Make Payment
Request Repair

Tag: Fence installation Pinellas

Categories
Podcast

How to Handle Fence Damage From a Neighbor’s Tree

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

How to Handle Fence Damage From a Neighbor’s Tree

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. If you’ve spent any time living in Pinellas County or around Keystone, you know our majestic oak trees are a huge part of the local charm, but they can quickly become a headache when summer storms roll through. One of the most common and stressful situations a homeowner faces is waking up to find a massive limb from a neighbor’s tree has come crashing down right on top of their fence. It is a situation that brings up immediate concerns about property security, repair costs, and how to maintain a good relationship with the people living next door. Handling this incident correctly is vital because it ensures your home stays protected and helps you navigate the legal and insurance hurdles without unnecessary conflict.

Managing this kind of damage starts with immediate documentation before any cleanup begins. It is essential to take clear, high-resolution photos and videos of the damage from several different angles, making sure to capture the point where the tree originated and the specific way it impacted your fence. This evidence is the foundation for any insurance claim you might need to file and provides a clear record to show your neighbor. Once you have documented the scene, your next priority must be safety. You should carefully inspect the area for any downed power lines or limbs that are still hanging precariously. If you see any wires in contact with the tree or the fence, you must stay back and contact your local utility provider immediately, as attempting to handle these situations yourself is extremely dangerous.

After the area is confirmed to be safe, it is important to understand the typical legal and insurance framework here in Florida. In most cases, if a healthy tree falls due to a storm or high winds, it is legally classified as an “Act of God.” Under this classification, the responsibility for the damage usually falls on the owner of the property where the damage occurred, meaning you would likely be responsible for the repairs through your own homeowner’s insurance. However, the situation changes if there was clear evidence of negligence. If the tree was obviously dead, rotting, or diseased before the storm, and the neighbor failed to take action after being made aware of the hazard, they could be held liable for the repair costs.

Moving forward with the repair process requires a balanced approach to communication and professional expertise. You should reach out to your neighbor as soon as possible to discuss the situation in a calm and friendly manner. Often, a neighbor is willing to help with the cost of debris removal or may even offer to contribute to the fence repair to maintain the shared boundary. Once the debris is cleared away, you should contact a professional to assess the structural integrity of the entire fence line. A heavy impact can often warp the rails or loosen the underground post footings in sections that look okay at a glance. We can provide a comprehensive estimate that details exactly what is needed to restore your fence to its original strength, giving you the documentation you need for insurance or for finalizing an agreement with your neighbor. Taking these careful steps ensures your property is restored properly while keeping your neighborhood relations intact.

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

Seasonal Fence Maintenance Checklist for Winter in Pinellas, Florida

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Seasonal Fence Maintenance Checklist for Winter in Pinellas, Florida

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. While our neighbors up north are dealing with snow shovels and road salt, winter here in Pinellas and Keystone brings a different kind of change. We finally get a break from the sweltering humidity and daily tropical downpours. Many homeowners think they can forget about their fence until spring, but winter is actually the most important time for maintenance. The cooler, drier air provides a unique window of opportunity to protect your investment. Taking care of your fence now prevents minor summer wear from turning into permanent structural damage, ensuring your property stays secure and looking sharp all year long.

Because our Florida winters are dry, they are the ideal time to perform tasks that are difficult to manage during the humid summer months. Use this checklist to keep your perimeter in top shape:

Perform a Detailed Structural Inspection: Walk the entire length of your fence to look for issues that may have developed during the rainy season. Check for any posts that have shifted in the ground or boards that have warped due to the intense summer sun. Pay close attention to the areas where the posts meet the soil, as this is where moisture-related issues often start.

Maintain and Lubricate Hardware: The combination of salt air and winter moisture can cause metal components to stiffen or rust. Apply a silicone-based lubricant to all gate hinges, latches, and locks. This keeps your gates swinging smoothly and prevents the metal from grinding, which can lead to premature failure.

Manage Dormant Vegetation: Florida plants grow quickly in the summer and often go dormant or drop leaves in the winter. Trim back any bushes or vines that are touching your fence. When plants stay in contact with the fence material, they trap moisture against the surface. Clearing this space allows for proper airflow, which is essential for keeping the material dry and preventing rot or mold growth.

