• Fence Etiquette Tips Revealed

    If you’re considering installing a fence, you’ve probably got a lot on your mind. There are plenty of factors to consider, from privacy to security to safety and the type of fence you need. Here’s another thing you might want to think about: etiquette. Knowing proper fence etiquette goes a long way toward keeping the peace with your neighbors and your homeowner’s association.

    • Respect boundaries. Perhaps the most important thing to establish when you’re installing a fence is where your property ends and your neighbors’ yards begin. If you’re unsure, have a survey company come out and determine the property lines. It’s crucial to place the fence on the right side of the line, because if it ends up in the wrong spot, your neighbors have a legal right to compel you to move it.
    • Communicate openly. Beyond the property lines, there are some other aspects of your fence that will affect your neighbors. Before you install the fence, talk with them about what you plan to do, and take their input seriously. If it’s going to negatively impact your relationship with your neighbors to install a fence that isn’t in line with the overall look of the neighborhood or blocks out the sun from their gardens, you should consider those concerns before your decide on your fence.
    • Follow the rules. If your neighborhood has a homeowner’s association, they probably have some regulations regarding the kind of fences you can install. They might have rules about how high the fence can be, or what style of fence is allowed, and some HOAs don’t allow fences at all! It’s better to make sure you’re in compliance with the rules before you invest in a fence, only to have to amend or remove it later. If you don’t live in a neighborhood with an HOA, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re off the hook. Check with your county, city, or other local governing body, to make sure you’re complying with any ordinances they may have in place.

    When you’re ready for a new fence, you can trust A-1 Fence to install it and stand behind our work. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and are proud of our reputation for quality work. For more information or a free estimate, contact us through our website or call 408-824-1693.

  • Summer Fence Maintenance Tips

    As temperatures soar and humidity rises, it’s a good time to give your fence a once over. Whether a fence is wooden, wrought iron, or chain link, summer can take a toll on it. It’s better to keep a close eye and be proactive, so that you don’t have to make extensive- and expensive- repairs later. What’s more, attending to your fence maintenance during the summer months is a great way to make sure it’s ready to face the winter weather. Walking the whole length of the fence, inspect it for damage, taking care to do these tasks:

    • Begin by making sure it’s clean. Often, dirt is tossed up onto the fence by the lawnmower, family pet, or even your children. This can cause a build-up that’s detrimental to the fence, so the first thing to do is to remove it. Check the fence for other elements that could potentially damage it, like mildew, insects, or rot. If you can catch these things early, you can keep them from causing irreversible harm. While you’re at it, pull up any weeds or vines that may be encroaching on your fence and threatening its structural integrity.
    • Go a little deeper with your cleaning. You may be able to rinse off dirt and grime with a garden hose, or you might need a pressure washer to get into hard to reach areas, but giving your fence a good cleaning allows you to see potential issues more clearly.
    • Take a look above your fence. Do any tree branches hang over it? A summer storm can knock down those limbs, so it’s better to prune them back before they fall and damage the fence. Notice branches over your neighbor’s yard as well, to avoid any potential drama that can be avoided by keeping your trees trimmed.
    • Go beyond the obvious to take a closer look. Are there any parts of your fence that seem warped or broken? If your fence is wooden, does it need to be sealed? If it’s wrought iron, do you notice any rust around the welded joints? How are your hinges and latches? Is everything secure? Take the time to examine the entire fence closely, so that you can make any necessary repairs before the damage becomes extensive.

     

    Regular maintenance can extend a fence’s lifespan, but when it’s time to replace your fence you can trust A-1 Fence to install it and stand behind our work. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and are proud of our reputation for quality work. For more information or a free estimate, contact us through our website or call 408-824-1693.

  • Best Fence Types for Family & Kids & Pets

    Why do you need a fence? Some people install a fence for security or privacy. For many families, though, the need for a fence has more to do with containing and protecting kids and pets. Which are the best fence types to handle that responsibility? You have a variety of options.

