Month: December 2021

What You Should Know About Fencing Supplies

Fences ensure that no one can easily enter your property. The absence of a fence makes your place prone to intruders who can then compensate it in all kinds of ways and even steal your personal possessions. When you take into account the fact that quality fences adds to the beauty of your open spaces as well, there’s really no reason to let the matter slide. Here are a bundle of things that you need to consider once you decide to install fences. First, you need to get the right height for your fence so no one can climb over your fence. The fences supplies that you are going to use are of great importance, especially if you want your fence to last longer.

Four basic fencing supplies used to build fences include metal, wrought iron, aluminum and wood. Each of them has their own benefits and price range. Here are some info.

Metals: materials that can be molded to form three different types of sturdy and long lasting fence supplies like wrought iron, aluminum and chain link. More popular among these supplies is the chain link type as it costs less as compared to others and the maintenance is free. You can buy them for about $6 to $8 per foot. But they are not a good choice when used for decorative purpose.

Wrought iron fences: materials that was ornamentally, as they are known, to easily adorn a property with a classical touch. These fences supplies can be installed in a manner that they not only look beautiful, but also have space in between to allow inside the fence to view the surrounding. This material might sound a little expensive for about $20 to $30 per foot, but they’re ideal for those looking to combine style with function. On the flip side, it needs regular maintenance to adorn your property.

Aluminum fences: fences that were made in aluminum, it is also easily adorn a property with a classical touch. These supplies can be installed in a manner that they will look beautiful and attractable not only inside but also outside the property. The material is a little expensive for about $20 to $30 per foot, but is ideal for those looking for fashion. It needs a regular maintenance to adorn your property.

Woods: it is used to make those beautiful white picket fences that many of us dream of. Several similar pieces of wood are put together to give shape to a picket fence. Gothic or French Gothic style tops give them a traditional look making them an ideal choice for ancient style buildings. Prices are between $9 and $13 per foot as they can be selected even by the most economy class looking to combine beauty and function.…

Removing Fence Posts Mounted in Cement Footings – DIY Fence Repair

The best way to remove a fence post installed in a solid concrete base if the wood post is broken off at ground level without digging or using expensive equipment. There are plenty of solutions on the internet that are satisfactory when the fence post is strong and sturdy: use a lever to raise the fence post, excavate a trench at the side of the fence post and push the post out, raise the post using a bumper jack or high lift agriculture jack, or bring in heavy equipment – but each of these methods really doesn’t tackle the common dilemma confronting a home-owner after wind damage – the wood post is snapped off.

All too often the fence post is splintered so there is nothing available above ground that is solid, the base is of unknown dimension and depth, and the fence to be repaired is in a location close to structures that hamper accessibility of a backhoe (not even accounting for the rental expense or the harm they may cause to yards). In the event that only a few fence posts are damaged on a fence, the new posts really need to be set in the very same position – chopping the broken posts off lower than lawn level and installing the replacement wood posts utilizing an off-set is simply not a solution.

Applying a combination of approaches is the best approach – first cut down the hold the ground has on the post by using the Wood Post Puller (a simple engineering solution to the dilemma) and then execute the best lifting technique accessible. Making use of a brute force procedure of lifting concrete is plainly a poor idea; concrete is extremely strong when compressed, but tremendously fragile when pulled – in fact, the tensile strength of concrete is only about 10% of its compressive strength. Pulling the cement out of the ground is very likely to cause dangerous flying chunks as the concrete fractures under the tension.

Fence Post and Concrete Base Removal

Step 1: Remove anything fastened to the wood post and clear the area nearby the post and cement footing.

Step 2: With the water hose attached and water flowing, push the spike tool fully in the ground at the edge of the cement base.

TIP – Attempt to wiggle the post after the initial insertion – any type of shift of the cement base in the ground (even a vibration) will allow the water to force its way alongside the surface of the concrete footing and develop a thin layer of mud. If the fence post is broken try to jam a pry bar into the existing wood post and then push the bar forwards and backwards, or hit the cement footing strongly side to side with a sledgehammer. Now try lifting the fence post and cement footing using the instructions in Step 4 – often the wood post will come right out!

Step 3: Repeat step 2 at uniform locations around the footing – typical fence posts will call for less than 4-6 insertions of the spike tool, but stubborn posts can need the spike tool to be inserted every 2-3 inches until you have encircled the complete cement footing. If you are unable to pull out the fence post and cement base in Step 4, replicate Step 3 at even more locations around the post.

