4 Things to Consider When Installing a Fence

Putting a fence up around your property can provide you with numerous benefits you can enjoy year after year, but there are some considerations that you must keep in mind before you install it. Will it match the exterior elements of your home? Will your homeowners association approve the fence? Are you fencing in the entire property or just a portion? There are several other questions to ask yourself before you start, check out these four things to consider when installing a fence.

1. Know What You Want

One of the first things that property owners should know is why they want a fence. Perhaps you want an area designated in your yard for your dog? Or do you want to beef up the security around your home? Are you looking to add privacy? Chances are your wishes are very diverse but can complement each other, by having a fence you can kill two birds with one stone. Whatever the purpose, a fence can provide you with many functions, but the first step is choosing the main reason for it before you make the investment.

2. Fence Material

Fences can be constructed with a variety of materials from wood, vinyl, aluminum, steel, and chain link. Deciding which material works best for you can be challenging. If you are looking to add elegance to your property, consider an aluminum fence because it’s an economical alternative compared to wrought iron fences and is rust-free. Those on a budget can benefit from aluminum fencing because it’s long-lasting and maintains its beauty. Vinyl fencing can give you more privacy than other materials because the slats can be snug against each other in each panel. Wooden fencing can give you a classic look if that’s what you desire. Either way, fences come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors so your options are nearly limitless!

3. Map It Out

Installing a fence takes some thinking, and mapping out where your fence will be around your property can give you more precise estimates on the cost and a visual to imagine its placement. Be sure to locate the best spot to place a gate and if you are installing a fence in the backyard, keep your lawn equipment in mind. Perhaps you have a riding lawnmower – you want a large or double-sized gate to provide access for the mower to move around the property.

4. Research  

Like mentioned above, some homeowner associations may require you to follow certain guidelines when installing a fence. This may also be the case in certain cities and neighborhoods, so be sure you check out any information about installing a fence. Additionally, if you have a pool, you will need to install a fence that meets your local BOCA (The Building Officials and Code Administrators) standards. To take the guess work out, aluminum fences from Fence Center meet BOCA codes!

Have a fence question? We would love to help! Feel free to contact us here or call 313-937-0101.

 

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!

Style and material are just two of the factors involved when planning a fence.

Fence material and style are just two things to be concerned about, there is other information you should ask yourself before beginning your fence project.

 

• Local building and zoning codes: Most cities have ordinances concerning the height, placement, and special requirements for fence. Please consult your city website or give your city building department (the link will direct you to a list of Michigan cities, on each page there is a link to the city’s official website) a call and inquire about fence codes. Cities may also require permits to erect a fence. If you are having the installation done by Anchor Fence, there is no need to worry about the city, we will take care of that for you! We can also pull the fence permit, so there’s no need take time off your busy schedule.

 

• Underground utilities: Before digging post holes, call Miss Dig. Repairing a ruptured water main is no picnic and can cost a fortune. Installation with Anchor Fence is a breeze, we will call Miss Dig for you, just let us know if you have any private underground lines or sprinkler lines in the area where the fence is being put up.

 

• Property lines: If you’re unsure about your yard’s boundaries, hire a surveyor to relocate and mark the property lines. Most home owners receive a plot survey or mortgage survey at the time of purchase. Some cities will have your plot plan available upon request.

 

There are possibly millions of fence styles which might be made of wood, metal, vinyl, or a host of other materials. So which one’s right for you? Here’s a lineup of fencing types with a quick overview to help you decide.

White Vinyl Coated Chain Link

• Chain link/cyclone: Versatile and easily available, chain link creates a durable barrier at a low cost. Chain link alone does not offer much privacy. While not as attractive as other fencing types, this system can be made more aesthetically pleasing when ordered with vinyl coating (pictured above in white, this option comes in a variety of color), slats (which are inserts that make chain link a little less see through, these also come in an assortment of color), and lastly chain link is available with a mesh covering (this also comes in a number of colors to match your yard).

Wood fence reinforced with steel posts.

• Wood: Adds stability and beauty, pickets are attached to the rails in a variety of widths and spacing. Wood can also provide privacy for your yard, but also comes in semi private options. Because wood is subject to decay and mold, wood requires much upkeep. Recent natural disasters has created a higher demand for wood, not just for fence but for other purposes, which has greatly increased the cost. Species that are naturally decay resistant, such western red cedar, make for great looking fences, but the price and upkeep can be costly.The most favored option is pressure treated (this option features wood that has been soaked in a chemical preservative). Staining, or sealing the wood will add to its longevity. Wood fence can also be reinforced with steel posts (pictured above) in order to provide extra stability and durability to the fence.

Spear Top Black Aluminum Fence with Puppy Picket on the bottom.

• Aluminum/Steel: Homeowners searching for security and permanence often prefer this type of fencing. Handcrafted wrought iron once dominated the field, but now prefabricated steel and aluminum sections are taking over because of better longevity, durability and cost. Aluminum and steel panels are made with a durable factory-applied finish. If you are worried about containing your dog, puppy picket (pictured above) has closely spaced pickets which prevent a dog from going between picket gaps.

CertaGrain Sierra Blend Privacy Vinyl Fence mimic the look and feel of wood fence

• PVC Plastic, vinyl: Consisting of PVC plastic, vinyl fencing is manufactured in a wide range of styles, patterns, colors and textures. Because the color is continuous throughout the material, it never needs painting. Likewise, vinyl won’t peel, rust, or decay. There is virtually no upkeep, which means your time and money is saved. Another up side, white vinyl fence is currently cheaper than wood fence. If you are dead set on the look and feel of wood fence vinyl also comes in CertaGrain (pictured above) which mimics the look and feel of wood without the rotting, mold and maintenance.

