5 Fencing Options for Your Dream Home

If you have just bought your dream home, installing a fence is probably near the top of your to-do list. The cost and ease of installation will depend on the intended purpose of the fence and the materials used to construct it. Here are five common types of fences for you to consider for your home.

Chain Link Fence

Chain link fencing is characterized by its chain link mesh, which is supported by galvanized steel posts. This is considered to be one of the most affordable and easiest to install out of all the available forms of fencing. Chain link fencing is also one of the most durable options, requiring minimal maintenance to stay operational. If you're looking for a secure, utilitarian fence and design aesthetics aren't a concern for you, a chain link fence would serve you well.

Wrought-Iron Fence

Wrought-iron fencing is a form of metal fencing that's popular for creating a traditional, classic look in the yard or garden. Modern wrought-iron fencing is usually made from steel or aluminum, which are more weatherproof and longer lasting than iron. It's slightly more expensive compared to chain link fencing, especially if you need to build support structures like pillars or columns. Wrought-iron can be fabricated into virtually any shape and is manufactured in panels, so installation is still relatively simple.

Wooden Fence

For many people, the idea of a dream home isn't complete without a white picket fence. Wood fencing doesn't offer as much security or durability as other fencing options, but its benefits include affordability, ease of installation, and the ability to create a unique, idyllic look. Wood can be cut to any width or height and can also be stained or painted any color, making this one of the most customizable forms of fencing.

Vinyl Fence

A typical vinyl fence consists of a core of pressure-treated wood, which is then coated in a protective layer of vinyl. The end result is a fence that's low-maintenance, long-lasting, and user-friendly. Installing a vinyl fence usually requires snapping together panels or pickets, and most homeowners find the process relatively easy to do on their own.

Composite Fence

Composite fencing is usually derived from recycled wood and resin that's treated to look like natural wood. However, composite fencing will outlast a similar wooden fence. With this option, you will likely need professional installation due to the heavy materials involved.

Whether you choose a chain link, wooden, or wrought-iron fence, proper installation will ensure you and your family can enjoy your fence for years to come. After choosing your fencing material, consider recruiting professional help with the experience and tools to install it the right way.

Effortless Ways To Maintain Your Gates And Fences

Do you take the security of your house seriously? If so, remember to keep your fences and gates maintained on a regular basis. By keeping up the fence surrounding your property or the gated entry, you can be confident that it will continue to function well and offer a high degree of protection.

Typically, residences or structures that appear vulnerable are the targets of thieves. Here are some easy steps you can do to make sure your gates and fencing are secure to deter opportunistic burglars.

How to Care for Your Security Gates and Fences at Home

Let's look at the many materials that are utilized to create security fences and gates at Glasgow electric gates, as well as the various safeguards and upkeep techniques.

Examine the Paintworks Condition on Iron doors 

The first thing you should do is inspect the painting on your iron gates to see if there are any indications of corrosion.

If you discover any spots that require repair after evaluating the paintwork, be sure to get started on them straight away. This will lessen the chance of the problem getting worse.

You may apply the treatment by simply painting the liquid on (there are several options on the market) and letting it sit for the desired amount of time. After this is complete, any necessary touch-ups can be made using appropriate exterior grade paint.

Poor or Worn Latches and Hinge

The iron gating's hinges and locks can then be examined. It's critical to check that they are not shabby or loose. Take note of the gate's weight and check to see if any of the fixed points are being stressed to ensure they are not loose.

You can adjust or replace the hinges and/or locks if necessary if you discover that they aren't operating as they should.

Condition of Lock or Padlock

Examine the lock or padlock's condition; with time, they might develop weaknesses or other wear-and-tear issues. Replace them with the most secure lock you can afford if these don't appear to be secure.

Wooden Gates With Damage or Decay Indicators

Make careful to check for any indications of damage, rotting, or splitting to the wood if your property has wooden gates. If any of these problems exist, they need to be fixed right now.

Gates with rotten wood should be taken out and filled with a suitable filler. After the repairs are finished, you may sand the gate's whole surface. The gate may then be transformed and made to seem brand-new by adding a fresh coat of stain or paint.

Dependable Gate Posts

Verifying the security and condition of the gate posts is a crucial component of gate maintenance. If not, you may either replace the gate totally or make the necessary repairs.

