Everlasting Fence has been the Philadelphia fence company homeowners and contractors trust since 1980—installing custom wood, vinyl, aluminum, and chain link fences across Philadelphia, Montgomery, Bucks, Delaware, and Chester Counties. Residential or commercial, we build it right the first time and stand behind it for life.
Over the last 40+ years, we’ve installed more than 100,000 fences. Trust our experts to answer your fencing questions! We’ve shared answers to the most commonly asked fencing questions below.
If your question isn’t answered, call us!
Aluminum Fence Installation FAQs
Is aluminum fencing low maintenance?
Yes. It’s one of the best low maintenance fence options available. It resists rust, rot, warping, and it doesn’t need painting. Wash it off when it’s dirty. That’s your maintenance plan.
How does aluminum compare to vinyl fencing?
Both are low maintenance, but they serve different purposes. Vinyl tends to be used for its solid panels and privacy features. Aluminum is a more open design that’s better suited for decorative boundaries and pool enclosures, where many people want a stronger material. Use it where you want security and a finished look without blocking sightlines.
We install both. During your estimate, we’ll help you decide which makes more sense for your property.
Can you install aluminum fencing on a slope?
Yes. Aluminum can be raked to follow the slope or stepped in level sections depending on the degree of grade and the style you choose. Our crews assess this on-site before a single post goes in.
What areas does Everlasting Fence serve?
We install aluminum fencing throughout Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Chester, and Philadelphia Counties. Not sure if we cover your area? Call us – chances are, we do.
Awning & Shade Solution FAQs
Do I need a permit to install a retractable awning in Pennsylvania?
In most Philadelphia-area townships, yes. Permit requirements vary by municipality, and the process can be more involved than most people expect. Everlasting Fence handles permitting as part of every installation. We know the requirements across the counties we serve and take care of the application so you don’t have to.
How long does installation take?
Most residential awning installations are completed in half a day. Commercial projects or larger enclosure systems may take longer depending on scope.
Can awning fabric be replaced without replacing the whole unit?
Yes. On the products we install, fabric replacement is straightforward. If your awning frame is in good condition but the fabric has faded or worn, replacement is a more cost-effective option than starting over.
What’s the difference between a retractable awning and a fixed awning?
A fixed awning stays in place permanently. A retractable awning extends and retracts on demand. You control how much shade you get and can protect the fabric during bad weather. We only install retractable systems. They’re more versatile and hold up better over time when used properly.
How do I know which shade product is right for my space?
That’s a topic for discussion during the estimate visit. A retractable patio awning covers most situations, but drop shades, motorized screens, canopies, and screen rooms each solve specific problems. We’ll look at your space, how you use it, and what you’re trying to accomplish, and recommend accordingly.
Do you install awnings for commercial properties?
Yes. Retractable awnings and drop shades are popular for commercial outdoor spaces, restaurant patios, and storefronts throughout the Philadelphia area. The process doesn’t change for a commercial job: someone visits the site, looks at what you’re working with, and recommends a product that fits.
Chain Link Fence Installation FAQs
How much does chain link fence installation cost?
Chain link fence cost depends on linear footage, fence height, post gauge, gate count and configuration, vinyl coating versus standard galvanized, and site conditions like grade changes or rocky soil. A residential backyard runs differently than a commercial perimeter job. We come out, walk the site, and give you a detailed quote. Request your free estimate to get started.
What’s the difference between galvanized and vinyl coated chain link fence?
Galvanized chain link is coated in zinc to resist corrosion. It’s the standard silver finish most people recognize, reliable and cost-effective. Vinyl coated chain link fence adds a layer of PVC over the wire, available in black and other colors. The coating improves the appearance, adds weather protection, and blends better in residential settings. Both hold up. The right choice depends on your budget, your aesthetic preference, and where the fence is going.
Can you add privacy slats to a chain link fence?
Yes. Chain link fence with privacy slats fits into the existing mesh and adds real screening without replacing the fence. Slats come in several colors. It’s a practical upgrade for residential properties where you want privacy but aren’t ready for a full wood or vinyl installation.
Do I need a permit for a chain link fence in Pennsylvania?
Most municipalities in the Philadelphia area require one, with height limits and setback requirements that vary by township. We manage the permit application as part of your job. Hand it off to us.
How long does a chain link fence last?
A properly installed galvanized chain link fence lasts 20 years or more with minimal maintenance. Vinyl coated options hold up well against moisture and UV exposure and last comparably. Post depth and concrete anchoring matter as much as the wire itself. A fence set correctly from the start holds longer and costs less to maintain over time.
Fence Repair FAQs
Do you repair fences you didn’t install?
