Pros and Cons of a Cedar Fence

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Benefits of a Cedar Fence

Many people are choosing to install cedar fences around their properties for a variety of reasons. Cedar is a beautiful, natural material that can enhance the appearance of any home. It is also strong and durable, making it a good choice for fencing. However, there are some pros and cons to consider before installing a cedar fence.

Here are a few of the pros of using cedar for your fence.

Cedar Fence Privacy

Cedar fencing is one of the best privacy fences. It will obscure the view of your property from the street and keep unwanted guests out. This is because the slats of a cedar fence are easy to work with and assemble closely together, allowing little to no light or visibility through the fence. People and animals will not be able to see through a cedar fence, making it the perfect choice if you are looking for privacy. The cedar fence will also block out noise from the street or other neighboring properties. This will create a quiet and relaxing environment for you and your family.

The Good Wood Looks

A cedar fence is a beautiful addition to any property. It has a natural, rustic look that will enhance the appearance of your home. Cedar fences also come in a variety of different styles, so you can find one that perfectly suits your needs. You can choose from picket fences, shadow box fences, or even lattice-top fences. No matter what style you choose, a cedar fence will add beauty and value to your property.

Fences Durability

Cedar is the most durable wood fence material available. It will withstand weathering and decay, making it a good choice for areas that experience harsh weather conditions. Cedar also resists insects and rot, making it a long-lasting investment. Treated wood from cedar trees can last up to 30 years without rotting, making it one of the best wood fence material. It is also resistant to fire, making it a good option for homes in wildfire-prone areas. This stuff really is great.

Low Maintenance Fence Option

A cedar fence does not require a lot of maintenance. Once it is installed, you will only need to occasional staining or sealing to protect it from the elements. This is a relatively low maintenance when combined with its high durability. You will not have to worry about replacing or repairing your cedar fence often, making it a nice hassle free option.

Eco-Friendly Fence

Cedar is a natural, sustainable material that comes from renewable resources, trees. It is also biodegradable, so it will not damage the environment when it is decomposing. This makes cedar a more eco-friendly option than other materials, such as vinyl or aluminum.

Cedar is Customizable

Cedar fences are highly customizable. You can choose the height, width, and style of your fence to fit your needs. You can also choose the color of your cedar fence, making it easy to match your home’s exterior. This flexibility makes cedar fences a good choice for any property.

It’s Easy to Install

Cedar fences are easy to install, making them a good choice for do-it-yourselfers. You can find cedar fence panels at most home improvement stores. These panels are ready to be installed and do not require special tools or equipment. This makes it a quick and easy project that you can complete in a weekend.

Cons of Cedar: the Price

All the great benefits of cedar come at a slight premium at the time of purchase. Cedar fences are not the cheapest option on the market, particularly if you have a large property or area you need fenced in. However, the longevity and durability of cedar fences makes them a good investment in the long term. The low maintenance costs also save you money in the long run.

Cedar Allergies

Cedar allergies are not common, but in rare cases they can occur. If you are allergic to cedar, you may experience symptoms such as itching, redness, and swelling. If you think you may be allergic to cedar, it is important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Color Fading

Cedar fences can fade over time, especially if they are exposed to direct sunlight. This is not a big concern for most people, but it is something to keep in mind if you want your fence to maintain its original color. You can protect your cedar fence from fading by applying a stain or sealer.

Requires Regular Maintenance

Cedar fences require regular maintenance, such as staining or sealing. This is necessary to protect the wood from the elements and to keep it looking its best. If you do not maintain your cedar fence, it will eventually start to deteriorate. This is something to keep in mind if you do not have the time or inclination to perform regular maintenance tasks.

Now that you have read about the pros and cons of a cedar fence, you may be wondering if a cedar fence is the right choice for you. If you are in the market for a new fence, Chamblee Fence Company can help. We are a fence company based in Atlanta that installs many types of fences, including cedar fences. If you would like to learn more about our services or get a free quote, please contact us today. We have been been working in the fence industry since 1959 and our services are top notch. We would be happy to answer any questions you have about cedar fences or any other type of fence, and you can call any time at 770-396-4200.

Tips for Picking a Fence Style for Your Home

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What’s the Best Fence for Your Home?

