Tips For Kicking Off Your Spring Installation

Custom Square Lattice Trellis Fence With Overhead Pergola Built By Elyria Fence

Should I be concerned with the species of wood used when it comes to choosing my fence materials?

 An excellent wood to use for the design portion of your wood fence is Northern White Cedar, which grows in the swamps of Upper Michigan.  This wood has its own natural inhibitors to rot and decay; more importantly, it is a very stable wood for wood fencing.  White Cedar usually shrinks less than one percent and rarely warps, twists, or cups – unlike treated wood generally made from Yellow Pine, and famous for all three unwanted characteristics.

Just as a wooden ship is constructed with a variety of wood species for a purpose, your wooden fence can also benefit from using a variety of species.  Typical Ohio soil contains much clay, and does not drain well.  Combine this problem with the correct construction method of setting posts in a concrete footer, and you have the dilemma of trapped moisture in and around the post.  Treated wood fence posts, preferably made of #1 Red Pine, should be the material of choice when setting posts.

I’d like my fence in quickly; when is a good time to call a fence contractor?

Call early in the season!  Especially if a backyard pool is in your plans.  You’re required by law to have a fence if you have a pool.  You cannot open your pool for the season without a fence in place. Waiting until the week of your big mid-summer backyard party to call a fence company is usually a recipe for frustration and disappointment.

A reputable fence company is bound to be in demand, therefore don’t be surprised if they have a backlog.  You should expect a reputable fence company to run 2-3 months behind on installations at the height of their season. It would be unwise to sacrifice quality and satisfaction for a stopwatch.  Despite the chilly spring temperatures – it’s not too early to begin the planning phase of your fence installation. Remember: less lead-time will be required in early spring as well as in the fall and winter months.  A quality fence company will be available all year long for installation as well as for solving fence problems.  By the beginning of April, most quality Cleveland fence companies are scheduling estimates two weeks out.  If the fence company you’ve called to schedule with is not busy – there is probably a reason.

Do I need a survey done on my property?

In many instances your property lines can be determined by locating property pins still in-ground, curb markers, or by other means.  If this is the case you may choose not to have a survey done.  However, as you the property owner are responsible for construction done on your behalf, you may feel that your markers are not reliable enough to stake your neighbor relations on.  If this is the case, your fence company may be able to arrange a survey to be done before the installation of your fence.  Make sure to have your experienced fence sales representative take a look at your property before making this decision.  He should be able to determine your need for a survey.

What kind of maintenance will my wood fence need? Should I use treated or untreated boards?

Wood siding or shingles are usually protected from the weather by stains or paint.  Wood fences are no different, even Northern White Cedar that has cells that absorb very little water or moisture.  Fences in the Cleveland area see a lot of bad weather year after year. The unrelenting soaking, freezing, and drying cycles of the environment play havoc on all species of wood. 

Treated wood is not better than Northern White Cedar at withstanding the rigors of Cleveland, Ohio weather.  It does not work as well because the species selected for treatment are chosen specifically for the ability to soak up moisture.  This enables the wood to soak up the treatment.

We recommend using a good water-repelling stain or clear seal. Feel free to refer to our other post regarding stains and maintenance by clicking here. Remember that the cost of a water-repellent product is directly proportional to the durability of the product; in other words, you get what you pay for. Do not paint your fence! The paint will trap moisture against your boards, and will rot the fence rapidly. The above mentioned stain lines all offer solid stain colors. So if you’re dreaming of a white picket fence – don’t worry!  There is a solid white stain, and you will not be able to visibly see the difference between a solid white stain and a white paint. You will feel the difference when your white cedar board lasts for 30 years versus rotting them quickly with paint. So stain – do not paint!

What is the advantage of having my fence custom-built as opposed to purchasing panels?

Prefabricated fence panels will eliminate any personal style that the consumer has.  A fence which is constructed on-site by experienced installers has the advantage of giving an elegant, custom-built appearance, and definitely out-charms the “tacked-up” look of fence panels.  Most prefabricated fence panels purchased from building supply stores will not be constructed of the high-grade materials used by quality-conscious companies’ intent on building a product that will stand the test of time.  It is also not uncommon for these prefabricated fence panels, whether they are ornamental aluminum fence, vinyl fence or wood fence, be imported from China. Not only are these products of significant lesser quality, but purchasing an imported fence product has a direct negative impact American workers. It is critical to consider an American Made product when it comes to ornamental aluminum fences, ornamental aluminum railing,  iron fences, steel fences, and chain link fences.

Are there factors I should keep in mind when choosing a Cleveland area fence or railing company?

Look for a good reputation, and a long history of good workmanship.  This is the kind of company that will be around when you need repairs or additions in the future. Not the fly-by-night operation that promises a long warranty, and yet isn’t around to follow through. We receive phone calls all day from homeowners that need to have their fence repaired, but the company that installed it refuses to do the repair work or is out of business. Check their reviews under the Better Business Bureau & Angie’s List. While it may be difficult to believe, it is not unusual for a company to go out of business (taking customer deposits with them) just to open back up under a new name.  There are two fence companies operating in the Cleveland area that have done just that.  One of these Cleveland fence companies has done this to Cleveland area customers four separate times.  If having your money stolen, and going with a company that is not around to honor its warranty doesn’t sound appealing then do your research thoroughly. Be sure to check reviews under all of their previous business names. Keep in mind as well that if you see a company with all 5-star reviews they likely have paid a service for that. Many homeowners don't realize that you can buy 5-star reviews and you can even pay to have bad reviews taken down. It's not realistic that a company exists that has made every single customer happy every single time. It would be quite challenging to please all people all the time in every situation. Keep a look out for companies that only have 5-star reviews!

Another critical key to look for when choosing a contractor is to confirm that your contractor is one that is licensed with the local community and bonded.  Complete liability insurance and worker’s compensation should be carried.

There are many trade associations that ascribe to a code of ethics and high level of workmanship.  Your fence company should be an active member of such an organization.  Some to look for are the Building Industries Association, National Association of Remodelers Industry, Professional Remodelers of Ohio and the American Fence Association.  Your best fence contractor will be one interested in maintaining high standards.

Talk to friends and neighbors who are pleased with their fences.  This kind of word-of-mouth recommendation by fellow consumers is very valuable, and probably a contractor’s truest means of advertising. Did you drive by a fence that looked amazing? Look closely, there is probably a fence sign on the fence from the company that built it.

The Elyria Fence Company has served the Cleveland area and most of Northern Ohio since 1932. We are proud of our reputation, and welcome your inquiries into custom wood fencing, garden fences, lattice, garden lattice, arbors, trellises, garden trellises, and pergolas. We proudly install ornamental iron or aluminum fence, chain link fences and vinyl fencing.  Our product list doesn’t stop there! You’ll also find our porch railing and deck railing throughout northern Ohio as well! Take a look at our website for some great design ideas, www.elyriafence.com.