There are many different types of fences in existence today, but one of the most commonly used of all is none other than the traditional chain link. This style can be found in just about every part of the world, on residential properties, commercial businesses and on school campuses. There are numerous reasons why this style of fence is so popular, though it is important to install it properly and maintain it in order to ensure it lasts for as long as possible. If you are considering a chain link fence for your property, here’s what you should know:

The Benefits of a Chain Link Fence

As a barrier, a chain link fence of course serves the primary purposes of a fence in the first place: privacy, security and even appearance. That said, it also happens to be a lot more cost effective than other types of fencing, saving property owners a ton whether they need a lot of it or just a little. They can also be installed rather quickly (usually in less than a day), and are also usually flexible enough to fit around any property (hills and curved boundaries are not obstacles).

As for appearance, this is really just another benefit of chain link. Many people like the fact that they can see through it, providing more sunlight and an open feel. Others choose to create a more private effect by growing ivy or other plants along their chain link fence. Of course, chain link can also be painted a wide variety of colors for those who want it to coordinate further twith their personal tastes.

Other benefits include:

• Security– Pets and small children have a contained space to run around in
• Openness with neighbors– While these fences do provide privacy, many people like the fact that they can easily communicate with their neighbors and foster relationships.
• High durability– Chain link fencing are almost shockingly durable. Thanks to their ability to withstand just about any weather condition, they are sometimes referred to as “hurricane fences”. Additionally, mold and natural pests like termites are not a threat.
• Low Rust Risk– Thanks to a galvanization process used on modern chain link fences, the risk of rust is relatively low compared to other metal materials.
• Easy Maintenance– These fences are fairly easy to keep up, and on the rare occasion when lasting damage does occur, it usually just involves a post or small sections that need to be replaced.
• Increased Property Value– Well maintained fencing always ups the value of any property

Things to Consider Before Installation

Now, before just marching ahead and installing a chain link fence on any property, it is important to take a few things in to consideration. For example, some areas have specific zoning and construction laws that may restrict what kind of fence you can use on your property, and these laws may also affect where it can be placed. You should always do your research on these before making your decision, but of course consulting with an experienced fencing contractor can also help.

And as great a choice as chain link fences usually are, there are also a couple of downsides to consider. The most obvious here is that they do not provide as much privacy as some other types of fencing, and it is also wise to consider the fact that they do not provide as much security (chain link can easily be climbed by those who are determined). Nevertheless, if your highest values are with affordability and the various other benefits that chain link fencing can provide, then these small shortcomings may not be an issue.

Finding the Right Contractor

The quality of chain link fencing depends greatly on how it is installed. A poorly aligned or badly measured fence, for example, may wear down and sag not long after it is installed. If you’re unsure of how exactly to find the right contractor for the job, following these points is a good rule of thumb:

• Experience– Make sure the contractor has years of experiencing specifically with chain link fencing. Furthermore, they should have experience working on the same type of property as your own (beware of hiring someone who only has experience with residential jobs for a commercial one, for example)
• High Responsiveness– Any contractor who is serious about their work and their clients will respond quickly and reasonably to all inquiries
• Attention to Detail– Don’t be afraid to ask specific questions. A good contractor will pay close attention to details and will be able to answer everything.
• Proper Accreditation and Certifications– Take a look at what your local laws require for contractors, and make sure that the business in question had everything they need to legally perform the work. BBB Accreditation and commercial insurance are also good signs.
• Good Value– It’s not always wise to go with the cheapest option, nor is it best to go with the most expensive. Your contractor should be priced fairly for the work they are performing while still providing high quality services.

Contact Western Fence Co. to learn more about how we meet all of these points and more.

Fence Maintenance

Once your fence is installed, it is important that you take proper care of it so that it lasts for a long time. It is a good idea to clean it regularly (usually just spraying with a water hose and gently wiping away any tougher soiled areas will be enough). You should also check it for loose components, especially around the posts. When caught early, the fence can easily be tightened before it worsens into a bigger problem. At Western Fence Co., we can provide you with all the information you need about keeping your fence looking like new and lasting for decades.

