Are PVC Vinyl or Aluminum fences maintanance free?

   No! All fence have some type of maintance to them.  PVC Vinyl is just that PVC, it will need to be washed or wiped down.  For hard to remove stains, a non-abrasive cleaner may be used.  Aluminum fences will scratch, they can be touched up with spray paint.  However, aluminum won't rust so there is no sand blasting and refinishing like with iron.

As far as longevity, what is the difference between cypress and pressure treated pine lumber?

   Depending on the enviroment the fence is kept in will determine its longevity. Under normal circumstances  a cypress fence will last 10 - 15 years. Pressure treated pine is a treated lumber so it is approximatly 20 years.

Should I stain my fence after installation?

     It is not nessecery to do so, but staining does help in prolonging the lifetime of the lumber.  We recommend waiting 6-8 weeks for the lumber to finish curing then apply the stain. Do not paint the fence. Painting will lock the moisture in and cause the lumber to rot from the inside out.  Staining still will allow the lumber to breath. 

How do I keep my wooden fence looking its best?

   First, you should always keep the irrigation, vine work, or anything that will hold moisture off the fence. Drape vine work on a piece of lattice work in front of your fence. Water the yard not your fence. Like with any lumber, moisture will cause the lumber to rot at a more rapid pace than had it been out in the open and dry.  Applying a stain to your fence will not only add color but help to preserve the lumber.  You will need to have your gates adjusted, usually the latches can be adjusted to accomidate for the sagging. Overtime some boards may have to be renailed and posts may need to be repacked.  Keep in mind no one warantees mother nature.   

Is it necessary to use concrete around the posts on my wooden fence?

   While concrete does help in stabalizing a fence line it is not 100 % necessary.  If you live out at the beach, near the intercoastal waterways, or anywhere there is sugar sand or high wind volumes, then yes you may consider concrete.  If you live closer to downtown, Julington Creek, Northside or the Westside of town, you are more than likely safe to install directly into the dirt. After the concrete has set it forms a "jug" around the post, the jug allows for water to collect on the "top shelf".  The water sitting on the shelf will cause the post to rot quicker than if the post was directly installed into the dirt. When the post is installed directly into the dirt, the water can flush back into the ground without incident to the post.  Keep in mind if you are choosing to do Aluminum or PVC vinyl fence those styles are always concreted without an option.

What information do I need to have ready for the estimate?

   You will need to know the location of the fence to be erected.  This is important because the estimate is based off the footage you have. Also it is helpful to know at least the type of material you would like to use.  Examples: PVC Vinyl, Wood, Chainlink, Aluminum, etc..... The style can always be determind later or during the actual estimate.  Both style and type will need to be known to have a proposal completed.  Effective communication with your contractor enables them to provide you with an apples to apples quote vs an apples to oranges.

Should I get more than one or two quotes or bids?

   Yes! Try to find two or three contractors to quote your project.  The Better Business Bureau is an outlet for consumers to find out information on contractors they are considering using.  Getting several quotes will allow you to choose the company that gives you the best value. However, this may not be the same company that gives you the lowest price.  A company's reputation and workmanship should always be considered along with price.  Remember, Quality is like buying oats.  If you want nice, fresh oats, you must pay a fair price.  However, if you are satisfied with recycled oats, that comes a little cheeper. You generally get what you pay for.

What if I have project changes after my proposal has been accepted and is on schedule?

   Call the office and speak with a representative that can assist you in making these changes.  This will allow for revised pricing and additional changes to ordering or manufacturing of your product.  What may seem to be minor changes may cause your contractor to incur delays and possible unexpected costs. Changes to layouts or possible style changes should be discussed befor a proposal is accepted.  Once a proposal has been accepted, you should try to keep changes to a minimum.