What to do before Building a Fence in Atlanta, GA

One of the first projects many DIY minded homeowners attempt to tackle is a fence. It seems very straight forward so it should be simple, right? Not if you want it to look nice and endure for years to come it isn’t. If you plan on putting up a fence on your own then take a page from the experts. Before an Atlanta Fence Company will start a project, they take care of all the prep work.

An Atlanta Fence Company will:

Wooden Fence Repair Tips 300x200 What to do before Building a Fence in Atlanta, GAStudy a copy of your plat. Your plat is essentially a map of your property and it will tell the Atlanta Fence Company exactly where your property boundaries are. You never want to accidentally build on your neighbors land because it can cause all sorts of problems down the road.

Check with your home owners association. Many HOA’s will prohibit certain styles of fences or require that they stay under a maximum height. Some even tell you what kind of materials you are allowed to use when building the fence.

Obtain the proper permits. A reputable Atlanta Fence Company would never try to skimp by without the permits and neither should you. If you do not follow the proper zoning then you could be fined or even ordered to take the fence down.

Talk to your neighbors. This will stop a lot of problems before they start. Most people appreciate some advanced warning of a fence project because of the noise involved. Also, you may find that your neighbor was considering a fence too, in which case they might split the cost with you.

Speak with your local utility companies. You don’t want to be digging holes anywhere near underground cables or pipes. It is usually a free service and it helps you avoid possible outages and injuries.

How to Clean Your Wooden Fence Using Bleach

Nothing beats a wooden fence for adding a comfortable and rustic feel to your home. They are strong, relatively cheap and can be used for a wide variety of different purposes from marking a boundary to providing privacy for your backyard hot tub. The only problem with wooden fencing is its vulnerability to the environment and its tendency to discolor due to mildew. If you do not use treated or sealed lumber then a wooden fence can deteriorate relatively quickly, especially if you live in the hot and humid conditions of the south.

When you have your wooden fencing properly sealed then it can stave off rot but mildew does not actually feed on the wood, it just lives on top of it. If you are tired of looking at a dreary fence then you can brighten the wood by killing existing fungus with a bleach mixture.

  1. Wooden Fence 300x205 How to Clean Your Wooden Fence Using BleachUsing the proper mixture is very important but it is not a complex procedure and it is surprisingly inexpensive to purchase the ingredients needed. Get a bucket and pour in about two quarts of water. Warm water tends to work better than cold. Then mix in one quart of bleach and about .25 cups of dish washing detergent. Stir the contents together while making sure that you do not get any in your eyes.
  2. If you have a garden sprayer, it is the perfect tool for this job. Just pour in the mixture and thoroughly coat the wooden fence. If you do not have access to a sprayer, a paint brush with stiff bristles will do just as well, it will just take you a lot longer.
  3. Your first instinct will be to leave the mixture on the fence for a while so that it can do its work but you need to wash it off within fifteen minutes. If you don’t, it may dry and leave the dirt and debris on the fence. So, take your hose and wash the entire fence from top to bottom. Once that’s done you may want to purchase some mildewcide. A coating of mildewcide can keep mildew from building up for years to come.

Tips to Consider when Building Wood Fence in Atlanta

If you’ve decided to build your Atlanta wood fence, and you understand what’s required in upkeep, you’re on a great track. Wood is a long-lasting, attractive material when properly maintained. It’s also easy to work with and can be self-repaired.

However, wood is also an organic material that can decompose quickly, so it requires a certain amount of attentive care. Consider the following tips to ensure that your wood fence will sustain itself against Atlanta weathering elements to permit a greater fencing lifespan, improved aesthetics, and less upkeep:

Backyard Fence1 300x199 Tips to Consider when Building Wood Fence in Atlanta

  1. Pines, spruces, poplars, maples and willows are poor woods to use for fencing because these woods are prone to decay if put in contact with the moist ground. Such woods can bend, twist, split and splinter due to changes in temperature or humidity.
  2. All of the aforementioned problems can be offset with regular refinishing, but it’s also important for you to build your Atlanta wood fence with a slow-growing tree. Slow-growing trees will reveal narrower rings that permit better quality wood and increased longevity.
  3. Cedar and pressure-treated boards will allow your Atlanta wood fence to see a long, healthy lifespan. You can also extend the life of your wood fence by selecting galvanized fasteners.
  4. Consider building with Western Red Cedar as it is less susceptible to morphing, warping or twisting when compared to other popular fencing woods. Cedar also contains natural oil that will repel insects and preserve fence strength. Cedar’s rich smell and warm, honey-red tone are also aesthetic elements that may compliment your home.
  5. Pressure-treated lumber will add extra resilience against the elements. Materials with a high quantity of sapwood are a great choice for pressure-treated lumber as they readily suck up chemicals that escape during the pressure-treating process. Look to Southern pine, spruce, fir or hemlock when selecting such wood. Ff you’re an avid gardener you may want to avoid pressure-treated wood altogether, as a certain level of chemicals may seep into nearby soil despite preventative measures.

