Ultra Aluminum Fencing, Gates and Handrails

2015-02-20T15:13:00.001-08:00

ULTRA swing gate INSTA QUOTE

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	Automated Swing Drive Gates INSTA-QUOTE

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ULTRA SWING GATE INSTA QUOTE LITE 150209.htm
Darrin Jones (ultraaluminum@gmail.com)

ULTRA swing gate INSTA QUOTE

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	Automated Swing Drive Gates INSTA-QUOTE

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AUTOMATION DISCOUNT:		%
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			INSTA-QUOTE #:	DESIGN STUDIO
	Automated Swing Drive Gates INSTA-QUOTE

STATE:
ALUMINUM DISCOUNT:		%
AUTOMATION DISCOUNT:		%
STYLE:
LEAVES:			GRADE:
HEIGHT:			ARCH:
WIDTH:			SHORT PICKETS:
FINIALS:			CIRCLES:
POST:
POST SIZE:			POST LENGTH:
OPERATOR TYPE:
SOLAR:			MAGLOCK:


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Introducing Ultra Waterjet Services

2015-01-13T14:53:00.003-08:00

"Some of the work we’re particularly proud of is the signs we’ve done."

Anyone who does fencing has run into a situation where a homeowner wants a design on their gate or a business would like a company name/logo incorporated.

We suggest to our customers that the next time they sell an Ultrack cantilever gate, they offer the option of incorporating the company’s logo. Price will vary depending on complexity, but we’re getting pretty good at quoting this sort of work.

The bottom line is that the fence business is as competitive as ever and one way to separate ourselves is to think outside-the-box for opportunities and show customers some of the value-added services that only Ultra can provide.

Being better at custom details will make your company stand out as superior. Partnering with Ultra can give you an advantage of the fence, the gates, the access control systems and now even the customized details that many high-end and municipal jobs demand.

There has NEVER been a better time to become an Ultra Dealer. Call me or email me and I can tell you how we will work harder to help you grow and expand your business. Darrin Jones at
(256) 214-0633 or ultraaluminum@gmail.com

Tell us what you’re trying to do, no matter the material or the complexity. Send us a sketch or an electronic file, and we’ll find the most efficient way to economically make your part or assembly, with a no-obligation estimate. You’ll also begin to get a sense of how we operate, and our desire to deliver a job that meets your requirements for quality, accuracy, speed and cost.

Our in-house design team develops your project in our fully equipped facility, and can work from simple sketches to complex electronic files. We are fluent in 2-D and 3-D, with multiple CAD programs at our disposal. Depend on our team to design, engineer and build high-tech, functional machine parts; make dies for and cut a wide variety of materials; create and fashion beautiful decorative accents; and prototype/3-D print a diverse range of models.

We can cut just about ANYTHING, and as neat as can be done anywhere.

see more at http://www.ultrawaterjet.com/cutting-capabilities.html

The Story of Stuff

2014-04-02T17:56:00.001-07:00

This short whiteboard documentary makes me so Proud I work at Ultra Aluminum Mfg., Inc. and I will tell you why, but please, watch this first .

The problems she brings up in this video are real for us all. After you have seen this, I will tell you what we are doing to remedy these problems and how you, as the consumer, can help.

Does a fence reduce or add to a home's value?

2014-03-13T20:21:00.001-07:00

"Good fences make good neighbors." - Robert Frost

From the perspective of a second generation fence man that has over 40 years in the fence industry and having owned a fence and deck construction company for half of that time, I can say definitively that a great and appropriate fence will add value while a cheap and/or inappropriate fence will reduce value.

Just like rims on a car or the frame for a painting, a fence can be the one thing that ties the entire package (home, landscaping, hardscaping, etc.) together or what detracts from it entirely.

Surely no buyer would see this old wood fence as anything but a negative.

The old industry standard of Chain Link fencing is no longer seen as a plus, unless you are in a neighborhood that is predominantly installing this utilitarian approach. Even if this is the case, know that most standards on chain link such as wire gauge, post wall thickness and the amount of zinc applied during galvanization has gotten cheaper and cheaper each year. To buy the quality of chain link that was the norm in the 50's and 60's one could afford a much nicer fence without spending more.

A fence style that is appropriate with many finer old or historic homes is the predecessor to chain link, wrought iron. However most ornamental iron is now hollow and is NOT wrought iron. The biggest risk with going this route today is that most, if not all ornamental iron is not hot-dipped galvanized prior to painting or powder coating. This allows for the inevitable oxidation (rust) from the inside-out. In some climates this will take a matter of decades while others only a matter of years. Why not get the same or similar look with ornamental aluminum and get a lifetime warranty.
Ultra Aluminum Fencing Railing Gates

The best value in fence can often times be the one that lasts the longest and is even a green or Earth-friendly product like this ornamental aluminum fence. Another Earth friendly feature is that it promotes great landscaping and is appropriate with so many styles of architecture because there is an endless variety of styles, colors, grades, heights and textures.

For privacy, security and beauty a composite fence can offer many advantages over a stick built wooden fence. Lower maintenance and longer durability are the two primary advantages that justify the premium price.

