Fencing Company Frequently Asked Questions

How do you fix a broken fence?

Broken elements are replaced, leaning posts are repacked, gates are adjusted. The Fence Guys complete repairs for our installation customers as needed.

How often does a wood fence need to be replaced?

Custom red cedar and post and rail fences have a life expectancy of approximately fifteen years. Spruce stockade fence has an expected lifespan of about twelve years.

How close to the property line can I build a fence?

Most municipalities allow fence to be at, not on or over, the property line.

Can I put up a fence next to my neighbors fence?

Most fence styles can be installed along the line of another fence. This practice is often avoided for aesthetic reasons.

Can you build a fence without digging holes?

To install fence in dirt, holes are necessary. Aluminum fence can be installed in a very level concrete pad using flanges and screws, but this is not the optimal installation method.

Do fence posts need to be in concrete?

The Fence Guys set all custom red cedar, vinyl, aluminum, and steel (chain link) fence posts in concrete. On post and rail fences, only the gate posts are set in concrete.

Can you install a fence when the ground is frozen?

With powerful machinery and skilled installers, The Fence Guys are able to install fence year round.

What is the best, low maintenance fence?

Aluminum fence typically requires very little maintenance. Aluminum gates are light and maintain functionality well.

What is the best time of year to install a fence?

The Fence Guys install beautiful new fences year round. For the quickest turnaround time from order to installation, order your fence in December or January to avoid the spring rush.

Do vinyl fences break easily?

All vinyl fences are not the same. Professional grade vinyl fence installed by The Fence Guys is warrantied for life against breaking without collision or misuse.

What is the most durable fence?

Vinyl and aluminum fence materials do not deteriorate so these fences can be functional for a very long time. Wood fences have a life expectancy of around fifteen years due deterioration of the wood.

How do you price a fence job?

The Fence Guys determine the price of a project by the number of posts and gates installed add to the price of materials.

How long does it take to install a fence?

Most of the residential fences that we provide are installed in one day.

Can I finance a fence?

The Fence Guys do not offer financing, but we do accept all major credit cards.

Does a fence increase home value?

A fence increases home value by adding beauty and security to the property.

Will fence boards shrink over time?

All wood fence boards (pickets) are susceptible to shrinking, typically not more than one sixteenth of an inch.

Why fence in your garden?

A fence can discourage rabbits (at the bottom) and deer (at the top) from munching on your plants, but we can never guarantee success in keeping animals out.

Where is a fence installed when trees are on the property line?

When the property line is obstructed by trees or other vegetation, the fence must be installed on the property owners side of the trees. Installing fence on property owned by neighbors is generally not allowed.

What fence material is most popular?

Red cedar fence is our best seller because of its combination of versatility and affordability.

What fence is best for goats?

Split rail fence with welded wire works well for most animals.

What type of fence is cheapest?

Split rail fence with welded wire is the most affordable way to enclose a yard.

What type of fence lasts the longest?

The contest for longest lasting fence material is a tie between vinyl fence and aluminum fence. Neither material deteriorates in the typical lifetime of a home.

Can the fence be on the property line?

Fence codes in our area are written by townships or boroughs. Most commonly, fences can be along property lines but not over. Some townships or boroughs require fences to be a certain distance from the property line, typically anywhere from from six inches to three feet.

Are fences flammable?

The Fence Guys provide wood, vinyl, aluminum and steel fence. Wood and vinyl are flammable, aluminum and steel less so.

Can the fence be attached to my house or deck?

We always prefer to mount your fence to a post because we know how that will perform and attaching to your house will have a less predictable outcome. Also, we don’t want to damage your house. There are, however, cases where attaching to the house is the best solution. We can often attach to a deck post without difficulty.

Can I put my new fence against my neighbor’s fence?

While not the best look for the owner of the shorter of the two fences, most fence styles can be installed against an existing fence.

How do I “tie into” my neighbor’s fence?

We usually do not use your neighbor’s fence posts at all. We can usually put your first fence post next to your neighbor’s fence.

How wide can a gate be?

Different materials have different capabilities. Wood and vinyl gates work best if they are 5’ wide or under. Aluminum and chain link gates can be much wider and still hold up.

Can you bury the welded wire on my split rail fence so my dog doesn’t get out?

It may be possible for us to dig a trench and bury the welded wire attached to your split rail fence depending on the size of the job and the quality of the soil, but there are more cost effective ways to keep your dog safely enclosed.

Can a fence be used as a retaining wall?

A fence is not a retaining wall and will not work well as such.

What is the difference between vinyl fence and PVC fence?

There is no difference; the terms vinyl and PVC refer to the same material.

Do you offer composite fence?