Clean and Clear the Base: Rake away dead leaves, mulch, or debris that has piled up at the bottom of the fence. Piles of organic matter hold water like a sponge right against your fence posts and lower rails. Removing this debris ensures that the base of your fence can dry out completely during our breezy winter days.

Apply Stain or Sealant: This is the most important winter task for wood fence owners. Because the humidity is low, the wood is at its driest state, allowing it to absorb protective stains and sealants more effectively. Applying these products now creates a robust barrier that will be ready to repel the heavy rains and high humidity when the seasons change again.

Check Soil Stability: After a season of heavy tropical rains, the soil around your posts might have settled or washed away. Check for any gaps or holes near the base of the posts and fill them with crushed stone or dirt to ensure the foundation remains solid.

By following these steps, you are making a smart move to extend the life of your fence. Winter maintenance is about taking advantage of the dry weather to reinforce your property’s boundaries. If you notice any significant damage during your inspection, like a rotting post or a failing gate, it is better to address it now while the weather is pleasant.

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

How to Handle Fence Damage From a Neighbor’s Tree

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. If you’ve spent any time living in Pinellas County or around Keystone, you know our majestic oak trees are a huge part of the local charm, but they can quickly become a headache when summer storms roll through. One of the most common and stressful situations a homeowner faces is waking up to find a massive limb from a neighbor’s tree has come crashing down right on top of their fence. It is a situation that brings up immediate concerns about property security, repair costs, and how to maintain a good relationship with the people living next door. Handling this incident correctly is vital because it ensures your home stays protected and helps you navigate the legal and insurance hurdles without unnecessary conflict.

Managing this kind of damage starts with immediate documentation before any cleanup begins. It is essential to take clear, high-resolution photos and videos of the damage from several different angles, making sure to capture the point where the tree originated and the specific way it impacted your fence. This evidence is the foundation for any insurance claim you might need to file and provides a clear record to show your neighbor. Once you have documented the scene, your next priority must be safety. You should carefully inspect the area for any downed power lines or limbs that are still hanging precariously. If you see any wires in contact with the tree or the fence, you must stay back and contact your local utility provider immediately, as attempting to handle these situations yourself is extremely dangerous.

After the area is confirmed to be safe, it is important to understand the typical legal and insurance framework here in Florida. In most cases, if a healthy tree falls due to a storm or high winds, it is legally classified as an “Act of God.” Under this classification, the responsibility for the damage usually falls on the owner of the property where the damage occurred, meaning you would likely be responsible for the repairs through your own homeowner’s insurance. However, the situation changes if there was clear evidence of negligence. If the tree was obviously dead, rotting, or diseased before the storm, and the neighbor failed to take action after being made aware of the hazard, they could be held liable for the repair costs.

Moving forward with the repair process requires a balanced approach to communication and professional expertise. You should reach out to your neighbor as soon as possible to discuss the situation in a calm and friendly manner. Often, a neighbor is willing to help with the cost of debris removal or may even offer to contribute to the fence repair to maintain the shared boundary. Once the debris is cleared away, you should contact a professional to assess the structural integrity of the entire fence line. A heavy impact can often warp the rails or loosen the underground post footings in sections that look okay at a glance. We can provide a comprehensive estimate that details exactly what is needed to restore your fence to its original strength, giving you the documentation you need for insurance or for finalizing an agreement with your neighbor. Taking these careful steps ensures your property is restored properly while keeping your neighborhood relations intact.

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 Fix a Leaning Fence Post (and When to Call a Pro)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

How to Fix a Leaning Fence Post (and When to Call a Pro)

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. It’s a common sight here in Pinellas: after a heavy rain or a particularly strong gust of wind, you step outside and notice one of your fence posts is giving you a little wave—it’s leaning. A leaning post isn’t just an eyesore; it compromises the security of your entire fence line and needs to be addressed quickly. While a pro is always the safest bet, there are a few simple ways you can diagnose the problem and determine if it’s a quick fix you can handle or if it’s time to call in the experts.

The first thing you need to do is figure out why the post is leaning. There are typically three culprits. One, the post itself is rotting at or below ground level, which is very common with wood in our humid Florida climate. Two, the concrete footing has failed because it wasn’t set deep enough, or the saturated soil has shifted it. Three, the lean is due to a temporary external force, like a large tree limb falling on it or prolonged pressure from a storm.