    • Wooden fences are versatile. There are many different sizes and styles of wood fencing, so it’s easy to find a fence that complements your house and landscaping. Wooden fences work well for kids and pets because they block the view in and out of the yard. This keeps your children and fur babies safe from prying eyes, but it also prevents them from being distracted by things outside your own yard. The downside of wooden fencing is that it does require maintenance. Because wood is an organic material, it’s susceptible to rot, and it will probably require some repairs over the course of its lifespan. If not well-maintained, it can also pose the danger of splinters.
    • Vinyl fencing is affordable and lowmaintenance. It’s durable and lightweight and can be found in a variety of designs. In fact, it can even be made to mimic wooden fencing. Although vinyl fences are durable, they can become brittle over time, and can easily be damaged by lawn mowers or string trimmers. However, because vinyl fencing Is modular and prefabricated, it’s easy to replace parts and make repairs.
    • Chain link is inexpensive and durable. There’s a reason chain link fences have been a popular option for so long: they’re very practical. They’re great for keeping kids and pets contained, and they’re practically indestructible. The drawbacks? They’re not hard to climb, many people don’t find them aesthetically pleasing, and they don’t offer much privacy. There are plastic inserts and other coverings designed to make up for this deficit, but they still won’t offer the privacy of wood or vinyl fences.
    • Aluminum and steel fences can be made to look like wrought iron. They’re less expensive than wrought iron, and are durable and long-lasting. Decorative metal fences come in many different styles and are easy to repair because they’re typically modular. If you’re using this type of fence to contain children and animals, it’s important to make sure it meets safety standards for minimum distance between pickets, height, and the length between the bottom and top rails.

    No matter what kind of fence you choose to protect your kids and pets, you can trust A-1 Fence to install it and stand behind our work. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and are proud of our reputation for quality work. For more information or a free estimate, contact us through our website or call 408-824-1693.

  • 5 Popular Fence Styles

    If you’re trying to decide on a fence, you’re probably aware that there is a wide range of styles available. In fact, you may even find it a little bit overwhelming! A fence is something you’ll have for a long time, so how can you make sure you’re getting the right one before you go to the trouble of installing it? It helps to think about why you need the fence and how you need it to function. Then consider the attributes of these five popular fence styles to determine which one is right for you.

    • Picket fences are distinctive and charming. Traditionally made of wood, this the classic American fence style. Some types of fences are made of vinyl, which makes them more durable than wooden fences. A picket fence has pointed, vertical boards running the length of the fence, typically attached together by horizontal rails on the top and bottom. There is usually a space between each picket, allowing you to see what’s on the other side of the fence.
    • An estate style fence can lend your property a grand look. This is the type of fence you’d see around a grand estate, which is how it got the name. Estate fences are typically made of aluminum, with a flat, even top, or a decorative feature like a pressed spear or staggered pickets. With an estate style fence, you can add decorative adornment caps in varied styles and colors.
    • A split rail fence provides a rustic touch. Made of several rough-hewn beams that stretch horizontally between two posts, split rail was initially created to keep livestock from wandering away from a farm. They’re easy to climb, though, because they’re short and there is space between the horizontal beams.
    • Privacy fences can be wood or vinyl. These fences have slats or boards placed right against each other with no space between them. This prevents people from seeing through to the other side of the fence. They’re also taller than most other types of fences, typically 6 to 8 feet tall.
    • Lattice fences are elegant yet warm. Where other fences have pickets or rails, lattice fences have a lattice panel. Sometimes lattice fences are combined with privacy fences, with close-together boards on the bottom and a lattice panel running along the top.

     

    Once you’ve decided which fence style is right for your property, you can trust A-1 Fence to install it and stand behind our work. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and are proud of our reputation for quality work. For more information or a free estimate, contact us through our website or call 408-824-1693.

  • Inspecting Your Fence

    In the summer, most homeowners take time to inspect their property. You might be checking your grass, landscaping, and garden to make sure you’ve done any necessary maintenance. But are you remembering your fence? Don’t neglect the fence, but look at the following elements.

