How to Choose a Reputable Fence Installer

Information and questions to help you in your selection:

1) Does the contractor maintain a commercial place of business?
Seek a fence installer with experience and references. Be aware that many contractors pose as professionals, yet they work out of their homes or garages. This type of contractor may not be available to service your product once it is installed. Research your installer as closely as you research the product that is to be installed. Feel free to contact your local area Better Business Bureau to obtain a report on the potential fence installer, fence contractor or business.

2) Does the fence contractor install and service his fencing using his employees or does he subcontract out to others?
Choosing a fence contractor who utilizes his own employees is important because an employee is governed by the company who employees him. This type of working relationship is more beneficial due to the fact that most reputable fence companies will train all employees "in house" and have total control over all shipping dates, materials used and days and times in which jobs are scheduled. There is better communication in selecting a fence company that installs its own jobs. The fence installer you select should be able to give you a complete time table for your job. Fence contractors who "sub" out their work do not always have good control over the sub as the subcontractor schedules his own work at his convenience. Many times a sub will perform several jobs at one time. Depending on how they rank your job will depend on where you fall amongst their work schedule.

3) Does the contractor back up his work by a written guarantee?
It is the norm of the fence industry to provide a residential customer with a written one year labor warranty.

4) How long has the installer / company been in operation?
Find out if the installer has the experience needed in your specific product and make sure they specialize in fence installation. Be advised that a "jack of all trades" may not possess the proper knowledge needed to tackle the installation of certain types of fencing.

5) Is the potential fence installer licensed, bonded, and insured?
a. What is a license and why is it important that your installer possess one? A reputable installer, company, or contractor should always be licensed in the cities that he works in. A license acts as work permit. It means that he has filled out the proper paperwork and paid the cities fees in order to legally work in your city. It is just another step in dealing with a reputable person. The city screens its candidates and makes sure that they do not have previous violations.

b. What does it mean to be bonded and insured and why is this important to me? It is important to seek a professional that has the proper coverage and that has taken the time to be accredited in your city. Choosing a contractor who is licensed in your city means that they do not have any outstanding violations.

c. Does the individual you are considering possess knowledge of the fence regulations and codes which are in place within your city or township. All fence regulations must be followed in order to avoid potential hazards.

6) Are references available upon request?
For your own protection take the time to speak to existing customers and also take the time to view the potential contractors' work.

7) What type of work ethic does this installer possess?
Can you get a specific time frame as to delivery of materials, days and times of installation, length of time for installation? Some fence systems may be installed the same day whereas other fence systems take two separate days for installation. Make sure you get a thorough explanation as to the time frame expected to install your particular type of fencing. For your own protection make sure you get all the details.

8) Be leery of an installer who is asking for all the money up front.
Most reputable installers will seek half down and the balance upon satisfactory completion of his work. Other individuals will seek thirty percent, upon post setting, with the balance becoming due upon satisfactory completion of his work. Work out the terms of payment or payment schedule prior to commencement of work on your project!

9) Does this fence installer use concrete to set the fence posts?
If yes, how long does he allow the concrete to "set" prior to returning to finish the job? It is standard practice in the fence industry to set all chain link posts, ornamental aluminum, steel, iron, wood fence systems, and vinyl in concrete footers. The exception to the rule is if these fence systems are to be utilized in situations where the fencing will be mounted between pillars. Many split rail fence systems are tamped in dirt footers but even in this setting the gate posts are generally concreted. Assess your situation carefully and select the method which best accommodates your setting. It is obvious that a fence system installed in concrete footers will hold up longer than one that is not.

Posted By: Georgia Fence Supply http://georgiafencesupply.com

What’s the Right Fence for you?

Not everyone dreams of a white picket fence. Some people have dreams of sturdy steel fences towering over their yards. If you are in the search for a fence that suits your home, there are several things that you need to consider when making your choice.

Utility

You need to ask yourself what you need from your fence before you can make the choice to buy one. Some people install fences merely for ornamental purposes, while others are looking to secure their property and mark their boundaries. Granted, most if not all fences can serve these purposes. However, you need to be really clear on what you require because some fences will serve one of these purposes better than the others. A sturdy aluminum fence for instance will not only mark your boundaries (as would a wooden fence), but also keep intruders away and secure your property even when you are not at home.