If you have a minor lean caused by the ground simply getting saturated and soft, and the post itself is solid, you might be able to temporarily stabilize it yourself. You can try digging around the post base on the side opposite the lean, pushing the post upright, and then backfilling the hole with gravel or dry concrete mix. The gravel will help drain water away from the post, and the dry mix will slowly cure with moisture from the soil, adding some stability. You can also use temporary wooden braces staked into the ground to hold the post perfectly plumb while you try to stabilize the footing.

However, if you spot any of these major red flags, it’s definitely time to call a professional.

The first red flag is post rot. If you push on the post and notice the wood feels spongy, soft, or crumbly near the ground, the internal structure is compromised. No amount of gravel or bracing will fix rot; the post has lost its strength and needs to be replaced immediately. Trying to brace a rotten post is only a temporary and often unsafe measure, especially with hurricane season always around the corner.

The second red flag is major concrete footing failure. If you notice a huge crack in the concrete footing, or if the entire footing—post and all—is rocking like a loose tooth, you’re looking at a major structural failure. Trying to break up and reset a massive concrete footing on your own is extremely labor-intensive, requires specialized tools, and poses a risk to the surrounding fence sections. A professional has the equipment to lift the section safely, remove the old concrete, and set a new, properly sized footing that adheres to local codes for depth and stability.

The third time you should call us is if multiple posts are leaning or if the lean is the result of widespread panel damage. If one post fails, it puts undue strain on the adjacent sections, often causing a domino effect. If the integrity of a large section of your fence has been compromised, it’s best to let a crew assess the structural chain of damage and ensure everything is repaired and reinforced correctly.

Fixing a small lean can be a quick DIY win, but remember that your fence’s stability is critical to your home’s security here in Florida. If the cause is rot or a failed footing, the repair requires professional knowledge and proper materials to ensure the fix lasts. Don’t take chances with your fence’s foundation!

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 Tell Who Owns a Fence Between Two Properties

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

How to Tell Who Owns a Fence Between Two Properties

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. Following up on our chat about building a fence on the property line, another super common question we get here in Pinellas is, “Who actually owns this fence between my house and my neighbor’s?” Determining ownership is often the first, and most delicate, step before you can talk about repairs, replacement, or maintenance. Knowing who owns it clarifies who has the final say and who is responsible for the costs.

The most common, but not always definitive, indicator is the “good side/bad side” rule. For many fence styles, like wood privacy fences, there is a distinct “finished” side with the smooth planks, and a “structural” side where the posts and horizontal rails are visible. Traditionally, the neighbor who installed the fence places the structural side, or the “bad side,” facing their own yard, giving the more attractive, “good side” to the neighbor. In this scenario, the fence is generally considered to be owned by the person who has the “bad side,” meaning it was built entirely on their property, facing outward. While this is a helpful clue, it’s not always legally binding proof, as some people simply choose the structural side for their own yard for aesthetic reasons.

The only way to definitively prove who owns the fence is to look at the property survey. This is the document that legally defines the boundaries of your property. If the entire fence, including the posts and the foundation, sits entirely on your side of the property line, then you own it and have the final say on maintenance and replacement. If the fence sits entirely on your neighbor’s side of the line, then they own it. The same rule applies if the fence was installed slightly inside the line, which, as we discussed, is a common practice to avoid disputes. If you don’t have a recent survey, getting one done is the most reliable way to settle any ownership questions.

Sometimes, the fence is a “boundary fence,” meaning it was built precisely on the property line for mutual benefit. In this case, the fence is generally considered to be jointly owned by both property owners. This typically happens when neighbors have agreed to share the costs of installation and maintenance. If your home is part of a Homeowners Association, or if you purchased the home recently, check your deed or any records the previous owners may have passed along. Sometimes, written agreements about the boundary fence were recorded with the property, which dictates shared ownership and responsibility.

If the ownership isn’t clear from the “good side/bad side” rule and you don’t have a survey, the best approach is to communicate respectfully with your neighbor. Instead of asking “Who owns this?”, you might ask, “I see the fence needs some work, and I’d like to talk about how we can share the cost of the repair.” You may discover that a previous owner paid for the fence and you can establish a new, joint agreement for moving forward. If you and your neighbor are both unsure of the boundary, agreeing to split the cost of a survey is usually the wisest investment before spending money on construction.

