(HIT) - We rely on fences to serve an array of
different purposes. They keep children and pets safe, offer privacy from nosy
neighbors, transform yards into outdoor entertainment centers, and add beauty
and value to property. Choosing the right fencing can be a bit perplexing when
you see the myriad of fencing options available. However, as long as you know
your landscape and stay focused on your purpose, you’ll be able to get off the
fence and take action.
When fence-shopping, consider these ten factors before purchasing:
1. Stick to the mission. Once you know your
goal—child safety, pet containment, privacy, entertainment, aesthetic
enhancement, or multi-purpose—stick to the mission by picking fencing that
best serves your goal. |
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For safety, choose fencing with
pickets close enough together so a child or dog can’t stick their head through
and become trapped or strangled. For privacy or noise reduction, choose a
taller, solid fence.
2. Know the lay of your land. Know your landscapes intimately—their
hills, valleys, and slopes—no matter how small. They can cause big installation
problems and impact your fence’s appearance. For yards with many ups and downs,
avoid disasters by using stair-stepped fencing, which ensures a level fence.
3. Ditch the high maintenance. Wooden fences are charming until they
weather, warp, and rot from the elements or lack of diligent annual maintenance.
Wood requires frequent sealing to keep it viable. Vinyl or virgin vinyl
(non-recycled) fencing withstands harsh elements and offers carefree
maintenance. Extremely durable, vinyl requires only occasional power-washing.
Choose vinyl containing titanium dioxide (TI02) to prevent UV damage. An example
is Triple Crown™ fence, manufactured since 1982 by one of the vinyl fencing
pioneers, Royal Outdoor Products.
 4.
Know your posts and gates. All fences require posts. For vinyl posts,
thicker may be better, but beware—some companies use foaming agents to boost
wall thickness without boosting strength. Choose vinyl posts with wall thickness
in the .135 to .150 range. If you need gates, remember that steel reinforcement
inside the gate hinge-posts is key; most gates are too heavy for vinyl alone to
accommodate.
5. Consider your climate. In frosty, northern climates, use concrete to
anchor fence posts. Planting posts 36-inches into the ground prevents heaving
during cold snaps. In humid, rainy areas, wood is more susceptible to water
damage, so vinyl is a better choice. High quality vinyl fencing, such as Royal
Outdoor Product's Triple Crown, won’t blister, peel, crack, or turn brittle,
even when installed in extreme hot or cold climates.
6. Don’t reinvent the fence. While do-it-yourself fencing is popular, the
results are often surprising (not in a good way). Installing fencing is no walk
in the park. Get professional help. Enlist a fencing contractor before
purchasing anything. The results are worth the cost.
7. The proof is in the fencing. Check out a company’s installations in
person. Reputable companies often have customer sites where you can see
completed fences firsthand.
8. Get neighbors on board. Make sure your fence doesn’t block your
neighbors’ view. As a courtesy, talk to them before choosing fencing, so you
don’t wind up feuding later. Getting their input can make them more agreeable to
whatever fencing design you ultimately choose.
9. Don’t zone out on building codes. Check with your municipality about
local zoning ordinances and building codes. Your fencing project may require a
permit.
10. Know your warranty rights. A limited lifetime warranty is common for
fencing. But warranties typically only protect against structural failure, so
unless your fencing collapses, you can’t make a claim. For added protection, get
an installation warranty from your contractor.
For more information about fence planning, call 1-800-488-5245 or visit
www.royaloutdoor.com. Courtesy:
Home Improvement News and Information Center
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