Month: January 2022

Fencing Can Enhance Your Garden and Home

I’m sure you’re aware that by using a fence gate you are protecting the perimeter of your homes property. It can be an enclosed security area. This can of course also be used to help showcase the landscape and property of your garden especially when friends and family visits or someone passing by simply trounces over to enjoy how elegant the garden looks and because it is enclosed within a fenced area is simply adds to the design and enhances the garden.

There are a variety of materials that can be used when constructing a fence, for example you can use iron, wood, and vinyl. There are many different styles and designs available that can look simple but elegant, extravagance, luxurious and most you’ll find will be just perfect. The size of these gates can depend on the size of your property so you need to make sure that whatever you choose will match and looks absolutely perfect. To explain this a little if you are in a city area you’ll most likely come across high fences wears compared to rural areas the majority of people will actually use low fences.

If you’re on a budget one of the most affordable and cheapest materials you can use his wood. This is a natural material that can maintain and give me beautiful idyllic feel to your garden. There are many different types, styles and colors available in one of the great things is that they are pretty easy to install and easy to maintain for years to come. You also want to make sure that it has been treated so that it is not open to the elements and termites attack. It is also advisable to apply a number of coats of paint which will help to protect the fence from damage.

I particularly prefer a wooden fence because it can be easily maintained and can get a whole new lease of life by repainting. Being able to repaint your fence is ideal if you plan on changing how the landscape in your garden looks good by simply changing this you can change the look and feel of your overall property.

When installing a wooden fence you need to make sure that the posts you use are steel posts or cement posts as you need to ensure you have a very strong foundation. This needs to be done to ensure that it can stand the daily pressures and will last you for many years to come. Many people choose to install their own fencing and that this is an option you wish to use it really can be quite simple to do. If however you feel this is beyond your capabilities you can simply call in a professional should be able to do the job in a day or two. It’s always possible to try and get a recommendation from a friend or family member that has use someone previously. It’s also nice to be able to get some references of homes that they have previously come this way you can be assured that you are choosing the right professional to do the job for your home. Remember everybody is going to see this and this is going to have a lasting effect on your home for a long time to come just make sure you choose the right professional to get the job done properly.…

Choosing a Fencing Contractor

When it comes to having a fence installed at the home, it is often best to go with a professional company for the work. In choosing fencing services, there are a number of different things to keep in mind and some specific questions that should be asked of the contractor before any work is done.

The first concern would be with the reputation of the company. They should be a reliable business and they should be able to provide pictures of previous work and give a list of references or referrals. If the fencing services company is not willing to provide such information, there may be some underlying issues. One place to look for information would be the Offices of Fair Trading. If the company has had complaints from previous customers, there may be records and reviews that are available.

When determining which contractor to use, having free estimates and a free proposal drawn up is essential this should be provided by any fencing contractor when asked. If there is an initial fee for an estimate, it is best to look for another contractor. A proposal will often have a timeline in which it is valid. If it will take time to come to a decision, the contractor should be asked how long the prices will be locked in and honoured.

All of the pricing information for the fence should be presented to the homeowner in advance. There should be a basic contract that outlines any necessary deposit that is required and goes over the payment terms. If there are any terms in this agreement that are unclear, these should be understood and cleared up before anything is signed. On the other side of things, if there is no contract and all of the dealings are done verbally it may be best to find a different contractor.

The services should include complete preparation and preliminary work before the fence is built. Check with the contractor to see if they are willing to take care of obtaining necessary permits and if they will work directly with local utility companies. They should also be aware of property lines and know all of this information before beginning their work.

Finally, it is important to know if the fence will come with a warranty. This should be in writing and it should be known what is specifically covered. This will vary from one company to the next and may simply cover the initial installation and workmanship or may be a long term and possibly a life time warranty.

By asking the right questions of the contractor, the homeowner will be able to be completely informed and make a wise decision on the installation of a new fence.…

Selecting the Perfect Fencing Material

A CT fence company must work in all kinds of weather. From the very hottest day of the summer, to the most frigid winter temperatures, in the snow and ice, and even in the rain. When there is a job to be done, a good Connecticut fence contractor will work hard to get the job completed quickly, despite the weather conditions. These contractors are just like the materials they will use; able to withstand any environment. When a homeowner is choosing to enclose their property, it can be for any number of reasons, but the one thing that unites all homeowners is their desire for a durable and functional structure. Enclosures can be constructed of many different kinds of materials. The following are some of the most popular choices in enclosure products featured in today’s market:

– Vinyl fencing has seen a huge increase in popularity over the last decade or so. Known for its durability and performance, many are choosing to install using this very reliable material. Reasonably priced and carried by most all enclosure companies, it is typically a quick and easy solution to a homeowner or businesses needs.

