10 Tips to Add Lighting to Your Fence!

(Just in time for Christmas and the holidays.)

Your outdoor spaces are just as important as your indoor ones when it comes to choosing great lighting.

Use these 10 tips to create a dazzling look on your fence with the right lighting:

1. Add Solar Caps to Your Vinyl or Aluminum Fence                                                    Anchor Fence does sell, supply and install solar caps for vinyl and aluminum fencing which are available for order! These add lighting to your back or front yard and make your fence pop!                
2. Use Up-Lighting for a Dramatic Effect.
   Using lighting that’s low to the ground and pointed upward creates a look that shows off your garden without being too harsh. It also shows off the texture of your fence, even at night.
3. Create Shadows with Low-Placed Lighting
   By placing lights low to the ground, you can cast harsh shadows on the fence or house, creating a dramatic look.
4. Bright Spotlights Add Safety and Charm
   Use spotlights on your fence to illuminate areas for entertaining. The bright lights are helpful for guests when they are walking.
5. Use String Lights for Decorative Lighting
   String lights are easy to install and offer a wide variety of styles so you can change the look of your fence lighting easily and often. These lights are also festive for the Christmas season!
6. Use Accent Lighting to Highlight the Best Parts of Your Garden
   Experiment with lighting placed at various heights on your fence to make the area in front of it stand out. This is perfect for highlighting specific spots of the garden.
7. Make Functional Lighting Fun
   Add lights to the underside of benches placed along your fence. This provides light with a fun look.
8. Use Spotlights to Make Your Home Stand out
   Spotlights placed on your fence and directed at your house make it look extravagant and inviting.
9. Use Lamps and Lanterns for Versatility and Function
   Lamps and lanterns, that can be moved as needed, provide an endless variety of lighting possibilities for any garden.
10. Use Ambient Lighting to Set the Mood
    Lighting on a dimmer can be adjusted as needed to create the perfect look, every time.

Does PVC Fencing Make A Safe Fence For Horses?

Photo from Anchor Fence’s Instagram. http://instagram.com/anchorfence

Short answer is yes.

PVC (Vinyl) rail fencing has been on the market for approximately 20 years.

In its beginning, this innovative product was made specifically for residential use only. Since then, horse owners have ‘caught onto’ PVC fence and it is frequently used for horses.  However, the big question is: “Is PVC a safe fence for horses?”

Years ago we became more aware of the impact of using wood for building materials as well as fencing. Alternative composites were being developed to help lessen the demand for wood.  Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) had been used to make thousands of products from fencing, house siding, mail box posts, etc. With new technology and the addition of Ultra Violet (UV) inhibitors, whitening additives (titanium dioxide), and fungicides, a whole new market began in decorative residential fencing as well as railed fence.  As residential owners began using PVC as an alternative to wood, horse owners liked the look and benefit of never having to paint their fence again.

Proper installation is very important, always follow manufacturer’s instructions or hire a professional, such as Anchor Fence in Michigan.

The internet is loaded with articles leading a horse owner to believe that PVC is a very safe fence and that it will break without injuring a horse.  That is true. However, before purchasing a PVC fence for your particular horse/horses, there are some important facts that need you need to know. Proper installation is critical – as with every fence that you install, hiring a professional is your best bet such as Anchor Fence. Since PVC is light weight, all posts need to be concreted into the ground.  If not, after a short time the posts will lean from the wind, ground conditions or horses leaning on them.  Setting posts straight will allow the optimum amount of rail to be in the post, making the fence stronger and helping if an impact occurs.

A flat cap for a vinyl fence.

If you have a vinyl fence installed to contain your horses, make sure to get flat caps. This is to prevent the horse from chewing on the material, which can save your horse from choking and save your fence from being destroyed.

Keeping a Dog in the Backyard With Fence, No Matter How Small!

Dogs, especially small ones, can be little escape artists and can find their way out of most backyards. However, yards with the proper fencing will prevent your furry friend from escaping without harming them with electric shocks or tying them with a leash, which may choke them by the collar.

