Orlando Custom Fencing Education Center

Crash, boom, bang is what my potential client heard as her fence came through the window. Not once, but twice as the hurricanes of 2004 rolled through Central Florida. As we sat at her kitchen table, she asked “What can I do to prevent this from happening again?” I responded, “The answer was simple, when it comes to hurricanes and fences there is no better protection than prevention.” For the next hour we spoke and as our conversation drew to a close she said, “If only someone took the time to explain.” Our number one goal at Paramount Fencing is to educate our clients. With the hurricane season upon us there are three important things to consider when having a fence installed in an area of frequent high winds or hurricanes.

The first question to consider is what type of fence will be installed? It’s important to understand the requirements are different for each product. For example, a six foot in height vinyl fence should be installed using six foot on center sections, with a nine foot long post and a minimum of three feet in the ground with sixty pounds of concrete per post. Whereas, wood should be installed eight foot on center with a ten foot post four feet in the ground and no concrete. If it’s a vinyl, wood, or aluminum picket fence the post can be shorter by one foot, but concrete is still mandatory on vinyl and aluminum to prevent leaning.

The second question is how long are the posts and how far apart will they be? Understand the best defense against a hurricane or high winds is leverage and linear strength. Leverage is the post depth divided by the amount of exposed surface. For example, if you have six feet of exposed wood fence above ground and the post depth is four feet in the ground the fence has a 66% coverage ratio. Whereas, if the exposed surface is six feet of exposed vinyl and the post depth is three feet in the ground the fence has a 50% coverage ratio. To optimize maximum protection or leverage on any solid surface, fencing system should posses at least a minimum coverage ratio of 50%. Linear strength can be measured by the amount of post used in a single stretch or the distance from one center of one post the next post. The more post in a stretch the stronger the linear strength will be.

The third question is what type of fasteners is being used to keep the fence together? For example, vinyl fence is light by nature and assembled using one of two different methods. The first method is known as inner locking system. Each post is routed to receive a certain rail size and lock into place using a serious of crimps. Depending on the manufacture of the fence they might have one crimp on each side of the rail. It is preferable that rail posses two crimps on each side of the rail. The second method is a screws and brackets and this assembly method provides the least amount of linear strength. During a hurricane screw and bracket systems are the first to com down!

If it is a wood fence what good is it if it falls apart at the seams during a hurricane? If the fence system to be installed is wood it is important that each 2” x 4” x 16’ is attached to the post using 3” inch ring shank nails. A ring shank nail has about 75 reversed ovular looking rings that puncher the wood and act like a screw. To achieve maximum effectiveness against hurricane winds the runners must be staggered to insure there is no open seam on any one post. Last, it is best that the wood fence is assembeled piece by piece using 1” pickets and 2” ring shank nails.

If the fence is all ready installed don’t be the victim this hurricane season prepare with three simple steps. One, remove all gates or doors from the fencing system. This can be easily accomplished by removing the pins that join the two hinges. Two, secure all seams with screws. If it a wood fence 3 ½” screws should be place at every seam. If it is a vinyl fence do not screw seams together because you will void the manufacture warrantee. Three, secure the center of each stretch with bracing. This can be accomplish by purchasing 2” x 4” x 8’s and cutting them in half, cutting each end at a 45 degree and attaching one end to the fence and the other to the ground.

A hurricane or high winds is often the number one cause of a damaged of fence, but it is not necessary to become a victim. These three questions and three steps are often over looked, but can make the difference. Like the old saying goes, “If you fail to plan, than you plan to fail.” If you are planning to get a fence make sure you ask the three questions, educate yourself, and if you need help feel free to contact us at info@paramountfencing.com or call 407.341.2720.

Over the years your fence has probably taken the beating of all of Mother Nature’s fury, especially since we live in the sunny state of Florida. We may not get snow, but during hurricane season we definitely get our fair share of rain, high winds, and incredible lightning storms. Making sure your fence is in excellent condition before the storm is important for being safe during hurricane season and can save you money later on down the road.

If you have an older fence, it could be important to replace it as soon as possible so you don’t end up with loose pieces of fence in your neighbors tree, or other worse possible places. Having proper fencing in Florida is just as important as having homes that are built to withstand hurricanes. You can do without it, but is it really worth it in the long run?

Sometimes storms are just so intense that they can rip your fence out entirely. If this should unfortunately happen to you, use the opportunity to create a custom fence that you always wanted for your home. Paramount Fencing can help you with any of your custom vinyl, wood, or aluminum fencing needs. Paramount Fencing cares about their customers and wants to make sure that they have a unique, safe fence that will make them safer during hurricane season. Call paramount fencing at (407) 341-2720 today for a free estimate!

With the extra summer hours, are you finding things to do around the house to use up the extra daylight? If you are like me, you might work on sprucing up your yard. Many people don’t realize it, but doing something as little as adding plants around the house can really change the appearance of your house. As can a fence. If you want to change or spruce up the appearance of the outside of your house, consider placing a new fence. A good fence design can add value and security to your property. If you are looking to really enhance the look of your yard, consider replacing or adding a new fence.

Be sure to choose just the right material. You can choose from wood, vinyl, or aluminum. Before you choose your fence design or before you hire an Orlando custom fence company, check your local zoning laws. Check to see if you have a homeowners association and if they have a covenant code concerning fence heights and materials.

For more information on choosing the perfect fence for your home, contact Paramount Fencing today. We are your #1 source for custom fence designs in Orlando.

Do you want fencing for your home, but desire something more unique than the Smith’s fencing next door? Paramount Fencing is the local expert when it comes to hand crafted, unique fencing that will complement and enhance the beauty of your home and garden.

In addition to customized fencing, Paramount Fencing can create and install custom arbors to add extra flare to the overall beauty and appearance of your home. You can choose from a variety of arbors including flat top arbors or simple archway arbors to use at the entrance of your home. Think of adding an arbor to your Orlando fencing as if adding a cherry to the top of your ice cream, it tastes good without it, but it’s just not the same without the cherry on top!

If you desire a knowledgeable company that has the creative capability of enhancing your home with quality fencing, call Paramount Fencing, your local Orlando custom fencing experts. Paramount Fencing currently operates in Orlando, Lake Mary, College Park, Waterford, Baldwin Park, Heathrow, and Winter Park. Call (407) 341-2720 to receive your free estimate today!

It’s Florida, and it’s HOT outside. If it’s not raining, then chances are you are outside cooling off in your pool. If you are one of the many people in Central Florida who don’t have any privacy around your backyard, then maybe it’s time to get a fence. Float around your pool, play football, or garden without the whole neighborhood knowing what you are doing!

If you have never shopped or been in the market for a fence, then how do you know what to look for? This is where we come in. Our team of experts at Paramount Fencing want to help you find the best possible solution for your fencing needs. When you are shopping for a fencing company ask for recommendation from their customers, both residential and commercial.

Ask the company what type of fence would be best for your situation (wood, aluminum, or vinyl/pvc). Be clear to tell them the purpose of the fence (privacy, pet or pool enclosure, property, etc). Know where you want the fence to be located, exactly. Also be sure of any home owner association restrictions. 

If you are searching for custom fencing in the Orlando area, we encourage you to call us at Paramount Fencing (407-341-2720) and educate your self before you make a big decision. We want our customers to be proud of our work, and be proud of the addition you have made to your property. 

We are currently creating custom fence designs in wood, pvc/vinyl, or aluminum. We also serve the following Orlando areas: Lake Mary, College Park, Waterford, Baldwin Park, Heathrow, & Winter Park.