• 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.

  • Chain Link: Tried and True since 1844

    Ah, the humble chain link fence. Reliable and utilitarian, it’s a ubiquitous sight across the nation, whether along country roads, surrounding suburban yards, or protecting urban gardens. Would it surprise you to know that the chain link fence has been around since before the Civil War? Let’s take a look at the history of this fence so many of us take for granted.

    In 1844, a British man named Charles Barnard had an idea to create sections of fencing using a cloth weaving machine. He switched out the thread for some steel wire, and a new industry was born. With Barnard’s innovation, long stretches of fencing could be produced quickly and easily, and soon, metal fencing became popular throughout England.

    It didn’t make it into the United States’ manufacturing community until almost 50 years after its invention. In 1891, a New Jersey business known as the Anchor Post Fence Co bought the rights to the weaving machine, becoming the first company to manufacture chain link fences in the United States. It caught on fairly quickly, because it’s affordable, durable, lightweight, easy to install, and versatile enough to use in a host of applications.

    Chain link really rose to prominence in London during World War II. At that point, many iron and steel fences that had surrounded parks were taken down and used for scrap materials. In the United States, modern homeowners are often surprised to learn that their chain link fences are considered historic and cannot be taken down without permission from historic preservation authorities.

    Today, the chain link fence is still immensely popular, and in fact, half of the fences sold in the United States are made of chain link. Why is it still such a widespread choice?

    • Chain link provides high security and visibility.
    • This kind of fence is versatile and can be customized to meet a wide variety of needs.
    • Chain link fences can easily be customized to beef up security or increase your level of privacy.
    • Chain link fencing is affordable, and yet highly effective in protecting property and containing pets or livestock.
    • Chain link fences are perfect for gardens, because they can keep out unwanted animals while providing a trellis-like surface for plants to climb.

    If you’re interested in installing a new chain link fence, you can trust A-1 Fence to get the job done right 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.

     

  • Why Chain Link Fences are the Best Fencing for an Urban Garden

    All over the country, abandoned lots in city centers are being transformed into blooming oases of vegetables and flowers. These urban gardens are a sight for sore eyes, and great news for the environment and food deserts alike, but how do you protect them from harm? There’s no better fixture for this job than a chain link fence.

    Why is a chain link fence so perfect for protecting an urban farm? Chain link fences are virtually indestructible. They can stand up to the ravages of time and weather, and when the buildings around them have crumbled, there’s a good chance that the fences will still be there. They are great for keeping people out, especially if you install a lock, and they can take a beating and come out standing; run a car into a chain link fence and you’ll find that the car is the loser in the confrontation. Despite all this rugged durability, chain link fences are a remarkably affordable option.

    Chain link fences are a great barrier to animals, too. If you happen to keep chickens in your urban garden, chain link will keep them safe, while keeping the neighborhood dogs at bay. Modify the fence with some chicken wire at the bottom, and you’ll even keep out tunneling bunnies. Meanwhile, squirrels, butterflies, and birds are free to use the fence as they please, cavorting, climbing, or just resting a while.

    What’s more, chain link fences lend themselves to plan support. Trellis-like, they allow vines to grow up their wires, and plants like tomatoes to use them for support. There’s even an ancient Roman horticultural technique known as “espalier” being revived that allows fruit trees to grow along fences rather than up into the air. As you can imagine, this makes it incredibly easy to pick fruit.

    If you’re concerned about the aesthetic appeal of a chain link fence, don’t be. People have long used their creativity to find ways to make chain link more visually interesting, whether by painting it, weaving things through it, or hanging things on it. Today, there are new techniques in stenciling and the creation of mosaics that can make a humble chain link fence into a truly impactful piece of art. The fence around your urban garden is really only limited by your imagination and artistic inclination.

    Whether you’re fencing in an urban garden or putting up a fence around your yard, you can trust A-1 Fence to get the job done right. 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.

     

     

  • Benefits of a Chain Link Fence

    A fence is a big investment, so you’re probably considering all of your options if you’re shopping for a new one. There are certainly plenty of options out there, including some that are more decorative than protective, some built to last for many years, and some that make a bold statement and add style to your yard. There is a strong argument, however, for the humble chain link fence.

    Chain link fences are popular, and with good reason. In fact, these fences made of twisted galvanized metal have many benefits.

