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.

 

Baby/Child Pool Fence To Guard Your Pool

The shimmering water and the splashing fun is an intriguing and exciting environment for babies and toddlers to investigate more closely. Taking the necessary precautions can save many lives, such as taking basic swimming lessons, closer supervision of children, and wearing life-jackets.

Pool barriers are regulated at the state and local level, but there are no standard requirements. However, depending on where you live, insurance companies may require it.

According to the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is among the top causes of accidental death, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths. Swimming pools are the most common areas where children under age 5 drown. For people with pools without some form of barrier to keep young children safe, is one of the top factors linked to toddler drownings.

When a baby pool fence is erected to help guard your pool and to help prevent toddler drownings, there are recommendations to be considered, which includes the following:

• pool fence should be 4 ft. tall or higher so that children can’t climb over it, which includes the exclusion of any handholds or footholds.
•  a pool fence gate should open outwardly away from the pool area.
•  pool fence should completely enclose the entire pool area.
•  pool fence should be self-closing and self-latching.
•  the material can be made from a variety of materials, including the popular aluminum fence

Pool fence standards are governed by the international American Society for Testing and Materials (“ASTM”) organization. ASTM is the global standard by which products are used around the world to improve product quality, enhance health and safety, strengthen market access and trade, and build consumer confidence. Pool fence manufacturers should carry the ASTM International safety standards.

Pool owners are not stuck with the original color of black. Coloring is now a customized feature, with colors that consists of brown, beige, green, grey, bronze, and other special order colors.

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.

Include Privacy and Elegance to Your Modern House with a Wood Fence

A wood fence employed to be the only type of fence one could develop for their home but now there are so several choices and alternatives of resources that wood has turn out to be just one of the factors you can opt for. Even though it might be perceived as traditional or rustic, a wood fence can also look very present day. It all has to do with the design and style.

For a minimalist contemporary residence, a straightforward and robust wooden fence is a wonderful selection. Area the boards horizontally and develop a modern version of the traditional fence. Most patterns for contemporary fences are very basic, regardless of the resources utilised

A basic wooden fence beautifully complements a lush garden. To make a fence appear present day you have to feel out of the box and to distance by yourself from the normal types that come to thoughts. For example, instead of placing the wood boards vertically consider considering horizontally. You can both develop a really compact layout for the fence or you can generate chic patterns. If you favor something a lot more exotic, pick a wood that reflects that such as bamboo or some other variety. For a cohesive landscape, use the same type of wood for the deck as properly. Combinations of resources can also be employed. The concrete and wood combo is really well-known. This chic wooden fence extends to the garage and wraps close to the home. Employing wood about the residence lets you get closer to nature. A quite simple wooden fence with constructed-in benches for the garden. The mixture of resources utilized for the fence matches the style of the property. Discover how beautiful the diverse shades complement every single other on the wooden fence. Yet another eye-catching design and style which generates cohesion amongst the fence and the benches

The wooden fence matches the facade of the property and the black accents balance out the design. This horizontal wooden fence is largely there to delimit the house and it makes it possible for views of the exterior

The gate perfectly matches the fence and is delimited by thick pillars.

There are several alternatives to pick from when determining on a design and style for a modern day wood fence. And just since you’ve chosen to use wood does not imply that other materials are out of the query. You can try out a blend of components and use wood and concrete for instance. You’ll have a sturdy and sturdy fence with a straightforward and elegant style.

 

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/

Tips for Staining a Wood Fence

Staining and sealing a wood fence can make the wood last longer and make the wood more resistant to mold and rotting. Stains can also make your wood fence more aesthetically pleasing as well as make your yard stand out from the rest of the neighborhood.

There are numerous ways to stain your fence including a paint brush, roller or paint sprayer.  For larger projects, it may be worth it to invest in a quality sprayer as it will make the job go much faster and save time on labor.  For smaller projects, a simple roller and paint brush for those hard to reach areas should work just fine.

Choosing a stain is the biggest decision you will have to make when staining your fence.  There are so many variations of stain offered and big box retailers offer generic brand stains at an affordable price.  Remember though, as is the case with so many things in life, sometimes you get what you pay for.  So be sure to do PLENTY of research before settling on a stain, look up reviews for the brand to get a better understand of how well the stain will work.  Going with a cheaper brand of stain without doing your research can mean re-staining the fence in just several years. Another thing to consider is the color of the stain and how it will look on your fence.  If possible, try and get a sample of the stain prior to applying it to the whole fence, this way you won’t regret spending all that time and hard earned money and in the end have to   re-stain the entire fence.

Finally, it is time to stain the fence.  It is a good idea to wait several weeks if the wood is new for the treatments to settle in. If you live in a wet or humid climate like the Michigan, allow time for the wood to dry in warmer weather.  Make sure to apply plenty of stain to the fence and paint away!

If you need a wood fence to stain, please contact Anchor Fence for a free onsite or online estimate.

http://www.anchorfenceonline.com/Quotes.html

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!