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Residential Fencing Tips

  • Fence fabric basics

    As this site describes, there are three main considerations when choosing the fabric for a chain-link fence. The fabric is the wire “netting” that makes up the body of the fence between the support structure.

    Gauge
    The first and probably most important consideration is the gauge or thickness of the fabric. The gauge measures the diameter of the wire that will be intertwined to create the fabric. Obviously, the thicker the wire, the more protection the fence offers. We typically use 11 gauge fabric for our residential customers.

    Mesh size
     Secondly, customers must decide on the size of the mesh or, in other words, the amount of space between the wiring. Typical sizes run between 2 and 2.5 inches, with the inches measuring the distance between parallel sides of the diamond. Smaller sizes are more expensive because they use more metal and offer more security.

    Coating
    Coatings offer protection and visual appeal to a chain-link fence. Zinc coating offers mainly protection to the metal fence. Aluminum coating will protect the metal as well but will allow rust to develop at the ends, where there are scratches, and where there are imperfections. Vinyl coating is usually used in combination with zinc coating to add color to the fence.

    To learn more about this or any topic, contact us. We can tell you everything you need to know to make a good decision, then install your fence with no hassle.

  • Stain vs. seal

    We recently advised homeowners to stain or seal their new fences before winter sets in, but some may be wondering whether staining or sealing is better. There’s no conclusive answer because it depends on the homeowner’s goal. This article talks about the difference between a specific stain and sealer, but you can extrapolate some conclusions.

    • Both stains and sealers will be absorbed into the wood to protect it against the elements.
    • A stain will change the look of your fence. If you don’t like the look of the stain or intend to paint also, it’s best not to stain.
    • A sealer will add a glossy shine to the wood and is best for maintaining the wood’s natural color or in combination with paint.
    • Using a stain and sealer together is an option, but be sure to read the labels to ensure they’ll work together.

    We’re here to answer any fencing-related questions you may have. Contact us to learn more or to discuss your fencing needs.

  • Something there is that loves a fence

    Robert Frost may have scoffed at his neighbor’s assertion that “good fences make good neighbors” in his poem, “Mending Wall,” but it’s clear that most homeowners prefer their fences anyway.  We recently contributed to an article in The Washington Times that found that fences are still very popular for homes.

    However, the article also pointed out that the agreement seems to end there.  While most homeowners like fences, their style, material, and even reason for having a fence tend to vary.  Fortunately, there are many options to suit the variety of tastes.

    It seems like a new material for fence building is coming out every day.  Last week, we blogged about using bamboo for fencing.  In addition to the traditional wood and wrought iron, there’s now vinyl and other metals.  It all depends on the look and how much maintenance one prefers.

    There are also many reasons why homeowners want a fence in their yard.  Frost’s neighbor liked his to clearly define his property’s boundaries.  Others want the privacy and security that a fence can provide.  Some just like the look.  For many, it’s a combination.

    Another result of the different fencing options is that you don’t have to sacrifice one reason for another.  You have choices that can afford you security without making your home look like a penitentiary.  There’s vinyl that looks like wood, aluminum that looks like iron, and more. Contact us and we’ll help you figure out which options work best for you.

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