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Selecting the right fence for your home and landscape is an important decision for a homeowner to make. However, most homeowners do not consider selecting a fence that is comfortable to sit on. A fence that is comfortable to “sit” on you ask?

Though most fence owners haven’t considered sitting on their fences, the old adage remains. The illustration of “sitting on the fence” is rather humorous when considered. Imagine yourself sitting astride on a white picket fence or perhaps a more painful barbed wire fence with one leg on either side. A less than comfortable position to be in as you are not well-balanced on one side or the other but rather unsteady ala Humpty Dumpty.

The phrase “sitting on the fence” refers to being neither on one side nor the other, but distributed evenly between the two sides ready to drop to either side at any time. The phrase commonly refers to politicians prior to their decision on an issue.

It should also be considered that perhaps some are found “sitting on the fence” because they would prefer not to choose sides or have their preference known.

So if you find yourself sitting on the fence for personal or political reasons, you should note that you may not be there for very long. After all, fences were created to provide privacy, beauty and protection, not to sit on.

Selecting the perfect fence to meet the needs of your family, is often an overwhelming decision. Fences can be manufactured from wood, iron, vinyl, PVC, concrete and many other materials. In addition to considering your budget, it is critical to select a fence that enhances your home and the surrounding landscape. Today, a popular fence choice is the vinyl or PVC fence. Both choices require very little maintenance and provide a classic appearance that can match the exterior of almost any style of home. Before selecting which option is right for you, it is important to understand the difference between vinyl fences and PVC fences.

PVC or Poly Vinyl Chloride is a general term that can refer to anything from plumbing supplies and patio furniture to top-secret materials used for the military and other technologies. PVC resin is manufactured from crude oil, salt and natural gas. Ethylene and Chlorine are derived from these materials and chemically react to form ethylene dichloride (EDC). The EDC is heated and results in two gases, hydrogen chloride (HCl) and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). Poly simply means many. PVC is many molecules of vinyl chloride. An additional chemical reaction, polymerization produces PVC resin from VCM. A white solid powdery material is formed, referred to as PVC resin. The PVC resin is then blended with colors, plasticizers, stabilizers and UV inhibitors.

Vinyl begins as a PVC powder that is blended with additional ingredients to form a compound. This compound is heated, pressurized and mixed resulting in a malleable vinyl. This vinyl is placed in a die in the shape of the finished product. Water is then used to cool the product into its completed rigid state.

It is important to note that all vinyl and PVC fences should not be painted. Most PVC and vinyl fences will “chalk” after a time. Chalking refers to the deterioration of vinyl and simply appears as a white powder that can be wiped off. Typically, vinyl and PVC fences do not mildew. Older versions of vinyl fencing have been known to yellow, though fences treated with UV protection at the time of manufacturing will not yellow.

Though the initial cost of vinyl and PVC fencing is higher when compared to chain link fencing or wood fencing there is a cost savings over the life of the fence. Maintenance and other cost factors increase the overall cost of wood fences. Wood fences require stain, paint, waterproofing and the replacement of broken or warped boards.

Fences are all around us….literally. On city lots wrought iron fences with gates adorn homes with a classic style. They serve as a decorative enhancement to the property rather than providing a functional purpose. In rural areas split rail or electric fences are utilized to protect pets and livestock or indicate property lines.
Selecting a fencing option to fit the needs of your family can be overwhelming.

Fences can be manufactured from a variety of materials and constructed in diverse ways to best fit the needs of your property. Prior to researching fencing options, it is best to review the purpose of your new fence. We all want our new fence to beautify our property but consider the function of your new fence before installation. A few points to consider:

•Privacy – is the main goal of your fence to provide privacy from neighbors or street noise. If you are enclosing the area around a swimming pool it may be necessary to have additional security features like locking gates or additional height. Vinyl or wood fences are excellent options to ensure privacy around your home.
•Children & Pets – is the purpose of your fence to protect your pets and children. Vinyl fences are eye catching and effective, however chain link or wood fencing are also options.
•Security – consider the difference between security and privacy. You can create privacy with a fence, but it may not be secure. Locking gates and a fence that is installed directly on the ground may be a necessity to thoroughly protect your property. Perhaps your fence is being constructed to protect your garden or landscape plantings from rodents and wildlife. As wood is a natural material it is probably not the best option for a security fence. Often wildlife can scurry under wood fences or even damage the wood rendering the fence useless. Metal and ornamental fences are also ill-advised choice as they are typically not solid.
•Beautification – is your new fence merely an embellishment to your yard and does not serve as a security or privacy device.