– Wrought Iron enclosures are a consistent choice among higher end residential properties as well as some commercial properties. Wrought Iron is a classic, sturdy look, enjoyed by many.

– Wood based enclosures are, and have been, a very popular choice among those enclosing their yard or business space. Nothing is quite so traditional as a wood enclosure, particularly in a picket style. Those living in older homes often opt for wood enclosures, in keeping with the period in which the home was originally built. The drawback to wood enclosures has always been the maintenance involved in their upkeep. Cedar wood seems to be a popular choice for those selecting to use wood as their enclosure material.

– Chain link enclosures have been around for a long time. Most popular in the 1970’s, this material is still a viable choice for many situations which call for enclosures. Chain link enclosures are made of a very durable steel wire, which can be coated so as to fend off rust and fading.

– Aluminum fencing is a choice that many commercial sites and some residential sites will make. It is typically an economical choice, as well as a fairly durable and visually appealing choice.

After you have chosen an enclosure company you feel comfortable with, take some time and talk to them about the material options they have available for your purchase. There are so many different materials available, it is easy to be overwhelmed when making your decision. The last thing a buyer wants is to be uninformed about the choices which are available to him. A specialty enclosure contractor will be able to tell you the pros and cons of each material and style, as well as the price differences. Feeling good about your selection is so important since no matter what material you select, your enclosure is sure to last you for a good many years to come.…

How to Dig Out a Fence Post and Concrete Footing Using Hand Tools

Confirm Digging is the Only Option

To begin, evaluate the condition of the post and the concrete. Intact posts are a significant benefit and will make removal much easier. Posts in good condition that are still sound make their removal much easier. Also evaluate the concrete base (if present) – is it still solid or is it cracked/crumbling?

If the post is broken or the concrete is cracked there may be no other way than to dig out the post and concrete base, but before resorting to heavy manual labor try the Wood Post Puller method – its biggest strength is that is works in synergy with all of the lifting and digging methods to improve effectiveness and can easily remove posts and concrete bases that stymie other techniques.

After you determine there is no other way than to dig out the post, the following instructions will make this difficult task as easy as possible:

How Deep and How Much to Dig?

Dig a hole next to the existing post and concrete base approximately the same size as the post and base – don’t dig all the way around the post and don’t dig a hole that is larger than the post – it is just extra work digging and then re-filling the hole after you are done.

Do you know how deep the post is buried? The following are typical starting lengths before posts are set in the ground:

4×4 wood posts will typically be 8 feet long set 3 feet in the ground

Metal t-posts will typically be 7 feet long set 2 feet in the ground

Galvanized posts are typically 8 feet long set 3 feet in the ground

If you are not sure, you can also measure the height of the post that is above ground (or the length of the piece if it is broken off) and approximate the length that is buried. Dig your hole at least 75% as deep as the post that is buried – for example, a typical wood post will be buried in the ground 3 feet or 36 inches, so dig down to a depth of at least 27 inches (36 x 0.75 = 27).

Digging Technique

Start the hole using a round point spade to get through any turf, roots, or other surface debris. As the hole gets deeper, a trench spade (also referred to as a ditch spade or trenching tool) will make the digging easier until you are down to about 16-24 inches. With shovels and spades you are using your legs and body weight to loosen the soil for removal – keep going until the hole becomes too tall and narrow to gain leverage at the bottom and then switch to the next stage.

This is where you transition to tools that are driven by arm power – the post hole digger and digging bar.

Tip – Choose a post hole digger that is smaller and lighter – unless you are a weightlifter type, the large heavy post hole diggers with the fiberglass handles will wear you out – the smaller, lighter post hole diggers are more maneuverable and will be more effective for most people, even if they sacrifice some reach.

Tip – Use a digging bar – a San Angelo bar is designed to make digging easier – it has a chisel head to loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole and to trim the sides of the hole, the other end of the bar is a point for breaking up difficult soil. Other types of digging bars will include a tamper head on one end for packing loose soil. Look for a bar that is high quality heat treated carbon steel – no need to pay extra for a brand name, digging bars are available at discount supply stores for approximately $25.

After you have reached the target depth, use the chisel head on the digging bar to clear out any soil remaining between the post and your hole. As you dig a round hole next to a round post foundation there will be a ridge that should be removed.