An Ultra Aluminum Eclipse Privacy Fence is by far the most durable, cost effective and low maintenance privacy fence you can buy. It is available in many heights, colors, styles and textures. The gates for these are awesome and have the highest strength to weight ratio of any fence product known to mankind.

While the traditional white picket fence may not be appropriate for all types of architecture and every price level of homes, it does have a broad based appeal. Few things can return such a return on investment if it is paired with the appropriate home, lot and landscape.

Appropriateness of fence design and materials to it's setting and intended use is crucial to getting your money's worth. For this use and setting even this rusty old wire fence and gate may actually be what is called for. This is likely one of the last fence designs I would want around my residence though.

With the right house and setting, you can even get quite artistic with your fence or gate. The key is an appropriate design. Ultra Fence cares so much about getting you the appropriate fence for your house they sell through a verified and trained Ultra Dealer Network. The Ultra Trained Sales Representative can guide you through using the Design Studio to Visualize Ultra Fencing, Railing & Gates on your home before you buy.
Upload a photo or two of your home and then stretch and place the fence and gate over its proposed location. Then change the height, grade, style, color and accessories to get the image of the most appropriate fence for your home. Then download it and print it and get a price on exactly what you want and need.

After all, Life is short and you worked hard to get that home. Don't cut corners and buy something that will drain your pocketbook later with annual maintenance or worse yet, detract from the home. Get a fence that is 100% Made in the USA that comes with the best warranty in the business. Truly appropriate designed fences that are built to last decades instead of years will end up being a "Good Fence that is a Good Neighbor".

Ways to mount a Gate to Columns or Walls

2014-02-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

Please let me introduce myself. I am Darrin Jones, the RSM for the Caribbean, the Pacific and Latin America. In the past I worked as an installer and have an engineering background. Often when attaching any hinge, including the Ultra Hinge to a column or wall, there are potential problems that may arise.

you may notice on this 10 year old Ultra Hinge located on the Gulf Coast in Alabama, The attachment is to a post. Imagine attaching to a masonry substrate. You have four very specific locations for masonry screws to attach a flat plat (that must be vertical, or it throws gate alignment off) 1/16th of an inch out of plumb magnifies on a gate to be a major problem. Plus, if a fastener is ever so slightly over tightened, it loses its strength. In most installations you have little to no choice as to the specific location of these plates that are part of the "male" side of the hinge component.

Many dealers use the following approach for this reason....

Getting a full post as close to column or wall requires calculation to be deducted before ordering gates... This can be challenging since it is sometimes difficult to precisely judge how close the post will be due to wall/column irregularities, out of plumb walls or columns, or footer locations.

As shown here, the top detail of a set of columns was modified to allow posts to be set far enough apart to make the gate dimensions that were used during ordering work. This still leaves the posts to do all the "heavy lifting" and does not take advantage of the residual strength of the columns or walls for gate support.

I prefer the following installation technique:

This allows for the Ultra Hinge Plate on the "male" side to be attached metal to metal and can even be through bolted with lock washer and nut or nylock nut on the back side of "C" post that is integrated into the wall/column and has multiple, strategically located masonry attachment creating what I refer to as the "piano hinge approach", many screw taking the place of just a few.

Notice how the top portion of this column/wall is a smooth CMU block while the lower third is a decorative CMU block with no flat surface to mount the plate to. Plus the column mounting of the plates would create attachment points on different planes. This can be adjusted with our adjustable Ultra Hinges, but will limit future adjustability and still not be as pleasing to the eye as an integrated "C" post.

The next question I get is - "Isn't this a lot more work?"
Actually it is far quicker and less expensive than setting a post next to a column, which usually means busting through part of the footer for the column (which will weaken the column).
It is FAR, FAR easier than trying to make these plates mount precisely where they have to be. Sometimes folks that mount the plate to the wall/column get lucky and everything works out, but more often than not, it becomes an arduous task.

With a carpenters pencil and level you can mark the column where it needs to be.
Identify the best locations for masonry screws, (usually two near bottom, two near top and two every two-three feet in between). Then locate you Ultra Hinge Mounting Plate location and verify by matching with gates welded female side of hinges.

Note/Tip: I like to use a Stainless Steel Machine Bolt and cut washer with a Nylock type nut and through bolt.

Then I use a $15 diamond imbedded blade (used by tile installers) to cut a trench 1/4-1/2" deep where I made my marks for the "C" post to column/wall interface. Try to make depth fairly uniform.

Then I pay out/apply bituminous (roofing) caulk into the grooves I have cut (sparingly).
Note/Tip: silicone, lexel or even latex will work in a pinch.

Then, as a final step you attach masonry screws through the holes you drilled to mark your column/wall for hammer drilling, and tighten by hand with socket to prevent over-tightening.
Note/Tip: Order touch-up paint to match gate and pre-paint SS plate machine bolts and masonry fasteners so they will blend in seamlessly.

I like the Tapcon brand and always use the hex-head variety, so I can use a socket to tighten by hand and not strip-out the hole in masonry.

These would NOT be recommended for attaching the mounting plate directly to the masonry substrate. They are more than sufficient when used with "C" posts and cost a fraction of larger masonry fasteners (shown below).

I hope this is helpful. I believe it is the fastest, easiest, strongest, most durable and best looking way to hang a gate from a column or wall.