The least expensive solution is a chain link fence with bottom tension wire or bottom rail. The bottom tension wire or bottom rail will keep any dog from getting under the fence by pushing the wire up. The gaps in chain link are small, even if you have a Yorkie or Chihuahua he/she should not be able to fit through a chain link diamond. If you have a canine that likes to jump over the fence, there is 6 foot tall chain link available which should prevent dogs from jumping over. However, not all cities permit 6 foot tall chain link.

If your city does not allow 6 foot tall chain link the next best option is 6 foot tall privacy vinyl. Your dog will not be able to get through gaps in the fence pickets because there are no gaps in privacy vinyl pickets. Since the fence will be 6 foot tall, he/she will not be able to clear the fence by jumping. When you have a professional, such as Anchor Fence install, we are able to install vinyl fence so that there are no gaps between the bottom of the fence and the ground for your puppy to get under. Wood fence will work the same, however wood is susceptible to rotting, molding, weathering and would not last as long as a vinyl fence, which is why most companies do not put a warranty on wood. Wood is also at it’s most expensive, currently costing more than vinyl.

The last option to keep in your hound is steel or aluminum fence. This solution is mostly used for larger dogs because the gaps in these metal fence are large enough for a small dog or puppy to fit through unless puppy picket is added to the aluminum fence. There are also special harnesses and doggy donuts that prevent small dogs from getting through the gaps in aluminum or steel pickets. Aluminum and steel do come in 6 foot tall, so if your hound likes to jump, he/she should not be able to jump over the fence.

Puppy pickets are spaced closer together at the bottom so small dogs cannot fit through.

Custom harness prevents small dogs getting through aluminum or steel fence without puppy picket.

Special donut pillows for small dogs can also prevent them from going through a aluminum or steel fence.

If you would like any of the fences listed in this article for your puppy or dog and live in the Metro Detroit area, you can call Anchor Fence today for an estimate! 313-937-0101

Fence Regulations, Fencing Ordinance and Permits for Fences

If you are thinking about installing or having a professional company install your fence, it would be best to check local ordinances on fence before you plan a style, material, height and color. If you are in a subdivision or association, it would be best to check what kind of regulations they may have as well. Fencing regulations vary from city to city, for example some allow 6 foot tall privacy fence while others do not. If you would like to know what your city allows please visit our website for a list of cities in the Metro Detroit, Michigan area.

If your city is not listed, or does not have ordinance information on our website or their’s, the city building department can answer any questions on fence rules and regulations if called during their business hours.

Most cities require a permit to be pulled to install a fence and charge a fee to apply. In order to pull a permit, most cities require the homeowners to have a mortgage survey/plot plan, a signed association/subdivision approval letter and written, sometimes notarized, approval from neighboring homeowners. Neighbor approval forms can be notarized at city hall. You can find out if your city requires these paper works by checking our website.

If you are not able to locate your mortgage survey or if you have never received one when you bought your house, there are several options.

1. Contact City Hall – Some cities keep mortgage surveys or plot plans on file.

2. Draw Your Own Mortgage Survey/Plot Plan – If you choose Anchor Fence to install your fence, we have the proper forms on file and would happily supply them to you by email, fax or mail. Instructions to measure are available on our website and also on the forms that we provide.

3. Contact the Fence Company Installing Your Fence – If you have selected Anchor Fence to install your fence, we can draw up a mortgage survey/plot plan for you.

Dealing with the city can be a headache, but if you chose Anchor Fence to install your fence we can take care of the permit for you, all we need from you is the mortgage survey, neighbor approval letters and association/subdivision letter of approval, if you live in an association/subdivision.

Advantages of Installing a Fence.

A frame completes any work of art or picture. Similar to how a garden will appear with a fence. A garden fence not only adds to the overall beauty of the garden but also gives the entire landscape a more complete look. A fence can be erected around the front yard, backyard or around the entirety of the property. Adequate fencing adds to the security of your house and property as well.

The different styles of fence that you can choose from include picket fences, privacy fences and post and rail fences. You should take into consideration the average cost of popular fence types which include wood, vinyl, aluminum, steel and chain link. A drive through Michigan makes it clear that the vinyl and wood fence is the fence of choice for most of the residents.

