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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:

Study 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.

Filed Under: Atlanta Fence, Fence Company, How To Build A Fence Tagged With: atlanta fence company, Atlanta Fence Contractor, building a fence, Fenceworks of Georgia, wooden fence

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.

Using 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.
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.
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.

Filed Under: Atlanta Fence, Fence Tips, Wooden Fences Tagged With: atlanta ga fence company, cleaning wooden fences, fence contractors, fence tips, wood fences, wooden fence, wooden fence builder

How to Stain Your Wooden Privacy Fence

A wooden privacy fence can do a lot to improve the look of your home but it is a two edged sword. On the one hand, a nicely stained privacy fence can lend your backyard or hot tub a touch of style while keeping out any prying eyes. On the other hand, a privacy fence uses a lot of wood. If you do not take care of it, the wood will start to crack, splinter and rot. Once your fence starts to deteriorate, you will be stuck with a massive eyesore that could take a lot of money to repair.

A quality stain will go a long way toward protecting your fence from the elements and keep it looking good at the same time. Before you start on the project you will need to purchase stain applicators, exterior wood stain and wood cleaner. After that, just follow these simple steps:

Make any repairs that are needed. Find and plug holes, pull or replace nails and check the fences overall structural integrity.
If the fence is dirty or you see signs of mildew then you will need to wash the fence thoroughly with the wood cleaner. Then allow it plenty of time to dry out. If you are using a stain without a sealer, you probably want to seal your wooden fence first.
Stains can look different on different types of wood so you will want to test your stain first. Find a little out of the way area of your fence and apply some of the stain. Then decide if you want your whole fence to look like that.
If you are happy with the color test then you are ready to apply the stain. You can use various types of stain applicators depending on your preference. A sprayer, paint brush, and foam applicator all work equally well as long as you apply the stain with the grain of the wood. You may need to use a few different applicators to get the stain into all of the cracks and crevices of the fence.
You will need to keep what is called a “wet edge”. That means that you should work in small areas and move quickly so that the edge of one section does not have time to dry before you start on the next. Make sure to spend a little time blending the edges of these sections so that you can’t tell where the borders used to be.

Filed Under: Privacy Fence, Wooden Fence Guide, Wooden Fences Tagged With: exterior wood stains, fence, fence atlanta, privacy fence, stain applicator, stain privacy fence, wood stain, wood staining, wooden fences, wooden privacy fence

How to Repair an Atlanta Chain Link Fence

Chain link fencing has always been extremely popular due to its low price and durability. Chain link can stand up to a lot of punishment and still look good but that doesn’t mean that it is indestructible. Over time kids will climb on it, pets will run into it, wind will push it and limbs can fall on it along with a myriad of other factors that bend the mesh out of shape. This not only looks bad but it weakens the overall strength of the fencing. Luckily, the repair process is fairly simple.

Before you start your repairs you will need bolt cutters, a pair of pliers, replacement wire mesh and a new top rail. Once you have everything together, just follow these steps:

To replace the top rail you will first need to pry loose the ends of the wire fence ties securing the rail to the mesh. After that you will need to remove the ties from the support posts in the area that you will be replacing the rail or mesh.
Since the top rail is bolted to its terminal posts, you will have to use the pliers or a socket wrench to remove the bolts. Once that is done, remove the rail ends from their brackets. Then remove the rail ends from the damaged top rail. Check the terminal posts to make sure they are aligned and undamaged.
Put the rail ends that you removed from the damaged rail onto the new replacement. Place the ends back into the brackets and bolt them into position.
To replace the mesh, you will need to go about two links to the left and right of where the bend is in the fence mesh. Take out the loose inner links from each of these places to remove the damage section of mesh.
Measure and cut a new section of mesh to act as a replacement piece. Align the new piece along the left side and weave the links back together, then do the same for the right side. Once it fits nicely back into place you can bend the ends of the chain link to secure it and finish the repair.
All that is left now is to securely reattach the mesh to the posts and top rail using fence ties from step one.