Atlanta Pool Fence Guidelines

Did you know that in order to install, fill or operate a pool in Atlanta you must first build an approved barrier around your swimming pool? While pool fence regulations can seem like just another tiring step in the pool construction process the regulations exist to prevent injury and to most importantly protect young children from entering your swimming area unsupervised. Permissible barriers include a 60 in. tall fence, wall, or building – so long as the pool perimeter is deterred and the following additional restrictions are also met:

Pre-Construction:

metal pool fence Atlanta Pool Fence Guidelines

Metal Pool Fence

  • Before constructing the barrier be sure to send all plans including composition, placement, dimensions, elevations and any other data to the department for approval. Following approval the boundary must be completely built before filling the pool.

Pool Entrance:

  • The shallow end of the pool must be nearest to the entrance.

    At least two elements separated by a width of two feet must subsist to allow for controlled pool access. This vertical space must be unscalable with no dips or extensions to prevent climbing.

  • There must be a gate that utilizes a positive-latching mechanism and stands no shorter than 45 inches tall.
  • When the pool is not in use a cover is necessary, but not enough. All entrances must also be closed to fully secure the area.

Approved Barrier:

  • There can be no climbable object located within three feet of the pool boundary.
  • The boundary can contain no opening large enough for a sphere object four inches in diameter to fit through.
  • Installation must follow code, as well as a submitted and approved construction plan that adheres to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • The barrier material can contain no element used for purely decorative purposes.
  • The diamond-shaped opening in chain link fencing cannot exceed 1 ¼ inch.

Now that you know what’s expected we wish you safe and happy swimming!

Cedar Fences are great in Atlanta GA

Cedar fences are great in Atlanta GA and popular all over the country.  There are many reasons that cedar is becoming an even more popular wood to use on fences such as:

Wooden Fences from Natural Enclosures 150x150 Cedar Fences are great in Atlanta GA

Cedar is the Best by Far.

-          naturally termite resistant

-          doesn’t quickly decay due to the changing seasons

-          easily fits almost any residential theme

-          great for privacy fences

-          great for security fences

-          looks fantastic left without paint

-          overall very long lasting

-          durable

-          awesome grain patterns for an attractive addition to the fence.

Western Red Cedar is one of the best types of this wood, but simply buying “cedar” is a great choice in general.  It’s going to look great and needs very little upkeep.  Northern White Cedar is also a good choice.  The Northern variety is known to be firm but supple enough to weave into interesting designs.  It truly allows a fence to be one of a kind. 

All cedar materials will be more expensive than pine, but it’s worth it over the long haul.  At any time cedar can be stained or painted to change the whole appearance of a home or business.  It’s a fantastic, versatile option.  One tip is to not ground the posts in concrete as it increases rot and thus need for replacements.

All cedar can be left in a rough appearance or smoothed depending on the imagination of the homeowner.  It just can’t be understated that the durability of this product pays for itself.  Of this particular wood, the Western Red Cedar is the strongest.  It will stand up to the roughest conditions and look great for years to come.

These are just a few reasons why cedar fences are great in Atlanta GA.  Contact or go see a fence contractor to learn more about other benefits and how much it would be to have them do all the hard work.  There’s nothing better than the job done right the first time.  When a contractor is used there are also benefits such as maintenance covered in the future when there’s a problem.  A cedar fence in Atlanta GA is not just a trendy choice, it’s an investment.  Property values will only go up with a breathtaking addition like this.

The Best Fence Materials in Atlanta GA Truly Last

The best fence materials in Atlanta GA are very affordable and save money on repairs later.  It just takes a little knowledge on the subject to build a fence that lasts.  A quality, great looking fence is not only a good idea to keep pets in the yard, it can also increase the value of a home.  Specially treated wood can last upwards of a decade with proper maintenance and a coat of paint.  Of course, a natural look without paint is just as durable if the materials used are treated.  The kind of wood also has a great deal to do with how long the fence will last.  Pine is a great, affordable choice, but it will begin to buckle after ten years or so.  Something more durable like cedar will last longer.