Unlike wood, vinyl fence never weathers, rots or grows mold and moss. Vinyl fence also requires little to no maintenance. The most maintenance a vinyl fence may need is an occasional hosing down due to mud or dirt. Vinyl fence also comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose which color best suits your yard. This type of material also blocks out road noise and comes in 6 foot tall privacy styles which can also help with security and give privacy in your own backyard or front yard.

Western red cedar is the most popular type of wood material used throughout Michigan. This type of fencing offers natural insulation for the property by blocking the cold winds. It also acts as a sound blocker and is great for keeping down the noise from loud neighbors.

Cedar also acts as a natural insect repellent. The cedar oil acts as a deterrent to mosquitoes, termites and other bugs, which in turn protects itself as well as the surrounding property. Cedar wood contains natural thujaplicin, this makes it one of the most durable woods. It delays the wood from rotting away due to decay causing fungi and damage. Therefore, this type of fence will have a long lifespan if it is properly cared for. If you want to give your property an elegant look, steel or aluminum fencing is your best bet.

After you have made up your mind of the style and type of fence you want to build around your garden you can go about designing it. Depending on your needs choose a proper height for the fence. However make sure that it adheres to the local regulations for residential fence heights. The state of Michigan requires you to acquire a building permit in some cities. It is always a good idea to research your local laws and regulations before selecting a style and height of a new fence.

Begin your assignment by determining the location of the fence you need. Find out if there are any obstructions on the fence line such as shrubs or trees that need to be removed. If you have your installation by Anchor Fence, we will pull the permit for you. All you would need is a mortgage survey and signature approval from your neighbors, if this is needed in your city. Anchor Fence will also call Miss Dig to locate any underground power or gas lines in your yard before we dig. Be sure to let Anchor Fence know of any private lines or sprinkler lines before we start the installation process as Miss Dig will not mark these.

If you want your fence to be professionally installed, or just need the material to install, please give Anchor Fence a call (313)937-0101. If you are unsure of what type of material you want or if you have the measurements of the fence you desire in linear feet available visit our website to view the different types of material and style offered also have an online quote emailed to you. http://www.anchorfenceonline.com/

Stop Dogs from Digging Under Your Fence

A dog digging near a white vinyl picket fence.

If you are a dog owner, you may have seen your furry friend digging in the yard or at the base of a fence.  Dogs dig because, well, they are dogs.  They get bored, want to escape or just like to dig.  Stopping a dog from digging can be challenging and a dog that digs not only creates unsightly holes, but can create costly damage to fence, plants, lawns, etc.

There are quite a few solutions to keep a dog from digging under a fence.  The right solution may vary for each situation. You may want to test out a few different ones to see which works best for your dog and your landscaping.

Strategically Place Rocks/boulders

You can place rocks around the areas of the fence where the dog likes to dig.  This will block the dog from digging and once they try digging they won’t have any luck.

Fill in the holes with rocks or dirt

Depending on your dog you can try filling in the holes with rocks or dirt.  Dirt may just encourage them to keep digging and provide constant work for you… it just depends on the dog.  You can also fill in the holes with gravel which makes it harder for the dog to dig.

Train Your Dog

If you have the time and knowledge, train your dog. If you catch them digging, stop them and correct the behavior.  This is your best bet because it fixes the source of the problem and will stop your dog from digging even if you move.

Hire a Professional

If it is too late and your dog has destroyed your fence or has dug up some fence posts give Anchor Fence a call (313)937-0101, we can fix that for you.

Have other ideas of how to stop a dog from digging under a fence?  Please share in the comments as we would love to hear them!

Tips on Removing Old Fence

If you have an old wood or chain link fence that has been on your property for a while, chances are portions of it are in bad shape, falling down and not salvageable.  You will most likely want to tear down the fence for replacement at some point because it can be an eyesore. But before you get out your hammer and gloves, there are a few things you should do to make sure the project is completed safely and properly. There are several steps you should take before making any changes to your property. Some are legal and others are precautions. When you get started with your tear-out, you will want to take the proper safety procedures to make sure you and no one else gets hurt.