Ultimately, whether you own the fence or not, the decision to maintain a good relationship with your neighbor often outweighs the desire to assert full ownership. A little cooperation goes a long way toward ensuring both properties stay secure and look great.

 

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

Can I Install a Fence on My Property Line?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Can I Install a Fence on My Property Line?

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. This is a question that comes up on nearly every single residential fence installation we do here in Pinellas. Homeowners want to maximize their space and logically ask, “Can I put the fence right on the property line?” The short answer is yes, you can, but doing so requires a few crucial steps and a commitment to communication to make sure your project goes smoothly and legally.

The first, and most important, step before installing any fence near a boundary is to know exactly where your property line is. I cannot stress this enough. If you install a fence even six inches over the line onto your neighbor’s property, that fence is considered an encroachment, and they have the legal right to demand you remove it. You need more than just old markings or where you think the line is. The only way to definitively know the boundary is by obtaining a current property survey from a licensed surveyor. This is a necessary expense that prevents far more expensive legal battles and headaches down the road. Once the survey is complete, the corners of your property should be clearly marked, giving us a precise line to work with.

The second, and equally important, consideration when installing a fence right on the property line is neighbor communication and agreement. If the fence is built exactly on the boundary, it technically becomes a “common fence” or “boundary fence.” Even though Florida law doesn’t automatically require your neighbor to contribute to the cost, if you plan to share the cost of installation or maintenance, you absolutely must have a clear, written agreement. Even if you pay for the entire fence yourself, letting your neighbor know your intentions, showing them the survey, and getting their verbal (and ideally written) confirmation will prevent disputes. You want that relationship to remain friendly, and a fence is a permanent structure that affects both of you.

Now, while installing a fence directly on the line is legally possible, many homeowners choose to take a practical approach and install the fence a small, defined distance inside their own property line. We often recommend setting the fence six inches to a foot inside your boundary. This slight offset completely eliminates any dispute over encroachment, ensures the fence is entirely your property, and gives you full control over its maintenance and repair. If you choose this route, you are solely responsible for the fence, and you can generally choose the style, height, and material you want, provided you follow local setback rules and permitting requirements.

Finally, remember that local regulations still apply. Even if you build the fence entirely on your own property, you still need to obtain the necessary permits from Pinellas County or your specific municipality. Local codes dictate things like the maximum height allowed in front, side, and rear yards, and they often have setback rules that require the fence to be a certain distance from the street or sidewalk. We handle all of this permitting and compliance, but it’s a critical part of the process, whether the fence is on the line or a foot inside it.

The best way to start your project is always with an accurate survey and a friendly conversation with your neighbor. Get those two things sorted out, and we can install a perfect, secure fence that lasts for years.

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 Much Does Professional Fence Installation Cost In Florida?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

How Much Does Professional Fence Installation Cost?

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. We’ve talked a lot about choosing the right fence material, from wood to vinyl to aluminum, but let’s tackle the inevitable follow-up question: “Okay, D.J., now that I know what I want, how much does professional installation actually cost?” It’s a completely fair question, and while I can’t give you a universal price tag right here, I can tell you exactly what you’re paying for when you choose a professional service like ours.

The initial and most obvious factor driving the price is the cost of the materials. As we’ve discussed, this is usually the single biggest variable. Wood fencing typically provides the lowest initial material cost, while vinyl and aluminum are higher upfront because they are engineered for extreme durability and low maintenance. When you choose a professional, you benefit from our contractor-level sourcing, ensuring you get high-quality, reliable materials that are suited for the Florida climate, not just the cheapest stuff on the shelf.

Beyond the raw materials, you are paying for expert labor and craftsmanship. A professional installation includes much more than just nailing boards together. Our crew ensures the fence is square, the pickets are spaced perfectly, and the gates are hung and latched flawlessly. Crucially, we ensure the fence posts are set deep enough with the proper amount of concrete to withstand the strong winds we experience here in Pinellas. A DIY job or a rushed installation often skimps on post-setting, which is the number one cause of fence failure down the road. We build fences to last for their full lifespan, and that expertise is a major part of the cost.

