Frequently Asked Questions | J.C. Fence Company

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of a fence depends upon several factors. The main determining factors consist of what type of fence material is selected, the style of fence being built, what type and how many gates are installed, and, of course, how many linear feet of fence is required. (Linear footage is calculated by measuring the perimeter of the area that the fence will be built on.)

Want to get a better idea of fence cost? Request a no-obligation, INSTANT QUOTE. We can take a look at your provided information and give you a FREE QUOTE.

When your backyard backs up against your neighbor’s yard, you’ll want a privacy fence with a height that gives you the most privacy. Usually, this can be accomplished with a 6ft height. But we can do height transitions higher or lower than 6ft in order to give you more privacy or more view depending on your preference.

If your backyard does not back up against a neighbor, but to a green space or pond, our aluminum fence is a popular choice. Your yard may be perfect for a picket fence or a chain link fence if privacy is not a priority.

The land rights may vary in your area. So, it may be necessary to check with your local tax assessor’s office office. However, the ownership of an existing fence is typically the same owner of the land for which the fence is installed upon. We do not conduct any property surveys nor do we imply property lines.  If there is an existing fence, you should check with your neighbors to be certain the fence is yours. When there is doubt, it may be necessary to hire a survey company to mark the property lines.

Our cedar fencing products have a natural resistance to insects, rot, and decay. Therefore, cedar fences do not usually require pressure treatment, but can be stained or sealed to further protect your investment.

When fences are installed using pre-fabricated panels, fencing slopes and irregular ground levels can be difficult to properly fence. You will usually get large gaps at the bottom areas and uneven capping.

We do NOT use pre-fabricated fence panels. We build custom fences. Custom fences (or stick-built fences) allow us to better follow the lay-of-the-land (topography) and gives a much smoother transition. We can include custom transitions as an upgrade to your fence installation.

The turnaround time for fence installation depends on several factors such as type of fence, length of fence to be installed, and site conditions. Project time would also be affected by the removal of any existing fence if required. Usually, our installation takes 2 days here on the Massachusetts North Shore. If we’re also removing an old fence, the total time would be 3 to 4 days. Please ask your sales representative for scheduling details.
At J.C. Fence Company, we stand behind our work by providing a three-year labor warranty with each fence. We also have manufacturers’ warranties on many of the fences and materials we offer. Please ask your J.C Fence representative for more details.
We’re located in Middleton, MA but we complete fence installations on both the Massachusetts North Shore and in South New Hampshire. You can also see our complete service areas in the footer of our website.
In most cases, permits are only required when installing a privacy fence that exceeds 7’ in height. Some towns have their own set of rules/regulations for fence heights, so be sure to check with your town/city before having us come out.
The easiest and least expensive fences are usually made of chain link and/or aluminum. Low-maintenance, high-quality, affordable, and perfect for fencing your property without blocking a view.
In order for gates to swing fully and freely, a certain level of ground clearance is required. This means that while the panels may sit closer to the ground, the gates cannot sit as close to the ground.
The deposit is more than just a financial commitment. It goes towards the ordering of the materials for your project and, most importantly, signals the scheduler that your project is ready to be scheduled.
All deposits are non-refundable. If you still want to cancel, you can choose to have us hold your balance until you’re ready for the project, or you can pay the difference to cover the materials & we will drop them off for you.
In most cases, residential fence installations can be as high as 7’ before needing a permit. Anything over 7’ will typically require a permit. This is dictated by the town/city you live in, so we highly recommend checking with them before contacting us.
Situationally, dig machines are used when changes in terrain warrant them. Otherwise almost all of the installation process is conducted by hand & manually operated tools.
Our lead times apply to all customers, regardless of the size or complexity of the job. Since we schedule our jobs on a first-come-first-serve basis, during our busy season (April through October) it is normal for us to have a backlog of upcoming fence installation projects that can stretch as far as 3 months out.
The answer to this question does depend on the material. For vinyl and aluminum, we use a certain vendor. The vendor is one of the predominant vendors in the area, so there is a good chance our fence will match your old fence. However, not all fence companies use this vendor, which means that depending on who installed your existing fence & which vendor they use, the fences may not match 100%. That said, a 6’ privacy fence is going to look very similar regardless of the vendor. The difference may be in the width of the individual boards or the rails and their slots.

MA pool codes are regulated by both the state of MA & the town in which you live in. Please refer to both of those for current/up to date regulations & additional information. We use the 780 CMR: MA Code for private pools.