Neighborhood

For purposes of remaining in tandem with the rest of your neighbors, you must consider what the popular fence in the neighborhood is. Deviating from this could hurt your investment and the value of your home. Of course, you should not choose something just because your neighbors are choosing it. However, in many instances, circumstances will demand that you choose a style that agrees with the overall style of the neighborhood.

Maintenance needs

Do you want a fence that will require regular maintenance or one which will be good to go for several years without you ever needing to pay it attention? If you choose the latter, you will be wise to stay away from wooden fences. There are particular fences that require constant painting and polishing, while other fences do not require much care.

Budget

Of course, when choosing a fence, you have to consider what your options are as far as your budget allows. Some fences are more expensive than others. Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives of fences that are available, which mimic the materials that you may have initially had in mind.

Style

Your own style matters when choosing a fence. A fence should complement your home, besides being functional. If you own a home that is akin to a majestic castle, there are some fences that will just not work for this type of home. There is also the option of having your fence custom made just for you, so your can incorporate your own personal touch. You can even choose to get a live fence, if you prefer such fences that make use of shrubbery and trees.

A fence, when selected carefully, will add character to a home, secure your property, mark your boundaries, discourage trespassers and even stop your pets from straying. There are many different types of fences available to choose from, and different manufacturers and suppliers making these available at your convenience.

Before getting a fence installed, take time to decide what you really want and need. Once you have the fence up, it will be difficult and costly to bring it down and replace it with something else, so be careful when making that decision.

Posted By: Mark Hitchcock  http://georgiafencesupply.com/

What You Need to Know About Fences

Perimeter fencing is something that you need to consider when buying or building a new home. When professionally installed and maintained, a perimeter fences add character to your property, besides improving the property’s value. When choosing fences, you have four basic options to select from. A property owner has the option of combining two or several types of fences, depending on the functionality they are seeking and their aesthetic preferences as well.

Basic fence options:

1. Wood and wood panel fencing
2. PVC vinyl fencing
3. Ornamental fencing
4. Chain link and wire fencing

Whichever type of fence you choose, there are three primary benefits that you are sure to get from fence ownership. These are:

Privacy

With homes today being built increasingly closer than was the norm a few years back, it becomes necessary to invest in a fence, if only to give yourself that privacy you much desire. Fencing your backyard accords you a secluded space where you can engage in your favorite activities such as swimming, gardening, exercising or whatever it is that you love doing on weekends and during your free time.

Security

A fence adds security to your property, by keeping what’s yours safe and within a space where it can be easily monitored, and keeping intruders at bay. If you have pets and small children, a fence means that you do not have to worry about them wandering away.

Increased property value

A home that has a privacy fence has a higher resale value because for buyers, this is one less thing to worry about. Investing in a fence is not only beneficial when you’re living there, but also when you decide that it’s time to sell your home and move elsewhere.

Other benefits of fences that should convince you to get a fence include:

• Fences are boundary markers. Boundary identification is important if you wish to maintain cordial relations with your neighbors.
• Fences are important for swimming pool safety. This is especially crucial if you have small children who might accidentally wander off to the swimming pool area.
• A carefully selected ornamental fence enhances your curb appeal.
•  Fences also act as deterrents to burglars and vandals. The harder it is to access your property, the lower the chances that it will be burglarized or vandalized.

When choosing a fence for your property, there are certain things that you should consider. One of the things you need to think about is the type of fences that your neighbors have. You do not want to deviate too far from what is considered the preferred fence of the neighborhood, as this might hurt your property value, or give you lower return on investment than expected.

Also, consider the durability and maintenance needs of the fence. A good fence is one that is durable and one which requires minimal maintenance. Remember that you do not want to spend too much time and money taking care of your fence after you have installed it.

Talk to your local fence suppliers and manufacturers to find out what fence options are available to you.

Posted By: Georgia Fence Supply http://georgiafencesupply.com 

Why You Should Go for Great Ornamental Fences

If you are looking for a fence for your property, going the ornamental way is highly recommended. There are several reasons why this is the case. Here they are:

Serves a utilitarian purpose

Perhaps the name ornamental fencing gives the impression that the fence is purely ornamental, but this is not the case. An ornamental fence creates a barrier between your property and the rest of the world, ensuring that anybody thinking of vandalizing or trespassing on your property is deterred from their actions.