Darrin Jones
Regional Sales Manager Southwest USA
and all of Latin America and Caribbean
Ultra Aluminum Mfg., Inc. and
Ultra Access Controls, Inc.
(256) 214-0633 cell
(951) I M ULTRA or 468-5872 Google Voice

1-619-374-7064 eFax

ultraaluminum@gmail.com

www.ultraeasy.blogspot.com

www.ultrafence.com

Revolution/Hide by Ultra in the Southland

2013-03-19T02:04:00.004-07:00

Many times all over the USA and likely elsewhere there are homes that need gates at the end of a long driveway. As a gate and operator company, Ultra can help you provide some real benefits for those customers that may not be all too apparent to the untrained eye. Let me point out a few of what I like to call "True Buying Benefits"(TBB) for your customer.

That customer can save hundreds if not thousands on not having to install line voltage (120 v or 240 v) out to the end of that long, long driveway. Have you seen what copper prices have done in the last few years?
The customer can save hundreds more by not being required to have a licensed electrical contractor come out to do this line voltage connection to the main service panel and place it in conduit all the way out to connect with the gate operator system.
The customer may qualify for up to $3500 on tax credits if the solar powered gate and operator are at their primary residence and they itemize. Most folks buying estate gates do itemize and it could qualify for basically something as good as cash to them.
The customer can enjoy enjoy the use of their gate for years to come with only minimal maintenance required, (keeping gate aligned, changing batteries every 3-5 years, aligning solar panel for max. input charge, keeping all wire connections good and tight, etc.)
The customer can enjoy the convenience and security of the automated gate, especially when they need it the most, when it is storming and when power may be out in the community.
Even IF the driveway grade slopes upward as you enter the property, they do not have to deal with ugly linear actuator motors or articulating arms on the outside of the gate. This is a feature that only Ultra offers at an economical price point. The operator motor is built into the upright frame of the gate at the hinge posts.
Lastly, you and your company can make more profit because with the Ultra Revolution/Hide Model and our Estate Gates, it is set the posts, hang the gate and connect a few wires and you are done. This eliminates hours and hours of costly installation and equates to a better bottom line and a much happier customer, often ready to provide referrals right away.

All of these True Buying Benefits equate to Better Selling Benefits for your company and your sales team. Dealing with Ultra will make you proud to provide the very best fences, gates, railing and access control devices available today. We are happy to be able to bring you these top quality products that can be sold in that sweet spot of the upper mid range, providing maximum value.

Let others sell on price alone and deal with the headaches of selling crappy foreign products that are not build to last. Let even others go at the market with products that are several times higher in price with few benefits over our products. Meanwhile, you can dominate the portion of the market made up of consumers that can afford what they want, but they demand quality and value. This mid range to upper mid range buyer is more abundant and easier to find, close and satisfy time and time again.

Call Dustin Chapman if you are in the Southeast or South Central USA at 706-988-9623 or call me Darrin Jones if you are in the Southwest or West Coast at 256-214-0633. Our HQ in Michigan is 800-656-4420 and we have sales people all over the country and in Canada and Mexico. Just give us a call and tell them Darrin sent you and that you are ready to make money the UltraEasy way!

Ultra Strong Handrail at the Pacific Ocean in the California Central Coast

Access Controls Do's and Don'ts

2012-12-23T13:53:00.000-08:00

When you are considering an operator for a new or existing gate:

Do:

Hire experienced company and ask for references.
Check with BBB and web review sites for customer satisfaction.
Compare warranties on materials and labor.
Consider all the components included in the quotations, some include only bare minimums while others may include additional safety devices and accessories.
Make sure you have utilized all tax incentives for solar powered alternatives and have manufacturer's certificate of compliance.
Consider hidden costs like permits, replacement of worn out accessories and upgrades in access control technology.
Utilize safety devices to make sure you are UL 325 compliant and have mitigated liabilities for you and your company.
Make sure local Knox-Box or Emergency Vehicle entry devices have been connected and tested for use in case of an emergency.
Make sure all wires and cables are in conduit and that your control box and connections are weather tight and sealed to last a long, long time.
Make sure all safety signs have been mounted and photos taken to verify this fact. You can use these photos to promote your business and prove that you have obeyed all safety regulations.

http://youtu.be/njUgZO-shuU

Do NOT:

Try to modify garage door opener to act as a gate opener...(see video below http://youtu.be/-saXQF5IU8U :)
Use the cheapest operators and access control devices on the market; They will only fail and cause you more headache and expenses in the long-run.
Forget to quote Ultra Access Control products to save you time, money and reduce call-backs.
Overlook the fact that your skills as an Access Control Expert can be valuable to other companies. Large to medium fence contractors often sub work to qualified, experienced and certified automatic gate operator installers.
Fail to recommend a continued maintenance program to the end user of the automatic gate. Far too often gates and operators are not maintained until there is a problem. Just like any sophisticated electromechanical device, an ounce of preventative maintenance is worth several pounds of emergency repairs or replacements.

Do NOT do this!

What is the "Right" Way to Brace a Gate?

2012-11-19T18:14:00.000-08:00

First let us all agree that the reason we brace gates is primarily to keep it from sagging, to keep it looking good and functioning as it was intended to from the beginning.