Handy Checklist
Unsure about the type and style of enclosure that’s right for your home? Then simplify your options by considering the various roles a fence performs.

• Privacy and protection: Establish what you’re aiming to keep in–and what should be kept out.
• Maintaining boundaries: Knowing where your property ends and your neighbor’s begins can make life easier for both parties. Also remember when selecting a fence that you’re not the only one who’ll see it on a daily basis.
• Aesthetic needs: If your home represents a particular architectural style, it is important that a new fence reflect this look as well.
• Other concerns: Factors such as noise control and drainage problems can be successfully handled with the correct choice of fencing.

Maintaining a Wood Fence

Wood fence needs a little more maintenance than any other material. The wooden panels used for fences are susceptible to termites and rotting which is unique to this type of fence material. There are many steps to upkeep a wood fence. It is important that wood fences are checked regularly for the following.

First off, you must make sure that you perform inspections often. The sooner a problem is spotted and fixed, the less effort, time and resources and ultimately money that will need to be spent in order to repair it. Make sure the wooden fence is properly stained to give it a proper protection from the elements. Also, you must remember that you need to re-stain your fence panels once every few years because the layer falls of under the influence of the weather conditions (rain, snow, sunlight,etc.). If you have broken or rotting panels, you can just replace those panels (that’s one of the perks of using a wooden fence).

Typical wood fence.

Another thing to look out for are termites. It is very important to spot them early on because it is possible that termites will spread to homes. There are different pesticide solutions available for termites that are safe on wood fence. If you spot mold or dirt on your wooden fence panels, a simple hosing and/or scrubbing will suffice.

An alternative to wood fence, without the constant maintenance and up keep is vinyl fence. Vinyl fence can also comes in Certagrain texture which mimics the color and feel of wood fence, but has minimal need for service or inspections. In the case of the fence getting muddy or dirty, a simple hosing down will remove any dirt build up. This material does not rot, mold or attract termites. Another perk of vinyl fence is minimal damage to fence due to weather. Also vinyl fence does not need to be stained.

All in all a vinyl fence is virtually maintenance free and comes in a variety of color and textures (which can be seen by clicking here). Vinyl fence can last a lifetime due to its resilience to weather (snow, rain, sun, etc.). Most importantly due to the rising costs of wood due to demands because of building and natural disasters, vinyl is now a cheaper alternative to wood.

Certagrain textured vinyl fence in Sierra Blend color.

 

Vinyl Fence Facts

Today’s fence industry has advanced far beyond a simple wooden privacy fence or a plain chain link fence to secure your yard. When vinyl fences exploded into the industry, it brought a whole new level of beauty, value and privacy to your property.

 

Though wood and chain link fences are not obsolete, vinyl fencing is the definite way to go for the 21st century and beyond. A new vinyl fence will add the privacy of a wood fence along with the security of a chain link fence, however, will also add a great amount of beauty, class and value to your property, all for nearly the same price!

 

WHY VINYL FENCING?

 

Vinyl fence (also called pvc fence) has become greatly known for its wide variety of styles, easy to clean material and low maintenance upkeep. Different from wood and chain link, vinyl profiles can be cut and shaped to just about any size that you may desire. This allows for you to select a style and design that will be the perfect match for your home and property. Vinyl fences come in many different colors which are digitally integrated into the vinyl extrusion process which means the time and money that you would have spent painting/staining your wood fence will instead be spent on vacation, a weekend getaway or that special something that you have been waiting to buy!

 

The lifetime of vinyl fencing will far exceed your expectations and concerns. You will have your vinyl fence installed only ONE time and enjoy its beauty for a lifetime! Your vinyl fence will not rot like wood or rust like chain link which means that there will be no need to ever replace your vinyl fence (unless your child’s first driving experience does not go so well).

 

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE:

 

Cleaning vinyl fencing is easy and requires very little effort. You can simply use a bucket of soapy water along with a rag and begin cleaning. You may also purchase special vinyl cleaning solutions at your local hardware store and use it to clean your vinyl fence. To ensure maximum beauty, you should clean your vinyl fence every 3-6 months or whenever cleaning is needed.

 

FINDING A FENCE COMPANY:

 

There may be many fence companies in your area that are specialized in vinyl installation. It is best to go with one of these companies when having your new vinyl fence installed. Most of these companies are certified and specialized in vinyl fencing and will be able to answer any questions you may have, as well as, guarantee that your new fence is installed correct and professionally. You may research these companies by checking their rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and making sure that they are a member of the American Fence Association (AFA).

 

To search for a certified vinyl fence company in your area, you may try searching for the following keywords/phrases in your preferred search engine:

 

-vinyl fence company in “state/city” 

-fence company in “state/city” 

-residential fence company in “state/city”

 

Once you have searched and found a few fence companies, continue on with your research and view their BBB rating and make sure they are a member of the AFA.

 

In conclusion, if you are looking to add value to your property, beauty to your yard, or simply just need a new fence, you can be sure that a new vinyl fence is the only option you should consider when making this decision. You will hear many compliments from neighbors, friends and family regarding your new vinyl fence and you will be inviting many people over for a barbecue on your new grill that you bought with the money you saved from not painting a wood fence.