Great versatility

You will have the option to choose the kind of fence that suits your style. The fitting and door options are done the way you desire, so you can have a fence that is exactly suited to your taste.

Ornamental fences compliment a variety of architectural and landscaping designs

When choosing a fence, it is very important that you consider what kind of overall look the fence gives your property. The beauty of ornamental fences is that they not only allow the beauty of the area they are surrounding to shine, they also enhance it as well. Whether you are fencing your entire yard or just the swimming pool, the aesthetic appeal of the area will not be interfered with.

Durability

You may find it tempting to associate the word ornamental with fragility, but that is not the case with ornamental fences. In fact, ornamental fences are so durable that some manufacturers will offer a lifetime warranty on them. This is because the fences are constructed from highly durable materials such as steel and aluminum, and are therefore able to withstand harsh environmental conditions.

No rusting

No one wants to have an old-looking, rusty fence surrounding their property. If you get an aluminum ornamental fence, you will not have to worry about rust as it is completely rust proof. If you live near a water body or a place that experiences high humidity, choosing a rust-proof fence is highly recommended.

No maintenance required

As a property owner, you have so many things to worry about, and maintenance of your fence should not be one of them. Ornamental fences are designed in such a way that they are maintenance free, so you can go about your business without worrying about a fence that needs taking care of.

If you are looking for an ornamental fence, look for a good supplier. The goal of the fence manufacturing company should be to provide the highest quality of ornamental fencing at the most affordable price. A good fence supplier places keen emphasis on the aesthetic appearance, ease of installation and durability of the ornamental fences supplied to customers, so you can be sure that the fence you get will be of the highest quality.

There is no excuse for having a rusty fence that turns away visitors at the gate, unless that is your goal. Protect your property with a fence that not only serves its purpose of keeping away intruders, but makes your property look good while ensuring you don’t spend any time or money on maintenance. Get yourself an ornamental fence today.

Posted by Georgia Fence Supply: http://georgiafencesupply.com/

6 Care Tips for Your Iron Gate or Fence

Whether it is at home or working place, gates play an indispensable role and keeping them in pristine condition is imperative because they are the first thing people see when they get into your premises. The gate adds aesthetic value to your property but you need to keep it looking awesome. This means you should carry out regular maintenance on your fences and gates. To achieve this, you should keep the following points in mind:

1. Take protective measures

Iron gates and fences can easily rust in the presence of various weather elements like humidity and rain. While this may not be a huge problem in certain states, it is still wise to take the initiative and avert damage. To keep off rust, you can apply a coat of wax to the gate thus protecting it. The other option is to cover the gate with a tarp when there’s a rainstorm. If the iron fence is close to a pool, the chances of rust developing on it are high. Therefore, you need to apply a protective sealant; you can easily buy it from the nearest hardware store.

2. Painting:

To further protect your gate or fence from damage, you should paint it. This is because paint often creates a certain barrier between the air and iron. This reduces oxidation (the reaction between the iron and moisture) and hence decreases the possibility of rust developing. Additionally, a fresh paint coat will certainly make your gates and fences more attractive.

3. Cleaning

Using a mixture of dish detergent and warm water, you can clean up the dirty iron gates and fences. After washing away rust and dirt spots (you can use the toothbrush to clean the hard-to-reach places), use water to rinse off the fencing. Allow the fencing to dry completely. A clean fencing will not only look great but it will also help you to identify potential problems with ease.

4. Regular inspection

Regularly inspect your iron fences and gates to spot any places that require repair. During inspection, look out for any signs of cracks, rust, loose fittings, and other forms of damage. For already painted fences, find out whether the paint has chips and then take the necessary steps to fix any damage that you will find. For complex problems, you may hire an expert to fix them.

5. Repair the rusty spots

If the fence has small rusty sections, you can take some measures to reduce the damage. For example, use steel wool or sandpaper to eliminate the dust and then apply wax to stop the corrosion. However, if the fence has major rust, you may contact a company specializing in fixing iron fences.

6. Adjust the bent parts

An accident can easily bend a section of your iron fence. This is something you can fix if you have time. Using a blowtorch, you can heat up the bent sections on your fence or gate and hammer them back into position. Always be careful when handling tools. If the damage on your gate is severe, you can call a reliable fence repair company to fix it.

