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.

Why choose a fence company with a longer waiting list?

The summer months can lead to long and frustrating schedule dates. Logically, it is the height of all fence companys’ season. A good quality company will have a waiting list, sometimes 1-2 weeks booked for the estimate alone. If they do not, it’s smart to question why. Good things come to those who wait is advice that has held true for years. Avoid scheduling frustrations by planning ahead on your fence, railing, or dog run.

At Anchor Fence, a longer wait for an installation in the height of summer is not unusual. There are only a select amount of individuals that are talented enough to install residential and commercial fences and railing for Anchor Fence. In line with the company’s philosophy, our workers take pride in their work, and do not rush or cut corners. This philosophy produces beautiful fences and railings; however, it means we take time to do our installing and do not skim over details, which can be a lengthy process. By planning ahead for summer cook-outs, a new dog or pet, a new pool, or backyard parties, you will avoid scheduling woes.

If a pool is in your future, most city building codes require a fence around the pool. The earlier planning is done, the less painful the experience will be. It is not unusual for Anchor Fence to take preliminary measurements of a yard that will host a pool in the future. This way, site information and other details are on-hand ahead of time.

If you are planning on buying or building a new home, it is also wise to plan well in advanced for a fence or railing. It is not a problem for an estimator from Anchor Fence to meet at the future site well before you are moved in.

Whatever your future plans include, do yourself a favor, and plan ahead on upcoming fence and railing projects. Schedule your estimate in advance, and ask to have an estimate appointment. It will help to progress your summer fence or deck plans at the pace that you want. Anchor Fence Company showroom displays panels of vinyl and aluminum fence and railing, and is located at 26345 Plymouth Rd. An appointment with one of our representatives at Anchor Fence to come to your home may be made by calling 313-937-0101. If the Internet is more convenient, the Company’s Web Site showcases numerous photos of previous work; it can be found at http://www.AnchorFenceOnline.com. If you have approximate measurements of your yard, you can also get a free emailed online quote.

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.

Top 7 Tips for Wood Fences: How to Make Your Gray Fence Look Great

If you live in Michigan, you know that we have thousands and thousands of gray and ugly fences everywhere. The problem is that wood fence cannot withstand the extreme temperatures of our state. People often think nothing can be done to make their gray and ugly fence look bright and beautiful for years to come, but there are many solutions. As the leading Michigan fence company, we have learned some things over the years. We hope our insights can help you and hundreds of home owners, housing complexes, businesses, and landlords/renters know how to turn the tide on the sea of ugly gray fences to something we can individually and publicly be proud about. An ugly gray fence can be a nagging concern and even an embarrassment. But a fence makeover, replacement and/or restoration project can be a permanent solution. A properly done fence makeover can make you proud when you drive up to your house, look out your windows, sit on your patio, and have family and friends over for a backyard BBQ, picnic, or a family party/event. Here are our helpful and proven tips that apply to a fence makeover and restoration project…

#1 – Replace rotting wood fence with a new vinyl fence that will last a lifetime

The prices of wood material has been increasing over the years, so much that a vinyl fence can cost the same amount as a wood fence, if not less. Unlike wood, vinyl fence will never rot or mold also most fence companies, including Anchor Fence have a lifetime warranty on vinyl material as opposed to wood material which normally comes with no warranty and does not hold up too well in Michigan weather.

#2 – Restore your wood fence Some fences, even those 15-30 years old can be made to look like new with a 2-3 day fence makeover restoration.

Years and even decades of gray/black mold, mildew, nail/screw black drip stains, and peeling paint, or old stain can be power washed away in one day on a typical fence!

#3 – Power wash the fence before you stain it.

Professional power washing (also known as pressure washing) will clean away years of gray/black mold, mildew, nail/screw black drip stains, peeling paint, and old stain. Stain will also more easily adhere to a fence that has been properly power washed. Power washing is very affordable to have done by a fence makeover and restoration company. But if you choose to do the power washing on your own, you should use a pressure washer machine with 3000 to 3600 psi. Smaller home model pressure washers normally will not have enough power to adequately clean the fence before it is stained. If you don’t have access to a commercial pressure washer, you can rent one from Home Depot or an equipment rental stores for usually under $100 per day.