Choosing a fence is a big decision that will live on your property for decades. It can affect everything from your home’s resale value to your family’s privacy and security, and it’s an investment to be carefully considered. There are several things to think about when you’re deciding on the perfect fence for your home, but as the local Georgia fence experts, we have you covered.

Think About the Architecture of Your Home

The architecture of your home is one of the essential factors to consider in choosing a fence style. If you have a traditional, colonial-style home with shutters and gables, then a simple, wooden fence with posts will probably match your exterior well. But if your home is more modern, sleek, and minimalistic, then something like an aluminum or metal fence may be better.

Think About Your Fence’s Function

What do you want the fence to accomplish? Do you need a privacy fence? Are you looking for security? Or do you simply want a decorative border around your yard? The answer to this question will influence what kind of fence you choose. For instance, if privacy is your top priority, then opt for taller vertical pickets. If security is what you’re most concerned with, solid wood or vinyl fences may be ideal, plus, they offer additional privacy benefits as well!

Know Your Neighborhood and Architectural Style

Choosing the right fence for your home can be as simple as considering what your typical neighborhood homes looks like. If you live in an area with mostly one-story homes, don’t choose a tall privacy fence that will make yours stand out too much. In some cases there is a homeowner’s association that restricts fence heights or styles.

If your neighborhood is full of Victorian-style homes, it would probably look strange to install an ultra-modern fence of steel. Don’t be afraid to ask around and see what fences local homeowners have chosen—it can be a helpful way to get ideas that have already been tried and tested in your neighborhood!

Know Your Budget

Another important factor to consider when choosing a style of fence is cost. Sure, we’d all love a wrought iron fence around our yards, but not everyone can afford the premium price tag that comes with wrought iron fencing. Before shopping for fences, decide how much money you’re willing to spend and stick within that budget by choosing materials appropriately. Don’t worry about making compromises—there are plenty of great fencing options at all price points!

Match Your Fence Style to Your Home’s Value

The type of fence you choose should also reflect the value of what it’s protecting: the more valuable your house is, the more important it is to have a sturdy and secure fence. For example, wood fences might look nice, but they tend to be less durable than other options like metal or PVC plastic for security and weathering. If you have landscaping that you want to keep safe from intruders, you might consider a taller fence with pointed ends at the top.

Fence Materials

The materials you choose for your fence are important. They affect the lifespan and cost of your fence, but they also determine how well it will complement your home. Here are some of the most common fencing materials, along with the style of homes they work best with:

WOOD: This is a versatile material that can work well with many homes. It comes in various colors and styles, so it’s easy to get a wooden fence that matches your home nicely. Consider using cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine to make this type of fence last longer.

VINYL FENCING: Vinyl is another low-maintenance option, which makes it ideal for those who don’t have time to maintain their fencing regularly. This material offers high flexibility while remaining durable enough to withstand many weather conditions such as hail storms or heavy rain without being damaged; additionally, vinyl fencing comes in many different colors to find something that fits both your style preference and budget needs perfectly!

ALUMINUM: This is another low-maintenance option; it will never rust, but it does require occasional cleaning to keep an attractive appearance. Aluminum fences come in many traditional styles and colors to compliment almost any home. A bonus is that this type of fence can be painted if you’re feeling more adventurous!

CHAIN LINK: These fences provide excellent durability at a reasonable price. The metal mesh doesn’t obstruct views or block breezes like other types of fencing might, making this option ideal for homeowners who want privacy without sacrificing visibility or air flow. They also provide good security when paired with barbed wire on top!

Consider the Height

Before you start looking at fence styles, you need to decide on the height of your fence. Are you hoping for something that keeps your dog from running away, or are you trying to set limits around your property? Do you want a privacy fence? Or are you looking for a decorative and elegant picket fence? The answers to these questions will help you narrow down what type of height you need to make an impact without dwarfing anything else around it. Think about how high you want the fence, then choose materials and style accordingly!

Factor in Best Fence Color

Picking a fence style that matches your home is as much about blending house and fence color combinations as it is about the style of the fence itself. The color of your house, roof, and even your front door can all influence which fence will look best with your home.

