Short answers to questions we hear from homeowners in Fremont, Newark, Union City and the Tri-Valley. Longer guides on cost, permits, repairs and neighbors are linked below.
How deep should fence posts be set?
Deep enough for the fence height, the wind and the soil. Fremont has no frost line to design for. A widely used rule of thumb is to bury about one third of the post. Go deeper for gate posts, for 6-foot solid fences that face the afternoon wind, for soft bay clay and for the low side of a slope.
Should posts be set in concrete, gravel or foam?
Use concrete for most posts here, and always for gates, corners and solid privacy fence. Clay drains poorly, so a few inches of gravel in the bottom of the hole lets water leave the post end, and the top of the concrete should be crowned so rain runs off. Foam is quick to place. We do not rely on it for gates or tall fences.
How long should I wait before staining a new wood fence?
Until the wood is dry enough to take it. Sprinkle water on a board. If the water soaks in within a few minutes, stain it. If it beads, wait. Treated posts and rails arrive wet and take the longest. In Fremont's dry season a new redwood fence can be ready in a few weeks. One built in the rainy months takes longer.
How much does it cost to stain or seal a fence?
There is no flat price. It depends on the square footage, whether one side or both are done, and how weathered the wood is. Ask us to list it as a separate line on the estimate.
Can I use deck screws to fix loose pickets?
Yes, if they are exterior coated or stainless. Plain steel screws stain redwood and cedar black around the head and rust in a few seasons. Stainless or hot-dip galvanized fasteners avoid both problems.
Can a faded vinyl fence be painted?
Yes, using a paint made to bond to vinyl. Keep to light colors. Dark paint absorbs heat, and in a Tri-Valley summer that can bow a panel. Wash the fence well before deciding, since much of the dull look is surface chalk and dirt.
I want a double gate for an RV or trailer but my posts are weak. Reinforce or rebuild?
Rebuild the posts. A double gate wide enough for an RV or trailer is heavy and needs large posts in deep concrete, often steel. Normal fence posts will not hold it square. We set new gate posts and rebuild the short piece of fence on each side to meet them.
Does the Hayward Fault matter for my fence?
Not much for a wood, vinyl or metal fence. The fault runs through central Fremont and along the base of the hills, but a fence is light and flexible and usually rides out shaking if its posts are sound. Heavy things are the concern: masonry walls, brick or stone gate columns and tall retaining walls should be engineered.
Does a new fence raise my property taxes?
That is decided by the Alameda County Assessor's Office, which determines what is assessable new construction. Next to the house itself, a fence is a small item.
We can only give a real price after measuring the fence line. The visit is free and the quote is written. Call (510) 240-8149 or text a photo of the fence.