QUANTUMRAREEARTH

Fencing and Decking Materials: 5 Resolutions for Better Maintenance

Home maintenance is one of the most popular themes found in New Year’s resolutions – right up there with fitness and finance. To prolong the life of your fencing and decking materials, and to create a more enjoyable outdoor living area, promise yourself you’ll accomplish these tasks in the next year.

1. Care for your deck furniture

Give your deck a little TLC. Here’s how to care for patio furniture according to construction material:

Cast and wrought iron: Rust should be sanded away. Once all rust is gone, apply a fresh coat of paint.

Molded plastic furniture: Clean it with soap and water, let it dry, and then apply a layer of car wax.

Outdoor fabrics: These may be cleaned with a bleach dilution. Be sure you store outdoor fabrics inside over the winter months to prevent mold.

Wicker furniture: Clean it with a pressure cleaner set to a low pressure setting.

Wood furniture: Clean stains with a white vinegar solution. Clean pieces should be stained and sealed, just like cedar decking or fencing.

2. Conduct a cedar decking stability check, for safety.

The North American Deck and Railing Association reports that between the years 2000 and 2006, 30 Americans were killed by deck collapses and another 2,000 people were hurt. Follow these steps to check the safety of your deck – doing so could save lives.

How to check the safety of cedar decking:

First, look at support mechanisms. Examine the beams and posts that hold up your decking. Using a metal tool, tap decking materials to check for dry rot, which will give way under a solid clunk. Also notice any splitting wood. Both of these circumstances call for a thorough examination from a decking professional. You should also contact a decking contractor if your deck feels unstable.

Check out the area where the house connects to the deck. Decking contractors can vouch that one of the most common areas of structural failure is the ledger board, where the deck connects to the house. Examine your ledger board, looking for loose or missing bolts. Call your decking contractor if you find any problematic connections.

Finally, see if all guards and rails are strong and sturdy, look for rust and corrosion, and arrange a municipal assessment by asking a city worker or decking contractor to assess the safety and legality of your deck.

3. Add a patio cover.

If you need more livable space, a patio cover can be an affordable solution. A patio cover creates a protected outdoor area that can be comfortable year-round, especially if you add a patio heater. It can also help reduce your deck’s exposure to the elements, thus prolonging its life.

4. Reseal (and stain) cedar fence materials.

If you want to preserve your cedar fence materials, you’ll need to reseal them every year. Some years may also require a fresh layer of stain. While you’re taking care of the fence, why not tackle your cedar decking materials too? In moist locales like the Pacific Northwest, wood products must be sealed against winter rains; otherwise, rot will set in.

5. Put in an under-deck drainage system.

Chances are that the zone underneath your deck suffers drainage problems and pest infestations. There’s an easy solution, though: installing an under-deck. An under-deck is a piece of pre-molded vinyl that is custom made, and therefore fits your deck precisely. It protects your home by pulling away water while also preventing pests from building their nests under your deck.…

Take A Look At Underground Dog Fences

Do you ever feel the need to protect your dog? Is your beloved dog a menace to its surrounding area or a hazard to itself? If this is the case, it is often recommended that an owner will protect their pesky pet by giving them a garden boundary. There are many methods; wooden fencing, pens and cages, but one of the more controversial and frowned upon methods is electric fencing.

Electric fencing is quite simply a method of containing your dog in a specific and predetermined area by giving them a shock which is intended to surprise them, rather than hurt them. It is set by the owner and is invariably used to hold the dog in its boundaries. There are several methods of doing so.

One of the most popular methods is an electric wire fence. A conductor is used to earth the wire and give it a current, this will give your mischievous dog the small, sharp shock it may need to remain within its allotted area and behave itself. The wire can be easily placed to suit the dog’s needs and can convince even the most Houdini of hounds to rethink their bid for freedom. However, if your dog is a thinker, then it may discover a method around its confines. It can discover that by jumping, it doesn’t get a shock if the wires it touches are live and he’s not on the ground. To solve this, another strand of conductor is run along the fence at the nose-height of the animal and is attached to the earth stake only and not to any of the other lines. When the dog jumps through, even though it is completely off the ground, it will earth out the current by touching the earth wire and a live wire and will therefore receive a shock.

Another method is by getting an electric net fence. It provides a wall around the dog to stop its willful escape attempts, and is not only a stimulus deterrent, but a visual one as well. However, one of the main concerns with this method is how easily the current can seep from the net and into the surrounding area, predominantly attacking nearby vegetation. If this occurs, the main concern is the lack of current running through the net which will invariably result in a much less ‘shocking’ affect on the dog. Due to this it is quite common for the dogs to bolster enough courage to burst through the net or dig under it. The result can end with your cheeky canine gallivanting around the near vicinity and endangering themselves and others.