If you have a soft-toned siding, such as cream or grey, you may want to consider a dark-toned fence, so they provide contrasting colors. This can work well with a white, light blue, or light greenhouse. A dark brown or deep red fence will contrast well against these house colors. If you have a house with dark browns and blacks on the exterior, you’ll want to pick a lighter-toned fence to balance out the darkness of your home’s exterior.

If you have a white or light blue house with grey shingles or red bricks on the exterior, you may want to consider picking a natural wood tone for your fence that won’t compete with any other colors.

On the other hand, if your home has earth tones—including shades of green, browns, and tans—you may want to consider picking a warm-colored wooden fence to complement those tones in your siding. Some homeowners like to go one step further and pick a fence that matches or complements the color of their front door, as this can add extra depth and dimensionality to the yard.

Keep in mind that most paint stores can tint an off-the-shelf stain to match any existing color on your home, so if you need something custom but are worried about finding the right shade at your local hardware store, just ask!

Consider Safety Features Like Gates With Locks

Choosing a fence style that enhances your home’s appearance is important, but safety should be on your list. If you have children or pets, installing a fence with gates that use locks can help keep them from wandering off and getting hurt.

You can add safety features to your fence by integrating lighting into the design, which will allow you to see more at night. If you plan on having a swimming pool in your yard, you’ll need to install a fence that meets local codes and regulations as well.

Are you looking for the best fence style to match your home? It can be difficult to decide with such a wide array of options. But if you’re looking for a fence that will add to your home’s beauty and value, considering all of these features of a fence will help in arriving at the correct choice.

Is Wood Fencing Secure?

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How Secure is Wood Fencing?

The image of a wood fence may conjure a sturdy wall, but when you compare it to a steel, iron, or aluminum fence you might think it’s not as secure as those.

Though wood fencing is a great way to add privacy and security to your home. There are many different types of wood fences available, so you can find the perfect one to match your home’s style while providing an added layer of security. Wood fences are also very durable, so you can count on them to last for many years to come.

When it comes to wood fencing, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you need to choose the right type of wood for your fence. There are many different kinds of wood, so you need to make sure that you pick the right one for your climate, for the look you want to achieve, and to attain the right level of security.

Second, you need to decide how tall you want your fence to be. Generally, taller the fence, the more privacy it will provide. However, keep in mind that the taller the fence, the more it will cost to install and maintain.

Finally, you need to think about the design of your fence. There are many different designs to choose from, so you need to find the one that best suits your home. You can also choose between different styles of fencing, such as picket fences or privacy security fence.

Ways to make the wood fence more secure

If security is a concern and you’re set on using wood as a material for your fence there are a few ways to make wood even more secure than it already is. You can install a fence with thicker posts and pickets, so they aren’t prone to damage or vandalism. You can also install a security gate at the entrance of your yard with a locking mechanism. This will add an extra layer of protection to your home.

Another option is to add security cameras at regular intervals along the fence perimeter. This will allow you to monitor activity around your property remotely at any time of day or night. You can couple this with motion detectors if you don’t want to be staring at a screen all day, so you can be alerted to any motion or activity near your property.

More Secure Fence Materials

With anything there are varying degrees of strength and quality. You can opt for stronger fasteners to attach the fence panels to the posts, and more complex latching mechanisms for any gates that require keys or access codes to enter. Higher quality and stronger materials means it’s more difficult for people to vandalize your fence, but also has the extra bonus of being more durable in harsh weather.

Typically cameras and motions sensors come with an alarm system, so having one of those will definitely help with the security of your home. Many modern alarm systems also have other kinds of detection such as window, door and fence gate opening detection. You can also keep the area around your fence well-lit to discourage intruders from trying to sneak, and alert them of an occupants presence.

Types of wood security fence materials

Wood fences come in many types, so if you’re looking for a wood fence to protect your property here are many of the options available to you.

Pine: A popular choice for wood fencing, pine is a softwood that is easy to work with. It’s also one of the most affordable options. However, pine is not very durable and is not recommended for areas that experience severe weather conditions.

Cedar: Cedar is a hardwood that is durable and weather-resistant. Cedar fences are more expensive than pine fences, but they will last much longer.

Redwood: Redwood is a very durable type of wood that is resistant to decay and insects. Redwood fences are more expensive than cedar fences, but they have high durability, so you may get more cost effective value out of your fence with redwood.

