General Questions

Do you use concrete when you install the posts?
Yes, in all normal installations, concrete is placed around the bottom of the post.

Can you put my fence on a retaining wall?
All of our fence types have applications for mounting on retaining walls. Installations on retaining walls are dependent on the wall condition and the material that the wall is constructed of.

How tall can my fence be?
Each city or municipality has their own bylaws concerning fence height. Typically back yard fencing is restricted to a height of 6ft to 6’6” (2 meters) and front yard fencing is restricted to 4ft. We suggest that you contact your local bylaw or city planning department to determine the rules of your area.

How do I find my property line?
Often, your local city hall will have a survey certificate of your property on file, and for a small fee you can usually purchase a copy. The survey will usually provide measurements showing the location of your foundation relative to the lot property lines which you can then use to determine where to put your fence. If the survey does not provide enough information or is unavailable, we recommend that a survey crew post your lot corners. This is especially important in situations where there is a possible dispute with a neighbour. Fences should always be placed on your side of the line unless you have a clear agreement as to location with the neighbour.

Do I need a permit for my fence?
Normally, fences do not require permits in the lower mainland. Check with your local city hall for rules in your area.

Should my neighbours be sharing the cost of the new fence?
As fencing provides shared benefit, they should be a shared cost, however, neighbours are under no obligation to share the cost and everyone’s financial situation is different.

What is the advantage of your “overlap board” design over the more common pre-fab panel designs?
Most wood fences, including most pre-fab panels utilize 1x1 or 1x2 nailing strips to secure the fence board in place. The disadvantage to this design is two-fold. First, the nailing strip is not a particularly strong piece of wood and is easily broken if the fence is kicked or even if a ball is kicked hard against the fence. Second, is the nailing strips form a water trap. The fence boards sit in the water, which will ultimately speed rot and shorten the fence life. The overlap design uses a heavier and stronger 2x6 rail and 1x6 rail to “sandwich” the tops and bottoms of the boards. Secondly by overlapping the boards, the boards become stronger and an air-space is created between the heavy rails and the boards. This air-space allows rain and dirt to fall out the bottom and air to get in and dry the fence quicker, all of which increases the life of the fence.

Should we stain or paint our fence?
Painting or staining will keep your wood fence looking good longer. However, unless the wood is sealed completely prior to construction of the fence, staining or painting will not increase the life of the fence significantly. Water has a natural tendency to wick into the areas where lumber is in contact with other lumber. Since it is impossible to get stain into these areas after construction is complete, there is no protection and consequently these areas are where rot occurs first. Pre-staining is available to protect the components by staining all four sides of every piece of lumber prior to installation.

How long will my wood fence last?
Most wood fences will last between 12 and 15 years. Designs such as the “overlapping” design, have a longer lifespan than the standard designs using nailing strips as less water is trapped in the fence. Yard conditions i.e. shade, wetness, sprinkler systems, soil type etc. all have an effect on wood fence life. Post size and if it is treated or pre-stained also affect the life. 

What colors does vinyl come in?
Vinyl is available in most styles in white, sandstone(tan), clay, and stone(grey).

Why are there no dark colors?
The main UV inhibitor that gives vinyl a lifetime of use is a white pigment.

What is the warranty?
Vinyl materials are covered by a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

How should I clean my new vinyl fence?
We recommend a long car washing brush and soap with wax in it. The wax will help it shed dirty water and reduce the possibility of moss.

Can I pressure wash it?
Yes, but pressure washing will cause tiny pitting that will result in the need for more frequent washes as dirt will collect in the holes. We recommend the use of a brush instead.

Will trimmers hurt my fence?
Heavy duty trimmers can damage some components.  A concrete ring can be installed (for an extra charge), around the post at ground level, in situations where heavy trimmer use is common, eliminating the need to trim up against the post.