Are you thinking about installing a fence around your swimming pool? If you are, that’s a great idea! Pool fences save lives by preventing accidental drowning. Swimming pool fences don’t have to be purely functional though, they can also be ornamental and beautiful.

The best swimming pool fence is one that’s easy on the eyes, functional and resilient. Remember, these fences are installed outdoors so expect to get one that can last through a beating.  This article will help you choose the right material for your new swimming pool fence.

Top 3 Swimming Pool Fence Materials

1. Ornamental Aluminium

This is probably the most popular pool fence material in the market. It’s praised for its durability, lightness and beauty. This fence is powder coated instead of using the traditional liquid paint. This means that paint is evenly applied thus offering a smoother finish.

Aluminium is often mistaken for wrought iron fences because they’re both metal. So what’s the difference between the two? Wrought iron is heavier and a lot more expensive. Go for the aluminium if you’re on a budget.

2. PVC

PVC is short for Polyvinyl chloride. It’s a very durable plastic. If you need more privacy when taking a dip in your pool, a PVC fence is a good choice. This fence comes in many designs like picket fence and solid flat panels. It’s also a low maintenance fence.

Do know that these fences tend to be on the bulky side. Expect the fence to sag a little too the longer it’s used outdoors as PVC is plastic.

3. Wood

Wood has its appeal. It’s beautiful, classic, customizable and cheap. You have more design choices when it comes to wood fences that you would with a PVC fence. Aside from the design, you also have the option to stain it or paint it any color you want.

The downside here is that wood takes a little more maintenance work—think peeling paint and rotten wood.

Key Takeaways:

• Always keep the fence locked especially if you have children at home. You can also have an automatic child proof lock installed just to be on the safe side.
• Do you really need a closed or covered pool fence for privacy? If you have children swimming, it’s always better to have a good view of their activities even when they are accompanied.
• Regardless of the material of choice, maintenance is to be expected. Check your fences at least once a year to prevent further damage and costly replacements.

Need Help?

Interested in adding a fence around your swimming pool, but aren’t sure what material you should use, contact us today!

Fences are both useful and ornamental for your home. They’re used to set boundaries between spaces in your lawn. To help keep your child or your pet from crossing a dangerous line—think pools, roads and hazardous work areas! A fence is also a great way to provide privacy and security for your home.

Installing a fence is easy especially if you bought the pre- fabricated sets. Before you get started, you need to know a few basics first.

5 Easy Steps to Fence Installation

Fence Material

Know the material you’re working with. This is important as different fence material require different installation methods. Aluminium fences need only screws while wooden ones require nails, wood treatment and paint coat.

Preparation

Make sure you have all the tools ready. You don’t want to halt your project midway just because you’re lacking one nail.

For pre- fabricated sets, read the manual before you open the packet. You don’t have to read it thoroughly.  A quick overview of the manual can help you better understand how and where the parts go together. It can also help you prevent errors since you already have a clear outline.

Measure the site

Ground work should be measured accurately. Where are you planning to install your fence? How many meters of fencing do you need to cover the perimeter properly? This is very important. Don’t base the size of the fence on online photos. Small items may look bigger than it actually is and vice versa.

Foundation

Digging the right depth ensures a strong and steady foundation. Most pre- fabricated fence sets will indicate the depth required to hold the support post. To know if the foundation is solid, the fence should be able to withstand moderate to heavy pressure when you lean or push against it.

Paint and Protection

This applies to wood and wrought iron fences as they require regular fresh coats of paint to insulate it from the elements. If you’re working with a wooden fence, always choose those that are treated for termites and are built to last.

Key Takeaways:

• Different fence materials have their own pros and cons. Do you research first before deciding which ones to go for.
• Mark the point where you plan to install the fence. You can do this by marking the area with paint or placing a flag on the ground as a guide.
• Installing locks on fence doors offers more security.

Need Help?

If installing a fence is something you are interested in but are having trouble getting started, contact us today for your FREE estimate!

Fencing is a necessity for most residential owners. However, installing a fence can be quite the process, especially when your landscape presents some challenges. One of those challenges will be the contour of the land. If you are situated in a hilly area and need to build a fence around your yard, there are certain methods that should be used to make the installation successful. The particular method you choose may depend on the degree of the slope.

3 Ways to Install a Fence on a Slope

When installing a fence on a hilly area, there are three methods you might utilize to successfully install a fence around your property.