From my extensive research in gate bracing I have come up with four primary categories:

Compression Bracing -
A compression cross-brace takes weight from the top bar and transfers it by pushing down against the bottom hinge or a vertical component that transfers load to both hinges. (see photo and/or drawing)

Hinge Side on Right with Brace running from Top of latch side to bottom of hinge side. Typical on Wooden Gates.

Now, compression bracing can be used on Cantilever gates as well since the load is transferred differently than a hinged gate. Interesting Fact: Cantilever gates are some of the strongest designs because of how they transfer loads. Our ULTRACK gates can be chain link, plain pickets, decorative pickets, vinyl, wood, composite boards our our Eclipse Aluminum Privacy boards.

Ultrack Gates can even be made to look like Estate Gates

Here you have a fine example of having the fine architectural appeal of an estate gate, with the maximum mechanical advantages that come with a cantilevered gate that is more often used in Commercial or Industrial settings.

This installation was done before we had our BFT USA rack and pinion options as part of Ultra Access Controls.

Suspension or Strut Bracing - strut - brace consisting of a bar, cable or rod used to resist longitudinal compression a structural member used to stiffen a framework. (see photo and/or drawing)

Notice the through bolting used as well as a compression brace "kick-leg" used on longer suspended areas

Now a typical cable and turnbuckle is also a form of suspension brace that is often added as a retro-fit to remove the effects of gate sag or as a preventative and adjustable method.

The adjustable truss rod on chain link gates and cantilevers gates is also a version of a suspension brace.

Horizontal Bracing - Horizontal Bracing is just what it sounds like, using a brace or series of braces that are horizontal and parallel to the top and bottom of the gate frame.

The traditional "Farm Gate" or "Ranch Gate" utilizes Horizontal Bracing. Often used in conjunction with Counter Bracing, which is pictured below but is not categorized as a type of gate bracing, since it has a main purpose of supporting and reinforcing the strength of the hinge post and not effecting weight transference from the gate itself.

Counter Bracing (Post Reinforcement)

Sometimes integrated adjustable hinges will eliminate or off-set sagging when gates are in a closed position but do not offer a solution when the gate is in a fully open position. In my opinion, any gate over 16' wide that swings needs a suspension brace with some form of adjustment, like a truss rod. Because Horizontal Bracing alone is often NOT enough on wide spans.

Gusset Bracing - Gusset Bracing is the use of diagonal braces in the corners of a gate frame to maintain the original shape of the gate, be it square or rectangular. These gussets come in many varieties and are often used in conjunction with other forms of bracing. There are even companies like systems for use on all types of gates, primarily marketed at DIY types.

Gusset Bracing done with wood

Gate Kits, this one works extremely well since it is integrated with the hinges and connects securely to horizontal and vertical members of the gate frame. This technique is often used on aluminum and steel gates as well.

There are of course many hybrids that utilize two, three or all four of these bracing techniques. Some common examples are:

Compression Brace with Suspension Cable Brace


"X" Bracing, or in this case double "X" bracing with gussets

While the decorative gate on the left uses traditional compression bracing, the decorative gate on the right uses compression bracing, suspension bracing and even incorporates board in-fill to add support. This is a great example of letting the bracing become a major design component for the overall aesthetics of the gate.

Some companies like Gate Solutions make kits that make bracing a wooden gate extremely fast and easy. If you do contact them, tell them Darrin sent you.

For addition information or comments and suggestions, please use the comment section or contact me directly at UltraAluminum@gmail.com or on LinkedIn at our Ultra Fence and Railing Group.

And please visit our main website ate UltraFence.com and/or UltraAccessControls.com

Saving Time = Saving Money

2012-07-23T14:59:00.001-07:00

Whether you have just started installing automatic gate operators, are just considering offering them or have been installing them since they have been around, the common sense saying "Time is Money" will ring more than true to you. When you have to pay a fence crew's salaries, insurance, benefits and pick up the tab for the truck, gas, insurance and maintenance then you know it costs dearly each and every time you send a crew anywhere to do anything. When it comes to the crew that has the technical expertise to handle access control those costs are even higher. That is why it is more important than ever to know that the products you choose will in large part determine how long the crew is on the job, how many times they will need to return to complete a project and heaven forbid, how many "Free" service calls you will need to send them on for warranty work.

Again with your most technically inclined crews, this likely means your most expensive crew too. They are the ones that many fence contractors choose to use outside specialists to cover. Because not only does this access control crew need extra knowledge and experience, they need advanced problem solving skills and specialized tools . Whether you use your own people, sub out the access control portion of the job or are the access control specialists that does sub work for many fence contractors, you all value time; Because - Time equals Money ;
Just as efficiency equals greater profitability.


An aluminum alloy bracket guaranteed to save time and money

You are probably asking yourself...How can this save me time and increase efficiency?


When used with our operators and gates you will gain many magnitudes of efficiency.

Our Extremely Heavy-Duty Mounting Brackets come powder coated to match the gate and fence, they mount to the post that supports the enclosed track and trolley assembly. It saves a trip and half a day of excavating, forming, pouring, finishing and inserting J-bolts and finishing some more....
all just to wait for another day to get the operator installed, and thus finishing the job.


