There is another kind of fence you have probably seen throughout the winter that serves a pretty important purpose. They are called a snow fences, and they are sometimes bright orange. They stop snow from blowing into areas where it could be hazard. Snow fences can be purchased at most hardware and home supply stores (like Home Depot) and can be set up by anyone. If you have ever been curious about the purpose of snow fences, read the article below.

Snow Fence

Big piles of snow: inconvenience or death hazard?
Well, both really. Blowing snow can get onto roads and property that
could lead to a ton of shoveling, or at worst an auto accident or a
snowing in of a log cabin or a home.

How Does A Snow Fence Work?
Luckily there is a
safe and easy way to divert the flow of snow that uses simple physics.
No chemicals, no contractors and absolutely no shovels. Snow fences are
extremely easy to install and you can use just about any material you
want, as long as it is sturdy enough to stand up to the elements in your
area.

How a snow fence works is remarkably simple. Whenever the wind blows
over a fence or wall, it forms an eddy current behind that wall.

An eddy current is a rolling wind current that flows downward and
back to the back side of the fence. Therefore it causes fast and slow
places to develop in the wind. It makes a drift form in front of the
fence on the windward side.

This process empties most of the air of snow before it can cross
road. It also fascilitates fast air to form, as it is drawn downward, a
little farther away so that it blows the snow away from that entire
area.

The snow fence relies on the fact that the wind that deposits the
material you want to control directly in the path of the other snow you
want to control, thus reinforing the barrier.

In Canada, the winter snows blow mostly from one direction, west. So
it is easy to predict where to build the snow fence. While in the
winter we all know that it seems like snow flies in every direction, it
will only bring in small particles. Any other snow accumulation is
inconsequential.

Snow fences really don’t stop snow from blowing across the road or on
top of your home, they simply pile it along-side and like a leaf blower
they blow any snow off the road.

Hopefully this can help you understand the function of a snow fence.
This is quite similar to the building of groins or jetties along the sea
coast to control the deposition of sand on beaches and harbors.

Article sourced from: http://www.repair-home.com/fences/snow-fence.html

Ornamental Fence Guide

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> Home Guides

> Fence
> Ornamental Fence Guide

The use of an ornamental fence is a great way to blend style and
substance. That’s because ornamental fences aren’t just pretty to look
at, they are strong and durable. Ornamental fences are usually metal,
and can be made of steel, iron or aluminum. They can be straight and
narrow, or curved into intricate designs. Fences can also add to the
property value of your home.

If you’ve been putting off buying your own ornamental fence because
you weren’t quite sure what the task entails, don’t put it off any more.
This guide will tell you what you need to know.

1. Select Ornamental Fence Material

Ornamental fences can be made of steel, iron or aluminum. Figuring
out which type you want will take mix of a few factures: how much care
you want to invest in your fence, your environment and how much money
you want to spend. Aluminum fencing is lighter weight, low maintenance
and lower cost. Iron – especially wrought iron – is beautiful and long
lasting. Iron can also be pretty pricey. Steel fences can rust, but they
are very strong, and can give you the look of iron without the hefty
price tag. Is the climate where you live very humid and wet? Then steel
might not be the best option for you. Do you have a large area of land
that you are looking to fence in? Then you may be looking to save money
by going with a material that is lower cost.

2. Check Your Ornamental Fence Against Regulations

Your community might ask that you get certain building or work
permits your new fence can go up. Contact local officials and ask them
if you’ll need a permit. It’s best to do this as soon as possible, as
these things can sometimes take time. Also, if your neighborhood has
certain rules or regulations about what kind of fence you can use, or
what height the fence must be, now is a good time to familiarize
yourself with those.

3. Find a Ornamental Fence Installation Professional

Fence work can be tricky. The stakes must be buried deep enough in
the ground, and spaced out just so, so that the fence can remain upright
for a long time. Sites like RedBeacon.com can help you weed out just
the right fence professional for you. They do that by screening
professionals and providing you with contacts for the very best ones.
You could also check with neighbors to see who installed their fences,
making sure to ask if they are happy with the work.