• Racking. By running the fence following the slope of the ground you, this method  will produces an unleveled fence top; however, there will be no visible gaps between the ground and the bottom of the fence.
• Straight. By straightening the fence at the top this will produce a more leveled fence at the top, however, gaps will be created at the bottom of the fence and the ground. This option may not be considered viable if the area consists of a prominent hill.
• Stepping. With step installation, fences are dropped down in areas where there are prominent grade changes or having the fences stepped up in areas where the grade rises.

Choosing the Right Material

Choosing the right type of fence can help determine which method will work best for you. For example, aluminum and PVC fences are rackable, which means that the fence can adapt to the changes of the grade but with limited extent. Wood fence may also work with the methods mentioned above but may need to have the pieces of wood cut piece by piece allowing for exact measurements and customization. One fence material that will not work for this type of project is ready-made panels, due to not being able to customize each individual panel.

It is not easy to build a fence on a sloped area but when you decide to do so, it’s best to seek the advice and help of a professional fence contractor in Connecticut.

Key Takeaways:

•  Don’t use ready made panels to install a fence on a hill.
•  You can install a fence on a slope by utilizing racking, stepping and straight methods.
•  Choose the right fence material for the particular method your using to install your on a slope.

Need Help?

Are you interested in installing a fence on a slope around your home, contact us today for more information.

The exterior of your home or property is a chance for you to earn a good impression from your guests. Fencing is an important part of the overall design of your property. Choosing the best fence contractor in your area will help you achieve a good design.

Of course, when you need to choose a reputable fence contractor in Connecticut, you need to know what to look for in a good fence contractor. Putting up a fence is more than just putting up a barrier to around your building. Choosing the right fencing contractor can help you pick the right design that will match your surroundings.

Choosing the Right Fence

Out of hundreds of designs, it may be hard to choose one and for that, you need the opinion of the experts. There are three main disciplines in fencing that one should know about. There’s commercial and residential.

Commercial Fencing

Commercial fencing is a method used to fence around a property that serves a commercial purpose. This will include most of the business establishments of today. Fencing agricultural and farming lands can also fall under this method of fencing. Business establishments want to protect their own interest and avoid illegal trespassing so a fencing system is an integral part of the overall business.

Residential Fencing

Residential fences serve various functions such as indicating property boundaries and keeping children and pets safe within the property. Others may put up a fence in a designated area like a garden planted with special types of flowers. Getting fencing experts for residential properties is important as they are familiar with the types of materials used and can also help you pick the right style and design that matches your home.

Choosing the Right Contractor

A fence system is not a temporary project and as such you need a contractor that gives guarantee for their work. Picket fences may deteriorate with time and there are gates that may fail to function even before the warranty expires. A good fence contractor will give you peace of mind that the newly installed fence will serve its function for a longer period of time after it has been erected. Price is also an important factor when choosing your contractor. Find reputable fence contractors around Connecticut and find out which among them offers the best price.

Key Takeaways:

• Choose the type of fence system, whether for commercial, residential, or government purposes
• Talk to your fence contractor for the right design, style, and type of material to be used on your fencing system
• Find a contractor that guarantees their work
• Choose a reputable contractor that offers the best price for the installation service.

Need Help?

If installing a fence is something you are interested in but are having trouble getting started, contact us today for your FREE estimate!

Whether you need a commercial or residential fence, the process for selecting a fence contractor is very similar. Given the fact that fences are constructed for safety, protection, and aesthetic reasons, it is important that the contractor has the expertise to get the job done on time and correctly. When looking for a fence contractor in Connecticut, be sure to follow these guidelines.

Check with Friends and Colleagues

If a family member, friend, or colleague has a fence that you admire, ask them the name of the Connecticut fence company that designed and installed the fence for them. You can also check online reviews and Angie’s List to find a recommended fence company in Connecticut. It is also beneficial to check online to find fence companies that have a portfolio on their website.

 Solicit Bids

Once you have a list of fence companies that have a solid reputation, contact them to ask them to make a bid on the project. A representative from the Connecticut fence company will discuss with you the purpose of the fence, options for design styles and materials, and your budget for the project. Once the fence contractor in Connecticut has this information, they will out together an estimate for the project along with a fence submittal, which outlines the design and materials to be used for the fence. Be sure to review the fence submittal carefully, since it is an indicator of the contractor’s knowledge and attention to detail. Although it might be tempting to accept the lowest bid, the fence submittal is what should drive your decision.

Items to Check before Making a Final Decision

Before making a final decision about a fence company in Connecticut, check to see if they subcontract any of their work. Most people opt to avoid subcontractors since the fence contractor has little control over the timing of their work. Additionally, check the warranty information and quality of workmanship guarantee provided by the contractor.

By following these tips, both residential and commercial clients should be able to find the best fence company in Connecticut.

