The leaves are starting to change and fall to the ground, and although we don’t want to believe it, winter is just around the corner in the Westchester, White Plains, Yonkers, and Armonk, NY areas. Now’s the perfect time to start getting your house and yard prepped for the long winter months. Putting patio furniture in the shed for winter storage, taking out the snowplow, and packing up landscaping ornaments and solar lights are just some of the things you may be doing. Along with these tasks, homeowners should think about winterizing their fences.

Winters in the Westchester, White Plains, Yonkers, and Armonk, NY areas can be harsh, wreaking havoc on our fences. Rain, sleet, ice, and snow cause damage to fences, and the cold weather takes a toll on fencing materials, some more than others. If you fail to take the time to winterize your fence, you could risk decreasing your security, reducing your privacy, decreasing your curb appeal, and leaving your fence susceptible to expensive repairs and/or replacements.

Wood Fences

When it comes to wood fencing, they aren’t really made to stand up to the cold and wet weather brought on by winter. No matter what kind of wood fence you have, it’s important to make sure it is ready for the upcoming weather. Scrub your fence down with a detergent and bleach mix then stain and seal your fence prior to the weather changing, before it can cause more damage to your wood. If your wood is rotted, remove it before the rot spreads.

Vinyl Fences

Unlike wood fences, vinyl is ready to take on the winter months as it is very low-maintenance. Clean the fence to make sure it is free from leaves and other debris that can cause mildew to grow on the fence. You can powerwash or hand wash the fence using soap and warm water. While washing, take note of any damage, missing pieces, loose parts, etc. This should all be fixed before winter arrives to keep it in good condition.

Contact Our Fence Company

No matter what type of fence you have on your property in the Westchester, White Plains, Yonkers, or Armonk, NY areas, it is important to be proactive. The steps you need to take to winterize your fence may take just a short time and will be helpful in protecting it during the winter months. At Globe Fence & Railings, we specialize in all types of fences and fence services for whatever your needs might be. Whether you are looking for a commercial or residential fencing contractor, our team has your best interests in mind. Our team can handle the work for unbeatable quality at a price that our competitors can’t match. From new installs to repairs service and more, we can do it all. For more information or to schedule services, contact our fence company today!

A wood fence provides a natural look for your property while also proving to provide great function. Choosing to install a wood fence gives you a variety of options to go with for designs. No matter what type of wood fence you need, keeping your wood fence maintained properly is important.

Inspect it

Walk the length of your fence and look for loose nails, rotting or broken pickets, and signs of insects being present. You also want to make sure that bushes, vines and other brush is away from the fence. Also make sure that posts are secure in the ground. A lot of these issues can be an easy fix. Hammering back in the nails and replacing pickets is an easy DIY project.

Routine Washing

Something as small as a regular wash annually can keep your fence in great looking shape and free of mildew. Soak the wood with a special fence or deck wood cleaner. Use a brush to scrub or utilize a pressure washer to clean. Don’t forget to clean the bottom of the fence.

Resealing

You should be aiming to reseal your wood fences once or twice a year. The most opportune time to reseal is after you paint.  You want to reseal and re-stain to prevent water damage.

Give Our Fence Company a Call

Your wood fences are assets to your home and your property. They play an important role in the landscaping look and function of the yard. With routine care, your wood fences will last a long time and provide you and your home with privacy and protection. Contact us today to learn more about how we can give you the wood fence you have been dreaming of. We are proud to serve the Stamford & Greenwich, CT and Westchester, NY areas.

When it comes to your house, the space surrounding it should be warm and inviting, showing off the type of person who lives there. Let’s face it- a boring privacy fence isn’t anyone’s friend. While a fence can potentially raise the value of your home, you don’t need to stick with a boring fence. Adding unique features can transform your privacy fences as well as your whole yard. Here are some ways to give your fence the “pop” you are looking for.

Lights

What time of day do you generally use your backyard? If you are like most people, you probably enjoy your yard mostly in the evening after work. This may be the best time to enjoy your patio or deck, especially while entertaining friends and family. Adding lights to your privacy fence will give off just the right amount of light and draw bugs away from where you’re sitting. Choose string lights, lanterns, mason jar lights, and more to add accents to your fence.