It also makes it easier on your installers, because this method not only saves time, it saves the installer's back.

With our 24 volt BFT Operators you can send one man to do what two to four men had to struggle to do. You can also send a light truck or even a car and save a bunch of fuel over the normal required flat-bed one ton or bigger. Plus you will likely save on Workmen's Comp claims and keep those seasoned professionals longer because they won't be injured and broken down by the time they are in their 50's or 60's. It just makes sense, and thus makes you more Dollars.


Sure, switching to rack and pinion over chain will take some getting used to (usually one job).

But the advantages of switching to Ultra/BFT System of completely adjustable rack & pinion will:

Make you installation MORE SECURE than using chain that can be cut or kicked off gear.
Make your jobs BETTER LOOKING by allowing you to keep the drive element hidden.
The rack will ADD TO RIGIDITY of the gate, making it stronger than when it left the factory.
NOT allow the crew or anyone in the future to WARP THE GATE FRAME by over-tightening a chain. (Which happens, especially on wide openings.)
Make your gate system QUIETER than a chain drive, (thus getting you more referrals).
Allow your system to be more ADJUSTABLE than any concrete foundation based operator.
Allow your team to install twice the operators with less people, which means BETTER PROFITS than any other system.
Allow your crew to leave those forms, concrete mixer and trowels on the truck. They won't be needed with this system. (Which will keep the jobsite cleaner and customers happier)
Allow your sales staff to tell the home or business owner not to worry about sagging, rusty or oily chains messing up their beautiful driveways and entrances.
Lastly, allow for less maintenance and happier installation crews and customers.

Or you could continue to excavate, pour and form, deal with too tight or too loose chains and continue the old ways, while some competitor starts to take away your market share....

Buy American or dig your own grave (and your children's)

2012-06-13T10:56:00.002-07:00

This is a fantastic, common sense explanation of why folks should Buy American Made products, real 100% American Made Products. At Ultra Aluminum Mfg., Inc. in Howell, MI. we manufacture fencing, gates, railing and use American Extrusions, shipped, assembled, powder coated and packaged by Americans for Americans to install and enjoy for decades to come...(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tncqJWWGow4&feature=colike) Check this 15 min. video out

If the government won't help, then the people must do it themselves. Let's say 300,000,000 Americans each simply reallocated 1 dollar per day, spending 1 dollar less on foreign-made goods, 1 dollar more on American-made goods. (That's $30 per month, per person, and it is not an extra $30 per month, but just where you spend it!) After a year, this would add up to $109,500,000,000. What could the real, productive American economy do with an extra $109.5 billion? How about 2,737,500 new jobs paying $40,000 per year?

It seems bizarre that most Americans are so blind to the problem and the obvious solution.

"Americans losing jobs, a suffering economy, bad consequences for the U.S.'s future and the exploitation of disadvantaged countries are all serious problems that stem from deindustrialization. By purchasing from corporations who practice deindustrialization one is adding to and approving of the problem. Think of the proposal, Americans should buy American made products, it makes sense to act upon it. The only way to change or prevent this is to not support multinational companies and to buy American made goods." - More: Why Buy American? - by Laura Ramos - E306 Rhetoric and Composition - University of Texas at Austin

Buy American: Not a New Approach

The U.S., like most countries, has long protected certain domestic economic sectors. Nations legitimately protect certain industries for national security reasons. Other procurement preferences often define permissible suppliers for government-funded projects. In the U.S., examples include the "Buy American Act" for certain U.S. government procurements and construction projects, the "Buy America" law mainly for federal transit grants to states and localities, and the "Berry Amendment" for some Department of Defense purchases. The ARRA Buy American provision is broader than other U.S. procurement restrictions in some respects, but narrower than the public debate might imply. READ MORE: (Read the PDF)

The greed of us all wanting lower prices is also cutting our own throats in the process.

The government and businesses, as well as the consumer has forgotten what made this country the greatest in history.

To just flush it all away, and end up just another poor socialist country is a tremendous waste of our divinely inspired founding fathers vision, and the lives of all those that fought and died to keep us a free nation and a great Republic.

Ultra Easy Access Control

2012-06-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

Now Ultra Aluminum Mfg., Inc. is going all out to provide the highest quality in service, design and integration of gates and the operators that move them. Even if you choose to use a gate from somewhere else, you will still benefit from the accessories that come from a leader in gate manufacturing (Ultra) blended with one of the World's Top 5 Gate Operator Manufacturers (BFT). Right now we are offering special incentives to companies that focus on access control installation and service.

Contact Dan Evans at UltraAccess@gmail.com and check out the new website coming soon at www.UltraAccessControls.com

Is recommended for large Industrial and Municipal Installations...

And is available in a solar version called EcoSol that can save budget dollars on line voltage runs to perimeter or add profit and ultimate reliability...

Adjustable in both speed of travel and torque. It can move fast and then slow down for the last few inches of closure.

Making each installation
.........Ultra Easy
is our goal, while maintaining reliability
you can be proud to have your name associated with.

When a swing gate is needed, we have a value-priced
option that can keep you competitive.

When you got Sun Power,
....why Not use it?

When there are tax credits for U.S. Homeowners....
...why Not take them?

special limitations may apply...