    • Examine the gates. Because they’re the only moveable parts of your fence, gates tend to get the most wear and tear. Open and close gates to see whether they latch correctly. If not, the gate may not be squarely attached to the post. You may be able to fix this by tightening the screws or nails or by re-adjusting the tension on a self-closing gate. If that’s not the problem, the hinges may be damaged. If they’re bent, try to unbend them by hitting them with a hammer. Cracked hinges should be replaced. Check to see if the post is out of alignment or if a misaligned latch needs to be tightened.
    • Inspect the posts. Look to see that the posts are securely attached to the ground and give them a light push to check for movement. Make sure there’s no rotten wood at the bottom of the posts and check for damage from lawnmowers or other yard equipment. If your posts are in concrete, inspect the concrete for cracks, and if they have aluminum caps check them for chips or scratches. Check any vinyl caps to make sure they’re securely attached.
    • Check the panels and boards. Check the vertical boards for warping, insects, rotting, and landscaping damage, being aware that wood sometimes has naturally occurring knots, cracks, and warping that don’t affect its structural integrity. Clean the fence, pound any loose nails back into place, and replace individual damaged boards.
    • If you have an aluminum fence, there’s not as much to check. Push on the sections to see if you hear any rattling of loose screws. Tighten loose screws, replacing them if they are stripped. Look for landscaping damage to the bottom of the pickets, repairing minor damage if possible. Look for signs of rust, so that you can catch it early enough to repair it easily.
    • Vinyl fences require very little maintenance. If there’s landscaping damage, you may want to replace that section. Clean your fence with soap and water at least every 24 months.
    • Inspect individual links on a chain link fence. If any are bent or snagged, you may be able to reweave the links or straighten them with pliers. If a top rail is bowed, you can probably fix it by rolling the top rail and retying.

    When it’s time for a new fence, you can trust A-1 Fence to install it and stand behind our work. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, insured, and proud of our reputation for quality work. For a free estimate, contact us or call 408-824-1693.

  • How a Fence Could Help Protect Your Home

    There are plenty of great reasons to add a fence to your property. Maybe you’re trying to establish clear property boundaries, or maybe you just like the way a certain type of fence looks. You might enjoy the privacy that a wooden fence affords. But have you thought about the ways a fence can make your home safer and more secure?

    • Fences provide pool safety. Residential pools are required to have a barrier separating the pool from the house, and in most cases, there are very specific regulations about the minimum height, the gaps in coverage, and the latch on the gate.
    • Fences keep burglars out. Most burglaries take place on residential properties, but when you install a fence around the perimeter, you’ll be better able to keep burglars out. The taller the fence, the better the deterrent, and if you’re extremely concerned about thieves, you might consider a fence with sharp or pointed details along the top. Aluminum fences are typically harder to climb than wood or vinyl fences, as well as being harder for burglars to take apart or break. A fence needs to be properly installed, because a professionally installed fence will be stronger and more resistant to intruders.
    • Fences protect your kids and pets. As good as they are at keeping burglars out of your property, fences are just as good at keeping children and pets contained. What’s more, if the fence affords privacy, it will prevent people from being able to see who is in your yard, and it will block the sightlines to anything that might distract your kids or pets and entice them to wander away. Just make sure your fence has a child-proof latch so that little ones can’t open it by themselves.
    • Fences can block off parts of your property. If there’s an area you want to make off-limits to certain people, you can easily do that with a fence. You may want to keep kids out of your garden or create a separate space for your dogs. Of course, this also applies to pool fencing, which blocks off the pool from unsupervised children.

    When you’re ready to get a fence to protect your home, you can trust A-1 Fence to install it and stand behind our work. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and are proud of our reputation for quality work. For more information or a free estimate, contact us through our website or call 408-824-1693.10

  • Installing A Chain Link Fence is the Economical Choice

    Have you ever wondered why you see so many chain link fences? From urban areas to country roads, chain link is a ubiquitous sight, but why? It’s simple, really. Chain link fences are economical, not just because they’re inexpensive to install, but also because of their inherent value. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of chain link fencing.