Fir: Fir is a softwood that is not very durable or weather-resistant. It is the most affordable type of wood fence, it’s also not suitable for climates that have wide ranging weather conditions such as very hot and very cold.

Spruce: Spruce is softwood that’s a type of pinewood. It’s less resistant to rot than other types of wood, but also has a lower cost, so there are certainly trade offs here. In order to compensate for being less rot resistance spruce generally requires re-sealing every year or two.

White Oak: Oak is a hardwood that is durable and extremely weather-resistant even in rain, snow and harsh winds. Its natural color is a light grey, and it’s native to central and North America, so it’s used to cold weather conditions. Oak fences are more expensive than pine fences, but they will last much longer.

Birch: Birch is a hardwood that is known for its strength. It’s often used to make furniture due to its good shock resistant properties. However, it can be susceptible to harsh weather and bugs, so it will have to be well maintained if used in a fence.

Best wooden security fence designs

Wood comes in so many different materials, but can also be put together in so many different designs that you can choose one perfect for your home.

The lattice fence: The lattice fence is a type of wood fence that is made up of crisscrossed panels of wood. Generally this isn’t meant to be a security fence, but is a stylish flare made for privacy or a nice flare to a garden. If you’d like to incorporate this style into a security fence, it can be added as a top section to an otherwise more secure fence.

The picket fence: The picket fence is a classic type of wood fence that is made up of upright spaced out wooden boards. This is often the type of fence people think of when you say the word ‘fence.’ There’s a reason they are the most popular fence type, because they look great and are affordable. However, they aren’t necessarily great for security because of the spacing between the picket boards.

The stockade fence: The stockade fence is a type of wood fence that is made up of closely spaced upright wooden boards, and is a variation of the picket fence. This type of fence is very sturdy and since the picket boards are tightly packed, it’s the more ideal type of picket fence for security.

The shadow box fence: The shadow box fence is a type of wood fence that is made up of two layers of upright wooden boards that alternate along the rail to leave some space between the boards, while not allowing anyone to see through the fence. The main purpose of this type of fence is to allow wind to blow through the slight gaps, making it better for high wind areas while maintaining privacy and security.

The privacy fence: Privacy fences are built high for privacy, so that makes them also naturally a secure type of fence. The height of the fence makes it difficult to climb for animals or people and acts as a great deterrent for any intruders.

The split rail fence: This type of fence is designed as horizontally stacked fence rails with large gaps between them. It isn’t ideal as a security fence design, but is more a fence for delineating property lines, or keeping animals in an enclosed space.

Benefits of a wooden security fence

Wood as a material is extremely popular and one of the most widely used fence materials around the world. That’s for many good reasons, here are some of the benefits of choosing wood for a security fence.

  • They are affordable.
  • Easy to install and maintain.
  • Available in a variety of styles and colors.
  • Can be customized to fit your needs.
  • They are durable.

In conclusion, Wood fencing is a great way to improve the look and security of your home. Make sure to consider all of your options before making a decision, so you can find the perfect fence for your needs. With a little bit of planning, you can have the perfect wood fence that will last for years to come and keep your home safe.

How to Select a Fence Height

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Guide to Selecting Your Fence’s Height

It is essential to select the right fence height for a home to adhere to county ordinances, home owner associations, and of course, personal taste. Fences come in many different sizes and heights. You need to choose the right fence height to serve the intended purpose, such as a privacy fence or a picket fence. When choosing a fence height, consider what your needs are and how your neighbor might feel about the height. Some fences are made to enhance the privacy of your home, and others are designed to help you achieve the highest level of protection against trespassing animals or people. In this article we’ll discuss some of the most important factors when selecting fence height.

Factors to consider before choosing a fence

You will have to consider several of your needs before deciding on the type of fence you would like to install. For example, what are the durability requirements for your fence? If you live in an area with a lot of harsh weather conditions, you’ll want a more durable fence. The design of the fence will also generally impact the height of the fence, since some types like picket or privacy come in standard heights like 4 feet and 6 feet. The material is also another thing that goes into choosing a fence height. Wood is great for taller fences like a privacy fence, since it’s more cost effect to build higher, while metal is great for medium height fences.