Remember,

you can always contact me directly

Darrin Jones ultraaluminum@gmail.com

Contact Dan Evans at UltraAccess@gmail.com

and check out the new website coming soon at www.UltraAccessControls.com

Railing Installation Tip of the Day

2012-05-23T07:19:00.004-07:00

Railing Installation Tip of the Day

When working with welded flanges it is often difficult to deal with extreme slopes or grades that will tend to throw the posts and pickets way out of plumb.

What to do:
- Send back posts or order more that have a biased cut to accommodate the angle...
- Use rebar and forms and make a small, but level pad extension...
- Use shims under the low side and level the posts, but have to deal with exposed shims and a flange that is not completely secure...

None of these are Great Solutions, but look below-

By using a composite masonry blade and a cold chisel,one can modify the concrete under the flange, then the flanges can become recessed into the slab. This will allow for grade fine tuning and actually strengthen the post-flange-substrate connection.

There may be better solutions out there, but if you have one - I would really like to know.

Just sharing this Tip to help you if you ever run across this in the field and need to get the job done.

Hopefully,

Most of you dealers will learn to interpret grade ahead of time. This customer near San Francisco was told to use an inclinometer app for his smart phone, but he did not want to spend the 99 cents.
So instead he ended up paying a crew several hundred dollars to help him deal with the grade by modifying the concrete under the flanges.

Many ways to stay informed

2012-05-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

In the Fence Industry there are many ways to stay informed. Most of you know and participate in many of these:

Become active member of your regional AFA
Visit Fence Tech every year and check out the booths
Subscribe to World Fence News (May Issue Ultra makes cover again), Fence Post Magazine or other trade journals
Use the Internet to browse and research new products and approaches
Read and Subscribe to blogs written specifically on the product line you offer
Join Social Networks and Groups to discuss varying subjects
Get out there in the real world and visit your suppliers, your allies and even your competition

This last one is what brings me to discuss most of what you will find on this blog. I go out in the field and see something that reflects well on this industry or I see something that shows that the folks that just want to make a quick buck and are not focused on doing the job well. My standard for a good fence, gate or railing installation is simple;

I ask three questions:

    Does this installation serve the intended purpose reliably?

    Was this installation made in such a way that it will continue to serve its intended purpose for at least a couple of decades (if not more)?

   Does the installation add to the overall aesthetics of the scene or does it detract?

For a Great Fence, my standards are much higher. Here is a photo of a INDUSTRIAL Premium Grade Installation in Plano that garnered letters of praise from the nearby homeowners all the way to the city manager. The installation was done as well as any I have ever seen.

And here we are on the cover of this month's World Fence News again...

Ultra's Signature Railing

2012-04-19T11:39:00.001-07:00

For quite a while I have been focused on Gates and Access Control by Ultra, but with Spring comes the urge to be outside. Many homeowners, businesses, apartment complexes and municipal structures utilize railing that is similar to fencing but different. This post will be about some of the differences and why you can gain market-share and enhanced profitability by using Ultra's Signature Series of Railing.

First of all, fencing is typically comes in residential, commercial and industrial strength varieties and then these are offered in 4', 5', 6' and in industrial even 7', 8', 9' & 10' heights. Railing is typically 36" in height when at a private residence and 42" when in public or commercial spaces. Both railing heights also have to be tested for added strength. According to International Building Code (IBC) Section 1607.7.1 Handrails and guards, “Handrail assemblies and guards shall be designed to resist a load of 50 plf (0.73kN/m) applied in any direction at the top and to transfer this load through the supports to the structure.” And According to International Residential Code (IRC) Section 1607.7.1.1 Concentrated load, “Handrail assemblies and guards shall be able to resist a single concentrated load of 200 pounds (0.89 kN), applied in any direction at any point along the top, and have attachment devices and supporting structure to transfer this loading to appropriate structural elements of the building.”

Ultra has designed and had our railing products built and tested with this in mind. So you can rest assured that our products, when installed properly will perform well on the 2nd story balcony or the 52nd floor balcony. They are not only beautiful, durable but extremely strong. Here are some photos of a recent job. (Notice the use of core-drilling versus the more common use of flange plates)

photo by: Ben Jodoin


photo by: Ben Jodoin


photo by: Ben Jodoin

Plus you can see these with flange plates used:


This one even had a Trex "Drinking/Bar Ledge" added to it...


And this one utilizes our Boss Flanges & Boss Posts and a Continuous Cap (Madison Style in Satin/Matte White)

See more and more photos all the time at www.ultrafence.com and try out our Design Studio where you can upload a photo of a prospective site and choose the fence or railing to add, then show you customers exactly what they are getting. This is a GREAT Sales Tool when utilized!

New Gate School and Ideas

2012-03-20T18:05:00.000-07:00

With Ultra now offering a whole new line-up of access control devices, you might want to schedule an installation and sales school for your team.


This group of fence installers and salesmen learned what makes our operators paired to the Ultra Gate such a breeze to install and what makes them a better VALUE. This makes them easy to sell, Ultra Easy!!!

Just ask you Ultra Regional Sales Manager what it will take to get the entire team up to speed with the products you should be offering every customer, residential, commercial, municipal or industrial.

with a 22'-6" wide single leaf gate in Ultra Aluminum it will hang straight & swing easy, Ultra Easy...

