Wood or Vinyl? Which Privacy Fence To Choose for Your Home

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Privacy fences are a great way to keep your property safe from nosy neighbors and pesky kids while still enjoying your backyard’s outdoors. It’s no surprise that they’re popular among homeowners. However, before choosing one type of fence over another, it’s essential to know the pros and cons of each material.

Vinyl Privacy Fences

Vinyl privacy fences are more affordable than wood ones to install and maintain because their materials are lighter. They also come in an endless variety of colors and styles so that you can customize them to your personal taste! The downside is that they easily bow out when children lean on them or when snow piles up on them during wintertime.

Vinyl fences are pretty maintenance free, but once they incur any damage you’ll obviously have to repair any cracks, dips, or broken fence posts once they happen.

Wood Privacy Fences

Wooden privacy fences, on the other hand, may be said to be more attractive with natural wood grains and interesting wood staining finishes. They’re sturdier and more durable than vinyl fences. The material requires more effort to maintain, however. The wood will eventually crack or warp if not well taken care of over time, and it could rot if left outside all year round without any protection like sealant. You’ll need to stain it once in a while to prevent this from happening.

If you want a privacy fence that is sturdy and lasts the test of time, go with the wood one. It will cost more than the vinyl option up front, but it looks nicer and is far from easily breakable. You’re also safe to leave pets and young kids out in the fenced area for most of the year. If you prefer a fence that’s easier to install, easy to maintain and less upfront cost, choose a vinyl fence. It’s sturdy enough to withstand some snow and maintain its smooth appearance over time. You could also paint or stain it any color that you like.

Benefits of Vinyl Fences

Lower price. Vinyl fencing is an excellent value for your money. It’s light, easy to install, and won’t rot, warp or splinter like wood might over time.

Easy to maintain. Vinyl fences don’t need to be painted or stained. If you want it to match your house or personal style, vinyl privacy fence panels can easily be painted in any color! They can also be stained in several different colors to match the color of your porch or decking, maximizing visual appeal while keeping out prying eyes and nosy neighbors!

Flexibility. Unlike wood privacy fences, vinyl fencing can be customized to fit your home. You can choose from many different widths and lengths, depending on the specific needs of your yard or property.

Cons of Vinyl Privacy Fences

May bow out when children lean on them. It’s not uncommon for children to lean against or try to climb wooden privacy fences, causing them to bow out or ultimately come off the posts! This is especially problematic if you have little ones playing outside in the area where you want the fence. If the fence bows out in that area, it will become a dangerous place for them to play.

Not durable enough for extreme weather conditions — strong wind, heavy snow, or ice. It’s a good idea to hedge your bets against any of these harsh weather conditions your area before investing in a vinyl privacy fence since it just has to happen one time to wreck a fence. If you live in a place with extreme weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall or strong winds, your vinyl privacy fence may not hold up very well!

Benefits of Wood Privacy Fence For Your Home

It’s subject, but people say authentic wood looks better than vinyl. If you’re concerned about your privacy fence’s aesthetic appeal, wood is the way to go. Wood barriers look more natural and beautiful than vinyl fencing.

Long lasting. Unlike vinyl fences, wood fencing is very durable, so you can expect it to last for many long years without needing major repairs or replacements! It won’t break down or lose its strength if the weather gets cold and windy or if a child leans on it during playtime.

Many different styles. Wood privacy fences can be customized to match your home’s style! They come in different materials, sizes, shapes, styles, and colors.

Cons of a Wood Fence over a Vinyl Fence

May rot if left outside all year round. Wood privacy fences are susceptible to weathering and rotting over time, similar to how wood furniture ages. While they’re durable enough to survive the elements, they can become ugly and unsightly if left outside without proper treatment.

More expensive than a vinyl fence. Wood privacy fences are more costly than the vinyl option, so be sure that you’re getting a product worth the investment before installing it.

Requires more maintenance. You’ll need to apply sealant or paint your fence posts and replace nails periodically. However, you’ll have to get rid of weeds and keep your deck area free of debris, or it could prevent water from draining properly through the bottom of the posts.