4. Learn Property Lines Before Installing Your Ornamental Fence

Good fences make good neighbors, but if your fence is
installed on your neighbor’s property, no one is happy. Make sure you
know exactly where your property stops. You could mark off your property
line using spray paint or flags. This is also a good time to make sure
there is nothing underground that would cause a problem when it’s time
to bury the fence posts. Be on the lookout for underground wires or
cables. Also make sure there aren’t any tree roots or other plants that
could get in the way of your fence.

5. How to Care for Your Ornamental Fence

Once you’ve invested time and money into your new fence,
care for it to keep it looking good for as long as possible. The type of
care your fence will require depends on what it’s made of. Generally,
it’s a good idea to keep it free of dirt and debris, and make sure that
trees and plants don’t intertwine themselves in your fence. Also, keep
things from leaning on or across your fence, which can weigh it down
over time.

A fence is a great investment in your home. They can increase
property value, add beauty and even provide an extra measure of safety.
When shopping around, keep yourself open to all different styles and
types of fences – don’t fence yourself in!

Article sourced from: https://www.proreferral.com/hg/ornamental-fence-guide/

Underground Fence Installation Guide

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> Home Guides

> Fence
> Underground Fence Installation Guide

Underground fences help keep your pets safe and under control without
distracting from the beauty of your home. Some pet-owners might
initially balk at the idea of an underground fence system for their
pets, erroneously thinking they cause the animals harm. However, the
systems only provide a very mild correction that feels like the “shock”
you get when you shuffle your feet across a carpeted floor. Some systems
correct the pet by exposing them to a burst of citronella or by making
noises.

If you have been considering installing an underground fence system
on your property, you probably have a few questions. Read this guide to
learn all you really need to know.

1.How they work

The underground “fence” is really just a transmitter, a wire and a
receiver. The wire is buried around the perimeter of your property,
usually buried a few inches beneath the surface of your lawn. The wire
is connected to a transmitter, which is usually installed in your
basement or garage. The transmitter sends a radio signal along the wire.
Your pet is outfitted with a collar-mounted receiver so that, when it
gets too close to the transmitter, a correction device is activated. The
wire doesn’t actually have to be buried to work, however, burying it
keeps it safe from the elements and keeps people from tripping over it
and disturbing it.

2. Do-it-yourself vs. Call a pro

To install your fence, you can head to a pet or home improvement
store and pick up your own fence, or call a professional to do it for
you. There are benefits and drawbacks to either option. Doing it
yourself give you the instant gratification of getting the job done
quickly. However, it also means maintenance of the system and training
of your pet are up to you, too. Professionals usually provide service
and maintenance packages to keep your system going for a long time.
Also, they often offer resources and information about how to best get
your pet used to the system. Some companies have professionals who come
to your home to help train your pet. To learn about the costs associated
with have your fence professionally installed, see our price guide, Invisible Fence Cost.

3. Half the battle

Your underground fence is only half of the battle when it comes to
keeping your pet safely within the boundaries of your home. Remember:
your underground fence can help encourage your pet learn how to stay
within the boundaries of your property, but it can’t force your pet to
stay there. You must take steps to train your pet where to go and where
not to go. Experts recommend training your pet on a leash before setting
them free to roam around unrestrained. Before even using the collar,
put flags around the perimeter of your property so that you and your pet
will know what areas are ok, and what areas are off limits. Keep the
flags up for about two or three weeks (or maybe even longer). You should
also give your pet some time to get used to the system’s collar before
turning on the system, especially if your pet has never worn any kind of
collar before.

There are lots of reasons any responsible pet owner would want to
keep his or her pet safely close to home. Cars, disease and not-so-nice
people are all risks to an unaccompanied pet. Not to mention the fact
that many neighborhoods and communities do not allow pets to roam free.
Figure out if an underground fence is the right choice for you and your
pet, and find the right pro to help you get it today!

Article sourced from: https://www.proreferral.com/hg/underground-fence-installation-guide/

If your wooden fence is in need of a quick repair to keep it intact you can try one of the five solutions in this article.  Make note, however, that these can only be temporary fixes and a professional should repair the damage when time allows. 