Split Rail Fencing from Natural Enclosures 150x150 The Best Fence Materials in Atlanta GA Truly Last

Leave it to the Pro's for Great Fence Materials.

There are also zoning laws and planned neighborhood charters to check before building.  It’s also a good idea to talk to the neighbors to make sure the property lines are understood.  It’s just not whether or not a neighborhood will allow a fence, but sometimes charters restrict the materials used, colors applied and/or how high the fence can be.  Before picking the best fence materials in Atlanta, check with the neighborhood charter. 

When choosing chemically treated materials, remember that many are refusing to use CCA lumber due to problems with dangerous chemicals.  Choosing the best fence materials is not something to leave to chance.  Think about pets and children that will be playing on the fence and which is the safest choice.  There are a great many new facts going around about CCA products, so consult a professional fence installer for the latest news.  Safety is always first, no matter what the project is.  There are studies that state it is “safer” to use CCA lumber after several coats of paints have been applied, but again, it’s a risky choice.  Call a great fence contractor in Atlanta GA today and find out more about the best fence materials to use in Atlanta GA.

Chain Link Fence Building in Atlanta GA

Chain link fence building in Atlanta GA can be a breeze with a little help.  When installing a chain link fence in Atlanta GA it’s important to know exactly what to do.  There are a million books out there making this list of do’s and don’t’s too complicated.  For those who want a safety fence that the homeowner and police can see clearly through in case of trouble:

Commercial Chain Link Fence 150x128 Chain Link Fence Building in Atlanta GA

Contact the Best in Fence Installation Today.

1)      Mark off where posts go and measure it multiple times for accuracy.

2)      Double check the property line with neighbors.

3)      Look into a neighborhood charter and local zoning laws to make sure all applicable rules are followed.

4)      If a professional in fence installation is doing the work, do they have all the proper paperwork licensing them to do the work?

5)      Does everyone involved know where the utility lines are?

6)      Know how close the fence posts can be to utility lines before there’s an issue.

7)      How big do the fence post holes have to be?

8)      How deep do the post holes have to go?

9)      Is all work the installer providing necessary and are they doing it to code?

10)  Is all labor and materials covered by the contractor’s warranty?

11)  Does the company space the posts far enough (or close enough) to stand up against the elements?

12)  Are top quality materials being used?

13)  Is the work being done on schedule?

14)  Are the posts strong enough to keep the chain link from sagging?

15)  Does the individual or company pull the links tight enough the first time it’s installed?

16)  Did the homeowner test the chain link to make sure all binding is tight?

17)  If there is a fence, does it match what was promised?  Does it fit correctly?

18)  Did the company take away all garbage and leftover materials?

19)  Does the bill look the same after the job is done as what was promised before it started?

20)  Were all aspects of the design and integrity tested to make sure it was done correctly?  Was the warranty covered one last time before the workers leave?

Contact a great fence contractor if chain link fence building in Atlanta GA is on the “to do” list this spring.  Yet, there’s no reason with a little help from neighbors and friends it can’t be done without a fence company.  There are no limits to what a bit of elbow grease can accomplish.

Repairing a Fence in Atlanta GA

Repairing a fence in Atlanta GA is inevitable for anyone who has already built one on their property.  The first rule of thumb is:  Fix it now than later.  The longer one waits to repair any small problem can cost a lot more money when the issue becomes worse.  The weather and time are the two biggest enemies of materials.  Wood products swell, shrink, or split while chain link begins to sag.  There are do it yourself ways to handle these issues and save money on building a new enclosure.

Saddle Picket Fence 150x115 Repairing a Fence in Atlanta GA

A Great Fence Contractor is Right Around the Corner.

If the wooden posts or slats begin to lean:

1)      Use a shovel or spade and work dirt away from the leaning object.

2)      Pull the post or slat straight again and hold in place.

3)      Use fresh dirt and pack it in firmly to keep the slat or post upright.

Be sure to replace the rail that runs across the slats between slats.  These are very important to the overall integrity of the fence.  These keep the slats from tipping over.  Check all the rails regularly for rot due to moisture or extreme weather conditions.  After heavy storms or snowfall, go over the fence to be sure there’s no long term damage.  If there are any issues, address them at that time.  It’s much cheaper to repair an existing fence than paying for a new one.