Removing the Post

Now you begin the removal process, the general concept is to tip the post into the hole you just dug. Start by simply pushing the top of the post towards the hole, it may break free from the soil and slide into the hole – then you can insert the pry bars underneath the post and concrete and lift it out. If the post doesn’t move, try jamming the pry bar into the ground next to the post or concrete footing on the side opposite the hole and pry it towards the hole. To …

Taking Care of Your Fence Like It’s Your Best Friend

Everyone can appreciate a good quality, attractive fence because of the important purpose it serves for years to come. It offers protection, a barrier from interlopers of the world and your yard, garden, and family. It serves as a measure of privacy, ensuring your yard remains yours. It serves as a beautifier, making a good yard, garden, and home even better, or even making one that might be sub par higher in value.

Everyone loves their good quality fence, but not everyone takes care of it over time. Either they don’t care, they don’t have the ability, or they just don’t know how or what to do to ensure it’s longevity. If you want to keep the Best Fence in your city, you need to work hard, and put forth the effort. After all, your fence gives to you every day.

A large part of the effort goes into the planning at the very beginning of your fence construction. Consideration must be given to the design first, the materials second, and the actual execution of the construction third.

First, the design. You want a fence that is designed with function as well as beauty in mind. Design with longevity in mind. For example, metal posts are a are much more practical design than wood posts. Do you want the metal posts to be on the inside of the fence, which may not give you the most attractive enclosed back yard, but will give you an attractive look to the outside of your property? Or do you want the metal posts on the outside of your fence, which will give you a clean, beautiful look to the inside of your your backyard, but will not have much appeal to the outside of your fence? Part of your decision may be based on what is more important to view that visitors and neighbors have of your property, or the view that you have as you sit in your backyard. Other design considerations may be the color that you choose to stain your fence. Darker colors of stain resist the sun better and protect the wood longer. When you have your Custom Fence built also take into consideration any slope your yard might have, and the height you would like your fence to be. You can choose board on board, or side by side. If you have dogs, would you like little windows to be cut into the fence so your dogs can look out at the world? Some people choose a fence with iron inserts. You can even place some of the iron inserts over the holes that you cut for the dogs. And a beautiful iron gate is a design element that you do not want to overlook. These are just some of the questions that you need to ask yourself when considering the design of your fence.

Next, the materials. Wood will most likely be the primary material, but when looking at wood, make sure your fence company uses only the best quality of wood, and the best cuts of wood. Cedar is a popular choice because of its beauty and its natural resistance to insects. The cut of the wood should have as few knotholes as possible so that the integrity of the wood is not compromised. The only exception would be if you are trying to go for a rustic look. In general, however, wood with less knotholes is stronger and less likely to warp over time. When considering materials, also think about any stains or sealants you want to use. There are stains that have built in UV blockers, which helps to protect your fence from sun damage. You also will have to decide what materials you want your gate built out of. Do you want a custom wood gate, or a custom iron gate? Some homeowners opt for an Electric Gate, which is usually constructed out of iron. If you do choose an electric automated gate, be sure to purchase a wireless keypad to go with it.

Finally, the execution, or the actual construction. Make sure the fence is built by the best fence company in your area. They should have experience, references, expertise, a long list of happy customers, and knowledge for the best construction techniques. A qualified and professional company will be exact with all the measurements required so that there are no gaps in your fence and it fits your yard like a glove. They should plant the metal posts in holes that are at least 3 feet deep and use concrete, not dirt, as a filler. They should place the metal poles within close range to one another, and back up their work with a good warranty in case any fence repair …

Can You Really Do Aluminum Fence Installation On Your Own Easily?

Do you want to get an aluminum fence for your home, but are hesitating because you don’t know if you can do the installation yourself? Then you need to understand that you can easily do the aluminum fence installation on your own once you know the steps to take to do it right.

The following are the steps that you need to take to get your new fence installed right from the beginning.

One: Have the right tools and supplies – When you are going to install an aluminum fence, you have to have the right tools and supplies to get it done right. The most essential items that will be needed include:

– Power digger and hand diggers

– Tape measure of 100′

– Level

– Pliers and tin snips

– String line and metal or wood stakes

– Power hacksaw

– Phillips head tips and a screw gun

– Rubber mallet and a hammer

– Wooden blocks for holding fence in place

– Cement mix

Two: Time – Installing a fence will take around 10 to 20 hours. Before you start, it is important to make sure you have the time to get it done correctly. If you don’t have time, then it may be a good idea to find someone to do that installation for you.