5 Emergency Fence Repair Tips For Wooden Fences

By

If you have a fenced in yard, it’s probably because you want your
yard to be a haven for your family and your pets. But storms, accidents,
decay and predators can damage your fence. How can you maintain your
family’s and pet’s safety if your fence gets damaged? Start by calling your Atlanta handyman
or fencing specialist to schedule a fence repair appointment and get a
price quote. While you are waiting on professional help to arrive, there
are a few things you can do to temporarily seal the hole in your fence.

  1. Thick cardboard:
    Staple or nail cardboard over the hole. Make sure it does not gap or
    stick out. It’s important to note that you should only use this option
    if you do not expect rain or you have no other materials available. It
    is the least durable of the fence repair options but will close off your
    yard for a short period.
  1. Waterproof cowl board: Staple this
    over the hole in your fence the same way you would staple cardboard to
    the fence. This pressed board looks like cardboard but stands up to
    water. It is normally used to make car door panels, and if you don’t
    have any on hand, you can normally get it from an upholstery shop that
    works on car interiors.
  2. Chicken wire: If you
    choose to use chicken wire, avoid leaving sharp wires sticking out by
    using pliers to fold the sharp ends of the cut wires down before you
    attach the chicken wire to the fence. You will need to use staples to
    attach chicken wire.
  3. Plywood: Stick with screws
    if you patch the fence with plywood due to its weight, and since
    plywood is thicker than the other patch materials mentioned, use longer
    screws.
  4. Scrap metal: If you have a thin sheet
    of metal that is big enough to cover the hole in your fence, you can
    fasten the metal over the hole with screws. Sheet metal is typically
    very sturdy and lasts longer than the others, but will rust if left out
    very long.

For all of these temporary fence patching
options, cut the patch material at least five inches larger than the
damaged area in the fence. Use long staples, upholstery tacks, one inch
long nails or screws to securely fasten the patch material to the fence.

Remember,
none of these suggestions are intended to serve as permanent wooden
fence fixes, they are only emergency solutions to help you maintain the
short-term safety of your yard.

Article sourced from: http://www.kudzu.com/article/GA/Atlanta/5-Emergency-fence-repair-tips-for-wooden-fences-id10003407

If you have a small outdoor space there are ways you can maximize your space. Besides a great fence, you should think about at least one of the sixteen suggestions in this article from Houzz. Utah has great weather that you should enjoy as much as possible, and if your outdoor space is optimized and inviting you can do so! Check out the first part of this article below and follow the link for the other thirteen tips.

16 Ways to Get More From Your Small Backyard

Make a tight or awkward yard a real destination with these design tricks from the pros

Mitchell Parker | March 20, 2016

Big cities have a lot going for them, but spacious backyards aren’t
one of them. Designers in high-density places like San Francisco and New
York have long dealt with getting homeowners the most bang for their
buck when it comes to their compact homes, and that means turning tight,
narrow or awkwardly shaped backyards into comfortable, functional
extensions of the home. No matter the locale, their methods can work for
anyone trying to maximize an outdoor space and turn it into a
destination to enjoy. Here are 16 ideas to try.

3. Extend an indoor space. Architect Carson Arthur
likes to ask his clients which indoor room they feel is too small, then
establish more of that space in the backyard. “Is your kitchen too
small? Do you need a bigger family room? Why not do that outside?” he
says. “With the development of outdoor technology, anything inside can
now be done outside.”

Here an outdoor rug helps establish an extra living space on a small deck in Detroit.

Read more of this article here: http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/27949082/list/16-ways-to-get-more-from-your-small-backyard

If you are big on doing projects around your house and keeping the value of your house high there are home improvement tips you should know. This article is great because it focuses on making the most of your time and money for long-term results versus easy, short-term projects that are temporary solutions. Read the first part of this article below, then follow the link to read more.

Top 10 Home Improvement Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

By Melanie Pinola 11/8/14

It doesn’t matter if you’ve bought a newly built home, a condo in a maintained community, or a fixer-upper—owning
your own place brings out the home improvement itch in us all (or at
least requires us to do necessary repairs and maintenance tasks). Here
are ten pieces of advice to help turn your dwelling place into a better
home.