Once you have determined the goals for your new fence, you can begin to explore options for the type of material you would like to select for your fence. Consider your budget and the style of your home and landscape before selecting a material for your fence. The style of your home can have a great impact on the type of fence you select. For example, if your home is a log or wood dwelling, selecting an ornate metal fence is probably not the best choice. However, if you have a sided home, a vinyl fence may be a fitting option.

Always consult a fencing installer to thoroughly review fencing options and costs. Be sure to contact your local municipality before constructing a fence to determine where utility lines are located. Planning ahead and exploring all of your options will ensure that you select the perfect fence to meet the needs of your family and enhance your property.

When you think of a wrought iron fence or gate you probably think of a tiny yard surrounding a brick townhouse in historic Boston or a stately plantation in America’s Deep South. But wrought iron fences and gates are making a comeback in neighborhoods just like yours and mine.

There are many reasons for fencing your property. You may simply want to beautify your yard. More often than not however, fencing provides added security from unwanted animals and pests, safety and protection for your family and perhaps most importantly privacy.

Today, technology allows homeowners with existing fences to enhance the usability of their gate with a gate operator. A gate operator is a mechanical device used to open and close a gate, such as one at the end of a driveway. There are three main types of electric gate openers, worm (or screw) driven, arm openers and underground loop openers. Imagine being able to carry your groceries or take out the garbage without the hassle of opening and closing your gate. With a gate operator the process if virtually hands free.

There are various types of gate operators. Swing gate operators and slide gate operators are most common. They can be added to existing gates or can be a part of your fencing plan at the design phase.

Homeowners in high end rural residential developments showcasing exclusive homes on plenty of land may require a driveway gate. Driveway gates not only add elegance but add security to homes that have lengthy driveways. A gate at the entrance to your home is also an ideal place to house security cameras. Driveway gates can be fitted with gate operators and are often manufactured from iron, steel or ornamental aluminum.

Many Americans dream of growing old in a small cape with a white picket fence while others strive to acquire an impressive estate surrounded by a stately wrought iron fence. Regardless of which option suits your lifestyle, fencing is a beneficial and beautiful part of any Americans dream home.

As a homeowner, we work all year long to make our house into our perfect home. In the winter we touch up interior paint, remodel a bathroom or perhaps finish a basement. With Spring upon us, it’s time to turn our attention to the outdoors and create a perfect yard for picnics, the kiddos and relaxation.

Creating the perfect atmosphere around your home means more than keeping the lawn green and trim and planting flowers, it may mean a large construction project. You may make the decision to build a deck, add a fence or even spruce up your landscape with a fountain or bird sanctuary. If you’re planning to build a deck or construct a fence to enhance your family’s yard, there’s an important new service available for free to save you time, money and possible headaches.

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer and plan to construct your deck, fence or even a mailbox, call the new federally-mandated national “Call Before You Dig” number. The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) created the 811 line in an effort to help homeowners identify underground utilities as well as to ensure environmental protection.

No job is too small. Even if you’re installing a mailbox, planting a tree or erecting a basketball hoop. Big jobs like constructing a deck or fence always requires a call to 811. These jobs typically have multiple holes and often times because they can be near your property line, can run dangerously close to underground utility lines.

You can call 811 from any location nationwide. You can place your call to 811 just days before you plan to begin your project. When you call 811, you will be routed to your local call center. You should tell the customer service representative that you are planning a home improvement project that requires digging. The representative will then notify the local utility companies and in a few days they will visit your property and mark the approximate location of any pipes, cables, lines or wiring.