Making a fence stand out might be tricky for some.  It is easy to choose the traditional fencing materials that look the same from yard to yard, but going out on a limb with repurposed materials could allow you to be the talk of the neighborhood.  Take a look at the article below that talks about four different materials that make good fencing materials and think about making your fence truly unique!

Ideas for What to Use for a Repurposed Fence

By Jennifer Blair

Whether you like the idea of having a one-of-a-kind landscape or make an
effort to recycle whenever you can, using materials that are lying
around your garage or basement to build a fence is a budget- and
environmentally-friendly way to add character to your yard. It’s also a
project that allows you to get creative because you can use a number of
items for effective fencing. The key is determining which type of fence
you need because a privacy fence requires solid materials while a
decorative fence can have an open design.

Pallets

Wooden shipping
pallets work well for recycled fencing because they look similar to a
traditional wooden fence. Use pallets that are in good condition and
check those you’re planning to recycle for signs of mold or other damage
that might weaken the fence. Dry hardwood makes effective posts for a
pallet fence, and you can cut or partially disassemble the pallets in
any way you want to create a decorative look for the fencing. Removing
every other board from the front of the pallets and all of the boards
from the back is one of the more common ways to use them. To ensure that
your pallet fencing lasts, use a sealer or preservative to protect it
from the elements. You can also paint or stain it if you want a more
eye-catching look.

Tin Ceiling Tiles

If
you want a fence that makes an artistic statement, get your hands on
some old tin ceiling tiles. Vintage ceiling tiles are available at
thrift stores, antique shops and online auction sites. They come in a
range of colors and usually feature raised designs that give them an
interesting texture. The ceiling tiles don’t have to match — the beauty
of using them for your fence is that you can create a patchwork effect
that adds a whimsical look to your landscape. You will need to use
lumber to create a frame for the ceiling tiles, but recycled or
reclaimed pieces work well if you want the entire fence to be made from
reused materials.

Windows

Old
windows can serve as a garden fence. You can use the windows with the
glass panes still in place or use the frames by themselves for
open-style fencing. The trick to repurposing windows for your fence is
finding frames that are all the same size, which is why window fencing
works best for shorter fences where you won’t need as many frames to
create the fence. If you can’t find enough windows in the same size to
enclose your entire garden, try alternating large and small frames to
create a decorative edge for the top of the fence. Screw the frames for
each section of fencing together and add posts to install it as you
would a traditional fence.

Glass Bottles

If
you want to create a truly striking fence, gather up all the bottles
that you’ve been planning to recycle. Glass bottles can become
surprisingly effective fencing materials when you pair them with rebar.
While you can use any bottles, colored glass usually provides the most
interesting look. Drill holes in the bottles, which can be tricky, so
use a special glass-cutting drill bit and work slowly to avoid cracking
the glass. Once you have holes in the bottles, stack them on rebar that
you’ve cut to right height. You can use reclaimed lumber for the frame
or use additional rebar to serve as the frame. Glass bottles create a
lovely effect because they reflect light, but plastic bottles are
lightweight and easier to work with.

Anyone can take a look at a fence and tell if it is strong and sturdy or not.  There is logic behind the design and installment of a fence to ensure that it will be strong for years and years.  The article below explains what components are responsible for a strong wooden fence.  Check it out!

What Are the Components of a Strong Wooden Fence?

April 3, 2017 by: Minara El-Rahman

Spring is officially here and that means lots of outdoor entertaining.
Is your outdoor space ready? While most homeowners focus on building a
new deck or on deck maintenance, redoing your fence can transform your
space. Do you know what the critical connections of a fence are? We will
outline them here along with a sneak peek at our newest fence bracket,
the FBFZ, just in time for spring.

Select the Right Wood

Since fences are exposed to the elements, using the right type of
wood can make all the difference. Using woods like cedar, redwood or
preservative treated lumber ensures that your fence lasts for years to
come. Finishing with an exterior grade stain or paint is

Strong Fence Posts

It is essential to set your fence posts into the ground properly.
This means for wood fences that are 6 feet tall, you need 2 feet of the
post in the ground. It is also recommended that a 2″ gap be maintained
between the bottom of the fence and the ground to help prevent rot. We
recommend that your fence posts be set in concrete for strength and
durability.