10. Choose the Improvements That Add the Most Value to Your Home




If you were offered $100,000, no strings attached, what home
improvements would you do? Chances are, a long laundry list of changes
come to mind, from refinishing the hardwood floors to adding a new
bathroom. Some home improvements, however, are more likely to increase your home’s value than others. Although you shouldn’t think of your home as an investment, with limited home improvement funds, it’s good to consider whether a project has a decent return on investment.

9. Tackle the Quick Projects That Are Most Timely

Whether winter is coming or you’re considering projects in another season, some home improvements are more urgent than others—saving you money immediately or preventing devastating damage. Sometimes it only takes ten minutes or less to make simple changes around the house that boost your living space.

8. Decide to DIY or Not

Even if you’re a weekend warrior with a well-stocked workshop, not all
home improvement projects are suitable to do yourself (or at least,
without the help of a professional). Know your limits, start small if you’re a beginner, and then keep calm and DIY on (if you so wish).

7. Hone Your Home Improvement Skills

Big projects or small, probably all of us could stand to learn some
decent home repair or home improvement skills. (All around the home,
there are things we should never have to pay others to fix for us.) Learn Bob Villa-worthy skills and help others at the same time by volunteering or through free clinics and other resources. Turn to great reading resources and try starter projects too. If you get stuck on a project, iOS app Fountain will connect you to a home improvement expert to answer your question for $5. (Also, did you know we have a home improvement subblog here at Lifehacker called Workshop?)

Continue reading this article: http://lifehacker.com/top-10-home-improvement-tips-every-homeowner-should-kno-1656251243

Fences serve so many more purposes than just privacy alone.  If you have a pet that likes to wander, if your neighbors are coming too close to your yard, or if you want to feel more secure you might want to call us.  Read this short piece from doityourself.com to consider all reasons for having a fence.

Good Fences Make Good Neighbors: Top Reasons to Fence Your Landscape

Robert Frost, the foremost New England poet, knew what he was talking about when he wrote that famous line. Fences do, indeed, make good neighbors. Many homeowners may consider the installation of a fence at some point or another. The following lists some of the most popular reasons to install fencing around your landscape.

Set your boundaries. Property definition is a major reason to fence your landscape. It leaves no question as to what features belong to which property owner. This is important because as time goes by and the property changes hands, a clear definition of a landscape will only make neighborly relations better. For example, it will be quite clear who is to prune which trees and shrubs as well as who is to mow the grass. By leaving no plant in a gray area, you are able to take responsibility for your property and let the neighbors be responsible for theirs. 

Add beauty to your garden. Aesthetic reasons make various fencing styles an attractive option for homeowners. Fences can add a stately formality to an estate. They can also help define a landscape theme. For example, that white picket fence adds that traditional charm to rustic country gardens. Or, a bamboo fence is the perfect accompaniment to a Japanese tea garden or an Oriental rock garden. Wood, stone, wrought iron – these materials will add an attractive dimension to your landscape plan.

Safeguard ponds and pools. If your property contains a water feature like a garden pond or pool, than fencing is likely a must for safety reasons alone. Children frequently roam the neighborhood and you wouldn’t want your ornamental waterlily pond to appear too inviting to young kids looking to cool off. Some villages may require fencing of swimming pools, and there may be a discount in sight on your homeowner’s insurance if you take the precaution of installing a fence. Safety is also a concern if your garden is known to contain poisonous plantings like foxglove, oleander or the castor bean plant – in such instances, keeping children out is a priority.

Animal control. Keeping pets in and keeping other animals out is a top reason to install a fence. You wouldn’t want your Pomeranian prancing around town and christening your neighbor’s petunias, for example. Likewise, as long as other dogs run free, you are likely to find unwanted tokens of their visit if you do not fence. Fences may also prevent deer or other types of animals from visiting your garden.

Privacy. Of course, keeping pets from nosing around is only half as important as keeping neighbors or strangers from taking a peek if privacy is a concern for you. Fences help create that border of privacy that can be indispensable. If you plan to entertain or simply to sunbathe, a solid-board fence can truly protect your landscape from prying eyes and afford you to keep your business your own. If you neighbor keeps commenting about the weeds overtaking your vegetable patch, it might be time to consider a privacy fence.