Rusty chain link fence and rotted wood ready to be removed and replaced.

Before any tear-down is performed, it is extremely important to make sure the fence is your property. If you are unfamiliar with the history of your property and you moved in after your neighbors were already there, then that fence you are thinking about removing may not be yours. The other problem, some installation projects are done without city approval and could possibly be on your neighbor’s property line. If you do not own the fence, then you should probably give some thought to installing a fence that is inside your property line. Your other option is to discuss the situation with your neighbor and see if they would be willing to tear down the fence.

Regardless of where you live, you should always contact Miss Dig before you start digging. Your fence posts are installed about 4′ into the ground and may have been there for a very long time. If the utility companies have done any installation of lines near your fence, then you will need to know that before you start digging up fence posts. The last thing you want to do is get fined because you knocked out phone service to half the neighborhood when you took up one of your old fence posts. It is also a good idea to know where your sprinkler lines are and any private underground line that may be on your property, as Miss Dig does not mark these lines.

It is important to have a plan when removing fence posts. If you are unfamiliar with how to do it, then it may be best to hire Anchor Fence. Properly installed fences use concrete and gravel to anchor the fence posts. If you are unsure as to how to remove them, then you could get hurt and cause significant property damage. If you are confident in your ability to remove the fence yourself, then make sure that you have all of the right equipment to get the job done. If you need a professional to get the job done for you and installation after, call Anchor Fence (313) 937-0101. We will be more than happy to help you.

Vinyl Fence

Cleaning a Vinyl Fence

Vinyl material is the easiest to upkeep of all fence material, but even vinyl needs up keep every now and then. This article will go step by step on how to clean your vinyl fence. Also, it lists tips on how to make your fence last longer and how to avoid needing a repair.

HOW TO CLEAN VINYL FENCE:

Materials Needed:

• Water hose
  

• Bucket of soapy water or spray bottle of vinyl cleaning solution.
  

• Soft cloth rags
  

• Soft scrub brush (for tougher stains or dirt)
  

Level of Difficulty:

• 2 (Out of 5) – Vinyl fence is relatively easy to clean but can require a little “elbow grease” or extra scrub for some tougher stains and dirty spots.
  

Recommended Time Frame for Cleaning a Vinyl Fence:

• For maximum results; you should clean your vinyl fence at least once every 3 – 6 months.
  

Cleaning:

A few reasons why you would need to clean your vinyl fence would be: dirt and/or grass from the ground accumulating on the fence due to cutting the grass, leaves, debris after a storm, and more  rarely,  a type of chalk build up can develop on parts of the vinyl fence. These reasons are not major and are easily cleaned as explained below.

The majority of vinyl fences can be cleaned very easily by just spraying the fence down with a water hose. However, if there are some tough stains that a water hose does not take care of just follow the method below and your fence will look brand new every time you clean it!

To prepare for cleaning a vinyl fence, you will want to decide if you are going to use a bucket of soapy water, a vinyl cleaning solution (can be purchased at your local hardware store), or a combination of both. If you are using a bucket of soapy water you will want to fill the bucket with water to your desired amount and mix an environmentally safe cleaning solution in the bucket. (TIP: If it is environmentally safe, it is vinyl fence safe)

After you have your bucket of soapy water, all you must do now is get your soft cloth rag wet via the water in the bucket and wipe down the areas of the fence that need to be wiped down. If you are using a spray bottle of vinyl cleaning solution, just spray the areas of the fence that need cleaned and wipe with a dry soft cloth rag. When you are finished cleaning an area of the fence, rinse it off with a water hose and allow it to air dry.

Things to Avoid:

• NEVER paint a vinyl fence
  

• NEVER place a barbeque next to your vinyl fence
  

• NEVER screw attachments to your vinyl fence this could void your warranty.
  

• AVOID hanging heavy items on your vinyl fence (i.e. potted plants, heavy ornaments.)