Installation cost

The cost of installing the fences will vary from one fence height to the other. Due to using more materials, generally the higher the fence, the more it will cost. Certain materials like vinyl and wood are cheaper than steel or iron. You’ll have to factor in the budget you have for the fence to decide on what the best material is for your height. However, going for high-quality fence materials that your budget can support is always the best so you will have a long lasting fence that adds value to your home.

Fence maintenance

Every fence’s life can be extended by performing yearly maintenance, such as cleaning, re-painting or re-staining and minor damage repairs. There isn’t a huge difference in types of maintenance when it comes to different fence heights, but if you need to repair a fence there might be slightly more cost in a taller fence. Fence repairs can be as low as $50 or as high as $2000 depending on what kind of damage there is to the fence.

Fences with the least maintenance are vinyl fences at 4 feet or 6 feet. With wood you need to ward off termites and rot, since it’s a natural material. Metal requires warding off rust, so there’s trade offs when you choose different materials when it comes to fences maintenance. When comparing the different types of fences available there, your weather and general temperature around your area will help you decide which type of fence to choose when regarding maintenance.

Local home owner’s association rules

There are some neighborhoods where you’re restricted on the height of fence you can install. Check out your local rules before picking a fence height, because otherwise the HOA might bother you about a specific rule about how high your fence can be. The city you live in might also have a restriction, otherwise people might build 30 foot tall fences that could be hazardous to people. General home fence heights don’t go over 6 feet, but some privacy fences can be taller, and if it’s a security fence for a business you might want a slightly taller fence. Always check with the rules of the local governing organization before spending any money a fence.

How to choose front yard fence height

Fence heights are dependent on your needs, such as protecting pets and children, or keeping people out of a pool or garden.

Fence height for protecting pets and children

A fence that serves as pool protection for children and pets should be about 4 to 6 feet high. A four feet fence can help control small to medium size dogs. If you have a larger breed that can jump or climb, it’s best to get a six foot fence.

Enclosing a Pool

To avoid cases where children or other people in your neighborhood can end up falling in your pool, you need to install a fence that can offer them some form of protection. A fence about 4 feet high will work well in protecting children from wandering near your pool area. Though some states have strict regulations about pool fencing. If working with a fence company, they will inform you about the regulations in your county regarding pool fences.

Enclosing a Garden

Since garden’s are an aesthetic endeavor much of the time a fence as low as 3 feet tall can give the garden a nice look, while keeping some animals out. Common types of fences you can get to enclose your garden include vinyl pickets and wood pickets. People often prefer vinyl because it can last longer close to the constant watering and dampness a garden sustains. You will not have to worry as much about the maintenance cost. It’s a durable fence that can serve your garden for many seasons.

Establishing Property Boundaries

To establish a property boundary, a fence about 3 feet high is sufficient. It will provide the necessary boundary you need to keep things organized, and delineate your property lines appropriately. People who stay in suburban areas often have fences 3 feet high in the front yard and about 6 feet in the backyard.

Providing Privacy

For privacy reasons, you need to have a fence 6 feet high or taller to keep out prying eyes. Many people are taller than 6 feet, so going higher makes sense. If you would like to keep the eyes of your neighbors out of your property, you can go for a fence that is about 8 feet high. It will provide the necessary protection to keep your home private and safe.

How to Paint a Vinyl Fence

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How Painting Vinyl Fences Works

Painting a vinyl fence can seem daunting, and it may be tempting to skip a paint job. However, painting your fence can make a significant difference in its look and add years of life to your fence. In this article, we will discuss steps on how to paint a vinyl fence.

Prepare Your Vinyl Fence for Painting

Painting a vinyl fence will give you the same aesthetic appeal as a wood fence with the durability of vinyl. Purchasing a new vinyl fence is an investment, and it’s crucial to maintain your fence to keep it looking clean and fresh. If you’re thinking about using white vinyl fence paint, keep in mind that it’s not as easy as slapping on a coat of paint and hoping for the best. It would help if you took some time to prepare the surface of your vinyl fence before you start painting. Cleaning the surface of your fence will help the coating adhere longer and will prevent any mold or grime from ruining your fresh coat of paint.