Generally speaking, the pool code regulations that we adhere to are:

  • Any pool deeper than 18” is required to be enclosed with a fence.
  • Minimum fence height of 4’, although 5’ offers greater protection.
  • Chain Link, Aluminum, Spaced Board (Picket/Stockade).
  • Fence-to-ground clearance should be 4” max (2” on a non-solid surface such as gravel) to prevent a small child from climbing underneath.
  • All gates must be self-closing and latching, and open outward or away from the pool.
Each material has its own unique lifespan:
  • Wood – 25 to 30 years* (Structurally speaking. Color fading will happen sooner)
  • Chain Link – 50+ years*
  • Aluminum – 50+ years*
  • Vinyl/PVC – 30+ years*
All above lifespans are dictated by the environment in which they exist. *This is based on perfect scenarios and do not account for issues caused by mother nature.
Anything spaced will always do best against wind because they allow it to pass through it. Chain link would be at the top of the list, followed closely by aluminum, any spaced wood, and lastly spaced vinyl. With spaced vinyl, even though it’s open and allows wind to pass through it, it’s a light material so it will still move with the wind to some extent.
Cedar is our go-to, and we typically offer varying “grades” (supply permitting). The grades range from 1 to 3, with 1 being the highest quality. By quality, we mean how smooth the face of the boards are. For example, Cedar 1 will have little-to-no knots and be virtually completely smooth.
No – all job scheduling is done on a first-come-first-serve basis for customers who have paid their deposits.
We custom build our gates to surpass industry standards. They are built with additional cross beam support to address the need for enhanced structural integrity around a constantly mobile section of the fence.

Unless otherwise specified by the customer , at J.C. Fence we customarily follow the grade of the terrain to limit spacing between the bottom of the fence & the ground.

If you choose a level appearance across the top of your fence, keep in mind there will be uneven space underneath the fence & the heights may not align.

Hidden Posts

PostMaster+ is the only steel fence post on the market designed to be hidden from view.

Both sides of your fence will showcase beautiful cedar posts while the steel on the inside creates a durable, long-lasting fence.

Easy to Clean

Vinyl fencing can be cleaned easily with a regular garden hose. If you get a little mildew from moisture or shady conditions, you can use a mild dish soap and then spray off the fence with a garden hose. Vinyl fences are very easy to clean, making them a great option for low-maintenance fencing.

Stronger Posts

We understand that your fence is only as strong as your posts. This is why we take great care to use the strongest posts, free of defect. We not only offer heavy-duty wood posts but also offer metal posts and PostMaster+ post options for an even stronger post.

All high-quality posts are built to ensure that your fence stands strong for years to come.

Better Fence Pickets

We build with only the best fence pickets. These are not the typical fence pickets anyone can buy from the local big-box stores. We have partnered with suppliers to provide the highest quality wood fencing materials.

Premium Rails

Much like our fence pickets, our company takes care to only build with rails with minor defects. Taking the time to use premium fence materials helps ensure your family can enjoy the security and privacy of your new fence for years to come.

Decorative Details

Our team is committed to going the extra mile in every detail of your fence project.

Customize your fence project by asking about our add-ons we offer: decorative post caps, trim, and custom railings.

Nice Finishing Caps

Our team prides themselves on putting in the little details that make your fence unique to you. Ask your representative about adding premium finishing caps to your Chain Link fence project.

Premium Chain Link Mesh

Our chain link mesh offers a high level of security for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.

Manufactured with you in mind to provide you with security and beauty at the same time.

Top Quality Rails
We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to ensure your investment is built to last. Adding a top rail to your chain link fence project creates an extra level of durability and security.
Stronger Posts & Hardware

A benefit of choosing our team to install your chain link fence is that we use only the most durable posts and hardware.

Chain-link fences are known for being the last fences standing during hurricanes, tornados, and other severe weather events.

Seamless Design

Our metal fence panels are fabricated through a welding technique that combines laser and fusion technology to create a virtually invisible structural connection at every picket to rail intersection. 

Our team’s expertly crafted construction is unmatched in strength and durability.

Coated Galvanized Steel

All of our metal fences are coated inside and out. Our galvanized metal framework is subjected to a multi-stage pre-treatment/wash, followed by a duplex cathodic electrocoat system consisting of an epoxy primer, which significantly increases corrosion protection, and an acrylic topcoat, which provides the protection necessary to withstand adverse weathering effects.

High Security Fencing

Maintaining a secure perimeter is your first line of defense against potential threats. A securely installed metal fence serves as a visual deterrent backed with heavy metal components that give a higher level of protection compared to traditional alternatives.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

Our metal fences come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty that protects against cracking, peeling, chipping, blistering and corrosion resulting in structural failure, without cause and workmanship and material defects through the manufacturer.