Three: Get the work site ready – It is imperative that you learn where the underground utility lines are so that you don’t get hurt and so that you don’t damage them. You also have to know where your property lines are and be sure they are marked.

Also, walk around the area where the fence will be installed and remove anything that will get in the way of installation.

Four: Make sure you have all the fence materials – You want to go through all the fence materials to be sure they are all there before you begin.

Five: Start the installation – You first want to put the stakes in wherever you will be placing the fence. Use the string line as a guide to help you get it right.

Six: Post holes – The next step is to mark the where you will dig the post holes. Use the string as you guide and then only dig a few holes at a time.

Seven: Install panels – Look at the directions that came with the fence and start installing the individual panels.

Eight: Level – You have to be sure that you level each post so that your fence is installed correctly and doesn’t end up crooked or uneven.

Nine: Gate opening – Now it is time to set the gate opening, which can easily be done with measurements and the supplies you already have.

Ten: Tweak – You want to take time to go back and tweak what you have already installed. This is important to ensure it is done correctly and everything is straight and even.

Eleven: Install gate – Once you have done all of the above steps it is important to now install the gate.

These are the basic steps that need to be followed to help you easily do the aluminum fence installation on your own. It is important to read directions and follow the instruction guide that comes with your fence to ensure you get it right from the beginning.…

Protect What Is Yours With a Solid Fence

Protection of your own is a duty we should all consider sacred. Your property is your kingdom. What’s in it should be kept safe under your protection, and keeping it safe and secure should be a top priority, whether it’s your home, your car, your yard, your possessions, or most importantly, your loved ones. When it comes to all the things housed inside your property, you want to make sure you protect them as best you can, and you can do that by building the best fence possible. A well designed solid fence really is the first line of defense against any and all intruders.

The task is set, and it may not be easy, but achieving peace of mind and shouldering your responsibility is within reach. You’re going to have to consider several key aspects in building your fence to make sure it is constructed in a way to fulfil its job well.

First, you need to take into consideration the physical strength and details of the layout of the fence itself. The best fence is built all the way down to the ground and flush with the walls of the house that it adjoins. There shouldn’t be any gaps between the ground and the base of the fence. The best fences are built with pressure treated bottom boards that trim out the bottom of the fence and prevent the actual pickets themselves from touching the ground. When the pickets sit on the ground, they are exposed to wet grass and mud. As a result, the wood tends to decay much faster. They also become victims of abuse from the weed whacker. When the bottom trim is added, however, it closes the gap between the bottom of the pickets and the tip of the ground, while protecting the pickets at the same time and allowing them to sit a little off the ground. There also should not be wide gaps between the brick or wood of your house’s walls and the sides of the fence that it touches. Make sure your fence company takes careful and accurate measurements to avoid these gaps. Ensure that your line of defense is complete.

Second, consider the materials. The best fences are made of durable wood, such as cedar, which repels insects naturally and is a long lasting wood. Good quality fences also are often reinforced with heavy gauge galvanized steel metal posts set at least three (3) feet deep in solid concrete. When building a Custom Fence you can even use the addition of iron and metal in more aesthetic ways, such as by adding Iron Inserts.

Third, consider the gate. Do not let a poorly constructed or feeble gate be the weak link in your line of defense. There are a variety of secure gates that you can choose from, such as iron gates, electric gates, as well as emergency fences. Also, remember the need for a wireless keypad for automated gates. You might consider adding a deadbolt lock to your gate, or an alarm system.

Fourth, when building, don’t forget to consider using the local fence market to your advantage. Look for the Best Fence company in your city, and ask them for a free estimate. Do research and ask the fence company about their methods of construction for building a secure and long lasting fence that can withstand the tests of time as well as the weather and climate of your particular local area. Ask about Fence repair, and keep in mind the offers they have. After all, what good is a strong fence if you let it fall to disrepair.

Overall, if you want the best wood fence, you need to do your research, make your choices, and make sure that everything is constructed well by the best fence company. Gates and fences are wonderful tools for providing protection, but they need to be masterminded by a strong will, expertise and hard work. The effort is worth the peace of mind. Do the right thing. Protect what is yours.…

Tips for Building a Halloween Fence Installation

Halloween is the time to transform your yard into a trick-or-treater’s dream. Of course the displays of whimsically crafted jack-o-lanterns are the traditional form of Halloween decoration, but why not try something different this year?