Often I get asked, "How wide of a single panel gate can Ultra make?"
That question cannot be answered as simply as one might think....we have to take into account the following:

Gate Height
Picket Spacing
Grade
Design
Are there inserts like Art Medallions, Castings, Baskets, Knobs, etc.
and of course, is it a swing or slide gate.

But as a rule of thumb, 20-24 feet wide on most swing gates,
and 20-28 feet on slide gates like V-Track
and 45-60 feet on Ultrack Cantilever Gates

But there are often savings to allow for bi-parting gates, I know you will use more operators,
but you will save freight on extra large gate panels and we can save you enough on the operators
that you can bid two against their one and still win the bid. By selling the exact model needed for
the job and understanding the gate it is intended for, we enhance efficiency at every turn.

1/2 Post attached directly to CMU Block
filled with concrete and re-bar makes for
a SUPER STRONG and well integrated
Look that is very professional and sleek.


This Gate was installed by a home builder, his first driveway gate and less than 2 hours later he was done and driving away with a check in his hands and a happy customer.

Do you have any automatic gate questions or gate questions in general?
Leave a comment and ask away. I am writing this to help you become Ultra Successful!

Ultra Access Controls

2012-02-16T08:49:00.000-08:00

We are still the same group that helps you provide your customers the strongest aluminum alloy fence.

We are the same group that brought you Ultrack Cantilever Gates, Estate Gates and Signature Railing

We are the same group that brought you the Defender Series of Industrial Grade Fence to compete.

We are the same group that brought you more standard colors, textures and styles.

We are the same group that brought you Revolution Hidden Gate Operators.

We are the same group that brought you Eclipse Privacy Panels.

We are the same group that brought you plasma cut Medallions.

We are the same group that brought you V-Track Gates.

We are the same group that brought you glass railing.

Now, well into the 21st Century, we bring you many, many more True Buying Benefits (TBB) that you can carry out into your market. With these tools in the hands of the right sales organization, YOU can excel and dominate while others struggle and push their cheap Chinese products.

Now call your Ultra RSM and get the most competitive pricing on the Best Access Control Devices!

Introducing ...Ultra Access Controls

2012-02-13T15:43:00.000-08:00

Combine an Ultrack Gate Frame with Vinyl Privacy

2011-12-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

Here’s a nice, clean install of our mid-grade opener with solar on a cantilever w/Vinyl Privacy pickets. We customized the bracket for a side mount and the thing works like a champ. It’s in a local DPW yard.

By combining an Ultrack (enclosed track cantilever gate) Gate with vinyl privacy panels and a sleek European Gate Operator mounted on the post, you have a strong, fairly light, easy to install automated sliding privacy gate. This product combination will give smooth, reliable use for years to come.

See more products like this coming soon from:

and

Ultra Secure Perimeter Fence

2011-12-01T09:43:00.001-08:00

In today's climate of infrastructure repair and replacement coupled with the ever-elevated threat level, there are many great jobs that focus on the need for REAL Security, - ULTRA Security!

Whether it is a water treatment plant, water storage tower or communication equipment hub or anything else a local, state or our federal government wants to have secured, there is no better option than selling them on 100% Made and Manufactured in the U.S.A. Structural Grade Aluminum Alloy Fences, Gates and Railings. There are many ways we add value at Ultra. Let me show some prime examples below:

Setting Posts 1st with FPP Posts

By utilizing structural, heat-treated, aluminum alloys that are all extruded and produced in the USA, Ultra can provide tall security fences up to 10' (or more).
By having the capacity to punch Full Profile holes into those structural posts, it allows for the full insertion of the complete rail profile into the post at every post-to-rail intersection. Other companies have either a smaller hole calling for clipped or reduced rail ends that minimize strength and cause errors. Or the worst case scenario, at least for the fence professional, is the use of brackets or other fittings that slowdown the installation.
Lastly, by having the posts set deep in concrete, they can be left alone until concrete cures and the panels can be inserted later. With completely cured concrete, it is Ultra Easy to secure the panels in later without the typical risk associated with post-panel-post style installation which is most common in ornamental fence installation. This process renders a stronger, better looking installation that is actually more cost effective for the experienced Ultra Dealer.

Protecting America's Water Supply in Allen, Texas

and in many other parts of the country, one water tower at a time.

We are proud to offer products that will outlast ANYTHING on the market. Why should we spend our taxpayer's dollars on foreign made fencing products or domestic steel products that will need to be replaced soon due to inferiority?

BUILD IT TO LAST an
ULTRA Long Time!


Beauty, Security and Value

If our Governments, both Municipal and State and Federal were to really try to Buy American it would make a huge difference in our economy.

If those Governments chose fences, gates, railing and operators based on durability and quality we would see far more Ultra Secure Facilities!!


Protect what is vital with a fence that is Ultra Secure!!

Cheap is NOT always Cheap

2011-11-18T10:41:00.001-08:00

Have you ever been tempted to use a "cheap import" ornamental aluminum fence?

