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How to Avoid Fence Damage From Animals

If you’ve ever looked out your window to see a mischievous raccoon scaling your fence or a deer treating it like a hurdle, you know the reality of animal-induced fence woes. Whether you have a wood, metal, vinyl, or any other fence on your property, it’s vulnerable to damage from all sorts of cute but pesky critters. Luckily, there are practical, effective ways to keep fences safe from our four-legged (or winged) friends.

Who Are Your Furry Foes?

First, let’s understand the culprits. Different animals pose different threats to your fence. For instance:

  • Deer: Olympic-level jumpers. They view fences as a fun challenge to leap over.
  • Woodchucks/Gophers: The diggers. They’ll tunnel faster than you can say “Oh my gosh!”
  • Squirrels/Raccoons: Your climbers. They see fences as ladders to their next adventure.
  • Birds: While they don’t physically damage the fence, their droppings can.
  • Cows/Horses: They might lean on, chew, or rub against fences.

Fortifying Your Fence: Tips and Tricks


Luckily, there are ways to make your fence more animal-proof. Here’s how:

  1. Height Matters: For those high-jumping deer, height is your best friend. A fence that’s 8 feet tall is usually enough to make Bambi think twice. It’s like setting the high jump bar just a tad too high for comfort.
  2. Underground Defenses: Against those pesky ground diggers, extend a mesh wire at least a foot underground along the bottom of the fence. It’s like adding a hidden basement level to your fence where no one’s invited.
  3. Close the Gaps: For climbers and small animals, reducing spacing between slats or using a solid design can discourage them. It’s like removing the steps on their personal fence ladder.
  4. Sturdy Materials: To deter larger animals like cows or horses, robust materials are a must. Think of it as choosing armor for your fence, strong enough to withstand some horsing around.
  5. Slippery Slopes: Adding a PVC pipe or similar material on top of the fence makes it slippery for those raccoon and squirrel acrobats. No more easy grip.
  6. Distraction Techniques: Sometimes, it’s not about the fence but about steering interest elsewhere. Bird feeders, salt licks, or designated play areas can divert animals away from your fence. It’s like setting up a decoy treasure chest for curious critters.
  7. Regular Maintenance: Regular check-ups and repairs can catch and fix small issues before they become big ones. It’s like giving your fence a health potion at the first sign of damage.

Remember, your fence doesn’t need to look like a fortress. There are plenty of options that blend style and animal deterrence. Think elegant but sturdy designs, decorative yet functional tops, and materials that are tough but classy.

Partner with American Wholesale Fenceworks-Apollo Beach

While we can’t control the whims and wanderings of our animal neighbors, we can certainly outsmart them with the right fencing. Opting for resilient, high-quality fencing materials is key to keeping your fence looking good and standing strong against animal antics.

Ready to safeguard your fence with the best materials out there? Reach out to American Wholesale Fenceworks—Apollo Beach for top-tier fencing solutions that keep the critters at bay and add curb appeal to your property. Call us today at (813) 556-9399 to get started!

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How Tall Can/Should Residential Privacy Fences Be?

When buying a privacy fence, many people will pick a height at random or trust the manufacturer. This often leads to homeowners stepping on their neighbor’s toes or gaining the attention of the local authorities. Explore varying fence heights and learn more about how tall residential privacy fences can (and should) be before ordering your materials from American Wholesale Fenceworks Atlanta!

An Overview Of Average (And Legal) Fence Heights

It’s easy to imagine what the average fence looks like in front of a home, but harder to determine its height without measuring it. When purchasing privacy fences, the panels usually come in increments of 3 feet, 6 feet, and anywhere in between. But how do you know which height to use for residential properties? Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that the fences used for front yards are drastically shorter than fences used for the backyard.

The common residential home with privacy fencing will have a 4-foot fence for the front yard and a 6-foot fence for the backyard. This is the standard for most areas, with minimal changes depending on the exact location.

Can I Adjust The Height Of An Existing Fence?

For fences that are already installed on a residential property, there are ways to extend the height to meet regulations or personal preference. Fence toppers are the easiest and most cost-effective way to add height to a privacy fence without replacing the entire border.