Vinyl fence offers the durability of composite fence with more style options at a fraction of the cost. We do not offer composite fence.

What is the difference between aluminum fence and wrought iron fence?

Iron rusts and aluminum doesn’t. Also, aluminum is much more affordable, and is now the standard in residential estate fencing.

Do you do fence repairs?

If we installed your fence, we will repair it whether it is under warranty or not. If we did not install your fence, we determine whether we can handle your repair depending on the time of year, the size of the job, and your proximity to our location.

How can I prevent my dog from getting out of my split rail fence?

A good place to start dog-proofing your split rail fence is by using picket gates rather than split rail gates. On a split rail fence the gate is the area most vulnerable to escape artists because the welded wire at bottom cannot touch the ground (or the gate would not open well) and its flexibility offers potential for your dog to push through. Picket gates are rigid at the bottom, solving this problem. They also look dress up a split rail fence a little. We can also add boards to the bottom of the fence at problem areas if needed.

What is the best kind of fence to keep cats in or out?

Since cats are good climbers and jumpers, vinyl privacy fence is best because cat claws cannot penetrate vinyl fence materials.

What is the most affordable fence for dogs?

Split rail fence is our most affordable fence and works well keeping most dogs safely enclosed.

How long does it take to install a fence?

On average our crews can install about 200 feet of fence per day.

What if my gate doesn’t close correctly in a few years?

Gate adjustments are covered by The Fence Guys Five Year Workmanship Warranty.

Is tax included in my installation price?

Tax is included in the total on your installation contract.

What is a rock charge?

This is a charge per hole for exceptionally hard digging due to very rocky soil. Our rock charge is typically $75 for each post hole that requires a jackhammer.

I think the soil on my property may be rocky and hard to dig. Is that a problem?

If our machinery is unable to dig due to rocky soil and we must use a jackhammer to dig our post holes, a rock charge will apply.

There are a lot of roots where I want to put my fence. Is this a problem?

We have powerful digging equipment, so roots are usually not a big deal, but occasionally a hard-digging charge may be applied if we must jackhammer the post holes.

What is the best way to handle a tree in a fence line?

The best option is to remove the tree (and the stump), otherwise, we can go around it with a subtle “V”, we can build a box around it, we can stop at the tree then start again on the other side and wrap welded wire around the tree. We just can’t go through it!

Do I need to get my property surveyed before my fence is installed?

A few townships require a survey to issue a permit, but most don’t. A survey, however, is the only way to know exactly where your property line is, and is a good investment. We can recommend a surveyor.

Is my township’s fee permit application fee included in The Fence Guys Permit Service fee?

It is not.

Can you get my permit for me?

We can. For an additional fee our Permit Service will obtain your permit for you. Your township’s permit application fee is not included in our Permit Service fee and will be added to your total. Also, some townships require our Premium Permit Service.

Do I need to get a fence permit?

Most townships and boroughs require a permit for fence installation, even if you are replacing an existing fence. Call you township to find out. Some even have their fence code available on their website.

Do I have to be home during my fence installation?

No, you don’t have to be home the entire time that we are working at your property, but we do need you to meet the crew the morning that your fence work begins to go over the details of the job with your crew’s foreman.

Why can’t I have a specific installation date as soon as I order my fence installation?

We don’t install fence in the rain or snow, so the weather has a huge effect on our schedule, making it impossible to predict several weeks in advance exactly where your installation date will fall. We confirm installation dates three working days in advance, but we understand that some people need more notice, and we will work with you to set an installation date that works for you.

Can my fence be installed so that there is no gap between the fence and the ground?

Your fence can be installed as close as possible to the ground, but this will affect the look of your fence, preventing a smoothly flowing fence line. It is best to strike a balance between closeness to the ground and the look of the overall installation, then fill in gaps with soil or stone after your installation is complete.

Do you use pressure treated wood?

All our wood fence posts are pressure treated and certified for ground contact. We no longer build fence panels of pressure treated wood because it is prone to warping, is very heavy which puts stress on the posts and rails and offers no advantage over red cedar.

Are the posts set in concrete?

All our fences feature posts set in concrete except split rail and slip board fences. Because these styles are light and are not affected by wind, concrete in each post hole is not necessary unless there are areas with poor drainage, in which case concrete is used. Also, gate posts are in concrete footers on every style of fence.

How long will my fence last?

Vinyl and aluminum fence materials are guaranteed for life. With occasional adjustments and cleaning vinyl and aluminum fences can stand strong and look good for 30 years or more. Red cedar and post and board fences have a 15 to 20-year life expectancy, and spruce stockade fence has an expected lifespan of about 10 to 15 years.