Fences: Surrounding Your Surroundings

One of the most visible things you can add to the exterior of your home is fencing. While there are plenty of options, only one need be mentioned briefly: chain link.

Chain Link Fences

Chain link is a very durable option, offering high visibility and the security you would want for children and pets, but if you really want your fence to make a statement, you may wish to choose another material. Chain link is industrial and impersonal, very utilitarian, but a little dry in aesthetic appeal. Most homeowners want something with more character.

Before getting started on your fence project, your property lines need to be identified. If you choose to do the project yourself, this step is very important, because you don’t want to invest time, money and hard work into erecting a fence only to have to tear it down because it was built on someone else’s property! Also, keep in mind that you will need to dig a number of holes for the fence posts. Unless you enjoy wearing calluses into your hands, renting a gas-powered auger is strongly suggested. In a matter of a couple hours you will be able to dig all the holes you need. Starting to sound like too much work, most of it hard? Consider having your fence professionally installed and take advantage of the free design service offered by most contractors. Be sure to contact us for a free no-obligation estimate.

Wood Fences

Wood fences remain the most popular choice when looking for an alternative to chain link. The natural grain and patterns in wood are what give it character.

There are several things to decide when putting up a wood fence. First, the material must be chosen. Because of the exposure to the elements, many people decide on using pressure treated lumber, but cedar is also available. The advantage of cedar is that it takes stain easier and better than treated lumber.

Second, the design of the fence should be taken into consideration. It can be a simple, full privacy fence by placing the boards directly next to each other, or the boards can be staggered on either side of the stringers to create what is called a “Good Neighbor” or “Shadowbox” design. In essence, the fence looks identical on both sides. The cut of the fence board should also be determined with the design decision. You can use square edge boards, dog-ear boards or a gothic or colonial gothic style.

Vinyl Fences

One of the main drawbacks of building a wood fence is the required maintenance. Between harsh sun, freezing rain and snow and other weather-related issues, you may need to seal your fence on a yearly basis. If not, it will turn grey, which is a look many homeowners wish to avoid.

Vinyl fences do cost more, but there is very little maintenance involved. As for wood fences, you need to carefully consider your design. You can get a full-privacy design, just like wood, or try a simple picket fence. Something more elaborate would be a 6-foot privacy panel with a lattice design on the top, but your investment would be higher.

The downside of using vinyl is that the color selection is limited. Since vinyl fades, you can’t get it in dark colors. If you meet a manufacturer or contractor that offers dark colors, be cautious.

Composite Fences

One other option is using composite materials, like Trex® Seclusions. Your initial cost will be greater, but with composites, you get a fence that is virtually maintenance free and as durable as wood. It won’t fade or crack or warp, which means it will look new year after year. Unlike many vinyl products, the composite materials look just like wood, so you can still have the character you want that you might not get with vinyl.

Finally, a word of caution: While many people use a fence as a way to create privacy and a sense of security, it also provides a secluded place for would-be intruders to hide. If you install a full privacy fence, you may wish to consider adding motion detecting flood-lights for extra security.

Get in the Swim--Beautifully!

Swimming pool fencing is usually not an option in most areas as it is a necessity to provide safety to young swimmers and peace of mind to adults. But the idea that fencing in your swimming pool can actually increase the beauty of the pool and surrounding landscape is often a fact that gets overlooked.

Some municipal codes require that property owners with swimming pools must have pool fencing installed or face fines. Sometimes the thought of having to install pool fencing at additional costs and having to deal with local ordinances mandating such safety measures deters people from having an above ground or in ground pool.

Appearance and safety are the two most important factors when it comes to pool fencing. Attractive pool fencing is available and a knowledgeable dealer/contractor can make the effort of deciding easy and seamless. Ornamental aluminum is designed to look like wrought iron, but since it is aluminum, it will never rust, therefore making it perfect for the poolside. Also, lightweight, but durable, aluminum fencing such as the Long® Fence Heritage Series is virtually maintenance free and comes with a lifetime warranty.

For those who hate dealing with the regular, routine maintenance associated with wood fencing, vinyl fencing is a solid alternative for pool fencing. Since vinyl fencing quality varies depending on the manufacturer, make sure you consult with a reputable dealer who can show you samples and specs. Plus vinyl doesn’t splinter like wood, so in an area frequented by bare feet, no splinters is a must.

Over 900 children's lives are lost annually to drowning. It is the leading injury-related cause of death in children between the ages of 0 to 5 and it is the
second leading injury-related cause of death between the ages of 5-14. The Center for Disease Control recommends that four-sided, isolation pool fencing with self-closing and self-latching gates be installed around the pool. Aside from required 4-foot height minimum, your pool fence should completely enclose your swimming pool, separating it from the house and play area of the yard. Fencing also provides a safeguard for adults with disabilities, as well as for any pets that may wander unsupervised into the swimming pool area.

Safeguarding your swimming pool with fencing or other protective barriers is essential. This doesn't mean pool fencing serves only one purpose. Many people are finding out that pool fencing and protective barriers add style to their pool areas, as well as enhance their landscape.

Source: poolfenceinfo.com

Pavers are manufactured to be durable. Sealing is not necessary to preserve the strength or durability of your project. Therefore, the use of a protective sealant is optional and a matter of personal preference. A sealant will make stain removal easier, might minimize weed germination in the joint sand and can enhance colors. Sealers, however, are a topically applied product and must be reapplied every 2 to 3 years. Sealing pavers may make pavement slippery when wet. You should not seal your paver project until at least 2 to 3 months after installation. It is better to wait for a year. The time interval between installation and sealing allows the pavement to mellow and any efflorescence to rise to the surface and be removed. Before sealing, the installation must be thoroughly cleaned and completely dry. Check your local building codes to determine if a water-based sealant is required in your area.

Source: hanoverpavers.com