With the use of salvaged fence materials or PVC pipe to mimic wrought-iron fencing materials, homeowners can take their lovely front yards and transform them into spooky cemeteries that costumed children will delight in come the big day. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

CEMETERY TIPS & TRICKS

It’s not that difficult to create a creepy graveyard with some initiative and creativity. You can make your own quirky tombstone using Styrofoam or a more environmentally friendly option such as plywood. If you don’t have the proper tools to work with wood, you can always opt for old materials (fence and deck suppliers may even have free torn-up fence materials available).

Once you’ve planned out the sizes and shapes of your tombstones, cut them out from the materials you chose and paint them achieve a stone-line texture. If you are using wood, start off with a gray or off-white primer, then add the stone texture paint. For Styrofoam, the stone paint can be directly painted on. After it’s dry, you can add your epitaphs, symbols and other artsy twists.

The last step is to figure out how to install your tombstones in your yard. You can place a pumpkin in front and behind the tombstone to prop it up, or attach a stake to each tombstone and secure them in the ground.

FRIGHTFUL FENCE DESIGNS

A great finishing touch to your cemetery is a small wrought-iron fence surrounding it. Don’t worry, you don’t need to go spend tons of money on new fencing materials; homeowners can turn to these following temporary fencing materials in order to complete the creepy graveyard effect:

TRELLISES. Though trellises are not permanent fencing materials, they make a great decorative graveyard fence for the holiday. Make sure you purchase enough of this inexpensive item from a fencing materials supplier in order to fully surround your cemetery. Take out any cross slats that you don’t want or need, as it help creates a good fence-like impression. For that wrought iron look, paint each trellis black. To secure the fence, attach garden stakes to each trellis with plastic zip ties and hammer them into the ground.

PVC PIPE. PVC pipes also make great wrought-iron fence. DIY-ers should first decide how tall the fence will be and then cut all of the PVC pipe to the same length. To make cross bars, you can use wood slats. Again, use garden stakes to anchor the fence to the ground.

A couple of finishing Halloween touches to add to any fencing materials you have in your yard are strings of orange lights and fake spider webbing. Adding plastic skulls or mini-pumpkins to the tops of your fence posts also adds a fun twist.…

Fence Installation: Advice for Posthole Placement and Alignment, Depth, and Tools

The initial step of fence installation, digging the holes for the fence posts, may seem simple, but it’s extremely important as it serves as the foundation of your entire fence. In order to prevent a collapsed fence installation it’s important to keep the following in mind:

Posthole Placement and Alignment

Linear alignment is one of the most important components of posthole placement. For a fence installation with posts that are all the same size, you can place a post at each corner, and then incorporate additional posts 8-10 feet on center. To mark the locations of the posts, you can use stakes and tie a line to each corner stake.

If you are using posts that are different sizes, you will first need to find the location of the first corner post and draw a circle on the ground with the same diameter as the post. Then go to the opposite horizontal or vertical corner of the fence and repeat that process. Then stretch a line between the outer edges of the two corner posts and repeat with the remaining corner posts. Starting with the smallest post, mark the positions of the posts in order of size. Remember that as the sizes of the posts increase, you will need to counterbalance the marks so the outer edges of the posts line up evenly with each other.

If your corner posts are a different size than the in-line t-posts on your fence installation use a different color paint to mark each post’s location on the ground. This will come in handy when you need to remember to use a different-sized posthole digger for each posthole.

Posthole Depth

Depending on where you live, the depth at which you dig your postholes can change. 48 inches, (4 feet) below the frost line is an ideal depth and if you don’t go below that line, freezing weather may cause structural damage to your fence in the long term. Ask a neighbor or city planner if you are unsure about where your frost line is.

If you live in an area that doesn’t freeze, all you have to do is dig the posthole 4 feet deep. Use a spirit level to make sure the bottoms of the postholes are level so your fence installation will be plumb and aligned correctly.

Tools for Digging Postholes

A posthole digger and an auger are the two main tools for digging postholes. The posthole digger is a manual tool that resembles two small opposing shovels that are connected by a fulcrum. Separate the shovels by spreading the handles and then place the digger in the ground and close the handles together to make the tool grab some dirt. Then remove the digger from the ground, empty the contents, and repeat. This tool is ideal for smaller postholes that don’t need to be too deep.

The auger is better for bigger posthole projects. This tool is like a big drill and comes in a variety of sizes. If neither of these tools appeals to you, you can always get in contact with a cedar fencing contractor and have them take care of the measuring, spacing, posthole digging and heavy lifting for you.

Aside from the postholes, the most important component of a fence installation is safety! Your safety and the safety of your family and neighbors is what you should focus on before starting the installation process. Before your digging project, call a local utility company to find out if there are any underground gas, water, or electric lines along your fence line.…