What Is The Tallest Possible Privacy Fence You Can Buy?

Six feet may be the highest height for the average fence, but you can buy taller privacy fence materials as needed. The maximum height that you can purchase at most places is 8 feet, but it’s not impossible to find one as tall as 12 feet. However, 12-foot-tall fences are a rarity and are often reserved for very niche uses. Before you start looking around for such a high-standing privacy fence, you’ll want to contemplate if it’s actually necessary and if the height falls in line with local laws and regulations.

Following State And City Fence Regulations

Before installing a privacy fence, the first thing you should do is research local fence height regulations. These rules can come from the state or city that the residential property is located in, or sometimes the house is under the guidelines set by the homeowner’s association (HOA). In Atlanta, the average fence height limits are usually 3.5 feet for the front yard and up to 8 feet for the back, but the exact dimensions may vary per zone.

Meeting Your Height Goals – The Best Privacy Fences For The Job

After deciding on the ideal heights for your next fence project, you need to decide which materials are best for meeting those requirements. Since the front yard needs to be shorter in comparison, both wood and vinyl are great choices for creating a welcoming or modern aesthetic. The backyard perimeter, however, is usually meant to be more practical and functional. Vinyl privacy fences are a popular choice for reaching the maximum level of privacy while being low-maintenance since there will be more materials involved.

Learn more > The Benefits Of Privacy Fencing: Our Guide For Homeowners

Contact American Wholesale Fenceworks For Top-Grade Privacy Fences

For top-quality privacy fence materials in custom heights, contact American Wholesale Fenceworks Atlanta to hear our selection and to receive a material quote on your next delivery! We offer competitive pricing on our products followed by timely deliveries and platinum service from our knowledgeable staff of professionals. Get the privacy fence materials you need from AWF!

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What Fence Types Are Best For Keeping Wildlife Away From My Yard?

Nothing gets the heart pumping faster than seeing an unwelcome critter scavenging through the backyard, regardless of how big or small. On a never-ending quest for survival, wild animals will do what they can to find nourishment and shelter. There’s no reason to make the job easy for them which is why the professionals at American Wholesale Fenceworks are here to introduce you to the best fence types for keeping wildlife out of the yard.

The most effective fence types for keeping wildlife out of the yard are devoid of gaps to be used as entry points, such as privacy fencing. Fences that display tensile strength can also help keep them out. But first, you should know what you’re up against:

Types of Wildlife to Account For:

The most common types of wildlife that you’ll find in the backyard range from small critters like squirrels and raccoons to larger animals like deer and coyotes. There are many reasons why these creatures would bypass the perimeter and tread uncharted territory:

  • To scrounge around for sustenance
  • To find safe shelter for the night
  • To sate their instinctive curiosity

Need a protective fence that is also safe for domesticated furry companions? Check out our official ranking of pet-friendly fence styles!

Whether your location tends to see smaller or larger animals, there’s a fence type that can help prevent them from trespassing. Let’s take a look at a few of our best examples:

Tall Privacy Fences Are The Best Animal Deterrent

Living near preserved natural landscapes comes with its benefits, like being a short drive away from camping adventures or venues used for extreme outdoor activities. But of course, these areas come with rather annoying downsides like pests that are troublesome to deal with. Property owners may encounter deer near the forest or coyotes near the desert. There are also elk, wolves, moose, and much more to worry about. However, these otherwise majestic creatures will usually enter yards only when the payout is worth the risk. In this case, obstructing their view is often enough to keep them uninterested.

A tall privacy fence can prevent large animals from acquiring a visual of a certain need, whether it be food or shelter. Taller fences can also stop more athletic wildlife (like deer) from simply hopping over the border. Fence toppers can also be installed on existing fences to extend their height.

Prevent Climbing And Burrowing With Metal Fencing

Not all menaces are the big kind. Sometimes, the more frustrating and persistent annoyances are smaller in stature. We’re talking about the ones that can climb walls or burrow underneath structures, such as raccoons, squirrels, possums, rabbits, and groundhogs. Take a look at these fence types for fending off these pests:

  • Ornate metal fences, especially the powder-treated kind, have a texture that makes it incredibly difficult for even the most determined animals to climb as they’ll just slide down the pole.
  • Chain link fences are sometimes enough to deter rodents from trying to burrow underneath. Its flexible nature bounces back from any attempt to cross it, causing most small animals to give up almost instantly.