More information about 811 can be found at www.call811.com. Remember before you beautify your home with new plantings, a deck, or fence, dig smart, call 811.

When you are planning on buying a fence here are a few things to remember

1. Start by laying out a line where you want your fence to go.
2. Measure the distance of each line. For example one line may be 54 linear feet; the next may be 200’.
3. Draw this layout on a piece of paper and write down the total footage for each line.
4. Then you want to take each line and figure out how many sections you will need. Let’s say you are buying aluminum fence that comes in 6’ sections.

i.     Divide 54 by 6; this comes out with 9 sections.

ii.     For each section you need a post.

iii.     On the drawing above you would see your 9 section divided by post.

You would order on this line 9 sections, 8 line posts, 1 end post and 1 corner posts.

5. Follow the same procedure for the entire layout.
6. Now lets say you want a gate in you line. You can choose the width of the gate and subtract that from the total footage. So on the 200-foot length you would take off 4 feet which would now leave you with 196 linear feet.
7. Place the gate in the line to show approx where you want to gate to be.
8. Then take 196 and divide by 6 to get the number of sections you will need, which in this case would be 33 sections. Then remember to order you posts to go along with the fence sections.
9. With this information in hand Call us at Summit fence supply, llc and allow us to go over what you are looking to purchase.

And that is how you order your fence.

An easier way to do the whole project is to get the dimensions and send us the drawing and we would be glad to work up a quote to you and email it within hours.

Bufftech is the leader in privacy vinyl fence because of the large variety of styles they offer. If you are shopping price, check out the Bufftech Lexington series. For those looking for a wood grain look in vinyl fence, the Chesterfield Certagrain is the fence you want. 

Watch this video for more information about vinyl privacy fences supplied by Summit Fence Supply.

1. How much vinyl fence do I need? First, it is important you determine what you want to protect or contain. On paper, draw a lay out of your lot. A simple lot plan will help you determine the distances of each side of your new fence and greatly help in determining how much fence you need to order. Use stakes to indicate each of your corners.  Measure between the stakes and keep a written record of each length of fence you’ll need. Learn more about Installing a Vinyl Fence.

2. What height do I want or is required in my area? Be sure to check with your city’s zoning laws as they pertain to fence regulations. Some cities limit the height of fences in front and back yards to no more than 3′ high.

3. Is the fence for a swimming pool or backyard? Fences around swimming pools have different requirements than backyard fences. Again check with your city’s fence regulations.

4. Do I want arched gates or standard gates? Arched gates are more decorative which comes at a cost.

5. What style or color really speaks to me? Be sure to check out all of the color and style options. You will have to live with your choice for quite a while so you want to be happy with it.

Before you have a fence installed in your yard you will need to check the Zoning Ordinance for Fencing Regulations for your city. In some cases a residential fence, landscape wall or decorative post that exceeds 30 inches will require a building permit. A building permit application for a fence typically includes a standard building permit application together with a site plan drawn to scale. They may also require a picture or drawing indicating the fence style and height. They will be concerned with the fence location, orientation and maintenance.

When hiring a fencing contractor to install the fence, you need to make sure they abide by the city requirements.

If you are considering installing a fence on a common property line you need to make contact with your neighbor for cooperation on the construction of the fence. In some cases it may be necessary to have your property surveyed by a licensed surveyor to positively identify and mark your property lines to avoid dispute.

If you live in a planned community, there may be an additional set of fence regulations you will be required to follow in order to be compliant with the community. Typically they will be concerned with color, height, materials and location of the fence. Swimming pools and tennis courts will have specific fence requirements as well.

These girls are talking about the pool fence requirements for Charlotte, North Carolina. The laws in your area might be different, so make sure to contact local authorities or a fence professional. Still–this is cute, and they do a good job highlighting some of the important aspects of pool fencing–self closing gate, latch on the inside, close-together-slats, etc.