If there are any questions about fence repairs, contacting a leader in installation is a great place to start.  No one knows better than the experts.  If planning to make the fence already in place more individualized, someone who installs fences for a living would know new ways to make it really pop.  Again, if the job appears too big, or the fence came with a new home and falling apart, ask about cost and warranties on getting them to do the work.  Nothing is better than the best job done for the best price.  Whether doing the work alone or by hiring a company, repairing a fence in Atlanta GA is very important for safety and beauty.

Picket Fence Designs in Atlanta GA

Picket fence designs in Atlanta GA are many.  Yet, there are a few things to remember that are the same no matter where one lives.  Whether in the city or a more rural area, there are few things to keep in mind that will make the whole project easier for everyone involved.  Some of these include:

Picket Fence 150x150 Picket Fence Designs in Atlanta GA

An Excellent Fence Contractor is Ready to Help.

1)      Check with local utility companies to find out where power and water lines are to prevent cutting into one installing a fence.

2)      Contact the local zoning department for any laws regulating the type of fence that can be installed.

3)      Look into the charter if living in a planned community for any rules on fence installation, or if it’s even possible.

4)      Give a hard look into the allowed budget and then get several estimates on the cost of materials.  Stay on course with the budget to make sure that budget is kept.

5)      Consider hiring a professional fence installation company to do the work if the budget allows it.

Very few know where utility lines are and the local utility departments will be happy to come out and mark off the appropriate areas.  It’s much easier than doing repairs later.  Once the above check points are answered, it’s time to look at what kind of picket fence wants in Atlanta GA.

With picket fence designs, make sure that the fence will be to the appropriate scale in relation to the house.  The great thing about picket fences is that they can be cut into many different styles and pained to match the color scheme of the residence.  A picket fence needs to match the style and scale of a house. When installed appropriately it can definitely increase the value of a home. 

Even if one doesn’t hire a fence company to do the labor, they do have great suggestions and building tips to make a homeowner more comfortable with the labor.  While speaking to them asking about their prices of installation isn’t a bad idea.  This will give one an idea of the budget needed in order to have someone else do the work.  With some companies their warranty includes upkeep.  This is a big time saver for a homeowner.  The only limit to a homeowner’s picket fence is the imagination. 

Great Wooden Fences in Atlanta GA

Wooden fences in Atlanta GA can come in any number of styles and functions.  There are a million different places to read that give “hints” on installation and cost, but here are a few facts and figures one can count on.  Money is tight on all Americans these days, so knowing exactly how much one will spend on a new project is crucial.  Everyone wants to avoid “sticker shock” at the end of any project.

Wood yard Fence 150x150 Great Wooden Fences in Atlanta GA

Building a Wooden Fence Doesn't Have to Break the Bank.

Some steps to an affordable wooden fence are:

1)      Write a detailed list of all the materials and tools needed for the job

2)      Remember smart money saving tips like buying wooden posts either the same length, or twice as long to be cut into two posts from one.  Buying posts a few feet taller than needed is a waste of materials and money.

3)      Remember measurements when it comes to the wooden panels that make up the fence itself.  Those too can be easier on the wallet by buying them in lengths of 6 – 8 feet in pine, cedar or other desired wood.  Again these can be cut to the right length instead of buying more wood the same length.

The tools needed for the job vary depending on how much experience someone has and the tools they already have.  Some of the tools that are necessary are:

1)      Hammer

2)      Nails

3)      Ruler

4)      String

5)      Drafting pencils

6)      Electric saws for larger jobs

7)      Wooden pegs

8)      Good friends or neighbors with experience to help

A great way on saving money on tools is to borrow them where possible.  Tools are a great investment for any homeowner who may have “to-do” lists around the house.  Yet, if new projects aren’t soon to pop up, borrowing them will save cash on tools that will otherwise just occupy space in a closet or garage.  (Just be sure to keep the peace and return all tools on time and in good condition.)

Building a wooden fence in Atlanta GA doesn’t have to break the bank.  If the materials and tools here seem out of the scope of one’s skills, it’s a great idea to look into hiring a professional fence installation company.  Money can definitely be saved by having the job done right the first time instead of trying it alone, then calling in the professionals.  The scope of the job is only limited to one’s budgets.