Filed Under: chain link and security fences, Chain Link Fence Guide, Chain Link Styles, DIY Fence Building Guide Tagged With: agricultural fencing, Atlanta Fence, Atlanta Fence Contractor, chain, Chain-link fencing, durable fence, fence, fence contractors, fence repair, fence types, fences, Fencing, fencing atlanta, mesh

Tips to Find the Best Fence Contractor in Atlanta

If you’ve decided to install a fence around your Atlanta yard, pool, or outdoor space selecting the right contractor is a vital first step to consider before green-lighting construction. All home renovations require a careful “shop around” approach to ensure that you receive the best price, durability, and aesthetic outcome, but this step is even more crucial when you’ve decided to install a fence in Atlanta.

Atlanta Fence Company Contractors

Why? The answer’s simple: not only will a fence significantly alter your Atlanta home and yard appearance, but it will also be exposed to outdoor elements that require a careful understanding of the environment at hand. Meaning, your Atlanta Fence company contractor needs to understand how to create the look and feel you desire without sacrificing fence quality.

Follow these 5 steps to select the Atlanta contractor who will best meet all of your fence installation needs:

Get a referral

Do you have a friend or family member in your Atlanta community who’s had a fence installed? Pay close attention to your friend’s and family member’s fencing projects so you can appeal to them for contractor advice. Don’t hesitate to cruise around your neighborhood and find a few fence projects that appeal to you. It won’t hurt to drop a note in a mailbox and ask a local homeowner to put you in touch with their fence contractor. After all, everyone loves a good compliment and some contractors may reward past clients who refer work.

Compare Warranties

A 90-day material and labor warranty is standard in the Atlanta fencing industry. Compare warranties among contractors to ensure that you receive quality customer service.

Consider Experience

How long has the contractor been in the fencing business? We recommend reaching out to contractors with at least five or ten years of experience building in Atlanta.

Ascertain payment requirements

Most Atlanta fence company contractors ask for half of your payment upfront whereas the rest will be paid after the job is complete. Be wary of jobs that require total upfront payments.

Probe Expertise

Ask your Atlanta fence company contractor if they use galvanized screws or concrete footing for fencing posts to shed light on expertise.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: atlanta contractors, Atlanta Fence, atlanta fence company, atlanta homes, construction, contractors, fence contractors, fence installation, fences, marietta ga

Atlanta Residents Win Big with Low-Maintenance Vinyl Fencing

Looking for a low-maintenance yet attractive fence material in Marietta Ga? Vinyl is the way to go.

While Marietta Ga Fence Vinyl is perhaps the newest fencing material available there’s no question as to why it can be the best choice for your Marietta Ga home. Why? The answer’s quite simple: Vinyl, which is made of PVC plastic, is not only unaffected by the weather, but it’s also difficult to scratch and does not fade in sunlight. Meaning, it is the perfect choice for Marietta Ga residents who want to deal with little upkeep despite maintaining a fresh, attractive appearance.

But that’s not the only perk. Vinyl is also very easy to clean. Simply wipe down your fence with a soapy sponge followed with a shot of water straight from the hose and you’re good to go.

You can also install your Marietta Ga vinyl fence as simply as you can clean it. It is lightweight and easy to handle. Many contractors now offer kits that can be assembled using a level and drill, meaning your installation costs will be quite low when compared to wood or metal fencing.

While Vinyl can be a bit pricy initially, there’s no arguing that the material will ultimately emerge as one of the most price-effective options on the market. What’s more, reputable contractors offer lifetime warranties on fencing parts so once your fence is constructed you truly need not worry about a thing.

If you go with Vinyl your Marietta Ga fence will never rot, rust, chip or look old. It also permits you to select from a large, ever-growing number of styles and accessories to ensure that it meets your aesthetic needs despite its low-cost advantage. Perhaps most importantly, you avoid worrying about repairing, repainting, or replacing your Marietta Ga fence during the entire lifespan of your property. Big win!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Atlanta Fence, atlanta fence company, atlanta homes, fence solution, Fencing, fencing material, low maintenance, marietta ga, vinyl, vinyl fence

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Filed Under: Atlanta Fence, Wooden Fences Tagged With: atlanta weather, building, building wood fence, fences, fencing wood, lumber, wood fence, wood fence companies, wood fences, wood preservation

Tips for Choosing Fence Materials

When deciding which fence materials to use for your fence installation it’s important to consider how each material stacks up in regards to longevity, maintenance, and location. If fence durability is important to you you’ll want to select a strong, long-lasting fence material like stone. On the other hand, if you detest high-maintenance and want to avoid strenuous upkeep you may find yourself in search of Vinyl.