Step 4: [Different lifting methods could be selected] Securely force a pry bar into the cement base at about a 45 degree angle from the soil. Duplicate the arrangement on the opposite side of the cement footing. The closer the pivot is positioned to the footing the more leverage will be utilized. Two 5-6 foot pry bars are excellent but a multitude of various other things could also be applied. Completely insert the spike into the ground right next to the cement footing. With the water turned on completely to the spike, apply even downward force to both pry bars [requires 2 people], lifting the concrete base and post. Do not hurry up this step – permit time for the water to start building hydraulic force on the bottom side of the cement footing and help out on the lift. The water must be on during this action or raising the concrete footing will start building a sucking force pulling the fence post back down.

TIP – If the bars are sinking into the soil, support them with scrap pieces of 4×4, or old fence posts.

TIP – Begin the pry bar position at 45 degrees or less – if they are too vertical the bars will be pressing in opposition to one another and not lifting the cement footing out of the ground.

Step …

Directions on How to Build a Fence – 6 Must Know Tips

Kudos for deciding to build your own fence! This is a project that is well within the capability of nearly everyone. However, like most other building projects, pre-planning is very important. You can get directions on how to build a fence from a variety of sources such as the internet, books, building supply stores, etc. (see tip 6 below for perhaps the best source). Keep the following considerations in mind.

1. Know the local building code requirements.

At the very least, most cities and communities require you to get a building permit before starting any building project. Also, don’t overlook home owners’ association requirements if you are a member of one.

2. Know exactly where property lines, utility easements, and underground utilities are.

You are asking for trouble — and odds are you will get it — if you are not familiar with the location of these items. You want a firestorm? Just build your fence on your neighbor’s property or burst a water line and see what happens! Of these items, the utility easements are probably the least critical. But in nearly all cases the local governing body has the right to access these parts of your property.

3. Determine the type of wood you want to use.

As you might guess, many different kinds of wood are suitable for fence use. For a privacy fence, redwood, treated pine, and western red cedar are all popular choices. Things that may influence your choice are your locale’s climate, price of the wood, maintenance requirements, and problems with pests (especially termites).

4. Identify and get the tools needed for the job.

Of course you will need a hammer and saw. You will also need a wheel barrow, tape measure, shovel, and a really good post-hole digger. A pair of well fitting gloves is also recommended.

5. Note these construction tips:

> For a 6′ fence, post holes should be at least 24″ deep.

> Align and level posts accurately (start with the end posts).

> Space posts equally apart (generally, 6 to 8 feet).

> Allow cement around posts to cure a couple of days before proceeding.

> Use nails or screws that resist rust (such as aluminum).

> Apply a quality sealer/paint.

6. For directions on how to build a fence, get a good set of building plans.…

Using Solar Power With Electric Fencing

The decision to use Electric Fencing situated in remote areas has been at a disadvantage due to the necessity of a regular power source normally supplied by a 12v recyclable battery. When using the larger 6 joule energisers drawing up to 500 mAmps this may be as frequent as every two weeks. Even then, as the voltage in the battery drops so does that in the fence as the energiser is a complex transformer converting the 9v to the running 6000+ volts. During recent years the development of advanced solar collection systems has changed the attitude of suppliers to this form of energy. In the past a panel could convert less than 5% of the energy available. However the efficiency of the modern monocrystalline panels run at nearly 20% and are better able to convert ambient light as well as direct sunlight to electricity. As a result a panel is no longer only suitable in the summer months and may now be used in the winter period as well.

Solar powered electric fences work by first collecting and then converting natural sunlight through special paneling named solar PV panels. This energy is then diverted to power packs (batteries) ready to be released when the energiser draws power. The arguments for installing a solar electrified fence.

1. A solar powered electric fence is able to run without access to mains electricity, this allows you to erect fences where it would usually be tough or not worthwhile. Isolated areas such as mountaintops or meadows can be contained without needing to struggle up and down every few days to replace the battery. A solar panel will energise the battery by day and the battery will provide energy to the electric fence all the time.

2. Solar electrified fences are transportable Solar powered fence energisers are easy to move if you intend to relocate your fence to a different plot. This is particularly useful should you decide to relocate cattle to graze in different areas. Unlike mains charged fences which need to remain near to a power source, Solar powered electrified fences can be taken down and re-built anywhere they are needed.

3. A battery will last longer by not being constantly drained of its charge. A battery who’s charge is maintained will last longer than one that is constantly being drained and recharged.