Garden

Many homeowners use their fence as a way to mark off their garden. However, have you ever thought about adding a garden to your fence? Making a garden wall is a great way to spice up your fence and add creativity to use your green thumb. Spice up your fence by placing planters at alternate heights using painted coffee cans, teacups, buckets, and more. Add vines, hanging baskets, and planter boxes to add a great visual. Depending on the season, you can change the flowers and foliage to suit your personal preference.

Mural

Have you ever driven past a fence with a beautiful mural on it and think what a wonderful idea? Adding a mural on your fence can really help personalize the space. Bright colors can help add life to darker spaces. Whether you have artistic skills, or you hand over the paint brushes to your children to create a beautiful piece, murals will enhance your yard and create a great conversation. Painting your fence will not only add life, but it will help protect wood fences from moisture and other damage.

Artwork

Whether you have extra materials laying around your house or found some great pieces at shops around town, adding artwork to fences can really help spice up your fence. Adding mason jars is a great way to add art/decor especially when you add flowers to them. Metal artwork is another great way to spice up your fence especially if you can upcycle some three-dimensional objects you have laying around or find cheap. Other things like picture frames, wooden letters, shutters, and more will leave your fence looking great!

There is so much possibility when it comes to spicing up your privacy and vinyl fences. You can change up your decor from season to season or to fit your changing interests. When you need a fence company in the Stamford or Greenwich, CT areas, contact the team at Globe Fence & Railings Inc. When you need a new fence to fit your backyard ideas, contact us!

If you are a parent, your children’s safety and well-being is probably on your mind all the time. It’s said that having children is like having a piece of your heart walk outside your body. Being worried about your children all the time can become stressful, especially when you worry about where they are and want to make sure they are not in danger. That is why fences are so important on properties to allow your children to roam your property safely.

Fences have many uses and homeowners may want them for many reasons. At Globe Fence & Railings Inc., we offer a variety of fences in the Greenwich and Stamford, CT and Westchester, NY areas to match your budget and style. Having the right fence for your property will allow your children the opportunity to have the space they need.

If you are in the market for a new fence, we can help you determine what kind of fence will keep your children protected. The best fences should have:

Safe Materials

When it comes to the best fencing when you have kids, vinyl and aluminum are some of the best choices. Both materials are long-term and safe. Vinyl and aluminum choices stay smooth and do not create splinters as wooden fences may.

Flat Rails

Ornamental fences make a property look very nice. However, when there are kids involved, a flat top rail is much safer than a spear. Flat rails are not only safe, they add a unique style to your property.

Latches

Having a latch on your gate is extremely important when children are around. If you don’t close the latch, children may find themselves in a dangerous situation. If the latch is easy to see but hard to open, this will help keep your child safe.

Hard to Climb

Sometimes, fences may be attractive to kids, especially those who like to climb on stuff. If your child, or other children, can climb on your fence, this may not be the safest option. Vinyl and aluminum fences are great choices as they don’t have foot holes that can be used to climb, and they have flat surfaces.

Strong and Tall

One reason you may get a fence is to keep you and others safe. Whether you don’t want intruders or animals to enter your property, it’s important to make sure the fence is tall enough to keep things from jumping over it and strong enough to remain intact. Choosing a fence that is 6 ft. or taller is a good idea.

Contact Us

If you are looking for the best type of fence to keep your children safe from busy roads, pools, or other circumstances, we can help. Contact the fence company you can trust. Contact Globe Fence & Railings Inc. today – proudly serving the Greenwich and Stamford, CT and Westchester, NY areas.

Asking the Right Questions to Ensure You’re in Trusted Hands

Choosing the right fence for your property can be a daunting task. Assuming you’ve found a good quality fence company, this structure will be bordering your property for many years to come. That’s why it’s important to take the time to ensure you’re in the right hands when deciding if a fence company is right for you. Below we’ve laid out some common questions to ask and things to look for when choosing a fencing contractor.

Do They Come Across as Friendly and Willing to Help You?

Obviously, you want to work with a contractor that listens to your needs and helps translate these into a fence you can enjoy for many years to come. Whether on the phone or in person, you want to make sure the contractor sounds attentive and not at all annoyed by any questions you may have.

Are You Given an Estimate Early On?