Tips To Help You Choose Between Wood or Vinyl Privacy Fence For Your Home

Make sure that you review if rot is a concern and if so pick a rot-resistant wood material, or go with vinyl. Do not forget to factor in the cost of maintenance in your budget for the new privacy fence installation. If you do not have the time or skill, consider hiring professionals to do it for you.

You should also measure how much length of fence your property needs. Do so before deciding to go with one type over another.

While it is true that wooden fences are sturdier than vinyl and can withstand the stress of children and pets, you need to think about the cost involved. It would be best if you also estimated how much maintenance will be required to keep the fence going for the long haul.

The Right Material For Your Privacy Fence

The suitable material for a privacy fence depends on your preference, budget, and taste. Privacy fences are usually taller than your standard fence, and have less gaps between the planks to provide more privacy. Wood always looks great for these kinds of densely packed fences, but due to there being more wood per square foot of ground it can be more cost effective to go with vinyl instead.

Though it’s all up to what your needs are in a fence. Make sure that you choose a fence material that you think everyone in the house will enjoy.

Hopefully we’ve helped you figure out the pros and cons of wood over vinyl or vinyl over wood, and you can make a good informed decision when picking the fence of your dreams. If you need professional installers to help give you a more detailed vision of the fences you can get, Chamblee Fence is always here to give you a hand. You can call us at (770) 396-4200

7 Things You Should Know Before Installing a Fence

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If you’re looking to install a fence, there may be a few things you need to know before jumping into the home improvement project. While there are many advantages to having a fence around your property, it is also important that you consider some things before deciding to add one.

Here are seven things you should to know before installing a fence:

1. Know Your Property Lines and Mark Them

Basically, a fence is a good demarcation device for your property lines, and most of the time people lay out their fences on the borders of their property. That’s why before undertaking a project like building a fence it’s important to know exactly where those lines are, because if you build too far out and go into your neighbors yard you might get an unpleasant notice to take it down. Even going a few inches beyond your property line point can give cause for the local authorities to tell you to take down your fence. You can check out the blueprints to your home or go to the local county recorder office or check online. Many counties today have property boundary maps online as well.

2. Be Kind to Your Neighbors and Talk to Them About the Fence Installation

It’s always good to be nice to your neighbors, but when you’re having a fence installed it’s a good idea to get them on your side of the fence with putting up a fence. When you start a project like fence installation you don’t want neighbors to be bothered by the construction or the finished look of the fence. If they don’t have a fence on their property they might have to look at the opposite side of your fence, so it’s a considerate thing to do to let them know you’re having some fencing put in.

Different neighborhoods and counties might require specific fence styles, fence materials or even fence colors, particularly if you have a home owner’s association around. It won’t hurt to get your neighbor’s opinion on what size and style might work best for both of your homes either. And during the actual installation make sure fencing tools are always on your side of your property and your neighbor’s yard is always kept tidy.

3. Beware Utility Lines and Pipes Before Fence Installation

Check with your county utilities for pipes and electrical lines in the ground before ever digging any great depth into the ground. Imagine a sewer line bursting from a hard shovel strike or your internet getting cut off from digging. This could also potentially affect your neighbors, and get the county calling your house asking what happened. Plus you might be forced to pay a fee, so the smartest thing to do is carefully check for any of these types of buried pipes or lines on your property, and where they are laying.

4. Know the Types of Fences Available

There are many different types of fences that you can choose from for your property; however, two of the most popular are wood, vinyl and chain link fences. A wood fence always looks great and is preferred by many people. It can be somewhat more expensive than chain link fences since the raw materials are more costly depending on what type of wood you select.

Chain Link Fences

If you are looking for utility and convenience, then chain link fences are perfect because they are very affordable, low maintenance and serve the purpose of protecting your property. It is also easy to install and maintain over the years. Most chain link fences are the classic metallic color that the raw metal is composed of, but you can, of course, have the fence painted to match a color palette of your choice.

