FAQ
Please browse our frequently asked questions, and feel free to call us if your question is not answered here. We are always here to help!
Is Hurricane Fence Company licensed?
Hurricane Fence Company is licensed, bonded, and insured with all of the cities and states where we perform work. We are a Class A Contractor, CIC FIC & HIC #2705024990. We also hold AFA Blue Ribbon, AGCVA, sWaM, IDEA and Certified Automated Gate Operator Installer and Designer accreditations.
How long has Hurricane Fence Company been in business?
We've been in business since 1994. First primarily providing commercial and government fence solutions, but we've worked very hard to be a leader in the residential fence market over the last several years.
What will happen at the appointment with my estimator/project manager?
When you call, we always suggest you schedule an appointment with one of our Residential Estimators/Project Managers. They will meet with you and work with you to determine the best option for your project. Meeting with the customer and reviewing the site provides the best method for determining your needs and providing an accurate estimate for your project.
When can I expect my fence installation to begin?
Your estimator/project manager should provide you with an estimated start date. Jobs cannot start until all necessary permits are obtained, and Miss Utility has been called. Once the permits are obtained, and the property is marked, you will be notified of your installation date. Weather can also be a factor in determining the start date of a job. If you are ever uncertain about your installation date, please reach out to our office, and we will go over the schedule with you.
How long will it take to complete my job?
Every job is different, and many factors can determine its completion date, but once we start your job, we will keep you informed of its progress until its completion.
How can I get in touch with my estimator/project manager?
Your estimator or project manager will give you their business card upon your first interaction. They can be reached via that contact information. If you have any issue getting a hold of your estimator project manager, please don't hesitate to call the office.
Hurricane Fence Company has a dedicated office team that will get a message to your estimator/project manager swiftly and with all of the details concerning your project via phone or email.
Will your fence installations add value to my property?
Adding a fence to enclose all or part of the yard to your residential property will, in most cases, add to the value of the property appraisal or assessment. A well-maintained fence is always one less thing a new homeowner will have to contend with upon move in.
How do I pay for my fence?
Hurricane Fence Company accepts cash, check, American Express, Mastercard, and Visa. We can take your payment over the phone. You can send a check by mail to our main office in Richmond, VA. Currently we do not offer financing for our fence services.
How tall can my fence be?
Usually, a residential fence within the city cannot exceed 6'. However, there may be some setbacks required by the municipality for front yards. We suggest you check with your local building codes department to make sure what you are planning will be acceptable. If you belong to a homeowner's association, you may need to check with them to ensure that your plan meets their requirements.
Who takes care of Miss Utility?
Hurricane Fence will contact Miss Utility for all of its customers prior to starting any job. Underground utilities need to be marked on the property where the job will be installed to prevent damage or injury during installation.
Should I worry about my sprinkler system or my low voltage lighting?
Yes. It's the homeowner's responsibility to identify and locate their sprinkler lines and low voltage lighting.
Do I need permission from my neighbor to put up a fence?
The general rule that applies in most jurisdictions is that you do not need permission from a neighbor to build a fence on your property. However, if the intended position of your fence strays onto your neighbor's land, it is a different story. They would have the right to refuse to allow any part of your fence to touch their property. As a result, knowing the exact location of the property boundary is essential in this type of scenario. Unusual situations notwithstanding, the property line becomes the controlling factor.
Virginia has many laws regarding fences between properties. You can find jurisdictional info here.
Do you sell materials only for DIY customers?
We do not currently sell materials to the public. However, we can recommend several reputable fence suppliers whom we trust.
Who takes care of locating public utilities?
The homeowner is responsible for locating the public utilities on your property. This ensures that your contractor knows where all utility lines are, and they can avoid them while doing their project.
What kind of guarantees can I expect for my fence?
The manufacturer usually provides material warranties. The term of any warranty will vary from product to product.
Why is vinyl fence so popular?
Vinyl is one of the most common materials used to make fencing today. Over the years, vinyl fencing has risen in popularity because it is robust, durable, and low maintenance. Vinyl will never rust, rot or decay, and with some simple maintenance, a vinyl fence will last for many years into the future.
Which types of fences are best for privacy?
When the goal is to block sightlines, both wood and vinyl fences are regularly used for privacy reasons. Wood fences are one of the most popular types of privacy fences, and they can add beauty, privacy, and security to any home. Vinyl fences are solid, durable, and virtually maintenance-free. They are perfect for privacy reasons because they are solid and completely block the view of your yard. We also offer alternative applications that mimic wood fences but are fabricated with recycled composite materials that come in different colors and styles.
What are some alternative fence materials to wood?
Vinyl, ornamental aluminum, and composite materials are all gaining popularity as more people want a fence that is both low-maintenance and eco-friendly. Many homeowners are choosing alternative materials that require much less maintenance than a classic wood picket and privacy fences. Most of these fences are available in a variety of colors and styles and require no painting or staining.
What types of fences are the most suitable for a pool?
