Arkson Fence – Frequently Asked Questions

A comprehensive resource for homeowners in Halifax & Nova Scotia

What types of fences do you install?
We install a wide range of residential and commercial fences, including:
  • Wood fences
  • Chain-link fences
  • Vinyl (PVC) fences
  • Ornamental metal fences (aluminum, steel)
  • Commercial security and industrial fencing
  • Custom gates and entryways
If you’re unsure which option fits your property, we can walk you through it during an estimate.
What affects how long a fence lasts?
Fence longevity depends on:
  • The material you choose
  • How well the fence is maintained
  • Weather exposure
  • Soil conditions
  • Quality of installation
Nova Scotia winters, wind, and freeze–thaw cycles mean proper post depth, drainage, and build quality matter more than anything.
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Halifax or HRM?
Most standard residential fences do not require a permit, but:
  • Fence height limits may apply
  • Corner lots may have visibility restrictions
  • Non-standard designs or commercial properties may require approval 
If you’re unsure, we can help interpret HRM guidelines during the estimate.
How long does fence installation take?
Most residential projects are completed in a few days, depending on:
  • Size of the project
  • Material availability
  • Ground conditions
  • Weather
Commercial or specialty projects may take longer.
Can you remove my old fence?
Yes — we remove and dispose of old fencing if needed.
This can be included as part of the overall project plan.
Do you install fences on uneven or sloped yards?
Yes. We install fences on:
  • Sloped yards
  • Uneven terrain
  • Rockier soil conditions
  • Properties with grade changes
We adjust the installation style depending on the slope for a clean, secure finish.
Do fences require maintenance?
It depends on the material:
  • Wood typically needs the most care
  • Vinyl requires minimal upkeep
  • Chain-link and metal fences are generally low maintenance
We can give you material-specific care suggestions if needed.
Can I install a fence in winter?
Fence installation is possible in winter when ground conditions allow.
Installation may be delayed if:
  • The ground is frozen solid
  • Heavy snow limits access
  • Severe weather makes digging or setting posts unsafe 
We evaluate conditions on a case-by-case basis.
Do you offer custom fence designs?
Yes — we can build custom designs, including:
  • Decorative wood patterns
  • Custom gate styles
  • Privacy enhancements
  • Mixed-material fences
If you have reference photos, we can usually match or adapt them.
What types of gates can you install?
We install:
  • Single gates
  • Double gates
  • Chain-link gates
  • Custom wood gates
  • Aluminum and steel gates
  • Lockable and upgraded hardware options
We ensure gates are built for proper alignment and long-term function.
What should I do before a fence installation?
Before installation:
  • Mark any underground utilities (we can help coordinate this)
  • Remove obstacles from the fence line
  • Confirm property boundaries (to avoid disputes)
  • Discuss access needs — tools, vehicles, or material delivery 
We’ll walk you through anything specific to your project.
Can you match an existing fence?
Yes — in most cases we can match:
  • Height
  • Style
  • Material
  • Colour
  • Patterning
This is common when homeowners want a seamless connection to a neighbour’s fence or want to replace sections of an existing fence.
What if my fence needs repairs later?
We can help with:
  • Post replacements
  • Stabilizing leaning sections
  • Broken or warped boards
  • Gate adjustments
  • Small section rebuilds
If something shifts over time due to weather or settling, we can assess it and provide solutions.
What areas do you service?
We serve:
  • Halifax
  • Dartmouth
  • Bedford
  • Sackville
  • Eastern Passage
  • Hammonds Plains
  • Fall River
  • And surrounding HRM communities
If you’re not sure whether we cover your area, just ask.
How do I request an estimate?
You can request an estimate by:
  • Filling out our website contact form
  • Calling our office
We’ll get back to you promptly to schedule a visit or review your information.
Do you help with design recommendations?
Yes — during your estimate, we can help you choose:
  • The right material for your property
  • The best style for privacy, security, or aesthetics
  • Gate placement
  • Fence layout
  • Options for durability in Nova Scotia weather
We tailor recommendations to your goals.
What factors affect how straight or level my fence looks?
Appearance can be influenced by:
  • Ground slope
  • Elevation changes
  • Rock content in the soil
  • Existing landscaping
  • Post depth and alignment
We account for all of these to ensure a clean, even fence line.
What is the difference between privacy, semi-private, and open-style fences?
Privacy fences: fully block visibility.
Semi-private fences: allow some airflow and partial visibility.
Open-style fences: decorative or boundary-defining without privacy.

 

We can show you examples during the estimate.
How do strong winds impact fencing in Nova Scotia?
Strong winds are common here, so we build fences with:
  • Proper post depth
  • Secure concrete settings
  • Reinforced panels when appropriate
Material choice also impacts wind resistance — we can guide you based on your yard’s exposure.
Can I stain or paint my fence right away?
It depends on the material:
  • Wood often needs time to dry out before staining or painting
  • Vinyl, chain-link, and metal should not be painted
  • Each wood type behaves differently depending on moisture content
We can give material-specific guidance after installation.

Contact Arkson Fence

Fill out the form to schedule your free estimate. We’ll review your project, discuss options, and recommend the best approach for your property.

We prioritize customer satisfaction above all else, offering personalized service, attention to detail, and timely installations. Contact Arkson Fencing in Halifax today for a free quote and discover how we can transform your space with our top-notch fencing solutions.

Get A Free Quote Today