Many fence professionals are doing anything and everything to try to survive these trying times, many even resort to using a light-weight product, one of dubious origins. There are companies out there that compete with Ultra by having a real light-weight product that is marketed with really slick, professional marketing pieces like brochures. Some of them sell aluminum and vinyl, others sell steel and aluminum, and some of them have done a GREAT job marketing their products. But it seems they spend more money on the sizzle than on the steak.

But does going or selling "cheap" really pay-off? I think NOT.

Here is an example of WHY NOT:


Notice anything strange here? Anything the homeowner would NOT accept?

Here is a prime example how a "cheap product" turns out to be very, very expensive to sell and far less profitable that selling the 100% Made in USA product that Ultra offers.
Case in point: With this truly "screw-less" panel, the pickets can not be removed and re-oriented and then re-installed. The crew did not notice this error until all the panels were installed, with posts set in concrete. This would cost the dealer 4-6 weeks of NOT being able to collect, then it will cost them the administration fees of re-ordering the panels (the headache of dealing with an RMA when the product cannot be returned right away) and then they get to pay a crew, pay for the gas, the mileage and all that goes along with removing four posts to install two more panels. This whole fiasco could and likely will cost the dealer more than 10 times the money they might have saved by selling a cheap Chinese product.
Now think about the ding to the dealer's reputation, the added frustration and what do you have? You have a situation that ultimately would have been Ultra Easy to avoid. Bet you they sell only Ultra from now on.

And lastly, even IF this competitor had NOT dropped the ball on quality control...the customer would still have ended up with a light-weight fence that under performs in every arena, strength, durability of finish and overall aesthetics. Build EACH job like your reputation hinges upon it, because in reality...IT DOES!!!

Call Ultra Today at (800) 656-4420

and ask for your Regional Sales Manager's name and cell phone number.

Stop losing money on "cheap" imports and start building an

ULTRA Great Reputation!

Glass Railing by Ultra

2011-11-14T07:31:00.000-08:00

Here are a few glass railing jobs that The Deck Store in Toronto did.

I know some of you were looking for some…

BEN JODOIN

VP Sales & Marketing

Why Aluminum is better than Steel

2011-11-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

It is appropriate to remember that most things in life have positive attributes mixed with limitations. Someone once told me that everything in life is a compromise, you choose what fits your needs by trading off something else. With ornamental fencing and gates it has usually meant that for gaining strength, a customer was willing to trade-off having to perform or pay for additional maintenance somewhere down the road. If folks want a product that will last longer and one that is easier to install, they would choose aluminum.


Here a painting crew is re-painting a three year old steel fence at a hotel in Phoenix, AZ

vs.

Our heat-treated aluminum alloy fence being installed in Sun City Arizona will never need to be painted. It does NOT rust.

At Ultra, we push things to the limit. We offer alloys that no competitor will offer you. Structural Heat Treated Alloys in Aluminum that are made from at least 85% recycled materials and may help large projects comply with requirements for LEED Certification. So help save yourself some maintenance, save some American Jobs, save the planet and save your customer some money while making a better installation.

Buy all American Made ULTRA Aluminum Fencing, Railing and Gates

Ultra could have made a custom gate fit better

2011-11-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

Often times I am asked "why should I switch from this BIGGER supplier to Ultra?" and I say-

ULTRA is BIG enough to deliver the goods, but small enough to still be flexible. Some of the BIG BOYS will sell you any color you need as long as it is black. They will offer you any gate size, as long as it is one of their standard sizes. Ultra has 9 (NINE) standard colors in two different finishes (matte and glossy). If you check out this image of a job supplied by one of the largest U.S. "Ameri _ _ _r" - you will see that having a partner/supplier that is willing and capable of customization has BIG advantages.

field customized?? There are better options...

We often make gates and transition panels that are different than the panels on an order.


Our gate looks better, right?

Switch to ULTRA and make erections that you will be proud of for decades to come.
Email me and I will explain how easy and profitable making the switch can be. Darrin Jones

Ultra on the Cover of World Fence News

2011-09-24T22:19:00.000-07:00

This is our Defender Industrial Grade Fence Product. It was actually on the cover a couple months ago and I was a little too busy to post this.


World Fence News August 2011 Issue

I will try to start getting more interesting Ultra News posted in a more timely fashion. Thanks for reading. Enjoy World Fence News online (here). And as always visit Ultra's dynamic and ever expanding website at www.ultrafence.com

Incredible Tri-Slide Ultrack/V-Track Hybrid Gate at Bogle Vineyards

2011-09-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share some photos of a unique job that was recently installed in N. California. Bogle Vineyards is one of the largest wineries in the US and they had a need for a gate that would close off a 45ft opening, but collapse into a very small footprint. A contractor who specializes in high-speed V-Track/Cantilever “Hybrids” chose Ultra to do the work and flew up to Howell to help oversee the fabrication. David was instrumental in getting the job off the ground. Russ worked with the contractor, providing a lot of engineering suggestions and came up with a solution for the 2-tone paint scheme. Ron worked his butt off welding this monster and dealing with a contractor looking over his shoulder. In short…it was a great team effort and the results speak for themselves. The gate was installed without a hitch, the customer is thrilled, Ultra made some money and I got just a little grayer. Great job to all involved!

BEN JODOIN

VP Sales & Marketing

Ultra Aluminum Manufacturing

2124 Grand Commerce Dr.

Howell, MI 48855