A well-installed fence protects your property, enhances curb appeal, and defines your outdoor spaces. However, homeowners often encounter challenges during fence installation, from improper planning to selecting the wrong materials. At Hercules GSA, our experienced team specializes in helping homeowners avoid costly mistakes and enjoy a durable, visually appealing fence for years to come. Here are some key mistakes to avoid when installing a fence.
Using the Wrong Materials
A big mistake is choosing the wrong type of wood for your area, or choosing a metal fence when vinyl would look better. Take time to consider the fencing material that you use; you will be looking at this fence for a long time! When building a fence, the materials you choose directly affect its longevity and sturdiness. While cheaper material might look good on the shelf, you are only going to cause trouble for yourself in the future by opting for cheap. Low-quality wood is prone to rot, and low-quality vinyl is prone to cracking. Always use fencing materials that are sturdy, high-quality, and will stand the tests of weather and time.
Not Checking Property Lines
It is extremely important that you don’t make any presumptions regarding your property lines. Review your plat before you begin installation, and if you don’t have a plat, get one! The plat should clearly show the land divisions, so you can be sure your fence is entirely on your property. This is important because if you find out later that your fence is on your neighbor’s property or public land, moving the fence will be extremely expensive and embarrassing. Plus, you will likely have to pay fines and legal fees.
Not Taking Measurements
Be sure to measure the area multiple times to avoid mistakes. Ordering the correct amount will ensure that you have enough materials to complete the fence, and you won’t have to worry about attempting to return surplus supplies, which is often not possible.
In addition, you will need to know the sizes of the sections you will need, so that you can modify sections beforehand if necessary. For example, if the sections are six feet long but you need to install a three-foot section, you must cut it down before installation.
Ignoring Slopes
Most yards have a slope, whether slight or significant. Even a small incline can have a profound impact on your fence’s installation. Account for the grade when purchasing and installing your fence, and be sure to adjust the panels as needed to create a neat, uniform final installation. You may wish to find a fence that can easily be racked, so that the pickets remain vertical, the top of the fence is even, and the bottom has an even gap that follows the slope of the land.
Contact Hercules GSA Today!
Whether you need a commercial or a high security fence, Hercules Fence GSA can do the job for you. We have been providing professional, quality service since 1955 and work to uphold our reputation everyday. We have locations across the Maryland and Washington Metropolitan areas and are ready to cater to your fencing needs. Give us a call at (410)-799-1555 or contact us online. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter,LinkedIn, and Pinterest for more updates!