Key Takeaways:

• Create a list of fence contractors from recommendations from family members, friends, and colleagues.
• When considering bids, the quality of the fence submittal should guide your decision.
• Make sure to verify the warranty and guarantee information.

Need Help?

If installing a fence is something you are interested in but are having trouble getting started, contact us today for your FREE estimate!

Cedar fencing is attractive and generally resists the weather very well, but it still needs a little extra care during winter. As every Connecticut fence company knows, temperatures in Connecticut can drop sharply during winter, and heavy downpours also occur. Such adverse weather conditions can negatively affect the condition of your cedar fence. Here are the top three winter threats to cedar fencing, along with advice to help you care for your fence.

Sudden Shifts in Temperature

Cedar expands and contracts in response to variations in temperature. When the temperature drops suddenly during winter, the resulting shrinkage can cause nails and knots to fall out of the fence, leaving holes that can become infested with pests. To maintain your fence, quickly replace nails that have come loose and use wood filler to fill in any holes in the wood.

Increases in Moisture Levels

Sudden downpours of rain or snow increase the moisture level in and around your cedar fencing, which can lead to rot setting in. Prevent rot by sealing and finishing your fence every year. Clear snow off your cedar fence as quickly as possible after it settles. You should also examine your cedar fencing for signs of rot or damage after a period of heavy rain. If you find signs of rot, such as soft and spongy spots in the wood, hire a fence company in CT to professionally fix the problem. Treating rot quickly can help to stop it spreading.

Falling Branches

Storms and heavy snow can bring down tree branches during winter. If a branch falls on your fence, it could cause significant damage. Protect your cedar fencing from falling debris by cutting back branches that overhang your fence.

Key Takeaways:

• Changes in temperature can cause cedar to shrink; fill in holes with wood filler to prevent pests from taking up residence in the wood.
• Seal and finish cedar fencing to protect it from rot caused by increased moisture levels.     Contact a fence company in CT if you find rotten patches in your cedar fencing.
• Prune trees that overhang your cedar fence to protect it from falling branches.

Need Help?

Are you interested in learning more about how to maintain your cedar fence, contact us today for a FREE estimate!

Preferred Fencing

Cable rail fencing is preferred when other types of fencing would create an obstruction of a natural area such as the ocean, river, lakes, mountains and forests. Glass fences are sometimes used for this purpose as well, but glass fences require regular maintenance and can fade over time with prolonged sun exposure. Public parking lots and walkways often use cable rail fencing for its resilience and strength. Additionally, cable rail fencing can add a rustic look to existing homes or a clean, simple look suitable to modern homes.

Construction

The tension of a cable rail fence must meet a specific standard. To accommodate a cable rail fence, a sturdy and rigid frame is required. Frames are typically constructed out of steel, aluminum or wood. Cable sizes can come in 1/8-inch, 3/16-inch and 1/4-inch diameters. Thicker cables are more expensive, but provide a stronger, less pliable cable. Additionally, the top rail must be constructed of a strong wood or metal to ensure that the overall frame can support the tension of the cables. When installing a cable rail fence, make sure to consult with local fence companies in Connecticut to ensure proper building codes are met.

Key Takeaways:

- Cable rail fencing is often used for its minimal obstruction of views.

- Strong frames are requires for cable rail fencing and are typically made of wood, aluminum or metal.

- Cable rail fencing can stretch horizontally or vertically across a frame.

- Fencing can be used in many commercial and personal applications and works well indoors and outdoors.

Need Help?

If installing a cable rail fence is something you are interested in but are having trouble getting started, contact us today for a FREE estimate!

Here are three important reasons for property owners to have a privacy fence installed:

Noise Reduction

Although no fence is capable of creating a perfect, undisturbed outdoors setting, having a privacy fence in place reduces the noise pollution coming from outside the property. Eliminating noise pollution is important because excessive noise leads to mounting stress, rising blood pressure, and even sleep deprivation over periods of prolonged exposure. As a result, having privacy fences installed should be prioritized in areas that experience high levels of traffic and other sources of disturbance.

Neighbors

Using privacy fences can help property owners become better neighbors. Fences are an excellent way to mark a property’s exact perimeter, which helps to distinguish the respective responsibilities of neighboring property owners. Furthermore, having a fence helps to keep out the neighbor’s pets and children, which is particularly important if the property owner has a swimming pool. As an additional benefit, privacy fences can also serve their primary purpose by ensuring that neighbors cannot easily see what a property owner is doing.

