Frequently Asked Questions
Your Fence Questions, Answered
Planning a new fence comes with plenty of questions. What type of fence is best for your property? How much maintenance will it require? Do you need a survey or permit? What should you consider before installation?
US Fence NC has been serving Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina and surrounding North Carolina communities since 2005. We’ve answered some of the most common questions about residential and commercial fence installation below.
General Fence Questions
What types of fencing does US Fence NC install?
We install a variety of residential and commercial fencing, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain link and ornamental iron fencing. Each material offers different advantages when it comes to privacy, security, appearance, maintenance and cost.
We’ll help you compare your options and choose a fence that works for your property, needs and budget.
Do you install both residential and commercial fencing?
Yes. US Fence NC provides both residential and commercial fence installation throughout Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina and surrounding communities.
Residential projects range from backyard privacy and pet fencing to pool enclosures and decorative fencing. Commercial fencing can provide security, perimeter protection, access control and boundary definition for businesses and other properties.
How do I choose the right type of fence?
Start by considering what you want your fence to accomplish.
If privacy is your main priority, wood or vinyl may be an excellent choice. Aluminum and ornamental iron fencing provide security and boundary definition while maintaining open views. Chain link provides a durable and economical way to enclose a property or larger area.
Appearance, maintenance, budget and the characteristics of your property should also factor into the decision. We’ll help you compare the available options before you choose.
What is the best type of fence for privacy?
Wood and vinyl are two of the most popular options for residential privacy fencing.
Wood offers a natural appearance and extensive design flexibility, while vinyl provides excellent privacy with relatively little ongoing maintenance. The best choice will depend on your preferred appearance, budget and maintenance expectations.
What type of fence is best for dogs?
Several types of fencing can work well for pets, including wood, vinyl, chain link and aluminum.
The right choice depends on factors such as the size and behavior of your dog, desired fence height, spacing between fence components, privacy preferences and your property. Let us know that containing a pet is one of the primary purposes of your fence so we can help you select an appropriate design.
What fencing is best around a swimming pool?
Aluminum and ornamental fencing are popular choices for pools because they provide a physical barrier while maintaining visibility into the pool area. Other fencing materials may also be appropriate.
Pool barriers must comply with applicable safety and building requirements, so those requirements should be considered when choosing the height, design, gates and other features of your fence.
Fence Materials & Maintenance
Does wood fencing require maintenance?
Yes. Because wood is a natural material exposed to the elements, periodic maintenance can help protect its appearance and extend its useful life.
Staining or painting can help protect the wood while allowing you to customize its appearance. US Fence NC offers wood fence staining and painting services.
What is the difference between cedar and pressure-treated wood fencing?
Both can be excellent choices for residential wood fencing.
Pressure-treated lumber is treated to withstand outdoor conditions and is a popular, economical option. Cedar is valued for its natural beauty and distinctive appearance.
The right choice depends on your priorities, design preferences and budget.
Is vinyl fencing low maintenance?
Yes. One of vinyl fencing’s primary advantages is its low maintenance requirements. It doesn’t require regular painting or staining and won’t rot or splinter like natural wood.
US Fence NC’s vinyl fencing is also available with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty. Specific warranty terms depend on the product selected.
Does aluminum fencing rust?
Aluminum itself doesn’t rust like iron or steel. The aluminum fencing offered by US Fence NC features a powder-coated finish designed to provide additional protection and a durable finished appearance.
This makes aluminum an attractive option for homeowners looking for ornamental-style fencing with minimal maintenance.
Is chain link fencing only available in galvanized silver?
No. In addition to traditional galvanized chain link, coated options are available in different colors.
US Fence NC offers chain link fencing in galvanized and coated finishes, providing options that can blend more naturally with landscaping and surrounding structures.
Which fence requires the least maintenance?
Vinyl and aluminum are generally among the lowest-maintenance residential fencing options.
Wood requires more periodic care, while chain link also typically requires relatively little routine maintenance. Your decision should take into account appearance, privacy and budget in addition to maintenance.
Planning & Installation
Do I need a permit to install a fence?
Permit requirements depend on where your property is located.
For example, the City of Raleigh currently requires a zoning permit for fence installation, while Fuquay-Varina does not currently require a fence permit but does have development standards governing fences.
Requirements can change and vary among municipalities, so it’s important to verify the rules that apply to your particular property before installation.
Do I need a property survey before installing a fence?
Not necessarily in every situation, but you need to be confident about the location of your property boundaries before your fence is installed.
A property survey can identify legal property lines and may provide information about easements and other conditions that affect fence placement. If you’re uncertain where your property lines are located, obtaining a survey can help prevent problems later.
What are easements, and can they affect my fence?
An easement gives another party certain rights to use a designated portion of a property, often for utilities, drainage or another specific purpose.
Depending on the easement and local requirements, it may affect where your fence can be placed. Review your property documentation and applicable requirements when planning your fence location.
Do I need HOA approval for a new fence?
If your property belongs to a homeowners association, possibly.
Many HOAs have their own requirements concerning fence materials, styles, colors, heights and placement. Some require approval before installation begins.
HOA requirements are separate from municipal permits and zoning regulations, so homeowners should verify both.
How long does fence installation take?
Installation time varies considerably based on the size and complexity of the project, fencing material, property conditions, weather and other factors.
Once we know more about your project, we can give you a better idea of what to expect.
Should I have utilities marked before my fence is installed?
Underground utilities need to be considered before digging begins. The appropriate utility-location process should be completed before fence posts are installed so known underground utility lines can be identified.
We’ll discuss the preparation required for your particular project before installation.
Estimates, Financing & Repairs
How much does a new fence cost?
Fence pricing depends on several factors, including the fencing material, total length, height, style, number and type of gates, property conditions and complexity of the installation.
Because every property and fencing project is different, the best way to determine your cost is to request an estimate based on the specific project you’re considering.
Do you offer estimates?
Yes. Contact US Fence NC and tell us about your project, including whether it is residential or commercial, the type of fencing you’re considering and what you’d like the fence to accomplish.
We’ll gather the information needed to provide an estimate for your project.
Is financing available?
Yes. Financing options are available to qualified North Carolina residents. Contact US Fence NC to learn more about current financing options and how to apply.
Does US Fence NC repair fences?
Yes. We provide fence repair services for a variety of fencing materials.
If your fence has damaged boards or panels, leaning posts, gate problems, storm damage or other issues, contact us to discuss the condition of your fence and whether repair may be an appropriate option.
Is my fence covered by a warranty?
Warranty coverage depends on the fencing material and product selected. Certain fencing products include manufacturer warranties; for example, vinyl fencing offered by US Fence NC is available with a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.
We’ll provide information about applicable warranty coverage for the materials selected for your project.
Still Have Questions?
Every fencing project is different, and we’re happy to answer questions about your property, fencing options or installation.
Whether you’re planning a wood privacy fence for your backyard, exploring low-maintenance vinyl or aluminum, enclosing an area with chain link or planning a commercial fencing project, US Fence NC can help you determine the right solution.
Have a question or ready to start planning your fence?
Contact US Fence NC today to discuss your project and request an estimate for fence installation in Raleigh, Fuquay-Varina and surrounding North Carolina communities.