Wood Fences

If you plan to go with wood, you have a large variety of material selections such as pine, cedar, and redwood. Wood can be cut into numerous designs, and then further assembled in so many ways that you’ll definitely get the fence that fits you perfectly. This type of fence has a very classic look and it also can be very cost effective initially. Though since wood is a natural material, it will require some more maintenance over the years.

Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fences are one of the most popular fences to have for a home because they look really nice and they are also very easy to maintain while being affordable. Vinyl is basically maintenance free once you install it, unless it suffers some kind of crack or damage from external sources. However, all these perks come at the cost of long term durability. Though vinyl is still a fine fence material with proper durability, it doesn’t match the durability you might get with a metal fence or well maintained wood fence.

5. Considering Your Fence Height

Another thing that you need to consider when installing a fence is the height. If you want something decorative and just a way to keep wild animals out, or your precious pets in, it is best to install a fence 6 feet or higher. Front yard fences that aren’t as utilitarian and more decorative are commonly around 4 feet tall or less. At any height you can still choose from the various materials available, including wood or metal, to make your fence look as beautiful and stand out as much as possible.

6. Climates and Weather’s Effect on Your Fence

If your area is very cold, or gets heavy rain throughout the year, or experiences strong winds, you will have to take extra considerations when selecting a fence. Extreme cold weather can crack some fences, or rapid temperature changes from cold to hot. Wood can be susceptible to persistent damp conditions if not properly protected. Metal fences are good for withstanding colder temperatures, and aluminum is rust resistance for water side property.

For a wind proof fence you’ll need to take more precautions if you get tornados or in the rare case that Atlanta gets a tropical storm passing through. Having a completely solid fence without much spacing makes it way easier to blow over, so having certain designs that provide privacy while allowing wind to pass through is a must.

7. The Professional Fence Installation Option

When installing a fence, you may also consider hiring a professional to help you out. Not all DIY fences are built exactly the right way, and some simple mistakes can cause a fence to be unstable and potentially sag or fail. So hiring professional fence installers gives you a peace of mind that your fence is built and installed to last a long time. Fences are an investment in your property as well, so if you ever decide to resell you have a nice, beautiful fence to highlight your home. Professionals will also give you insight into which fence might be the best for your home, and fill you in on all the choices.

So before installing a fence, consider all of these things to make ensure you make the right choice. By choosing a fence that suits your preferences and your budget, you can be happy with your fence for the many years you’ll spend with it.

Tips On Installing a Fence Post Without Concrete

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DISCLAIMER: Though you may be able to install a fence without concrete, at Chamblee Fence Company we install all our fences using concrete as a base for the best stability and durability of your fence.

Many people wonder if it’s viable to install fence posts without using concrete as an anchor and base. The answer to this question is yes, but it’s not easy. If you are installing a fence in your backyard, then this might be an easier job than most projects that require concrete work. There are many different types of fencing materials used for residential or commercial purposes, some of which cannot be installed without the use of concrete.

Before you purchase your fence, check out all the options available and make an informed decision on what material you want to use. You can check out the different fence materials types and their pros and cons here. In addition, you should research local rules in your area that might impose restrictions, like a home owners association or a county code. You may not be allowed to install a fence without concrete if it interferes with easements or fire lanes. If you’re installing a chain link fence, then this is not a problem because there is no digging necessary. You can also install vinyl fencing without concrete by using ready made posts and brackets.

How to Avoid Concrete When Installing Fence Posts

Here’s how it’s possible to install your fence posts without concrete:

First you have to figure out exactly where you want your posts to go. After you’ve selected the location use a shovel to remove dirt and rocks from the dig site, and make sure to dig at least 2 feet deep for a 7 foot tall post, and double the size of the post’s parameter.

After you’ve dug the hole you can dump 4 inches gravel into the hole and place the post in the hole as well. You have to be careful here to make sure your post is straight or it could cause instability in your fence in the long and possibly short term.