    • It’s a great option for security. Chain link fences can be as high as 20 feet tall, and that’s enough to discourage even a determined burglar. If that’s not enough of a deterrent, you can always add tactical obstacles and entanglements to discourage fence climbing, or use smaller mesh to make it harder to climb. Chain link is also great for keeping wildlife out of your property, and it’s a strong enough barrier to protect against vehicles accidentally running onto your property if you live on a busy road.
    • Chain link really is inexpensive. Compared to other types of fencing material, chain link is a very affordable option.
    • It provides more privacy than you might expect. You might be concerned that chain link won’t give you the privacy of a wood or vinyl fence, but you can modify your chain link fence to meet your needs. There are color matching slats that can be woven into the chain link mesh, to keep prying eyes off your property. Of course, you can always get creative with your chain link fence, weaving whatever you’d like through the mesh, to make it as much a work of art as a security feature, or using it as a trellis to grow lush vines.
    • Chain link fencing comes with a surprising number of options. You can choose from galvanized fence, made of steel coated with zinc, or aluminized, in which the steel is coated with aluminum. Vinyl coated fences are available in a variety of colors and can be used on galvanized frames for an even more economical option.
    • It’s a good choice for kids and pets. In addition to keeping intruders out, chain link is really good at keeping people and animals in. It’s great for containing dogs and keeping kids safe.
    • Chain link is durable and low maintenance. It’s sturdy enough to stand up to gale-force winds and plenty of other hazards yet requires very little upkeep. Hosing it down every now and then is enough to keep it in good shape, and if it does need repair, chain link is easy to fix.

    If you’re ready for a chain link fence, you can trust A-1 Fence to install it and stand behind our work. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and are proud of our reputation for quality work. For more information or a free estimate, contact us through our website or call 408-824-1693.

  • Pet Fences: How to Find the Right One for Your Dog

    According to a recent study, people in the United States spend more money on their pets than people in any other nation on earth. We’ll do just about anything to keep our furry friends healthy, happy, and safe, and that includes fencing in the yard to give our dogs a great place to play. How can you be sure the fence you choose will be the right choice for your dog? Read on for some helpful tips.

    • Size matters. Do you have a big dog or a little dog? If your dog is small enough to squeeze through, a fence with widely spaced pickets is not going to keep him safe. Likewise, a big, tall dog is not going to be deterred by a small fence. Think about the size of your pooch before you ever go shopping for fences.
    • What’s your dog’s special talent? Is it digging? Jumping? Climbing? Find a fence that’s designed to handle these acts of mischief, in order to keep your dog safe. If digging Is the problem, concrete blocks buried just under the fence line can help. If he’s a jumper, make sure the fence is high enough to safely contain him. It’s also smart to have your dog spayed or neutered so that the urge to escape is not as strong.
    • Fences are not just about keeping dogs in. They’re also for keeping other creatures out. Depending on where you live, your dog might face threats from accidental shooting or theft, or might be at risk from coyotes snakes, as well as rabid skunks, foxes, raccoons, and bats. Make sure you’re installing a fence that will keep things out, rather than shutting your dog in with them. What’s more, it’s a bad idea to ever leave your dog unattended in a fenced yard.
    • Consider the boredom factor. Dogs who are bored and restless tend to be more inclined to find ways to escape from the yard. Spend some quality time outside with your dog, getting some exercise, and leave some toys outside to keep your dog busy.
    • There are factors to consider beyond your dog’s needs. Before you put up a fence, consider how it will look next to your home. Think about the neighbors, too, and look for a fence that complements the rest of the fences in your neighborhood. You’ll also need to consider your own budget, as well as your aesthetic sensibilities.

    Once you’ve decided on your new fence, you can trust A-1 Fence to install it and stand behind our work. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and are proud of our reputation for quality work. For more information or a free estimate, contact us through our website or call 408-824-1693.