WARNING: When using a pressure washer be extremely careful because it is easy to permanently damage your fence by putting noticeable cut marks into the wood. If the spray accidentally hits your hands, arms, legs, or feet you can also experience serious cutting injuries since the powerful spray will quickly cut through clothing and skin. Be sure to wear safety goggles because splinters and dirt can easily get into your eyes. Wear very old clothes when power washing because you will get caked with layers of black gunk. Also be sure to power wash using the 25 degree tip for your sprayer. Smaller tips will burn cut marks in your fence and larger tips will not adequately clean the fence in preparation for staining. If you have never done power washing before, be sure to practice on some old throw away boards to get a feel for it before starting on your fence.

#4 – Don’t use cleaning products on your wood fence.

There are a number of products on the market that promise great results to clean your wood fence. While some manufacturers may be unhappy with our experience, we have tried a number or products and not yet found anything that is worth the time, money, and hassle to use them. We have not yet found anything that works better than plain old fashion garden hose water coming through a commercial grace pressure washer to clean your fence and get it ready for staining. Fence cleaning products tend to be messy, add to your costs, are frustrating to apply, the chemicals can sometimes destroy the vegetation or grass around your fence, and frequently they just don’t work well. The only exception we have to this rule is that we do use a cleaning gel and scraper on fences that have old peeling paint. After the gel has been applied and the fence scraped, the power washing will get your fence ready for staining.

#5 – Be sure to check with your city or homeowners association about stain colors.

Some municipalities and homeowner associations have very specific restrictions on what color stain you can use on the fences in your neighborhood.

#6 – Don’t use a clear-coat finish, semi-transparent stains, paint, or poorly-rated solid stains.

When you use these type of products they will not cover over blemishes and nail/screw drip stains, variations in the old and new wood will be obvious, and normally the fence will only look good for a couple of years. This means that if you want a good looking fence you will need to spend the time, effort, and money to do it all over every 18 months to 3 years. Avoid using paint because over time paint will begin to peel in the high humidity and harsh winters of Michigan. Consumer Reports did a 3 year, 6 year, and 9 year study on fence and deck wood stain products and the hands down winner was Behr solid color wood stains for fences, decks, and siding. Many of the stains by other manufacturers didn’t even last 3 years. Behr stains provide quality, durable, and long-lasting results.

#7 – Work with your neighbors.

Many fences in Michigan are not stand along fences but instead are commonly shared fences with your surrounding neighbors. Work with your neighbors to avoid any disagreements on fence style, color and/or material.

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.

 

What is CertaGrain Textured vinyl?

With the launch of Bufftech® Chesterfield with CertaGrain® texture, CertainTeed is bringing more color options and alternative to wood that mimics the look and feel without the maintenance to its line of vinyl privacy fences.

Making use of an revolutionary texturing method, Chesterfield with CertaGrain attributes an authentic wood-like physical appearance in an easy-to-keep vinyl design and style. The material is now available in Honey Blend and Natural Clay — 2 colors that complement the natural surroundings of a property or building. Obtainable in 4, 5 and 6 foot heights, Chesterfield with CertaGrain is an best resolution for enhancing the privacy of commercial, multi-household or residential buildings.

As portion of the Chesterfield merchandise line, the new colors and texture join CertainTeed’s present colors of White and Tan, which are offered in a smooth finish.

Chesterfield with CertaGrain is a tongue-and-groove fence produced from premium top quality polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which gives resistance from the decay, molding, warping or splinting that is frequent with wood fences. The resilient design has ColorLast™ fade safety for superior color retention.

Galveston with CertaGrain is backed by a lifetime limited warranty featuring unique SureStart™ protection that covers replacement fees, in the unlikely occasion a manufacturing defect takes place inside of the very first 5 many years following installation.
For more info, visit http://www.anchorfenceonline.com/

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/