Read more > Lesser-Known Benefits Of Chain Link Fencing For Any Florida Property

The Effectiveness Of Ranch Rail Fences

A ranch rail fence, especially when reinforced with welded wire, can also be effective in establishing dominance and deterring wildlife from entering the premises. Before brushing off the idea of this fence type as only being acceptable for a farm, you should know that ranch rail fencing has now become suitable for residential properties like those in rural areas.

Find What You Need At American Wholesale Fenceworks!

Call American Wholesale Fenceworks today at (888) 610-1756 to hear about our selection of premium fence materials that are effective at keeping wildlife out of the yard! Be sure to ask us for a material quote on your next order followed by platinum service.

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Wrought Iron vs Aluminum Fencing – 6 Key Differences

Just like you would carefully consider the different species of wood that you would use for a wooden fence, it helps to put the same amount of thought when choosing the right type of metal for a metal fence. Some metals are better for Florida’s climate than others, and that can be the difference between a fence that lasts only 5 years and one that can last 25 years or longer.

Today, the professionals at American Wholesale Fenceworks Orlando are here to compare the key differences between wrought iron and aluminum fencing:

1. One Is Much Heavier Than The Other

This one may seem a bit obvious, but wrought iron fences are much heavier than aluminum fences. That may seem like a good thing on the surface, but after thinking about it from a different standpoint, there are some drawbacks that the average person might not consider.

It makes sense for wrought iron to be more expensive as a heavier material, but that also means that it will cost more in delivery fees. Meanwhile, aluminum fences will cost less to ship since it’s a lightweight material while still offering optimal durability.

2. Wrought Iron Requires Extra Care

Owning a wrought iron fence is almost like committing to the responsibilities of taking care of a large animal. Because wrought iron is typically unprotected, it starts rusting the moment you neglect maintenance. One of the many reasons why powder-coated aluminum fences are becoming so popular is because they offer amazing protection even without any upkeep. The additives mixed in with the aluminum effortlessly repel water to completely avoid rust and corrosion.

3. The Cost Of Repairs Is Drastically Vast

It’s already pricey enough to purchase, deliver, and install a wrought iron fence, but the cost of repairs just keeps draining the bank. Since it’s more susceptible to rust, repairs and replacement parts will be needed much sooner than anticipated, and those compounding touch-ups will continue to stack up bills. Aluminum fences won’t need nearly as many repairs, and even when the need for alterations arises, it won’t be the worst thing for your wallet.

4. Powder-Coated Aluminum Doesn’t Fade

Another major downside to wrought iron fencing is the fact that it tends to fade in direct sunlight after a while. Again, this happens because of the lack of protection. Wrought iron fences will show their wear with aging and end up becoming a liability for property value. But just as powder-coated aluminum is immune to water damage, the added protection can also keep it from fading in the sun.

5. It’s Harder To Sell A Home With Wrought Iron Fencing

Many things are taken into account when it comes to property value, but in the end, it all comes down to what the people want in a home. A knowledgeable buyer may understand the downsides of owning a wrought iron fence and will see it as a detriment rather than a worthy investment. Owning an aluminum fence will have the opposite effect, attracting many prospective buyers who want a beautiful, low-maintenance fence for their new home.

6. Aluminum Fencing Are Easier To Decorate

Anyone investing in a metal fence doesn’t want one that looks identical to their neighbor’s. This is a chance to craft a unique and desirable property, and aluminum fencing allows the perfect platform to do so with endless combinations of design choices including pickets, toppers, and overall style. Wrought iron fences are more difficult to manipulate, so they often come in pre-determined styles.

Discover Aluminum Fence Options At American Wholesale Fenceworks

For an extensive range of customizable options for powder-coated aluminum fences, American Wholesale Fenceworks Orlando is your #1 place for premium fence products delivered straight to you! Give us a call today at (407) 961-6073 to ask for a material quote on your next order.