To truly treat your pet with the respect and love it deserves, boundaries and strict training needs to occur to ensure they lead a happy and healthy lifestyle. While restrictions are always a sensible idea, it is not requisite to cage in your pet. By using efficient training methods and firm yet gentle guidance, your dog can be trained to respect its masters wants and guidance and will allow man and beast to live to the age old adage of being ‘best friends’.

For any further recommendations on safe and efficient methods of restricting your dogs access to unwanted areas, it would be best to seek advice from your veterinary surgeon as the best methods for your dog.…

Wireless Pet Fence – How it Works

A wireless pet fence is a system that helps to keep your pet contained within a certain containment area. These are generally used for dogs and not cats or smaller pets. The system is comprised of a transmitter and a collar which you place on your dog. If the dog wanders outside of the boundary of the transmitter, he will receive a harmless and quick shock.

The cost outlay for a wireless system is far less than traditional fencing and just as effective. The only drawback is that these systems have a circular range and generally cover only a portion of a yard, but only if it is a certain size and is symmetrical. If you have a larger yard or a farm, you may want to use a wired system because it is more flexible for shape.

Many dog owners choose a wireless pet fence for its easy installation. You do not have to dig a perimeter around your yard and bury any electrical wire. Set up for a wireless pet fence takes no time at all and the signals are designed to transmit through walls and other solid surfaces. You simply plug the transmitter into an outlet and put the corresponding collar on your dog. The collar is tuned to the transmitter and if your dog wanders too far away from the transmitter, a short warning tone will sound. If the dog continues to move away from the transmitter, he will receive a correction with a quick and harmless electrical shock.

It is simple to train your dog what the tones on his collar mean, and you can help him to recognize the boundary of the containment area by placing small flags around the edge of the yard where the transmitter signal reaches.

Dogs are fast learners and it will take no time at all before your dog knows that he must not move past the flags that are planted around the yard’s perimeter. Dogs that constantly “test” your system may need an actual wired system, but a wireless system is a good starting point.

Another really great advantage of a wireless pet fence system is that it is portable. You can simply unplug the transmitter and take it with you when you visit friends, go on vacation, or wherever you are taking your dog.

Some dogs get to the point where you just need to set up flags and put the collar on, without the transmitter even being plugged in.…

5 Ugly Fence Solutions

If you have a fence around your home, it’s likely the first thing someone will encounter when approaching your property. How does your fence greet visitors? Is it pristine and well kept, or neglected and in disrepair? The state of your fence can effect the overall appearance of your home a great deal. Here are some ways to deal with an ugly fence.

1. Learn to love it.

In the right setting, an old fence can sometimes bring a rustic charm to your yard. With a little imagination and the right accessories, you may be able to use an ugly fence in an attractive way.

Believe it or not, some areas actually hold contests for the ugliest fence installation. Salem, Oregon, for example, has an “Ugliest Fence Contest”. If you have an exceptionally ugly fence, why not make the most of it?

2. Repair it.

Cedar fence materials turn gray and begin to splinter, crack or rot over time, if not properly maintained. Depending on the state of your fence, you may be able to reverse some of this damage with a little hard work. The first thing to do is to replace any broken boards. After that, you will need to deep-clean the remaining fencing materials.

Take a stiff-bristled brush and oxygen bleach cleaner to the fence’s surface to remove any mold or mildew. An oxalic wood brightener can help restore the wood to its original color by removing rust and tannin stains.

A pressure washer is a quick way to clean your fence. However, too high of pressure can damage soft wood, like cedar fence materials. To reduce the wear on your fence, use a low pressure setting with a wide nozzle. Be sure to keep the spray moving, as holding it in one spot for too long can strip away too much material.

Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the fencing materials and they’ve had time to dry, apply a fresh coat of stain to help preserve the wood.

3. Plant privacy plants.

Shrubs and other thick plants are a long-term solution to concealing your fence. The drawback is that you have to wait for privacy plants to grow before they offer any concealment. If you’re looking to conceal your fence, evergreen shrubs will remain consistent year round, while deciduous ones won’t. While faster growing shrubs will have a quicker effect, they will also need to be trimmed more frequently.

4. Trellis panels.

Another option is to cover ugly sections with trellis panels. These provide a decorative cover, and allow you to cover them with attractive climbing plants.

5. Start over.

If your fence is in especially bad shape, you may be better off tearing it down and starting over. If you do decide to start over with a new fence, this may be an opportunity to switch to a different fencing material that doesn’t require as much maintenance, such as aluminum or vinyl.…

Wooden Fencing Essentials – A Few Tips

Over the years, fencing has become a popular pastime for many garden enthusiasts around Britain. If one enjoys planting trees and getting their fingers green, that person is at some time most likely to try their hand at fencing. Many people without prior knowledge are often successful in the initial construction but actually find that many years down the line, the fence begins to look old and withered.