There’s no point in being dragged around if you end up not being able to pay for an estimate that’s outside of your price-range. Make sure your fencing contractor informs you of the price estimate before you dive headfirst into this investment.

Is Financing Available?

No financing options does not mean that a fence company does not do quality work or have your best interests at heart. In some instances, it can be easier to pay for your new fence in multiple payments rather than one upfront sum. If you’d prefer multiple payments, it’s important to ask if this is available and what the estimate for this is.

Are High Quality Materials Being Used?

A fence should last you a long time, depending on the type you’re interested in and materials that are used. One way you can check the quality of materials is by seeing if the fence company offers a lengthy warranty. Most companies offer warranties of a year, but if anything beyond that is provided then this could be a sign that they’re confident in the materials they construct their fences with.

The Fence Company You Can Trust in Stamford & Greenwich, CT & Westchester, NY

Whatever your decision, you can be sure that the contractors at Globe Fence & Railings Inc. have your best interests at heart. From wood fences, chain link fences, privacy fences & more, we do it all! We offer quality materials, and work with you every step of the way to ensure you’re left with a durable and aesthetically pleasing addition to your property.

Wood fences make a beautiful addition to any yard. They add privacy, security, and value to your property. However, your fence requires routine maintenance in order to look its best and function optimally. If your fence has started rotting, warping, falling down or shows signs of decay – it’s time to make a decision. Can your wood fence be repaired, or does it need to be completely replaced?

When You Should Repair

You should regularly be inspecting your fence from the bottom up, as rot usually begins from the ground level. If you notice cracks, holes, or splintering, you should have your fence repaired promptly to avoid further issues.

Level of Repairs Required

In many situations, a couple of repairs is all it will take to get your wood fence back to normal. If only one post is damaged or shows signs of warping, then that individual post can be repaired. The same goes for small holes or cracks in the posts. If the damage to your fence exceeds 20 percent of the total amount of fencing, a replacement is probably the better option.

Your Current Situation

If you are planning on moving out of your home in the near future, you may want to consider a complete fence replacement. Having the fence around your property replaced can increase the selling price while also offering buyers the peace of mind knowing they will not need fence repairs any time soon.

Warranty Status

Check your warranty terms to see which conditions of damage to your fence are covered. If unintended damage such as vandalism occurs, it might not fall under warranty guidelines and you will likely have to use your homeowner’s insurance policy for that issue. If your warranty is expired or non-existent, then turn to a professional for fence repair.

When You Should Replace

There are times when replacing a fence makes more sense because the amount of time, money, and effort required for repair are too great.

• If you have several fence posts in need of replacement
• If your fence is old and has worn out its lifespan
• Parts for your fence are no longer available from the manufacturer
• The fence has been damaged by termites or other insects
• The fence was hit by a vehicle or tree
• There is yellow/gray staining on the wood which indicates rot
• Your fence has not been properly cared for
• You want a new fence for added privacy
• You want to change the style of your fence

Let Our Residential Fence Contractors Handle Your Repairs & Replacements

If your fence needs a few repairs, or you need a complete replacement, turn to us! At Globe Fence & Railings Inc, we can repair your existing fence or install a brand new one that meets your exact needs. For a free quote, get in touch with us today!

Vines can make a beautiful addition to any fence. However, these constantly growing structures can be just as destructive as they are appealing. While vines can add an extra layer of aesthetic beauty and privacy to your home, it’s important to understand the types of plants that works best with your specific fence type as well as proper maintenance techniques that can be used to ensure there is no overgrowth.

Damages Caused by Woody & Invasive Species of Vines

Woody vines are beautiful and attract many species of birds and butterflies with their colorful plumes, but these vines can also be very destructive on certain fences. They hold excess amounts of moisture that can potentially cause fungus, rot, bugs, and more. These vines are also known for their strong wooden roots, which can permeate the slats and cracks of your fence, thus causing further breakage.

Many homeowners have fallen prey to the destructive beauty of vines. It’s important to make sure the plants you choose will not overgrow and choke out your individual garden. Invasive species such as Japanese honeysuckle, English ivy, wintercreeper, & chocolate vine are all no-no’s when it comes to decorating your fence or garden. Invasive species of vines have all the negative side effects of woody vines, but at an accelerated rate.