4. Another common problem with energisers are power surges between the main source of energy and the fence system. Solar powered chargers just do not fail this way. They can’t because they are not hooked up to the main electrical energy source.

5. The longer the section of fence you want to energise, the stronger the energiser you will need. These larger energisers will create a greater draw on the battery so a larger solar panel will be required.

When selecting a place in which to use your solar powered electric fence it is important to put thought to where to put the solar panel for the best exposure to the sun’s rays. The rest of your fence can be blocked by cloud but the panel must have access to as much direct sunlight as possible. Once you have decided on the placement of your PV Panels stop and ask yourself whether this panel will have sunlight year round or could a switch in season stop its access to sunlight. For this reason it is also advisable to check your panels once a month to ensure that they are constantly angled at an appropriate angle. In order to insure that an Electric Fence will remain functioning during the long winter months it is suggested that a larger than required panel is used. All modern panels protect the battery from over charging. A reasonable rule of thumb would be a 10 watt panel for energisers under 3 joules, a 20 watt panel for energisers over this.

There are tricks available to increase the output of a solar panel. A mirror placed so that it reflects suns rays on bto the panel will boost output. Care must be taken as it is possible to burn out the panel.…

Some Tips on Washing Your Deck Or Fence

When the spring rolls around you start to notice all sorts of things that need done outside; one of which may be washing your deck or privacy fence. After a few years of wear you may start to notice mildew or mold buildup on your fence or deck. Even without this buildup, your wood deck or fence will start to look weathered and old. A good cleaning with the right tool and process can remedy that. Let’s take a quick look at some tips for pressure washing your deck or fence.

First off, depending on what your overall goal is will determine which pressure washer settings you’ll want to use as well as power washing detergents. If you’re simply trying to remove some mildew, you’ll want to use a mixture of oxygen bleach and water with possibly some powdered laundry or household soap in there. The bleach is important for killing the mildew or it will just return once it dries. It may look nice while it’s wet, but if you don’t use bleach or some type of agent to kill the mildew, it will just return.

I like to first wet down the deck before I start using the detergent or soap. I’ll generally just use a standard garden hose for this but you can use your pressure washer if you want to. Next I’ll spray the detergent in a section somewhere not too noticeably. Depending on the set time of the detergent (usually around 10 minutes) I’ll then either scrub with a deck brush or simply wash off. Again, it depends on the detergent you use so read the label and follow the directions. The important thing here is to start on a small section to see how it’s going to turn out. I’ve even done this before early in the week and let it dry completely, then by the weekend I can see how it’s going to work before I start on the entire deck.

You want to work back in forth in a pendular motion as you move across the service. The optimum pressure for washing a deck is no more than 1800 psi and even closer to 1500. Too much pressure and a direct stream can splinter your deck and cause serious damage; another good reason for starting in a small inconspicuous space. Another reason why you only want to do small square sections (around 5 to 10 sq feet) is so you aren’t letting the detergent sit on the wood for more than the allotted time noted; again, read the instructions for best sit time for detergents.…

Keeping Electric Fencing to a Safe User Level

Many people are still very cautious about using electric fencing to protect their land or premises. As a result they find their property or land comes under regular attack from unwanted intruders as they are able to easily by-pass the current barriers in front of them. What these people fail to understand is electric fencing can be kept to a safe level, deterring both intruders and their livestock from crossing the barriers, without causing any lasting harm to either. Many livestock owners use these fences on a day to day basis to safeguard their animals from potential predators and to stop their livestock from escaping. Electric fencing can be kept to a safe user level and it is important if you are installing this fencing around your property then you adhere to the advice provided.

It is important to understand that these fences can cause serious harm when set to full charge. Most accidents that people hear about are caused by a fully charged fence. The owner has either ignored the advice given or accidentally switched the power to full. Regardless, adjusting the settings so the fence is not fully charged, you will deliver an electric shock that is moderate to the trespasser or livestock trying to move across the barrier. Providing regular checks on the voltage levels to make sure it hasn’t been switched to an unprecedented level is very important.

When installing an electric fence around your premises it is wise to put up warning signs alerting trespassers of the potential danger ahead as well as other users of the premises. Hopefully this will deter them from entering if they are uninvited.

When installing your fence it is important that you fully understand what you are doing. If for any reason you don’t understand what to do, speak to an electric fence contractor and they will come around to install your fence. They will also test it to make sure it is working correctly.