Things you need to know

To construct and install a fence properly requires years of experience and skill for a successfully erected project. There are tricks that specialist companies use that the average person would not know, so it is always wise to consult a professional company before trying to build the fence yourself.

One thing that many people seem to overlook is the season in which they are installing the fence. If for example when digging the post holes in the damp months before spring, and the frost comes it can actually damage the foundations of the post if the hole has not been dug correctly.

The hole needs to be of an equal size at the top and the bottom. Naturally people tend to dig holes that are larger at the top than the bottom; consequently resulting in a triangular water hole that will eventually create a top heavy foundation during icy temperatures.

Never allow fence panels to make contact with the ground. The reason for this is that when the wood touches the damp earth or soil, it will naturally absorb moisture, eventually causing damage to the panels.

So, remember these important tips if you are thinking about doing it yourself. If you don’t feel completely comfortable then it is advisable to hire a professional for your wooden fence installation.…

How to Choose the Right Fence for the Job

Finding a fence should not be a problem. There are several of them to choose from. What you should focus on is getting the right one.

1. Determine the main purpose of the fence. Why are you putting it up in the first place? Fences can have several roles, but there’s one that they prioritize. For example, if they’re simply for decors. You don’t need very large ones. You can opt for picket fences, which are usually small and made of wood (so it’s easy for you to brush your preferred color). If you enjoy privacy, it’s best to settle for huge fences, with gates of metal or steel. The fence itself may be made of brick or concrete, so you can definitely shut yourself off from the “outer world.”

2. Check the zoning department. You cannot just put up a fence. You have to do so according to the building code in your state. It may vary, and some of the provisions may include the preferred height and even material. You may want to do this before you start planning or putting up the fence. Otherwise, the zoning department may just compel you to take it down if it doesn’t meet the state’s standard.

3. Know your budget. Putting up a fence does require some investment, especially if you’re eyeing the more durable materials. Also taken into consideration will be the area that needs to be covered. Surely, the bigger the space, the higher will be the cost. You may also have to spend more on your labor if the plot of land is irregular.

4. Be aware of the weather. A lot of homeowners don’t take into account the weather until they realize the premature deterioration of their fences. If you’re prone to cyclones, it’s ideal to put up metal fences since they are very strong and more likely to hold on despite the strong gusts of wind and heavy rain. If it’s summer almost all throughout the year, wood makes a perfect complement to your home.

To ease yourself from thinking too much about fences, you may want to leave the planning and installation to experts. You can also incorporate the job to the renovation of your home, so you get to spend less. The experts can conduct a free on-site assessment, allowing them to provide you with the best type of fence plan for your home.…

Do You Need an Electric Dog Fence?

Underground fencing is actually underground fencing that sends out a radio signal through an antenna to a battery in the dog’s collar. The battery shocks the dog, sort of like static electricity, and the dog backs away from the fence line. It should be pointed out, though, that some dogs have higher pain thresholds and can run through the barrier if properly stimulated, such as a rabbit running by. The problem comes in when the dog runs through the barrier, he receives a shock when trying to come back into the yard and so sometimes he won’t return to the yard due to the barrier.

This type of fencing is gaining popularity for a number of reasons. The primary reason is that there are so many homeowners’ associations now that restrict fences in their neighborhoods. Another reason is that some pet owners feel that a visible fence looks like a prison and they want the illusion of freedom for their dogs. Last, but certainly not least, in-ground fencing is less expensive than visible above-ground fencing.

Believe it or not, these types of fences were invented in the 1970’s but grew more popular starting in the 1990’s and are marketed by multiple vendors using different brand names for the same underground fence technology.

An underground fence system is comprised of wire marking its boundaries, a transmitter, a receiver, a test light, training flags, and a sign. The correcting shock that touches the skin on the dog’s neck comes from prongs in the collar where the received is attached.

There are a couple of phases involved in training and adapting your dog to an electric fence system once it’s installed. During the first week, the dog wears the receiver collar and is retained by a long leash. For that first week, each time the dog nears the fence, a warning tone emits from the receiver on his collar (the prong is taped over so it doesn’t touch the dog) and the dog is retracted away from the fence and praised for backing away. After a few days of conditioning to back away from the boundary when the tone is heard, the tape is removed from the prong and the dog is allowed to experience a correction. Then it’s back into the safe area for play and praise. Only during the second week do you allow the dog to run free in the yard without the leash so that he learns that the collar shock comes from nearing the fence line, not from you or the leash.