Yes, in most cases. You don’t need to have a fence installed by us to get it repaired by us. The same big box exception applies here though. If your fence came from a big box retailer, we won’t be able to take the job. Otherwise, we’ll assess what’s there and tell you honestly what it needs.
How long does fence repair take?
Turnaround averages four to six weeks, though peak season can extend that timeline.
Do I need a permit to repair my fence?
Sometimes. It depends on your township and the scope of the repair. We’ll tell you if a permit applies when we assess the job.
Is my fence worth repairing, or should I replace it?
It depends on the age and structural condition of the fence. Isolated damage on an otherwise sound fence is usually repairable. Widespread wear or rot across multiple sections often leads to replacement. We’ll give you an honest assessment either way.
Do you offer a warranty on repair work?
We stand behind the quality of our labor, but repair work isn’t covered under the same workmanship warranty as new installations, since we’re working with existing materials and conditions we didn’t originally build.
What’s the most common fence repair job you get called for?
Gate repair. Hinges, latches, and sagging gates make up the majority of the repair calls we get.
Fence Staining & Restoration FAQs
How often should I stain my wood fence?
Most fences need restaining every two to three years. Fences with heavy sun exposure may need it sooner.
Do you stain fences you didn’t install?
Yes. We stain and restore fences regardless of who installed them.
What’s the difference between transparent and semi-transparent stain?
Transparent stain lets more of the wood’s natural grain show through. Semi-transparent stain adds pigment, which can help older or more weathered fences look more even and uniform.
How long does fence staining take?
Most jobs are completed in four to six hours, depending on the size and condition of the fence.
Do you power wash before staining?
Only when it’s necessary. Our standard approach uses a bleach-based cleaning solution that removes grime without stripping the wood grain the way high-pressure washing can.
Do you restore decks too?
Yes. We use the same Wood Defender product and process for deck restoration as we do for fence staining.
Pool Fence FAQs
Do you need a fence around a pool in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires a code-compliant barrier around any pool 24” deep or greater, including above-ground and inflatable pools that meet the depth threshold. The requirement applies statewide, and individual municipalities may add stricter rules on top of the state code.
What’s the best fence for a pool?
Aluminum is the standard recommendation for pool enclosures in Pennsylvania. It doesn’t rust, holds up against the chemical environment around a pool, requires no maintenance, and comes in styles that look good in a backyard.
For property owners who prioritize privacy over visibility into the pool area, vinyl is an alternative to consider. We’ll give you an honest recommendation based on your yard, your budget, and how the fence will be used.
How long does a pool fence installation take?
Permitting timelines vary by municipality; some townships turn permits around quickly, others take longer. Most pool fence installations take a day, sometimes two, depending on the size of the pool. Time frames vary based on new pool installation schedules, our backlogs, and permitting processes.
Does a pool fence need to be a certain height in Pennsylvania?
The state minimum is 48” measured on the side of the fence facing away from the pool. Some municipalities require fences to be taller. We verify your township’s specific requirements before quoting, so you’ll feel confident about compliance before the fence is in the ground.
Privacy Fence FAQs
What is the most private type of fence?
A solid board or tongue and groove wood fence give you the most complete visual barrier. No gaps, no sightlines, Tongue and groove also provides the best sound reduction of any fence style, which matters if you’re near a road or a busy area. Solid vinyl panel fencing is a close second and requires less maintenance over time.
What’s the difference between a shadowbox fence and a solid privacy fence?
A solid privacy fence has boards installed flush against each other with no gaps, giving you complete visual coverage from any angle. A shadowbox fence alternates boards on either side of the rail, which allows airflow and looks the same from both sides. It isn’t truly gapless, and from a direct angle you’ll see through it slightly. Both are popular. Which one fits you depends on whether full visual coverage or airflow matters more.
How long does a wood privacy fence last?
Western red cedar averages 15 to 20 years with regular maintenance: staining every two to three years and keeping the base clear of soil contact. The posts are the first thing to go if they’re not set correctly or treated. We make sure ours are done right.
Does a vinyl fence provide privacy?
Yes. Vinyl privacy panels are solid with no gaps, no warping over time, and no view through the fence. They come in several heights and colors. The tradeoff compared to wood is design flexibility. Vinyl is manufactured to standard dimensions, so custom sizing or style work isn’t as easy as it is with cedar.
Can I install a privacy fence without my neighbor’s permission in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, yes, provided the fence sits on your property and meets your township’s height and setback requirements. Pennsylvania doesn’t have a statewide fence law; the rules come from local ordinances. It’s considered good practice to notify neighbors before installing, but it’s not typically a legal requirement. If there’s any question about your property line, a survey before installation is the right call.