  • Which Gate Do I Need for My Home or Business?

    If you’re installing a new fence for your home or business, you’ll need to choose the right gate. Especially if you’re installing a fence for security, the gate you choose is an essential part of keeping your property secure. No matter how impenetrable your fence may be, if the gate isn’t up to par, the security won’t be either. How do you choose? Here are some factors to consider.

    • First, consider the purpose of your gate. Are you putting it in for security, or simply to improve the façade? Once you identify the reason you need a gate, you’ll be better able to narrow down your options.
    • Aesthetic appeal is important. The architectural style of your home or business should inform your choice of gate. Some gates, like those made of wrought iron, work well for a variety of styles. On the other hand, some gates only work for a very specific style. You would be unlikely to choose a galvanized steel gate, for instance, for anything other than a contemporary home or business.
    • Consider the practical aspects. These include things like maintenance the gate will require, ease of installation, durability, and your budget. It’s also wise to consider the size of your property so that you can choose a gate that’s proportionately appropriate.
    • There are several types of gates from which to choose:
      • The swing gate, as its name implies, swings in or out. It can have one gate panel or two, depending on the size you need, but it’s not a good choice if the area around the gate is sloped.
      • The sliding gate comes in two types: rolling and cantilever. Each of these gate types slides, but the rolling one has wheels, while the cantilever simply slides along a track. These gates are perfect for sloped ground but need a good deal of space on either side.
      • A vertical pivot gate moves up and down like a railway crossing gate. This is an excellent option for a small space but can be expensive and cumbersome.
      • Folding gates are great space savers because they fold in on themselves. They come in a wide range of styles, from simple to ornate, and can be temporary or permanent, depending on your needs.
      • Vertical lift gates slide on a vertical track. They work well when you’re short of space, and can either raise into the air or disappear into the ground.

    Whether you need a gate or a whole new fence, you can trust A-1 Fence to install it and stand behind our work. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and are proud of our reputation for quality work. For more information or a free estimate, contact us through our website or call 408-824-1693.

  • 5 Reasons to Start Designing Your Spring Landscape Now

    If you’re like many people, you’re tired of winter and ready for spring. That’s all the more reason to start thinking about your spring landscaping. Why wait? Design your spring landscape now, and you’ll be prepared once the ground thaws and the clouds lift.

    • Your yard takes up a lot of space. If you look at the yard as an extension of your home, it’s the biggest room in the house. If you were going to redecorate a room, you’d take your time to establish a plan, wouldn’t you? There’s no reason you shouldn’t take the same type of care when you’re landscaping. Consider hiring a professional landscape designer to help you create a design that works with your home’s architecture.
    • During the winter months, you have time to think about priorities. Consider your budget and your list of ideas, prioritizing your list of thoughts in order to stretch the budget. What are your family’s current needs? Will they change any time soon? Establish a loose idea of your wishes and a solid sense of your budget before you enlist the help of a professional.
    • It’s smart to start early because makeovers take time. It will take time to create a plan, particularly if you’re communicating that plan with a designer. When you start in the off-season, you have time to plan, even if you need to modify that plan. What’s more, landscape designers are more accessible in the winter when it’s not as busy, so you’ll have a better opportunity for personal attention.
    • Sometimes, outdoor makeovers require permits. Permits can take a while to be processed: the average is 4-6 weeks. Because you’ll need your permits approved before you can begin any kind of construction, it’s smart to apply well in advance of when you plan to complete your project.
    • Schedules are more open in the winter. Your pace is probably slower, giving you more time to make decisions, and as noted, landscape designers have more time. What’s more, when you give advanced notice to the professionals who can make your vision a reality, you’re more likely to get the plum spots on their spring schedules.

    Overall, planning your spring landscaping during the winter months is just a good way to reduce stress and pave the way for your plan to go smoothly. If that plan involves a new fence, you can trust A-1 Fence to install it and stand behind our work. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and are proud of our reputation for quality work. For more information or a free estimate, contact us through our website or call 408-824-1693.