    • Secure: If you need to keep people out or keep kids and pets in, a chain link fence will do the job. You can add a lock if you need further protection, and if you’re concerned about privacy, choose privacy slats.
    • Budget-friendly: Chain link fences are among the most affordable options, which is good if you need a lot of fencing, to surround a sizable property. They’re a great value, too, because they stand the test of time and are virtually indestructible.
    • Easily maintained: Once it’s installed, a chain link fence doesn’t require much more work. You won’t need to stain, paint, or rust-proof it to keep it in good shape. Just spray it down with a hose from time to time, and you’ll keep it clean and looking good.
    • Increases home value: Any fence that you add to your property will increase its value because many buyers are looking for the security of a fenced-in yard. If you’ve already installed a fence, you’ll save them the cost of installation, and that can be appealing. Also appealing is the fact that chain link is low maintenance, so the buyer won’t have to invest time, energy, and money into its upkeep. Because chain link is so affordable, it will yield a higher return on your investment than other, pricier fences.

    When it’s time to fence in your property, chain link is definitely worth a look. 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.

     

  • Simple Strategies for Keeping Your Chain Link Fence Looking Its Best

    Commercial Rust Removal Products for Chain Link Fence

    Chain link fences are pretty durable, but since they are exposed to the elements 24/7, a little maintenance is necessary from time to time. Every few months, walk along the boundary of the fence and inspect it for signs of damage from wear and tear. Make a note of any rusted areas, and address those quickly to prevent further rusting.

    Light Cleaning

    A chain link fence that is only lightly dusty or strewn with cobwebs is simple to clean. Just take a broom and sweep it. This also works well for grass trimmings that get caught in the chain link.

    Moderate Cleaning

    Dirt and grime that resist your efforts with a broom will need a bit more attention. Set your hose spray nozzle to a concentrated jet of water, and clean the fence with plain water. Some caked-on grime might not come off the first time. If necessary, you can mix some natural borax powder in a bucket of water. Decant the solution into the sprayer and hose down the fence again. Let the diluted borax sit on the fence panels for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with plain water. Wear rubber gloves if you need to scrub any stubborn areas.

    Rust Removal

    A fence maintenance company can correct rusty posts and panels for you. Or, if only a small area is rusted, you can put on work gloves and use steel wool to buff it out. Commercial rust removal products are also available. Read the label carefully before using these products, and use plain water to rinse the fence well afterward.

    Oil Application

    You can keep your chain link fence functioning at its best by applying a little oil now and then. The hinges on the gate need oil. You should also oil the latches, springs, and joints.

    In addition to offering new installations, A-1 Fence Inc. is pleased to offer maintenance services. We can provide ongoing maintenance, aesthetic enhancements, and repair services for any chain link fence in the San Jose area. Call (408) 259-2955 to request information about our competitive rates.

  • Can You Paint a Chain Link Fence?

    Chain link fences make excellent dog fences. They’re also ideal for keeping wildlife out of gardens. You can paint the chain link to make it blend in better with the rest of your property. Another option is to purchase a chain link fence that has already been coated. Black and green colors are commonly available.

    If you’ve already installed a plain chain link fence and you’d like to paint it, watch this video for some quick tips. The man featured in it recommends letting the fence oxidize in the weather for a few months before painting it, or you can coat it with vinegar to accelerate the oxidation process.

    A-1 Fence Inc. offers free estimates for fencing services in San Jose who are interested in chain link fence installation. Call 408-259-2955, and ask us about our vinyl-coated chain link fences.  Have a look at our site to learn about chain link fences.

  • Can You Grow Shrubs Along a Chain Link Fence?

    There are many advantages to installing a chain link fence around your property. They are sturdy, secure, and low-maintenance. Plus, they’re incredibly durable. But many homeowners decide that they want to improve the aesthetic appeal and privacy of their yards by landscaping the fence line. Watch this video for some quick tips on planting shrubs.

    The horticulturalist featured here has planted ficus shrubs along his chain link fence. He recommends spacing the shrubs about 24 inches apart. As they grow, keep the forward growth trimmed to encourage them to grow closer together and form a hedge.

    To truly beautify your yard in San Jose , start with a brand-new chain link fence. Call A-1 Fence Inc. at (408) 259-2955 and ask us about our fence designs.

  • Get the Facts on Chain Link Fencing

    Chain Link Fencing for Backyard by A-1 Fence Inc

    Do you need fencing and wonder if a chain link fence may be the right choice for you? If so, then read on to learn some facts about this type of fencing.

    Chain link fencing has many uses.