After the post is placed, add another two inches of gravel on top of the four inches once the post is completely level and straight. You’re literally setting the fence post in stone so this will finalize its position. After you have confirmed it’s definitely straight add the last few inches of topsoil, which can be the dirt you dug out of the hole in the first place. You can add clay to pack down the hole to a compact pile of dirt to seal it in.

Should You Set a Wooden Fence Post with Concrete?

If the previous method of gravel for a fence post doesn’t suit you, or doesn’t seem stable enough, then it might be better to just go ahead and install a fence with concrete for your backyard project. It’s always better to consult a professional fence company when using concrete for fences, since it can be more temperamental to work with than gravel.

Pros and Cons of Using Concrete to Install Fence Posts

The pros of using concrete for fence posts are that concrete is very durable and sturdy, so you can have peace of mind knowing your fence is well supported on a strong foundation. This makes your fence more hardy when enduring strong winds and storms. This also adds longevity to your fence since the base of the fence will be protected by moldy dirt and pesky insects.

With the extra life you get out of your fence, it will very likely be more cost effective to have a long lived fence than installing another fence if your old one wears down.

Concrete posts are also very low maintenance, because once they are installed properly little to no maintenance is needed after that.

The cons of using a concrete fence post are the budget for using them are more as an initial cost, since transporting and installing them is more difficult because of their weight. However, this is off set by the extra durability you get, so they cost evens out in the end.

Though concrete posts are near indestructible in good condition, if they ever chip or crack because of the earth movement this will allow water to seep into the post. Over time, this may potentially cause your fence to sag and fail.

Professional Fence Installers

Chamblee fence company is a fence installation company that serves all of Atlanta and the surrounding areas. If you are looking for a fence and gate installation, we can help. We have decades of experience to fall back on when providing you with recommendations and advice. Do you want to know if steel metal is better than a chain link fence for your property? Are you considering which style of fence to purchase that suits your house perfectly?

We have installed thousands of fences for residential properties and commercial businesses. Chamblee fence is family owned and operated, so we know it’s important to have a strong, sturdy, long lasting fence for your family.

We have been installing fences since 1959 using the very best fence materials with a professional, clean crew that leaves your fence looking good and your yard tidy and neat. Simply call 770-396-4200 today and get a free fence estimate now.

Advantages of Aluminum Fencing

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Are you considering installing a metal fence around your property? If so, you may be considering aluminum as the best metal material for the job.

You’ve probably heard all sorts of things about both aluminum and other fencing materials like steel, wood or vinyl. So what’s the truth? Is aluminum really better than the alternatives?

Aluminum does have many perks over other types of fence materials, so we’ll explore all the advantages of aluminum fencing and how they stack up against other fence types.

What is an Aluminum Fence Exactly?

An aluminum fence is generally just a fence made from aluminum metal, but it can be shaped in quite a few different forms and configurations. It can also be used for privacy, security, or plain old decorative fencing. Initially, metal fences were made of wrought iron or galvanized steel. These metals were strong and durable but also expensive and heavy, so they were difficult to transport and work with in your everyday home.

In the mid-1800s, a new metal fence was discovered that was equally as strong and more durable than wrought iron or galvanized steel. This metal was aluminum. Aluminum fences quickly became extremely popular because they were strong, affordable and light weight.

Today, aluminum fences are an excellent choice for homeowners who want a beautiful and durable fence that does not require a lot of maintenance. Aluminum fences are also a good choice for businesses, as they are affordable and can help define the company’s brand.

There are a few things to consider when choosing an aluminum fence:

  • The first is the purpose of the fence. If you want a fence for privacy, you’ll need to choose a style that is tall and has closely spaced slats, which an aluminum fence is finely suited for.
  • If you want a security fence, you will need to choose a style that’s sturdy and difficult to climb, perhaps with some security features like a curved top.
  • If you want a decorative fence, you can choose from a variety of styles aluminum has to offer that matches your taste.

Benefits of Aluminum Fencing

When it comes to fencing, there are a lot of options to choose from. You can go with traditional wooden fences, steel fences, or even modern vinyl fences. But if you’re looking for something that’s strong, durable, and low-maintenance, aluminum fencing is the way to go.