Support climbing plants. Fences also make great supports for climbing plants and vines. For a small gardening space, they give the gardener more room to grow. As climbing plants are among the most attractive – consider common jasmine or golden trumpet flowers – they are likely to be a focal point of the landscape. They also help to add privacy by covering the fence in a relatively short amount of time, making a common chain link fence an attractive feature.

Add lasting value. And, if none of the above means much to you, perhaps thinking of a fence as an investment will. A durable and well-built fence may add to the value of your property. Consider wood or stone in a traditional style. By investing in a beautiful design with timeless materials, you may incorporate the costs into your asking price should you plan to sell the property.

Buying and installing a fence is a good idea for all these reasons, and you may have your own to add. Choose quality materials and your fencing is likely to last and perform the functions you need it too. Installing a fence can be pricey, but if you are willing to do it yourself, you will likely cut that cost in half.

Find the article here: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/picketfencecharm

Not all wood is created equal.  Some kinds make for better fencing material than others.  After reading this piece from Pro Referral you might realize that you would prefer a certain type of wood over others.  Although prices and availability may vary, check with us to get our opinion and see if it is doable for your property!

What are the Best Types of Wood for Fences

What are the Best Types of Wood for Fences

According to the International Association of Certified Home Builders, a wood fence has an approximate lifespan of about 20 years with regular maintenance. A fence’s life expectancy can be increased significantly, however, if you pay more up front for a high-quality wood. Here are a few of the species that tend to hold up better than others, along with a few characteristics of each that will help you decide if any of these are the right choice for your next fence project.

 

  1. A fence’s life expectancy can be increased significantly if you pay more up front for a high-quality wood.

    1.Western Red Cedar

    Like many of the woods on this list, western red cedar is naturally resistant to many of the ills that your average pine is likely to succumb to. Its beautiful appearance is prized by many homeowners, and its natural resistance to moisture, rot, and insect infestation make it a great choice for pickets as well as posts.

  2. 2.White Oak

    A tough, hardy wood, white oak weathers well and stays strong when exposed to the elements. Many folks who keep horses choose white oak for its strength and the fact that some horses enjoy chewing on pine (though pine is usually cheaper). Oak does have a tendency to warp or bow, however, so this should be taken into consideration when the fence is planned.

  3. 3.Black Locust

    Another favorite for those who keep horses, black locust is one of the toughest woods found north of the equator. Championed in particular for being an excellent material for posts, black locust fences can last for decades and decades without any significant maintenance needs.

  4. 4.Tropical Hardwoods

    Some of the most durable and beautiful fence, deck, and outdoor woods of any kind come from South America. Woods like Ipe, Tigerwood, and Brazilian Cherry are extremely hard, heavy, and dense–so dense, in fact, that they must be pre-drilled (a hammer and nails just doesn’t cut it with tropical hardwood). The most obvious drawback to these species is their price, which is significantly higher than other fence options.

     

    The use of tropical hardwood has been criticized by some for being less-than-friendly to the environment. While it is true that these woods are harvested in tropical regions and then shipped to the U.S., the fact that tropical hardwoods are available from responsible sources and will need to be replaced far less frequently than many domestic woods provides a sound argument that they are actually a greener choice than many others on the market.

  5. 5.Pressure Treated Pine

    Less expensive than the preceding types of wood, pressure-treated pine gets its durability and moisture resistance not from Mother Nature, but through chemical treatments and physical processes performed by people. Though once championed as the very best in outdoor building materials, pressure-treated pine is losing popularity among some sections of the population. More expensive and much more resistant to rot and insect activity than untreated pine, the chemical used to make it so hardy (as well as the energy use involved in the pressure treating) have raised a few eyeballs among environmentally-focused homeowners and contractors. This material’s practicality should not, however, be ignored by any prospective fence-builder.