Electric fencing should never be tampered with or modified before the manufacturer has been consulted. There are many different electric fences on the market and each one has been specifically modified for a particular purpose. Altering the fences composition can affect how it works. In the case of an emergency it is essential that a set of instructions are left near to the power source to allow anyone who needs to disconnect to do so.…

Deck Restoration Tips: How to Protect Your Wooden Deck From the Elements

Your backyard deck plays host to barbecues, dinner parties, sunbathing, family game time, and more, and thus you want to keep it looking its best. Unfortunately, outdoor wooden structures are susceptible to weather damage over time; rain and sun exposure alike can contribute to a wooden deck’s aesthetic and structural deterioration. To help prevent this damage, you can apply a variety of weatherization products and sealants yourself, depending on the scope of the project and your level of home improvement skill, or you can contact a deck restoration professional to tackle the job.

Water Damage

Excessive moisture can cause wood to warp, rot, or grow mold. During and after a rainstorm, water can seep into the boards of your deck through cracks or splits in the wood, as well as through nail or screw holes. The longer the boards remain damp, the greater the chance of permanent damage. While certain types of wood resist rot more than others, most decks need to be resealed every one to two years.

So how do you know if your deck is becoming water-damaged? If the wood looks like it’s absorbing water after a rainstorm, rather than the water beading on top of the wood, it’s time to give your deck some TLC. Start the deck repair process by replacing any weakened, warped, or rotten boards. Sweep the deck and wash off any dirt using a deck wash or high-powered hose. Let the wood dry completely. Then, apply the waterproofing sealant of your choice, based on your particular deck’s construction and materials. For best results, apply weatherization products when the sun is out and the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees.

Sun Damage

Direct sunlight and extreme heat can fade wood, leaving your once-vibrant deck a dull gray. Heat can also dry out wooden boards, and dry boards are actually more susceptible to water retention. Bring back your wood’s former color by applying a deck-brightening solution, available at most hardware stores. Or, take the opportunity to transform your deck by staining the wood. You can apply stain yourself, or hire a deck staining company for a professional, uniform finish.

After the stain has dried completely, apply a weatherization product that blocks UV rays. This will protect the wood and the color from further sun damage. As with waterproofing sealants, apply sun-protecting products to clean boards on a sunny, mild day.

Temperature Changes

Sudden temperature changes can stress wood. A major drop in temperature will cause wood to contract, while a sudden increase in heat will cause wood to expand. If the temperature jumps back and forth repeatedly, you might see an increase in popped-up nails as the boards shift around. Hammer these nails back into place or replace them with longer nails or wood screws to allow for some movement. Replace boards that have cracked to prevent people from tripping or getting splinters.

When doing any deck restoration or repairs, always check the structural supports as well as the top boards. Severely weakened wood can collapse, leading to personal injury as well as property damage. Even if your deck doesn’t look like it’s deteriorating on the surface, it is always a good idea to assess it once a year. Whether you make repairs yourself or call in a professional, a well-maintained outdoor deck will add value to your home and bring joy to your family for years to come.…

Gate Fencing

Your house is a priced possession and making it look beautiful is in your hands. You can decorate it with all the accessories to make it look beautiful but the look that border and gate fences add to a house is incomparable. If you have a great looking fence line at your home, ignoring it would be very difficult for the passersby. Anyone who comes to your home will notice the fence gate as he enters your home. This is one of the major reasons why you need good Fence & gate . Getting a defined look for the gate will become easy if you have proper gate fencing in place. If you wish to block your house from public view, there isn’t any method better than fencing to keep your privacy intact and avoid any public view. Privacy gate fencing can be of many types and you can choose the ones that you think will suit the type of house that you have.

Solid Gate Fencing- This will keep your privacy intact as nothing is visible through these fences and this becomes possible due to the panels that are used in the gate. This fencing can be done in bamboo or in solid iron as well. You can opt for decorative fence if you have lattice panels for doors. This will give a decorative look to the house.

Hybrid Privacy Gate fencing- If simple solid gate fence is not your cup of tea, this might just be the thing you need. Hybrid privacy gate fencing is made up of designer fence gate and solid fence gate and looks beautiful in all types of houses. You can get the fencing made in bamboo or lattice.

Fences in wrought iron are very popular and offer security to the home as well. If you have kids and pets at home, with the help of these fences, you can prevent them from going out of the house boundary. Wrought iron fences do not wear away easily and can be made in curves and designs which make your home look beautiful. These fences are noticeable due to the amazing designs they are made in. as compared to the other products, you might have to pay a little extra to get these fences around your home, but the security and beauty that your home gets after being lined with these fences is incomparable. Choose what fence you want for your home and line it up.…