Here are some of the advantages of aluminum fence:

Versatile

Aluminum fencing is versatile. You can use it in a variety of settings, both residential and commercial. Aluminum metal can also be used to create a perimeter fence around a property or to section off an area within a property. Additionally, these fences can be used as a decorative structure to enhance the look of a property. You can pick a thickness, weight, and molded design that fits your fence needs perfectly.

Aluminum fencing is also very versatile in terms of style. There are a variety of styles to choose from, so you can find the perfect fence to match the look of your property. What’s more, aluminum fences are also available in a huge range of colors, so you can find the perfect color to match your home’s color theme as well.

Affordable

The cost of aluminum fencing is one of its biggest advantages. It’s much more affordable than steel or iron fencing, and it requires less maintenance than wood or vinyl fencing.

Since aluminum is readily available, it’s easy to source, and relatively affordable to use.

Durable

If you’re looking for a fencing solution that will last a long time, aluminum is a great option.

Aluminum fencing is incredibly durable and can withstand even the harshest weather conditions. Aluminum fences are also naturally rust and corrosion-resistant, so you don’t have to worry as much about them weathering over time. Many home owners who live near water or damp conditions like to choose aluminum because of these corrosion resistant properties.

Safe and secure

Aluminum fencing is also safe and secure. It’s made of a high-quality, strong metal that is quite sturdy when installed correctly on your property. The strength of aluminum fencing makes it an excellent choice as a part of your security system.

Appealing

Many people think of aluminum fencing as strictly utilitarian. It’s often seen as the type of fencing you put up to keep people out or to section off an area of your property.

While it’s certainly true that aluminum fencing can serve those purposes, it’s also a very beautiful and appealing material that can be used in a wide variety of ways to enhance your home or property.

Aluminum fencing is available in a vast range of colors, so you can choose the perfect one to match your home’s exterior.

Environmentally friendly

The manufacturing process for aluminum fencing is more environmentally friendly than for other materials. In fact, since this metal is recyclable, many aluminum fences are made entirely out of recycled materials. So, there’s not as much waste generated when it’s produced.

Easy to maintain

Aluminum is also a very low-maintenance fencing material, which means you won’t have to spend a lot of time or money keeping it looking great. Here are some tips for keeping your aluminum fencing in good condition:

  • Inspect the fence regularly for signs of wear and tear.
  • Wipe down the fence with a soft cloth and a mild detergent to remove dirt and dust.
  • Apply a coat of rust-inhibiting paint or sealant to the fence every few years to prevent deterioration.

Sustainable

As one of the most sustainable fencing materials available, aluminum fencing provides a number of advantages for both residential and commercial properties.

Aluminum is a highly sustainable resource that can be recycled again and again without losing any of its quality or integrity. In fact, aluminum is so sustainable that it’s among the most recycled materials in the world.

This sustainability makes aluminum fencing a wise choice for property owners looking to make a responsible and long-lasting investment.

Is Aluminum Fencing a Good Investment?

There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to aluminum fencing. It’s an excellent choice for many homeowners, as it provides a high level of security and privacy. It’s also a very versatile fencing option, and it can be installed relatively easily.

Aluminum is a strong, durable, and low-maintenance fence choice. Additionally, aluminum fencing is a good value, as it’s less expensive than other fencing types and quick to install. If you are considering purchasing a fence, aluminum is no doubt a great option to consider.

Proper Summer Fence Maintenance

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The Ins and Outs of Proper Summer Fence Maintenance

A strong fence can do so much for your property. It can make it look a lot more presentable to the neighbors and it can protect kids and pets in your household. If you want your fence to do its best all year long, you should prioritize keeping up with seasonal maintenance. It doesn’t matter if you have a steel fence, vinyl fence, aluminum fence or a wood fence, you should make it a point to zero in on summer fence upkeep. The following suggestions can do a lot for folks who want their fences to be dependable, strong and visually appealing all summer long, every summer.