The advantages of in-ground fencing are both aesthetic and involve providing a boundary for your pet to keep him safely inside your yard.

We’ve already mentioned one disadvantage to in-ground fencing and that is for those dogs who run past the pain of the shock through the fence border who won’t re-enter the yard. There are other potential disadvantages that we should probably explore as well.

The whole purpose of in-ground fencing is so that people can’t see the fence, but when they see your dog in the front yard running toward them on the sidewalk and don’t see a fence, they assume that your dog is going to attack them. Once the little white flags come down marking the eletric dog fence borders after the first couple of weeks, strangers or visitors won’t realize that Fido is going to stop at some point and they may mace your dog or run away. Without a physical fence, there’s nothing to stop other animals from entering your property, distracting your dog and causing him to run after them.

If you feel like an in-ground fence is a good solution for your dog’s needs, there are companies to install them and there are also do-it-yourself in-ground fence installation kits.…

Creative Garden Fencing Ideas From Salem’s Deepwood Estate

For unique fence installation, especially of cedar fence materials, Salem homeowners can turn to the historic Deepwood Estate for inspiration. Salem’s Deepwood Estate is the only place where the general public can view the handiwork of Lord & Schryver, the nationally recognized first female landscape architecture firm in the Pacific Northwest. The design of Deepwood Estate incorporates both natural and man-made fence materials. Salem visitors and residents will find many of the techniques listed below at Deepwood Estates as well.

Creating Garden Rooms

The use of garden “rooms” is one of the most distinctive features of Deepwood Estate. Lord & Schryver split the garden into more intimate themed areas, including a tea garden in the English Style, a “Great Room” garden, and a secluded “Scroll Garden”. Each room is delineated from the others by a hedge or other creative fence installation. Salem homeowners can adapt this idea on a smaller scale by splitting their own gardens into rooms.

Avid gardeners can use picket fencing, hedges, or low-height cedar fence materials to create a series of smaller gardens. Add seating to make each garden room inviting. A few garden rooms you may enjoy include:

A Wine Tasting Garden. Create the perfect place to munch on cheese and crackers while sipping scintillating vintages. Define the space with a pergola or trellis covered with grape vines.

A Butterfly Garden. Attract butterflies by creating a small garden room overflowing with butterfly host plants, including bright flowers. Picket-style cedar fence materials serve as a wonderful backdrop for such a color explosion.

A Pizza Garden. Imagine walking through an Italian-style pergola to discover an entire garden for pizza herbs! Mark off a circle in your garden, and divide the circle into six wedges, one for each of your favorite pizza toppings, such as basil, oregano, parsley, onions, peppers and tomatoes.

Fence Installation Alternatives

If you want to divide your garden into rooms but don’t have enough space for a full fence installation, you can simply use arbors made of cedar fence materials as transition points. Create a doorway by flanking a pergola with shrubs or other plants, or introduce a water feature with an arbor entrance. Other uses for arbors include framing a particularly charming view, or acting as entrances for seating areas.

A privacy screen is a wonderful way to create a well-defined garden space. A privacy screen is a type of fence that Salem fence builders can add to a yard that prevents neighbors from seeing your backyard activities.

The Deepwood Estate provides many outstanding examples of creative uses for garden fence materials Salem residents and visitors can apply to their own properties. As you walk through the estate, take note of your favorite features, and consider how you can to customize them to your yard on a smaller scale. Remember, you don’t need 5.5 acres to create a breathtaking garden. All you need is a little garden know-how and well-defined garden spaces.…

Repair Invisible Dog Fence – How to Repair a Break in a Underground Electronic Dog Fence

You can find a break in a underground dog or pet fence by turning the radio field on the transmitter up all the way. (Take receiver off pets first) and remember where the dial is set so you can set it back to the same setting when you are done. After setting the field up all the way use an AM walkman and set the am dial as low as it can go. The easy place to start is the driveway because in most cases you can see where the wire crossing is. Next hold the walkman near the wire and you should hear a feedback. Next follow the feedback till it fades to nothing and you should be near the break just dig up the wire and tug it should come loose. Next pull out the slack and stretch it out to find the distance of the other side. Splice the two together and seal water tight and that is it.

(this may not work with all systems but most of them should not be a problem) Should this not work follow these directions.

1. Go to Radio Shack and buy R F choke catalog #273-102

2. Disconnect the 2 twisted wires from the transmitter and and wrap them around the choke one on each side.

3. Connect the choke with the wires attached into the transmitter (same as where the twist was removed)

4. Plug transmitter in.

5. Follow directions above.

When using the R F choke you may need to adjust the signal field lower for small yards and up for larger yards. Also try adjusting the am radio between am530 and am600.…