Which Fences Work with Vines

Wood fences are the most susceptible to damages from vines. They have slats and cracks that are easily penetrated by vine overgrowth. There are a few vines, however, that would be acceptable to use if properly guided along your fence. This includes annual vines like moonflower, climbing nasturtium, sweet pea, and morning glory.

Aluminum and vinyl fences are more durable and can withstand environmental factors such as water, wind, and snow, as well as the addition of vines. For this reason, it is acceptable to use woody vines if you need the additional layers of privacy that they can provide. While algae is easily cleaned off of aluminum and vinyl fencing, bugs can still be attracted to certain types of flowers on these plants, and pose a threat to the life of your garden’s other inhabitants. Climbing hydrangea, wisteria, rambling roses, and other woody vines can all work for these materials.

Where to Get Them

Do NOT take clippings of vines from wooded areas or forests. Unless you are a plant expert, it’s difficult to tell if the wild vine you are trying to introduce to your property is destructive and/or invasive. Plant nurseries are an easy way to find vines for your fence that won’t cause extensive amounts of damage or overgrow your garden and/or lawn.

Alternative Structures

It is not difficult to find alternative structures for your vines to cling to without destroying the life of your fence, such as arbors and trellises. Many property owners connect these structures with wires and then allow vines to be interspersed between them.

Take Proper Care of Your Vines

Not every plant has the same needs; research the sunlight, space, water, and soil requirements to help expand the life of your vines. Some vines are low maintenance while others require extensive amounts of care, so it’s important to stay well-informed!

Contact Our Fence Company Today

Do your research! There are many options of tendril, twining, or clinging vines that can work with your fence, depending on the material it is made of. If you want to learn more about the various fencing materials that can be used in your yard, and discuss the weak spots of these, give Globe Fence & Railings Inc. a call today. We have deer fences & privacy fences that come in a variety of materials such as wood, chain link, aluminum, & vinyl.

It’s important to understand how different materials used in fencing will age over time, and techniques you can use to extend or shorten this process. You have a few basic options for finishing a wood fence: painting it, staining it, or leaving it natural and untouched. Each option provides benefits and drawbacks, so we’re here to help you make the right decision for your home or business!

Natural

It should come as no surprise that leaving your fence natural and untouched by any type of finish will leave it open to the elements. While this option requires the least amount of effort to maintain, rain, snow, wind, and the sun will take a toll on your fence over time. Some households are complemented by a weathered and rustic look, but if this isn’t for you, you can also power wash your fence regularly to keep it lasting a bit longer. Some types of wood age with grace, so this option is not overlooked by those wishing to give their home some character.

Paint

Before staining came about, painting fences as a “finish” was a very popular option. While you can choose between an assortment of colors, this is not a very effective method of finishing a wood fence, as it requires the most maintenance. Paint tends to crack and peel, so this option entails upkeep (repainting) every 1 to 3 years.

Some people ask about the possibility of painting over stained wood. As most stained wood fences are coated with a glossy polyurethane or varnish layer, this can be tricky. Paint cannot properly adhere to the glossy coat, which can quicken the process of chipping, peeling, or cracking. To allow the paint to grip to the surface of your wood, you should always sand away this varnish layer of gloss before applying paint.

If you know you want that perfect white picket fence look in your yard, a white vinyl fence might be the best option for you! If not, there are also solid white stains available for purchase in stores.

Stain

Staining is also a popular option for fences, as it requires very little maintenance. It does not peel or crack and simply requires that the stain be redone once it begins to fade after several years. It is also much easier to redo a stain than it is to repaint a fence, as a power washing or deck cleaner give you a clean slate to re-stain without having to chip away at old paint.

There are a few varieties of stains to choose from. As mentioned above, you can purchase a solid white stain to give the illusion of a white picket fence. You can also use semi-transparent options, or even clear coats that provide weather-proofing without removing any of the wooden aesthetic.

Contact Our Wood Fence Professionals Today!

If you’re in the market for a wood fence and have more questions about how to finish it, Globe Fence & Railing is the Fence Company to call. We have a variety of wood fences to choose from. Our residential fencing contractors will work with you to make sure your exact specifications are met while staying within your budget. If you’re in the Greenwich, Stamford, CT or Westchester, NY areas, contact us today.