  6. 6.Plastic Lumber

    While not technically a wood, the look of synthetic fencing materials is now closer than ever to true wood. PVC fencing can last a long time – many put its estimated lifespan at 100 years or more – and will require only minimal maintenance. Bugs don’t eat it, fungus won’t harm it, and it won’t check or develop cracks due to moisture issues. PVC fencing is pricey (though not as pricey as some tropical hardwoods), and it’s not actually lumber, but investing in it will give you a practically worry-free fence for decades and decades to come.

Find the article here: https://www.proreferral.com/hg/what-are-best-types-wood-fences/

We design and install tons of aluminum gates.  They are timeless, strong, and secure.  If you are on the fence (pun intended) about choosing aluminum as your new fence material, check out this article from Pro Referral that will give you the full run down.

Aluminum Fence Guide

Aluminum Fence Guide

Aluminum fences aren’t for people who are overly preoccupied with things that are fancy and delicate. They’re for people who want something done right. Fences made from aluminum are sturdy and strong. Aluminum fences don’t rust like iron fences.

 

You might be considering an aluminum fence for your own home. If so, there are some things you need to know. Read this guide to learn all about aluminum fencing.

 

  1. 1.Why Choose an Aluminum Fence?

    Because they are so strong durable, aluminum fences are great for when you need extra security.

    Because they are so strong durable, aluminum fences are great for when you need extra security. So, if you have a pool that you want to make sure the neighbor kids stay out of, an aluminum fence might be perfect for you. Aluminum fences are also good if you have an unfriendly dog that you’d like to keep inside your yard or just for overall added security to help keep ne’er-do-wells away from your home.

  2. 2.Who will Install Your Aluminum Fence?

    Find an experienced professional to install your fence. It’s important to find someone with experience so that the fence will stand the test of time, without tilting or leaning. Ask your neighbors for recommendations of qualified fence builders. Be on the lookout for scam artists. The Federal Trade Commission warns against hiring contractors who solicit door-to-door, accepts cash payments, or asks you to get the required building permits.

  3. 3.Prep Your Yard for a New Aluminum Fence.

    There are a few things you should do before having your fence installed on your property. First, if your community has a home owner’s association, check with them to see if there are any rules or regulations about what kind of fence you can put up, or if you can install a fence at all. Next, talk to your contractor about any building permit you might need, and make sure they are on top of applying for the correct permit. Make sure there aren’t any cables or wires buried beneath your yard that could be disturbed by workers digging for fence stakes. Finally, check to make sure you know where your property line starts and stops so that your fence stays on your property and not your neighbor’s.

  4. 4.How to Care for Your Aluminum Fence

    One of the selling points of aluminum fences is that they require very little care and maintenance. Keep your fence clean by washing it with soap and water occasionally. If your fence is exposed to chemicals like the ones used in pools, or salt, you might want to wash your fence more frequently. Plants can grow into your fence, so keep them trimmed back and away from the fence to make sure that doesn’t happen. Inspect the fasteners and other moving parts of your fence to make sure they are still working smoothly.

     

    If you’re looking for a fence, aluminum might be the material for you. Aluminum requires much less care than wood, and can be made to look as attractive as wrought iron. Don’t just sit on the fence – call your fence installation professional today!

  5. Find this article here: https://www.proreferral.com/hg/aluminum-fence-guide/

Picket fences are classic and pretty.  But is a picket fence the right fence for your property?  There are things this article points out that you need to consider like security and maintenance.  If you love outdoor projects and are willing to commit to keeping your fence picture perfect, then this type of fencing might be the right way to go!


“It seems as though many homeowners are scrambling to install large privacy fences, but what if you want to showcase your landscaping, while still protecting your plants and yard?

Picket fences can be a pleasing way to create a sense of privacy without blocking out the world. This classic and practical fence might be the solution for your home.

Before considering a picket fence, you must first decide whether it is a practical choice for your home. If the purpose of the fence is to contain an animal (or keep one out) the height of a picket fence might not be adequate for your needs. But, if you are looking for a fence to indicate the boundary of your yard, while maintaining a welcoming feeling for visitors, then a picket fence might be for you.”


Read more: http://www.homeadvisor.com/article.show.Charming-Picket-Fences.10120.html#ixzz4GxPnIdtz