6 Important Considerations When Choosing a Decorative Fence

If you are looking for fencing that will boost your home’s curb appeal, expect to come across unlimited options. But before you go ahead and choose a particular fence, you need to consider certain things. We’ll look at some of the things you need to think through when choosing a fence for your home.

Local laws and regulations

There are certain types of fences that are not permitted by certain zoning codes. You’ll need to check with the contractor the height that is allowed and how far the fence is supposed to be from property lines. There are even fences that are simply not permitted in front yards for certain reasons. So before you get to install that unique fence, make sure you check with your municipality’s zoning department.

Check the neighborhood association

There are certain neighborhoods rules and regulations that dictate the style, height and location of the fences you can install in your home. To get more information on this, you may have to contact the local officials. This is especially common in new developments and gated communities where homes are supposed to maintain a somewhat similar fencing style.

Consider the neighbors

When installing your fence, you need to consider any form of interference you may be causing in your neighborhood. You may want to confirm with your neighbors where certain property lines are so that you don’t end up crossing anyone’s path. You may even end up interfering with some design feature that your neighbors prefer so it’s best to check with them first. Most importantly, make sure you confirm the property line so that you don’t need to have the fence removed and installed again because it invaded someone’s home.

Consider your privacy

Residential fences can serve so many purposes. You may want one in order to enhance privacy or prevent other people from seeing in. Fences that are designed to enhance privacy are usually made of solid materials and should be at least 6 feet tall. You can choose a fence with pickets in between them or any other decorative pattern that suits your home.

Consider security

Your fence should also be able to deter criminals from accessing your property.  Fences installed for security purposes should be high enough so that people can’t see over it. You also need to make sure that the fence has a smoother outer surface so that no one can step on it and climb.

Boost curb appeal

Most importantly, the new fence should be able to transform the look of your home and boost its curb appeal. You need to consider certain ornamental designs that will provide you the privacy you need without blocking the view. A simple rail fence may also work if you want something that maintains the look of your neighborhood. Remember the fence doesn’t have to be very large and high especially if security is not your top concern. You can choose a fencing material that blends with the rest of the elements in your home’s exterior.

Posted By: Georgia Fence Supply http://georgiafencesupply.com

Different Types of Commercial Fences and How to Choose the Best One

Looking for the perfect fence for your commercial property might seem like a difficult task. The confusion sets in when you are presented with overwhelming options of fences to choose from and you have no idea what makes one type better than the other. Before you even begin shopping for a commercial fence, look at the most common types of fencing used in businesses together with their features.

Commercial chain link fences

These are fences which are mostly used in football and baseball fields because they provide a simple way to contain an area. For instance, if you install a chain link fence in a baseball field, you will be able to contain the flying balls. It’s also a nice option for a playground or any other area where you can contain people without getting worried. It may be installed in varying levels of height depending on the needs.

Welded steel fences

Welded steel panels can be used to make durable fencing for commercial property. However the steel is likely to rust fast depending on the climate so it must be coated with a galvanized finish. The other drawback to this kind of fence is that the welding is usually done on site so the installation can be a bit complex. If you decide to install this kind of commercial fencing, make sure you talk to the manufacturer regarding the jobsite welding and try to keep it to a minimum.

Ornamental iron fences

If you are looking for a type of fence that is attractive, strong and can withstand the elements then the ornamental iron fences may be the perfect choice. This is a type of fencing that appeal to most commercial property owners because of its attractive façade as well as long lasting nature. Ornamental iron fences come in a myriad of styles so it’s easy to choose one that perfectly suits your commercial property.

Aluminum ornamental fences

Aluminum alloys can also be used to make high quality fences used for commercial purposes. This type of fencing is usually most ideal for areas with coastal climates. It offers the kind of strength and rigidity required in a commercial fence. It is also less likely to corrode and the maintenance needs are kept at a minimum.

Razor wire fences

If your main concern is security, then a razor wire fence would work out fine. This is a fence that is designed with sharp edges or razors to deter people from entering or exiting the property. It is usually used as reinforcement above or below a wall. A razor wire fence is most ideal in a property that requires a high level of security and is somewhat isolated from residential properties.

Wood fences

There are also privacy wood fences that are extensively used in commercial properties. They can be constructed to be as tall as needed and then stained in order to withstand the elements. Wood fences can look beautiful and natural in a commercial setting while providing the security and privacy you need. 

Posted By: Georgia Fence Supply http://georgiafencesupply.com