Gates: And Open and Shut Case on Property Safety

Good fencing with secure gates and latches can provide homeowners with added protection and security for their homes and property.

Pedestrian gates provide convenient access to fenced areas of yards for homeowners, but they can also provide access to unauthorized visitors. New gate hardware options ensure yards remain safe and secure. A fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate is the recommended choice for people who don’t want others to have unsupervised access to their pool or property.

Today's gates are better than ever and offer a growing line of options to increase security, but if it doesn’t close or latch properly it can't prevent access. Self-closing hardware that works with a pneumatic device like a storm door is now available. These gates close automatically, and prevent people from leaving the gate open accidentally. This system is perfect for homeowners who must allow yard access to landscape companies and meter readers.

Self-latching gate hardware is also available. When the gate is shut, a gravity, mechanical, or a magnetic device can be used to latch the gate and keep it closed. The device is installed high on the gate to prevent children from getting into the enclosed area, but can be easily opened by adults.

For homeowners who want an added layer of security, traditional locks are available that are opened with a key or combination. More sophisticated locking systems can be installed that are accessed by entering a code on a keypad, or even using a card reader to open the locked gate.

As gates have the only moveable parts on a fence system, they are exposed to the most wear and tear. Quality installation is crucial to ensure the gate's safety features work properly and last a long time.

To ensure your fence, gates, and access controls meet today's standards, consult a fence contractor that is a member of the American Fence Association (AFA). [Long® Fence has been a member since 1989.] AFA contractors have access to a wide variety of educational and networking opportunities and are highly knowledgeable about the latest gate hardware, access control devices, building standards, and up-to-date technology to assure your fence provides the safety and security you need.

Deck Care and Waterproofing

Here's a simple test anyone can do to the wood on their deck to see if it's in need of help. Sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface of the wood. If the water beads up, as seen in the section of our sample board that's been treated with a finish (see left fig.), then the wood is still retaining water-resistant properties.

If the water soaks in within about 15 seconds, as seen on the untreated portion of our sample board (see right fig.), then it's time to take some action. If rainwater is soaking into the wood, it causes the fibers to swell--which accelerates the breakdown of the wood. In situations like this, some deck protection is in order.
      
The first step will be to clean the deck's wood surfaces to clear away the layers of mold and mildew. For this, you'll need a deck wash. These products are easy to apply. They are designed to clean the surface and bleach or remove mold, mildew and other discoloration. Follow the manufacturer's directions for your product. Typically they can be applied with a brush, roller or sprayer. Apply the product liberally, allowing it to soak well into the wood.

Once it has been applied, come back with a scrub-brush or synthetic pad use it to loosen the mold, mildew and dirt that has built up on the surface of the wood.

After scrubbing, wash the surface using a hose and fresh water. If you want, you can wipe the surface with a clean, dry rag.

Important: Allow the deck wash to dry for two days--so that the bleach has time to evaporate completely--before the next step.

Once your deck has been cleaned, you can apply a wood protector finish to the bare wood. You may opt for a tinted wood protector, adding some pigment along with the protective seal.

Or you may choose a clear wood protector, maintaining, but accentuating, the basic natural color of the wood.

As with the wash, you can apply the finish with a brush, roller or sprayer. The key is to apply one thin, even coat on the deck. This type of product is less effective if it is loaded too heavily onto the surface.

A note on new decks: Wait about thirty days before applying a wood protector to a new deck. The chemicals used in pressure-treating lumber require time to evaporate. After the wood treatment has had time to cure thoroughly, a finish can be applied.

 Follow-Up Tip: After applying a deck finish, keep checking on it. Depending on the climate and amount of rainfall you receive, you may need to replace the finish every year or so. Repeat the "water drop test" described above to see how your finish is holding up.

Recap:

    • If your deck is moldy, mildewed or stained, use a deck wash to clean the wood surfaces before applying a finish.
    • Rinse off the deck wash with clear water and wait two days before applying a finish.
    • Apply a thin, even coat of a clear or tinted wood-protector finish.
    • Check periodically to see how well your finish is holding up. 

You will often see brick, paver or flagstone walkways curving across a yard, rather than going straight from point A to point B. Building curved walkways primarily serves an aesthetic landscape design purpose.

Building curved walkways softens the landscape by counteracting rigid lines (a rectangular house, a straight driveway, etc.). If the walkway cuts through an area with great visual interest (for instance, a variety of garden and flower beds, shrubs, trees, statuary, water garden, rock garden, etc.), building a curved walkway makes more sense than a straight, no-nonsense walkway. You'll want to meander through such an area, slowing down to fully appreciate its treasures.

But whether curved or straight, walkways shouldn’t be built indiscriminately. It depends on the function of the walkway. If you're building a utilitarian walkway (such as providing a path for you to haul groceries in to the house from the car), you will normally want to build a straight walkway.