Equipment and Accessories

The fixtures and fittings on wooden gates are the last thing to look at; this includes inspecting the latch and hinges and looking for evidence of wear and tear or corrosion.

A Metal Fence

Does your property have a metal fence surrounding it? Then, you must treat it just like an iron gate in order for it to continue functioning as an effective border. This include examining the paintwork's condition, looking for any broken or worn hinges and latches, and examining the locks' and any padlocks' state.

As you can see it is not that difficult to maintain your gates and fences with a little bit of time and effort. The main issue is to simply not neglect them to the point they are at point of no return. If you have any questions about the maintenance of your gates and fences, please feel free to get in touch.

3 Chain-Link Fence Privacy Add-Ons for Your Yard

Chain-link fences are durable, common and inexpensive, but they don’t do much to prevent prying eyes from gazing into your yard. If you’re an open book that might be fine for you, but for others, privacy is a priority. In that case, there are plenty of affordable add-ons to cover your chain-link fence. 

Wire Mesh

Wire mesh is both weather resistant and easy to install. With some zip ties and brass grommets, your chain-link fence will be covered in no time. The only downside is that mesh isn’t very visually appealing. That’s why most people use wire mesh for industrial spaces and businesses, rather than homes.

Full Bamboo Screens

If you’re looking for the perfect privacy solution to match your garden, bamboo screens might be the best option for you. Using wire, you can attach the bamboo to your chain-link fence, adding a tropical ambiance to your yard. Just be wary that, since bamboo is organic, it can break down at a faster rate than other privacy options.

Fence Slats

Fence slats are long-lasting, offer great privacy protection and are customizable. Since they’re typically made from high-density polyethylene, slats can be painted to match your home and can last you for years down the road. That said, since fence slats can take a long time to install, you may need to clear your schedule for a day to properly install them.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to level up the privacy of your chain-link fence. Simply install one of the above three options and enjoy your newfound peace of mind. For more inexpensive ways to cover your chain-link fence, check out Angi’s infographic below. 

Guest Post - How to Determine the Best Height for Your Home Fence

If you’re considering putting in a new fence or even replacing an old one, you’ve probably put lots of thought into what you want it to look like, including the materials you want to use, the style of the fence, and even its positioning. But have you considered the height of your fence? There are a number of factors that go into the choice of how high to build that are important to consider before you start buying materials.

As you plan your final design, here are a few things you might ask that will help you determine what should be the best height of your fence.

1. Cost: Not all fences are made the same and choosing wrought iron over wood may make a difference in your budget. The higher the fence, the greater the cost, which means examining what you can afford. Fences generally come in standard sizes of 3, 3.5, 4, 6, and 8 feet. Choosing a standard size means readily available materials and quicker construction time. If you decide on a non-standard height, materials may have to be customized, which increases both construction time and cost.

2. Appearance: Generally, the higher the fence, the more imposing it appears; the lower, the more inviting it is. Combine this with the types or materials you choose and the desired look you’re going for may change. A 3-foot vinyl spaced white picket fence might say “charming,” while an 8-foot fully enclosed wooden fence says “leave me alone.”

3. Purpose: Deciding what you want your fence to do is important to determining height. If you are simply marking your property boundaries, a 3-foot chain link or wooden picket fence should suffice. If you’re trying to keep animals or children contained, a 4-foot fence may be enough (some larger or leaping dogs may require 6 feet). Keeping animals out necessitates little or no spacing between fence pickets and at least 4 feet in height. If you’re trying to keep deer out, you may need an 8-foot fence. Privacy fences usually start at 6 feet and go up to 8 feet, depending on the position of neighbors.

4. Pools: A pool fence is a special case and is often regulated by local or state ordinances. Most pool fences are at least 4-feet high and should have self-closing, self-latching gates. Be sure to check local regulations on the type of fence you must build around a pool.

5. Position: Most front-yard fences are designed to mark boundaries while allowing views of landscaping and the home’s exterior. It is, therefore, common to use 3-foot high fencing in the front of your home. Backyards are more often used for family gatherings, for play, and for allowing animals to run. It is thus more common to build at least 4 feet high in the rear of a home, with many opting for 6- or 8-foot privacy fences.

6. Regulations: Local ordinances and/or homeowner’s association regulations may restrict the height of your fence and the materials you can use. Check all local regulations before you build to avoid having to tear down a brand new fence that doesn’t meet code.

Written by Ivan Young