Another significant component of the price involves the site conditions and preparation. Is your yard perfectly flat and easy to access, or does it have a slope, dense vegetation, or rocky terrain? If we have to remove an old fence, that demolition and hauling fee gets factored in. If there are complex corners or existing landscaping features we have to work around, that increases the time and complexity of the labor. Professionals also handle the mandatory utility locates before digging, which is a non-negotiable step for safety and is included in your estimate.

You also need to account for permitting and compliance. Here in Pinellas and surrounding areas, a fence permit is almost always required. A professional contractor handles the entire permitting process, ensuring the final design and installation strictly adhere to all local codes regarding height, setback, and material use. This saves you the headache of dealing with the building department and avoids the risk of fines or being forced to tear down and rebuild a non-compliant fence. This crucial compliance work is built into your professional quote.

Ultimately, the cost of a professional fence installation is an investment in longevity and peace of mind. You are buying the guarantee that your fence will be built right the first time, using the best techniques to withstand Florida’s elements. This reduces your risk of damage during a storm and minimizes your maintenance and repair costs over the next two decades.

If you’re ready for an accurate quote, the best step is to call us for a free, on-site consultation. We’ll measure your yard, discuss your material needs, assess the site conditions, and provide you with a transparent, all-inclusive price.

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

Holiday Decorating Ideas for Your Fence

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Holiday Decorating Ideas for Your Fence

Hi everyone! D.J. Marcussen here, owner of Fence Company Near Me. As the year winds down, one of the most fun parts of being a homeowner here in Pinellas is getting ready for the holidays. While most people focus on their roofline, front doors, and windows, I want to talk about a surface you might be overlooking: your fence! Your fence runs right along the edge of your property, making it a massive canvas for holiday cheer that instantly boosts your curb appeal and makes your home look festive. Let’s look at some simple, smart, and safe ways to turn your fence into a holiday masterpiece.

The number one way to decorate a fence for the holidays is with lighting. String lights are a simple, classic choice that works on any fence type—wood, vinyl, or aluminum. When using them, focus on following the clean lines of your fence: drape them along the top rail or string them horizontally across the length of the fence panels. For a truly magical look, consider using net lights, which are designed to cover large, flat areas quickly and uniformly. You can easily spread net lights over a solid vinyl or wood fence to create a shimmering background. Just remember to use outdoor-rated lights and keep the cords tucked away neatly to avoid tripping hazards.

Next up, we love garlands and wreaths. Fences are perfect for natural-looking greenery. Wrap a thick, pre-lit evergreen garland along the top rail of your fence. The greenery provides texture and color during the day, and the embedded lights shine brightly at night. You can also hang individual wreaths on every few fence posts or on the center of each large panel. Use weather-resistant zip ties or soft wire to secure the wreaths and garlands, making sure not to puncture or damage your fence material. For vinyl and aluminum fences, use adhesive hooks that are rated for outdoor use and clean the surface first for a secure hold.

For a more whimsical or fun look, try adding oversized fence accents. Depending on the holiday, this could include large, colorful outdoor bows tied to fence posts, or maybe oversized wooden cutouts painted to look like ornaments, snowmen, or candy canes. These elements are great for full privacy fences as they add height and dimension. If you have an aluminum or picket fence, you can thread large, colorful outdoor ribbons through the vertical pickets for a candy-stripe effect that’s simple yet festive.

If you have an ornamental aluminum or picket fence, you can create a beautiful effect by spotlighting. Place landscape spotlights or floodlights at the base of your fence, pointing upward. If your fence is decorated with garlands or bows, the light will cast shadows and highlight the decorations, creating a dramatic, professional holiday look. This is a great, low-maintenance solution for a sophisticated holiday display.

No matter what you choose, keep safety and material protection in mind. Avoid using nails or staples on your fence, especially wood, as this creates entry points for moisture and rot. Always use plastic clips, zip ties, or soft wire to attach decorations. Finally, ensure all electrical connections are kept high off the ground, tucked into waterproof boxes, and plugged into GFI-protected outdoor outlets, which is a must here in Florida with our sudden rain showers.

Your fence is an integral part of your home’s curb appeal. Take advantage of its size and visibility this holiday season to share some cheer with the neighborhood!

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

Seasonal Fence Maintenance Checklist for Fall in Pinellas, Florida

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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!

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!

Call Us Now Tap Here