Exterior Grade Hardware

Using connectors, screws and nails that are rated for exterior use
will prevent rust and corrosion and ensure that your fence will last a
long time. Using exterior-rated Simpson Strong-Tie connectors can save
you on long-term costs by adding strength while minimizing repairs. The
new patent-pending FBFZ flat fence bracket creates a simple and strong
connection between the rails and posts. With a new flat-plate design, it
is easy to install and creates a secure connection. It has a ZMAX
galvanized coating for additional corrosion resistance, so you know you
won’t have to worry about a rusty fence in a few years!

A well-built fence not only gives you some privacy, it gives you the
peace of mind to know that your children and pets are out of danger’s
way. Plus, who doesn’t love a nice picket fence?

Source: http://diydoneright.com/blog/components-strong-wooden-fence/

Want to fence in your property or just part of your yard but don’t know where to begin?  This article from Forbes by professionals over at Houzz offers any and all considerations for the right kind of fence for your needs.  Need to keep pets in or other animals out?  There are specific fences for that!  Need to secure your pool or an entrance from the street?  There are fences for that, too! Continue reading below, and you will be full of ideas for your project.

How To Choose The Right Fence

Houzz, Contributor to Forbes

Laura Gaskill, Houzz Contributor

Need a new fence for your yard or patio? Whether you crave more privacy in your outdoor space; need to block chilly wind, mask a street view or secure your pool; or keep your dogs in (or deer out), we’ve got you covered. Here’s the need-to-know info on choosing the right fence based on space and needs.

Gain Privacy

If you want true privacy, choose a fence with little to no space between boards. A closely spaced lattice can be nearly as private as a solid material when combined with the lush foliage of climbing plants. The height willdepend on the slope of your yard and your neighbor’s yard, the position of your seating areas and any applicable local building codes. Try using a length of paper or cardboard the height of the fence you are considering, and have a friend hold it up while walking the perimeter of your yard. Stand up and sit down in each area of your yard to see if the fence will be high enough for your privacy needs.

Consider going gateless. If ease of access is more important to you than security, consider forgoing the gate entirely and installing several offset fences to allow room for a path while blocking the street view, as shown here.

Consider a stepped design. If it seems like too much to have a tall privacy fence all the way around your yard, consider going with a stair-step design to get privacy just where you need it. For instance, you could have a taller section of fence around your seating area and hot tub, and lower fencing beside the lawn.

Shield Wind

When you need to block strong breezes but don’t want to lose the light — or a grand view — the best option is glass, as shown on this stunning rooftop patio. If blocking a view is not an issue, any privacy fence with few to no gaps between boards will work well. For height keep in mind that if you primarily need to keep the wind out of a seating area, the fence can be a few feet lower than around an area where people will be standing, such as around the grill.

Feel Secure

The most important features to have for a security fence are a taller height, a lack of places to grip and a sturdy, lockable gate. Any security fence should be at least 8 feet high, although you can add a few feet of trellis to the top of a 6-foot fence for security that doesn’t look quite so imposing. Choose a fence with flush boards and no horizontal rails on the outside, to deter potential intruders from attempting to climb it.

Block a Street View

When your home is on a busy street, creating a peaceful backyard space begins with the right fence. If you want to allow some light in, pick a fence with small gaps between boards (or even a lattice-like design) and layer lush plantings on both sides to provide additional privacy. Or try a frosted glass design, as shown here. As with privacy fencing, it can be helpful to test out the fence height you are considering before you commit.

Keep Your Dogs In

The first step is knowing your dogs. Are they jumpers or diggers? How high can they jump? Are they likely to try to escape from your yard, or are they generally content to hang out? A 3- to 4-foot fence could be adequate for smaller dogs and those who do not jump; larger dogs will need something taller. If your dogs are diggers, bury the fence at least 6 inches underground or place hardscaping along the fence line.

Consider blocking visual stimuli with a solid fence.While nearly any type of fence can do the job of keeping your dog in the yard, if your dog is excitable or loves to bark, consider investing in a solid fence to block the visual cues (cars, pedestrians, cats) that get him going.