If you have a pool in your backyard, you need a fence for safety reasons. In most states, the law mandates that you must have a fence around a swimming pool. Vinyl picket and aluminum fences are often used as pool fences because they don't block the view of the pool. However, as long as you meet the safety and height recommendations for your local area, any type of fence material, including wood or vinyl, can be used.
Which type of fence requires the least amount of maintenance?
Vinyl fences require very little maintenance. Simple maintenance tips for a vinyl fence include hosing it down from time to time to rinse off surface dirt. If dirt spots appear over time, they may require a gentle cleanser and a little more elbow grease – but that's all. With some simple maintenance, a vinyl fence will look fresh and new for many years into the future.
What kind of fence will keep my dog confined, but will not block my view?
The most practical solution would be either a green or black vinyl coated chain link fence, wood picket, or ornamental aluminum fence. Either type would serve your purpose and least obstruct your view.
Can I stain my wood fence?
Staining a wood fence is up to the homeowner. Staining the fence does not necessarily prolong the life of the fence. A wood fence will normally grey over time. Many homeowners like the initial color of the fence. Staining it should maintain that color depending upon the product you use and may require staining every two years.
Is fence hardware included in the fence installation?
Self-closing and self-latching hardware are included in the fence gate prices, except for the Estate Gate prices, which only include hinges. Please note that gates over 60″ wide are not guaranteed to self-close due to the size.
Do I need gate posts on both sides of the gate?
Yes, more substantial posts are needed to both support the weight of the gate and to withstand the constant impact when the gate latches.
How do you attach the fence around a pool?
To fasten posts to a concrete slab, we always recommend that you core drill the concrete. These aluminum castings fit inside the bottom of a post and secure it.
Are there different colors of chain link fencing?
Yes. The standard color for chain link is silver. To have a colored chain link fence, we offer vinyl colored chain link in a variety of colors. The most popular color is black, as it is a more elegant look and blends into the landscape. However, some customers may prefer a different color that works better with their landscaping needs.
Can I have a chain-link fence and still have some level of privacy?
Yes. Pre-slatted vinyl chain link fencing is available and does provide privacy. It is comparable to the cost of a wood fence. As with the vinyl chain link, there are several colors available. If you have an existing chain link fence, we can also order vinyl slats for you to insert into the fence. Before purchasing and installing the slats, talk to our fence professionals about your existing fence's ability to handle the wind with the addition of slats.
Are there colors for ornamental gates, fence, and railings?
All of our ornamental iron products are powder coated so that the iron won't rust. We have a variety of colors available. As with the vinyl chain link fencing, black ornamental iron is the most popular. It blends with the landscape better and is easier to touch up and maintain than other colors.
We can also provide commercial safety railings or white residential railings that require two coats for durability. Your estimator can go over the options for you and will have recommendations for your project.
My gate operator isn't working. Will you come out to fix it?
We have a knowledgeable gate operator team that will come out and service or repair your gate operating system. They are knowledgeable not only on the operating systems that we install but also other types of systems.
How deep do fence posts have to be set into the ground?
This depends upon many factors, including type and style of fence, the height of fence, and climate in your area (snow, frost, winds, etc.). Under normal conditions, posts will be set into the ground approximately 30" to 36".
Can I get an estimate or ballpark price over the phone?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide a residential estimate or commercial quote over the phone. Every job site is different; therefore, it is imperative that's we visit your property or see plans to begin the process.
What areas do you offer Residential services in?
We offer residential fence installation services throughout the state of Virginia.
What areas do you offer Commercial, Industrial, and Government services in?
We offer perimeter security enclosure solutions in everywhere in Virginia, North Carolina, Washington DC, and Maryland. We also provide services on a project bid-basis outside of these areas. Please contact us for more information.
I like the quote. How do I get started?
After choosing Hurricane Fence Company to install your fence, you will need to sign and return the contract to your estimator/project manager. You can hand the contract to your estimator, send it via mail or email. If your agreement requires a deposit, you may mail a check or pay with a credit card by phone. After we receive these, your job will go to our Residential team, and we will call you once the job has been placed on the job schedule.
How long will it take to get my project finished?
Depending upon the size of your project and the nature of the jobs already in progress, it may take several weeks (2 – 5 weeks based on the volume of work in progress) before we can begin your project. It's best to ask your estimator/project manager for a time frame of when you can expect to have your project installed and completed.
Some projects take time to order the materials, and others take time to construct. Typically, for our fence projects, we come out on day one and set posts; we have a 5 – 10-day gap to allow the concrete post footing to cure. Then we will return and finish installing the fence and gates.
Do I need to be there while the crew is working?
In most cases, it is not necessary for you to be present. The estimator or project manager will instruct the field crew based on his conversations with you. If you have particular concerns or just feel more comfortable being onsite at the time the work is being done, please feel free to stay.
What if I want to change something?
If you want to change something on the project, please contact your estimator immediately so we can adjust the materials accordingly. It is much easier to make changes to your project before we start than if we're already in the middle of it.
If you want to make a change while the crew is setting posts, please indicate the area you wish to change to the team and contact your estimator right away.