Beautiful Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fences are a bright, bold fence choice. Available in a variety of colors, vinyl fencing can be installed in a many configurations to help you enhance the beauty of your property. And, because vinyl isn’t as porous as wood, vinyl fences retain their color and finish much longer than wood fencing so you can enjoy your fence for years to come.

More Options Available

Vinyl fencing is available in a wide variety of configurations to match any property, home, or purpose. Iconic, white vinyl picket fences give a feel of classic Americana with that white-picket-fence-style. Darker vinyl fences can be installed to make a space look more elegant or modern. From short picket to tall privacy, vinyl fencing can be designed to enhance your backyard or business.

Limited Lifetime Warranty

You can feel confident in your investment as it comes with a Lifetime Limited warranty.

No other wood fence post even comes close to the performance and longevity of this innovative fencing system.

Stronger Fencing

Compared to wood, vinyl fencing is much stronger. Vinyl fencing is flexible and durable, which helps vinyl out-perform wood fencing in windy conditions and with environmental exposure to UV rays and weather.

Eco-Friendly Fencing

Trex eco-friendly composite fencing is made from an innovative blend of 96% recycled wood and plastic—that’s almost the whole thing. Trex fencing led the way green fencing more than 20 years, well before green was a buzzword. Because in the end, all of us want to look out on our fences and know that we’ve done our part. As one of the largest plastic recyclers in the U.S., Trex saves 400 million pounds of plastic and wood from landfills each year.

Low-Maintenance

Trex fencing can be cleaned easily with a regular garden hose . If you get a little mildew from moisture or shady conditions, you can use a mild dish soap and then spray off the fence with a garden hose. Trex fences are very easy to clean and typically only require it semi-annually,  making them a great option for low-maintenance fencing.

Good Neighbor Fence

Unlike most fence types that have a “good side” and a “bad side,” with your Trex fence, you will get the same beautiful finish on either side. No unsightly picket defects or exposed support railings. A Trex fence is beautiful no matter what side of the fence you are on. 

25 Year Limited Lifetime Warranty

The power of the outdoors has met its match. Trex is engineered to endure decades of foul weather and foot traffic…with the warranty coverage to prove it. 

With our 25-Year Limited Residential Warranty, you can rest assured that your backyard investment is well protected.

Versatile Infill Options

Want to create a super durable fence that’s as unique as you? With a FenceTrac system you can pair their patented, durable U-channels with the infill that best fits your style. FenceTrac is designed to be used with nearly any type of rigid infill, so you can create the exact look you want.

Durable Metal Frame

FenceTrac comes in with a durable textured matte black powder coat finish consisting of a multi-stage process of industrial, weather-resistant finish. The sturdy metal frame creates a stronger, longer-lasting fence. FenceTrac’s metal frame is also compatible for fencing sloped grades with precision. 

Stronger Trac Channels

FenceTrac U-channels are manufactured from 18-ga. roll-formed galvanized steel for superior strength and durability. This system is built to be long-lasting and customizable to match any yard.

Modern, Sleek Design

FenceTrac’s revolutionary, innovative fence system features one of the most modern, sleek designs on the market. Not only are these fences long-lasting, but they are also highly customizable as well as fashionable.

Noise Reduction

A noise reduction fence is an excellent way to create a relaxing, quieter environment for your yard. A masonry fence built between a noise source and your home provides an effective sound barrier and will reflect noise away from your yard – leaving you with a quiet oasis. 

High Security Fencing

Security fences keep your property safe from trespassers and provide safety and protection to the area the fence encloses. A masonry fence creates a solid, protective barrier to ensure the security of your yard and your family.

Enhances Curb Appeal

Masonry fences are not only a durable way to protect your property, they are also beautiful. Adding a masonry fence is a great way to quickly add curb appeal to your property that will last for years. Unlike wood fences which can be susceptible to termites, mold and fungus, masonry fencing is naturally pest-proof, fire-proof, and low-maintenance.

Never Shrink, Warp, or Rot

PostMaster+ fences are designed for more than just presenting a seamless fence, it is an investment in peace of mind.

PostMaster+ is designed to not shrink, warp or rot like wood posts.

Withstands Up to 112 MpH Winds

Your PostMaster+ fence system can be configured to withstand up to 112 MpH winds.

Steel posts protect your investment from damaging wind while cedar offers protection from bugs, rot, and warping.