Fences are some of the most important features of any landscape. They serve several essential functions in homes and properties including providing security and safety, adding to the aesthetics of a landscape, and defining spaces. Fence installations, when done by fence professionals, should be flawless operations. Here are ways to tell if a fence installation near me was done well in the Tewksbury and Saddle River, NJ areas.
Related: Drawing Inspiration From Fence Installation Near Me in Mountain Lakes and Mendham, NJ, Areas
You Can See the Effects of Improper Planning
No two properties are alike. Soil conditions, slopes, obstacles, and even buried utilities can completely change what looks like a simple installation (on paper) into a very complex and painstaking process (in reality).
In order to achieve a proper fence installation that will stand the test of time, there should be exhaustive planning beforehand. If adequate planning isn’t done, your fence can end up looking sloppy and distinctly handmade.
One of the less obvious elements of good fence building is to know the soil and local conditions: You want to avoid placing fences on ground with poor drainage since excess standing water can cause the fence to lean or even fall. Likewise, high-wind areas will need fences that are designed and built with these conditions in mind.
Lack of planning can result in recalculations that must be done during the middle of a job. These avoidable mistakes can be costly and are the mark of unprofessional work.
Here are the consequences of poor planning and poor installation. A well-installed fence will not have these problems!
It All Starts with Uneven Posts...
One of the most visible mistakes is uneven posts that are either misaligned vertically or along the fence line.
Poorly set posts can mean a poor foundation for the rest of the fence, and unfortunately, the only remedy may involve having to remove the fence and dig better holes that are evenly spaced, 2 to 3 feet deep, and setting posts in gravel or concrete so they provide a solid structure on which to add rails or panels.
Even fairly slight post misalignments can result in uneven top and bottom rails; a fence that zig-zags instead of standing in a straight line; a leaning fence (partially or completely); uneven spacing between posts; loose panels; uneven boards; uneven gaps between boards; sagging or bowed panels; hardware that comes loose; or crooked top and bottom rails. These are clues that a fence was not installed with care—and the problem could stem from the post holes not being deep enough or not set properly.
Like other landscape projects, one of the most important parts of any structural element—whether it’s a patio, retaining wall, or fence—is the foundation or footings. If care isn’t taken in the early stages, the result will likely be less than perfect.
Poorly Executed Grade Changes
The slope of the property should be taken into account during the planning process as it can greatly affect the aesthetics of a fence and its utility. Large gaps under the bottom rail are unsightly and defeat the purpose of a fence that is intended to keep pets and kids in, and everything else out.
Fences installation on slopes can be tricky, and this is where a professional fence installer is a must. A stepped design tends to be the most common solution because of its attractive looks (horizontal fences look better than those set on an angle), but measures should be taken to minimize or eliminate the gaps at the ground level. Large gaps could indicate poor quality work.
Loose Anything
Loose hardware, boards, panels, or posts can indicate a sloppy build. A fence should be snug and secure along its entire length.