Why exactly is summer fence maintenance critical? The summer season can pose a major problem for fences. Heat, rust and high humidity levels aren’t exactly the best for fence health. If you give your fence the attention it deserves, however, you’ll be able to keep the summer fence damage away.

Clean Your Fence Deeply

Grime easily accumulates on fences of all types. Your lawnmower may be the culprit, or your dog knock dirt onto your fence. Kids can also inadvertently dirty up a fence, too. Over time, dirt accumulation can do a number on the condition of your fence. That’s why it’s important to regularly clean your fence, and knock off any grime or dirt that’s built up on your fence. Inspect your fence and make sure there isn’t any rot or termite infestations. You should strive to eliminate these things quickly if you find them. Rapid intervention may be able to stop permanent fence damage. It’s a smart idea to do away with vines and weeds that may hurt your fence’s structure as well.

Don’t panic if there are parts of your fence that are tough to access using a standard garden hose, a pressure washer is a great tool for a fence deep cleaning.

Evaluate Your Fence for Any Possible Trouble

Dirt isn’t the only thing that can wreak havoc onto your fence during the summertime. Make a point to regularly check the state of your fence at the beginning of the summer. Are there any posts that are unstable? Do they lean away from your fence? Are there any bolts that aren’t firmly in place? Does your fence make odd squeaking noises? If you notice anything out of the ordinary with your fence at all, you should get it repaired before things get the chance to spiral out of control.

Make an effort to look for any components that are broken during your routine fence inspection. Don’t ignore any dents or cracks. These things aren’t just unsightly. they can, in many cases, trigger instability issues that can make your fence a lot less reliable.

Try Tree Trimming

There may be trees on your property that literally dangle over your fence. If you have trees like this, then you should definitely trim the overhanging trees. That’s because they are a risk to your fence and may eventually cause damage. Massive branches hanging over a fence can swiftly break and fall during strong winds. Plus, it can be a pain to have to deal with frequent leaf cleaning. If you trim your trees during the summer, you may be able to spare yourself fence damage in the future. Be sure to quickly get rid of any and all branches that are damaged, dead or on the verge of dying also since these can fall at any time.

Use a Sprinkler Defense

Are you a proud wood fence owner? If you are, you should give it some sprinkler protection. Sprinklers are great for easy lawn maintenance, but if they splash your fence over and over it can cause damage with time. If your yard is on the compact side, your can steer clear of sprinkler damage simply by using one of many modern sprinkler systems. Go for a system that’s equipped with updated features such as an adjustable range, or possibly take advantage of a drip irrigation system.

Go for Staining and Painting Your Wood Fence

Is your fence made out of a beautiful natural wood? Although wood fences are undeniably easy on the eyes, they call for occasional maintenance. It can often be beneficial to put primer or paint on wood fences. If your wood fence’s primer or paint is no longer doing its job correctly, rainfall and sunlight may be the reason. Nature is an unrelenting force on constructs we create, including fences, which is why paint and sealant wears off with sun and rain. It can be wise to repair any fence paint that may be chipping or fading noticeably. Seemingly minor paint repair work boosts fence longevity substantially. If you don’t want to have to deal with fence replacement for a long while, you should go the extra mile to make sure your paint and sealants are well kept and maintained.

The Perks of Fence Maintenance

Maintaining your fence, regardless of the specific time of year, can be intelligent for many reasons. It can make your outdoor space appear fresh, immaculate and welcoming to all. If you want to throw a festive gathering in your backyard in the middle of July, it can be great to have a fence that enhances your gathering space. No one wants to look at a fence with patchy paint work, or leaning, sagging posts.

Fence maintenance can save you a pretty penny as well. If you allow fence issues to get out of hand, you may end up having to deal with premature fence replacement. You may end up having to spend more on repair work, too.

Contact the Capable Chamblee Fence Company Team for More Fence Info

Are you on the lookout for a dependable and trustworthy fence installation company in Georgia? Call the courteous team at Chamblee Fence Company today at 770-396-4200. Our team members have experience with fences of all varieties. We’ve been a mainstay fence installation team in Atlanta since 1959.