Clean the Fence

Vinyl fences are popular because they’re often quite durable, but they require some upkeep. If your vinyl fence looks a little faded or dingy, a good cleaning can often be enough to bring it back to life and even change color. If a good scrubbing doesn’t restore the color and shine of your fence, painting is always an option. The first step in painting a vinyl fence is to clean it. You must use a cleaner that will remove any dirt, dust, and stains without leaving behind any residue that could interfere with the adhesion of your paint. You also want to make sure you don’t use a cleaning product that could damage the surface of the vinyl or weaken its strength or durability.

Repair Any Fence Damage

Before you can paint a vinyl fence, you need to repair any damages that may have occurred over time. Look for chips, cracks, and holes in your wall. Even if the damage is minimal, it will affect how the paint dries and lead to problems down the road. If you need some repairs, don’t worry—it’s easy to do! Get yourself a little vinyl patch kit from your local hardware store and follow the instructions. Make sure the patch is big enough to cover the hole completely. You’ll also want to be careful not to use too much glue or adhesive, as this could cause a gooey mess when you paint it.

Use a Power Washer

This is a great way to get rid of any dirt and debris built up on your fence. You can also use this method to paint over a natural wood fence if you want it to look like vinyl. First, you’ll need to get a power washer with an adjustable nozzle so that the water pressure can be adjusted. Then, you’ll want to fill up the tank with water and add some dish soap for extra cleaning power. You’ll also want to make sure you have some safety gear like gloves, goggles, and long sleeves because these power washers can be powerful enough to cut through the skin.

Treat and Remove Mold From the Surface

It’s recommended to use chlorine bleach and water mixed in a 1:3 ratio to treat and remove mold from your vinyl fence. You should always wear rubber gloves and eye protection when working with chemical cleaners. Using a spray bottle or garden sprayer, spray down the fence with the mixture coat on every surface. Let the solution sit for at least 10 minutes, but no more than 20 minutes. Go back and scrub off any remaining mold with a brush or sponge. Rinse off any remaining bleach by hosing down the fence thoroughly.

Let the Surface Dry Completely

Paint will not stick to a vinyl fence if it is not clean or if the weather is not cooperative. Clean and dry are two requirements to ensure that your vinyl fence looks flawless. So, you must make sure that you have cleaned the surface well before you paint it. If there is any dirt on the surface, it will prevent the paint from sticking properly. So, it would help if you first let the surface dry completely. If there is wetness on the surface of the vinyl fence, then you must first allow the surface to dry completely before painting it because wet paint will not adhere to wet surfaces.

Tape off Surrounding Areas With Painters Tape

Use painter’s tape to cover nearby areas you don’t want painted. This includes the sections of your fence that you previously painted and any concrete, plants, grass, or other materials that touch the fence. It is essential to use masking tape if you’re using a sprayer. Painter’s tape is low adhesion, meaning it won’t leave adhesive residue behind on your vinyl fence when removed. Masking tape has a weaker adhesive, so it works best when you need to remove the tape and want to avoid removing the underlying paint with it.

Apply a Coat of Bonding Primer

The bonding primer is designed to adhere to smooth surfaces, such as vinyl, and will provide a good surface for the paint to adhere to. Apply a thin coat of primer with a foam roller. Do not use a brush for this step, as it may leave streaks in your primer. If the weather is hot and dry, you can first mist the fence with water before applying the primer. Let the primer dry completely before continuing to the next step. It would be best to give your primer plenty of time to dry completely. If it is not thoroughly dried when you apply the paint, it could peel later.

Apply at Least Two Coats of Paint.

If you are planning on how to paint your vinyl fence, it is recommended that you apply at least two coats of paint. The first coat will pull into the surface pores of the vinyl and help adhere the second coat to the fence. Apply the second coat in the opposite direction from which you applied the first coat. This will prevent streaks from showing in your finished product. In addition to applying two coats of paint, let your vinyl fence dry for at least 48 hours before hanging any plant baskets or décor on it.

Wrapping Up

There are several reasons why people choose to paint their vinyl fences instead of replacing them: the cost is much lower than that of freshly built fences, and it is also a huge time saver. Repainting will keep your fence looking new and protect its integrity against the elements.

How to Maintain Your Fence

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How Fence Maintenance Works

Wood fences can really make your property look great. Not only do they provide beautiful aesthetics but they are also good for improving security. Fences made out of wood are made to last about 10 years if left alone, but their life can be extended up to 20 years with proper maintenance.