Vinyl Fence FAQs
How much does vinyl fence installation cost?
Vinyl fence cost depends on linear footage, fence height, style, gate count, and site conditions like grade changes. A basic picket installation is priced differently than a full privacy fence on a sloped lot. We’ll come out, walk the property with you, and provide a detailed quote based on what your yard needs.
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How long does a vinyl fence last
A properly installed vinyl fence typically can last 30 years, or longer. Unlike wood, it doesn’t depend on a staining or sealing schedule to get there. Occasional cleaning and periodic gate hardware checks are about all it needs. We also provide a 5-year workmanship warranty.
Is vinyl fencing worth it compared to wood?
Depends on what you’re optimizing for. Wood, especially western red cedar, has character and warmth that vinyl can’t fully replicate. If aesthetics are your priority and you’re willing to maintain it, wood is a strong choice. If you want a fence that holds its color and shape, and doesn’t require annual attention, vinyl is the more practical option for most property owners. We’ll give you an honest recommendation when we come out for your estimate.
Does vinyl fencing hold up in cold weather?
Yes. Vinyl is designed to handle freeze-thaw cycles without cracking or warping. It doesn’t absorb moisture the way wood does, so it’s less vulnerable to the swelling and contraction that can damage other fence materials during a Philadelphia winter.
What colors does vinyl fencing come in?
White is the most popular, but it’s far from the only option. We carry a range of colors including tan, clay, and gray, as well as woodgrain-textured finishes for property owners who want the look of wood without the upkeep. Color availability varies by style. We’ll walk you through what’s available during your estimate.
Wood Privacy Fence FAQs
How long does a cedar fence last?
Western red cedar averages 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance, longer with regular staining. Post depth, soil conditions, and sun exposure all play a role. We’ll give you an honest read during your estimate.
What’s the difference between cedar and pressure-treated wood?
Cedar resists rot naturally, without chemical treatment. Pressure-treated wood forces preservative into the grain. It’s more resistant to insects and ground contact, but it can crack as it dries. For above-ground panels, cedar is the better choice. For posts and anything in direct ground contact, pressure-treated makes sense. We’ll walk you through the right combination for your project.
What is board-on-board fencing?
Board-on-board – also known as shadowbox style – is a popular wood privacy fence design. Pickets alternate on both sides of the rail, overlapping slightly, to give you a sense of privacy and a finished look on both sides.
Do I need a permit for a wood fence in Pennsylvania?
In most Philadelphia-area municipalities, yes. Residential fences are generally limited to 6 feet in the backyard and 4 feet in the front. Requirements vary by township. We manage the permit application as part of your installation.
How much does a wood privacy fence cost?
It depends on the style, material, linear footage, grade changes, and gate placement. We don’t work from ballpark numbers. We’ll come out and view your property, then give you a detailed estimate.
How to Choose a Fence Contractor—and Get Started with Ours
Three steps. No guesswork.
Request a Free Estimate
One of our experienced team members visits your property, walks the perimeter with you, and listens. You’ll get a detailed quote, not a ballpark number.
Choose Your Fence
We’ll walk you through material options, styles, heights, and gate placement. Not sure what you want? We’ve helped thousands of homeowners figure it out. Honest recommendations, not upsells.
We Install It
Your foreman introduces themselves before a single post goes in. The crew works clean, communicates throughout, and doesn’t call the job done until you’re satisfied.
What Makes an Everlasting Installation Different
We offer custom fence installation across every material and style. Whatever fits your property, your budget, and your timeline—we’ve built it.
We Fabricate Your Fence Before We Install It.
Most fence companies work from standard panels. At Everlasting Fence, we have our own woodshop. Custom wood privacy fences are cut, assembled, and finished at our facility in Glenside before they ever arrive at your property. That means a precise fit for your yard, requiring minimal field adjustments, not a hope-for-the-best approach.
Financing is Available.
A quality residential fence is a real investment, and we want to make it accessible. Financing options are available through GreenSky and Wells Fargo for qualified customers. Ask about it when you schedule your estimate.
We Maintain What We Install.
Your fence shouldn’t be something you set and forget. We offer biannual staining and maintenance services for wood fences to protect the material and extend its life. And if your existing fence has seen better days—storm damage, rotting posts, sections that didn’t survive winter—we handle fence repair and restoration, too. You don’t need to replace the whole thing to make it right.
Built for Your Family. Built to Outlast All of Us.
With proper maintenance, the fence we put in your backyard today will still be standing when your kids have kids of their own. That’s the standard we’ve held since 1980, and it hasn’t changed. That’s the Everlasting Experience.
See what Everlasting Fence can build for your property.
Free estimate – (800) 655-3798.