through dense roots, or in a tight, difficult-to-access area takes more time and specialized effort than installing a fence on a flat, open lawn. The number and type of gates you need also impact the price, as gates require extra materials, hardware, and precise labor to ensure they operate correctly and latch securely.

Finally, you have to include permits and preparation. As we’ve discussed before, here in Pinellas and surrounding counties, permits are mandatory for most fence installations. While we handle the legwork, the fees for these permits are factored into your total project cost. We also include the cost of utility locating services, which is non-negotiable for safety.

Ultimately, getting an accurate cost for your new fence starts with a free, on-site quote. We can assess your specific yard conditions, measure accurately, discuss your needs for privacy and style, and give you a detailed, all-inclusive quote. This ensures there are no surprises and that you get the most value and longevity out of your investment.

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

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