Pest Deterrence

Privacy fences of the right design, material, and height can play an important role in deterring pests such as foxes, deer, and raccoons. Larger animals are unable to get past fences built using durable materials while smaller animals are unable to sneak past so long as the fences are inspected and kept well maintained to prevent gaps from appearing. Overall, privacy fences provide a hassle-free method of deterring pest animals that cause them no damage.

Key Takeaways

* Privacy fences reduce noise pollution.

* Fenced properties help property owners become better neighbors.

* Most pest animals are unable to get past privacy fences.

Need Help?

If installing a privacy fence is something you are interested in but are having trouble getting started, contact us today for your FREE estimate!

A Rust-Free Alternative to Wrought Iron

Aluminum does not rust like wrought iron. Aluminum fences are lightweight and easy to install. Unlike wrought iron, aluminum saves time and money because it does not require painting, scraping and sanding. New aluminum manufacturing methods create fences that closely resemble attractive wrought iron fences, but at a fraction of the cost.

Powder Coated Colors

Aluminum comes in a plethora of powder-coated colors. Powder coating is a method of painting aluminum by fusing the paint to the metal surface. This creates an aesthetically pleasing fence available in many color schemes such as matte or shiny black, matte bronze, white, sandstone, beige, green, matte gray and even maroon. This powder coat never needs repainting, lasts years and strengthens the fence’s resistance to the Sun’s UV rays, weather and the elements.

Aluminum is an Economical Alternative

Wood and wrought iron can be very expensive to install and maintain. Aluminum fencing costs less and comes in many sizes and colors to match the landscape. Ornamental aluminum fencing is durable and provides an open feeling to surroundings. The gates and hardware on fences can be costly, and many other materials have limited options. Aluminum gate frames are more cost-effective than other fence materials and conform to any gate style. Aluminum gates have multiple size and decorative options with locking mechanisms designed for the walkway or driveway.

Choose from Many Styles

Aluminum fence panels come in many styles and configurations to fit any landscape. Land is not always flat, so fence panels need to fit into mild, moderate and severe slopes. Handrails for walkways and steps are available to match the fence. Posts are available in multiple heights and sizes like 4 x 4, 3 x 3 and 2 x 2 inches. Three-way posts make it possible to connect a 90-degree corner separating different areas of the landscape. Radiance Rails have added strength due to the 0.090 consistent wall thickness. Panels have a multitude of attractive rail patterns such as estate scrolls. Choose from a spear top design ornamented with optional circles or butterfly scrolls on alternating pickets.

Key Takeaways

• Aluminum fence alternatives are lightweight, easy to install and virtually maintenance-free.
• Powder coat paint comes in many colors and protects the gate and fencing.
• Aluminum fencing is an economical option to other materials.
• Fence panels come in many styles, sizes and configurations.
• Radiance Rails are stronger than conventional rail systems.

Not Knowing Property Lines

One of the costliest (and most embarrassing) mistakes a homeowner can make when installing their own fences is failing to correctly identify their property lines. Build a fence on your neighbors’ property or encroach on public land and you will be facing a hefty bill for relocating that fence along with the possibility of fines and costly legal battles.

Improper Anchor Points

Unless the correct material is used at the right depth in the posthole, the anchor posts will be unstable and fall down or be heaved out of the ground during sub-zero temperatures.

Miscalculating Angles

Many yards include a slope, meaning that fence panels must be adjusted to compensate for the incline to ensure the fence is neat, uniform and functional. Adapting fencing for inclines requires specialized surveying tools and advanced carpentry skills, which many homeowners do not have.

Using The Wrong Materials

Since homeowners who build their own fences often do so during the warm summer months, it can be easy to forget that fences are exposed to the elements year-round. Unless the correct fencing materials and fasteners are selected, harsh weather can quickly ruin a new fence.

The Fence Isn’t Functional

Sometimes home-built fences simply don’t work – the gates do not latch, the posts are awkwardly spaced and the gaps are large enough that kids and pets can easily escape. Homeowners are often drawn to fence styles that are attractive yet difficult to build.

As you can see, quality fence installation requires extensive skills, knowledge and experience, otherwise you might end up spending a great deal more time and money than you bargained on. By hiring a professional fence installation company, you can rest assured that the fence will be installed on your property using the right materials for your climate.

Key Takeaways

-Always double-check the location of property lines before beginning any work – moving a completed fence is expensive!

-Confirm that the correct anchoring and fencing materials are used and the posts are deep enough to prevent frost heaving and shifting of the fence.

-Call your local utility companies before you dig – striking underground gas, water or power lines could be costly and dangerous.

-Unless you have advanced carpentry and surveying skills along with a complete set of tools and a great deal of free time, fence installation is best left to the professionals