In order to find a great fence that will make sense for you, it’s important to consider several factors. You want to pick the right kind of wood as well as style for your fence and then you need to make sure that you maintain it properly over the years to get the best value out of the fence possible.

Considerations For A New Fence

A new fence is a great investment in the value of your home and security of your family. You want to make sure that you are getting the appropriate one for your yard so that you get the most out of it. The life of a fence has two factors, the proper techniques used during installation, and the appropriate maintenance by the home owner. With this in mind, here are a few ways to extend the life of a fence.

PRESSURE-TREATED FENCES

Pressure-treated fence posts gain protection against termites and fungal decay, and thus generally have a longer life than non pressure treated fences. These types of fences age more gracefully and are very easily stainable and sealable. This is a recommended option when it comes to wood fences, since it has all these benefits, and is made with a strong pine species that is long lasting and durable.

WAIT TO STAIN THE FENCE

When you get a new fence it’s good to wait between 1 and 6 months depending on the wood type to stain or paint it. This will protect the wood for a much longer time and let it dry completely. If there is moisture on the wood and it’s treated, it can cause dry rot. Since this will wear the fence out quicker, you should definitely make sure that you wait some time before you stain or paint it.

TYPE OF WOOD

There are many types of wood to choose from, but if your top priority is durability consider getting redwood or western red cedar. Both of these types of wood last long and are very durable. They also look good so that you will have great curbside appeal and enjoy spending time in your yard. There are a variety of other types of wood that also work well and stand up in different types of climates, so feel free to check out our article on different types of wood for fences to learn more.

How to Maintain Your Fence for the Long Term

With the proper fence maintenance, you can look forward to your fence lasting up to 20 years. As mentioned previously, a wood fence is one of the most popular types used for good looks as well as hardy security. Here are several things that you’ll want to stay on top of in order to get the most out of your wood fence.

INSPECT YoUR FENCE ATLEAST ONCE EVERY YEAR

Just a basic walk around the fence to check for any damage, rot, termites, or other pests that can be a detriment to fences is something you should do at least one time a year. If anything needs to be repaired or fixed, it’s important to get on it to prevent any further deterioration. Hammer in loose nails or replace any damaged planks from a storm or bad weather. Make it a point to look for chipped paint and other problems with the fence, and redcoat or restain the wood as you see fit. You want to do this every year to ensure the long life of the fence.

CLEAN THE FENCE EVERY 3 TO 5 YEARS

Make sure that you clean your fence every 3 to 5 years to keep away fungus growth, or plants who may start wrapping around the planks. You also want to get rid of all of the mildew, dirt, and moss. If you need to repair the fence, make sure that you scrape off any paint that is chipping or molding. You will then want to kill the mold spores, and re-paint and stain to keep them away.

PAINT OR RESEAL AFTER YOU CLEAN THE FENCE

Latex pain or oil based sealant for fences Is what you want to do after cleaning a fence for maintenance. This will elongate the life of the wood and protect it for a longer period to keep that life extension going. It’s also perfect protection against the weather, which is a constant threat to your fences durability.

How Long Do Wood Fences Last?

You can expect a new wood fence to last maybe 10 years without maintenance naturally. When it is properly maintained it can last up to 20 years or more. With the proper wood treatment, you will be able to get a lot of use out of your fence in the life of your home. When you invest in a wood fence, you want to make sure that you are doing what you can in order to keep it looking great for a long time to come.

Chamblee Fence Company

Being in the fence industry since 1959, Chamblee Fence Company has a proven track record for professionalism and quality. Based in Georgia for the life of our company, we install many types of fences and style, including wood, steel, aluminum, and vinyl.

Make sure that you do the proper maintenance on your new wood fence so that it will last for up to and maybe more than 20 years. You will get the best results when you take the time to understand the reasoning behind the maintenance and do it regularly.

Chain Link Fence Installation Guide

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How to Install a Chain Link Fence

If you need to enclose a space, but a wood or vinyl fence isn’t for you or you don’t want to block the view from the street, you might be considering installing a chain link fence. These fences are made of linked metal and can be erected in any yard or garden. Chain link fences come in two basic styles: standard and privacy. Standard style has diamond shapes with open spaces between each diamond; it’s more decorative, but can make your yard more accessible to intruders. Privacy style has diamond shapes with solid spaces between each diamond and creates a wall that is difficult to climb over or see-through. Below are steps on how to install a chain-link fence.