Let’s break down the pros and cons of popular fence materials to determine which will work best for your fencing project:

Unfinished/Pressure Treated Wood:

Unfinished/pressure treated wood will last several decades, though it requires refinishing every 3-4 years. While such wood can work well in areas where your fence will touch moist earth that could cause sagging, if you’re an resident in search of low-maintenance, pressure treated wood may not be the right choice for you. That’s because wood is affected by all weather conditions, as well as mold. Your wood fencing may also discolor in the sun if not properly cared for. While wood is a great choice for a number of projects and aesthetic settings, it’s important to know that such fencing will require attentive care.

picket fence flower Tips for Choosing Fence Materials

Canton Ga Wood Fence with vines growing on it.

Stained Wood:

Stained wood requires re-staining every 3-5 years via a simple spray application. As with unfinished/pressure treated wood, stained wood should be kept away from moisture and water systems.

Vinyl:

Vinyl fencing will last indefinitely, thought projectiles (such as a baseball) could damage your fence and require replacement pieces. Ensure that your manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty. With Vinyl, most maintenance concerns are aesthetic and not structural so think low-maintenance aside from the occasion deep stain scrub. Vinyl also holds strong against most weather conditions despite misguided consumer fears.

Metal:

A metal fence should last more than 100 years if you protect it against rust. Apply a rust-resistant finish and look into Aluminum or zinc/alloy fasteners that offer greater protection to ensure lower upkeep.

Stone:

A stone fence will last thousands of years if built well, though you will need to watch out for cracks, chipping, destructive plants, loose stones, moisture and freezing. While a stone fence is highly durable, it requires an attentive eye.

Filed Under: Choosing Fence Materials, Fence Materials, Fence Tips Tagged With: agricultural fencing, Atlanta Fence, atlanta fence company, canton ga, company, fence installation, fence materials, fences, Fencing, fencing material, metal fencing, pressure treated wood, vinyl fencing, water systems, wood fences, wood preservation

Tips to Protect Vinyl Fencing

While Vinyl fencing is a durable, long-lasting material that will leave you with little upkeep when compared to wood or other materials, there are still a number of tips and tricks you can use to ensure that your fence remains intact. Adhere to the following guidelines to better prepare your Vinyl fence against Chamblee Ga weather elements and other factors that may cause problems:

Talk to your Chamblee Ga contractor about using a kit with higher levels of titanium dioxide in the outermost layer as it will prevent long-term decay.

fence 1 large 300x190 Tips to Protect Vinyl Fencing

Chamblee Ga Vinyl Fence

Look for an Chamblee Ga contractor who utilizes stainless steel gate hardware; aluminum or galvanized inserts for weak panels; heavy rails, posts, and notched rail-fastening systems; thick and reinforced walls where a heavy object or animal may often brush against the fence.

Pay careful attention to detail when assembly posts that are accurately placed to support the fence long-term. Ensure that your Chamblee Ga Vinyl fence is concretely fastened in all the right places.

Ask your Chamblee Ga contractor whether they use co-extrusion two-bond layers or mono-extrusion (one-layer) bonding. While mono-extrusion is not necessarily an indicator of quality, two-layer bonds will make for a better, longer-lasting fence.

Though Vinyl requires little upkeep you will likely want to give your fence an occasional cleaning to remove dirt or deep-set stains. An orange-based cleaner like GOJO should do the trick.

Be careful when using your lawnmower or a power tool around your Vinyl fence. While PVC is quite durable, it’s not uncommon for an Chamblee Ga homeowner to damage part of their Vinyl fencing while working in the yard.

To avoid injury from baseballs or other projectile objects be sure to select a high-grade PVC manufacturer. Ask your contractor for ASTM F964-94 – the quality standard for Vinyl manufacturers.

Check your warranty if you do find a hole. It’s not uncommon for an Chamblee Ga contractor to replace damaged panels if you’ve secured the expected lifetime warranty.

Filed Under: Fence Tips, Vinyl Fences Tagged With: building, chamblee ga, fence, fences, Fencing, tips, upkeep, vinyl, vinyl fence, vinyl fencing

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

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!

Filed Under: Atlanta Fence, DIY Fence Building Guide, Pool Fence Guide Tagged With: Atlanta, atlanta ga, fences, guidelines, metal pool fencing, pool construction, pool fence, pool fence regulation, pools, safety, swimming pool, swimming pools