Prepare the Site and Open the Trench

Before you start digging, check with your local government about any license requirements or permits that may be needed to do this kind of work. You should also make sure you have all the necessary tools before beginning the project. After ensuring all the necessary permits are in order, measure the length of the fence you will need to install. Take into account that your posts may not all be aligned perfectly straight and over time, they may shift somewhat. Once the length is measured, dig a trench at least two feet deep down along the entire length of the trench where you will be placing your post. To help line up your posts evenly and straight, you can use a string stretched out from one point to another.

To create additional support in the ground when installing chain link fence, add gravel if the soil is too solid or add sand to make it easier for post-hole diggers to go through.

DRIVE POSTS INTO THE GROUND

Once the trench is dug, add the gravel or sand if needed. Place a post in the trench and fill around it with soil, making sure that all of it will be covered by at least six inches on top of ground level. Drive your post into the ground using a sledgehammer or other driving tool. Repeat this step for each of your posts.

CEMENT THE FIRST ROW OF POSTS

Before you can install your first row of posts, fill any holes with cement. Let the cement cure for 24 hours.

To create an even line for the top of your fence at the same height on each post, use batter boards affixed to each post. These boards will be used as guides when you are attaching electric wires to the fencing.

ASSEMBLE THE FIRST ROW OF POSTS ON EACH SIDE

To build the first row, attach three vertical posts at their tops with metal brackets or other hardware. Once you have added two horizontal cross braces, but this section of fencing over your batter boards and slip it under your post so that it is resting on a level surface. Use the same hardware to attach it firmly to your post. Attach all subsequent sections in the same manner until you have completed one side of your fence.

ADD HORIZONTAL CROSS BRACES AND FENCING

To add more support, put horizontal cross braces at regular intervals along the length of your new section. Add fencing wire or mesh to the bottom. For a privacy fence, use fencing that has smaller diamond shapes with solid spaces between the diamonds.

ATTACH ANCHOR PLATES TO YOUR POSTS

Chain link fences are attached to metal “anchors” called plates which are bolted onto the posts. Attach them so they are lined up evenly with one another along your fence line. Staple or nail the fencing to the anchors to secure it in place.

Stretching the chain link fencing

You should stretch the top of your fence so that you have a continuous wall running from one anchor plate to the next involves drilling holes through the fencing and attaching it to your anchors with wire. This ensures the fencing will not come loose or get pulled out.

INSTALL GATE HINGES

Drill holes into one edge of both sections of the steel gate then cut a metal sleeve for each hole that is slightly longer than half an inch. Insert each sleeve into the gate and use it to mark where you need to drill holes on the other gate section so your hardware forms a perfect match. Drill your holes, install your hinges, and fasten bolts or wing nuts to keep your gate tightly closed.

ADD LOCKING PANELS FOR ADDITIONAL SECURITY

To add additional security, install locking panels between the first and second rows of fencing or in any other visible location. You can use a drill, wire cutters, panel clamps, and fence pliers to assemble these pieces quickly.

After you have any visible panels secured on your chain link fence, connect more horizontal cross braces as necessary for additional support. Finish with the top rail, then attach your fence gate.

If you choose to install privacy mesh instead of plain chain link fencing, you will need to build two rows of posts–one for the privacy mesh and one to hold the first section’s cross braces in place. You will also need a gate that is large enough to accommodate both sections when open. You can either build a double gate or cut your existing single gate in half and attach the two ends with hinges.

The last step is to attach additional vertical posts to complete your chain link fence installation. When you have completed all your sections, you can install a gate for easy access if needed. Make sure the gate opens and closes easily by making the opening at least six inches wider than the gate itself.

Chain link fence installation is a relatively simple process that takes minimal time and materials to complete. It is easy to install, secure, and affordable. Once you have installed your fencing, use the checklist below to ensure it is safe and ready for use.

– Check that all posts are secure and level

– Make sure wires are taut where needed

– Remove all batter boards.

– Attach locks on the gate if necessary

You’re now finished! Stand back and admire your work!