    The applications for chain link fencing are many and varied. For example, a chain link fence can be effective for keeping kids and pets safer around your backyard pool by helping to keep them away from the water when there is no adult supervision. Or, if you have a garden that critters love getting into, then a chain link fence may be able to help keep them from devouring your vegetables when you’re not looking. Chain link fencing is also a popular product for creating front and backyard barriers, and it is a great choice for many commercial and recreational applications.

    Chain link fencing is transparent.

    In some situations, you may be looking for privacy and find that chain link fencing isn’t the ideal solution to your needs. In other cases, however, having a fence that does not block your view of what is on the other side can be ideal. For example, if you need to mark off your property line, but you don’t want to obstruct the view of the surrounding land, then a chain link fence can be a smart choice.

    Chain link fencing is incredibly versatile.

    Besides being a smart option for a broad range of fencing purposes, chain link fencing is easy to both install and move. This fact means that if you need to adjust the position of your fencing for some reason, then moving the posts to a new location will not be a major project. Lastly, the same features that make chain link fencing easy to install and reposition also make it simple to maintain, replace, and repair.

    If you’re in need of a new chain link fence near San Jose , then look no further than A-1 Fence Inc. For information about our chain link fence installation, maintenance, and repair services, call (408) 259-2955.

  • How a Professional Can Repair a Damaged Top Rail on a Chain Link Fence?

    Damaged Top Rail on a Chain Link Fence Repair by A-1 Fence Inc

    A chain link fence will provide your property with exceptional security and durability. While this type of fencing is known for its long lasting performance, there may come a time when you need to contact your fencing contractor to schedule professional repairs. If the top rail on your chain link fence gets damaged, you will need to fix this problem right away. Here is a closer look at how a professional can repair a damaged top rail on a chain link fence.

    Remove the Damaged Rail

    The first step of fixing a damaged top rail on a chain link fence is to completely remove the damaged section. Since your fence’s rail will typically be screwed into place, your contractor may need to use heavy pliers to pull the rail off of its mountings. Once the rail has been lifted, the rest of the repairs can be performed.

    Hammer the Rail Ends in Place

    When a top rail gets damaged, its bolts and brackets may become misaligned. In order to fix your damaged top rail, your contractor may need to hammer the rail ends so that they sit straight. A large, powerful hammer will be used to knock the metal ends into the correct position.

    Reattach the Rail Section

    Once the brackets and bolt holes are in position, your contractor will be ready to reattach the rail section. Metal bolts will be used to firmly screw the rail into place. Once your contractor is satisfied that the rail is sitting properly, the repair process will be over.

    Whether you are seeking chain link fence repair or new fencing in San Jose, let A-1 Fence Inc. assist you with your next project. We offer a variety of gates and fence designs, and we will also be able to help you maintain your fence throughout the years and seasons. Call us at (408) 259-2955 to receive more information about the terrific fencing services that we have to offer.

  • Keep Your New Chain Link Fence Safe from Corrosion

    Chain Link Fences Adding a Barrier to Your Property

    Chain link fences offer a versatile and affordable means of adding a barrier to your property. However, because these structures are made of galvanized steel, they can be vulnerable to corrosion and rust. To help keep your new chain link fence looking great long-term, consider painting it using the following steps:

    Prepare

    First, think about your fence’s age. If it is quite new and was installed less than 6 months ago, then contact the manufacturer or installer to learn how long you should wait before painting it. Next, examine your fence because you want to be certain that the structure is free of rust before you begin painting. You can use a wire brush to remove any areas of rust that you find. Now, make sure that your fence is clean and then trim any grass that’s growing along your fence line. Finally, slide your cardboard or drop cloths beneath the structure.

    Paint

    Before you begin the painting process, be sure that your fence is completely dry. If the structure is free of moisture, then you can start by mixing your chain link fence paint and pouring it into a paint tray. Now, wet a paint roller with paint and then drag it along the fence in a diagonal direction. Do this on both sides and then use a paint brush to touch up areas you missed and paint the top and bottom of the fence.

    Clean

    With your fence painted, you’re ready to begin the cleanup process. Gather up your brushes, rollers, paint tray, and cardboard by bundling them in the drop cloths and then disposing of them. If you notice that any paint got onto your lawn, then simply trim the blades with a bag attached to your mower. Finally, give your fence a few days to dry before disturbing it.

    If you’re in need of fencing equipment or a new chain link fence in San Jose , then look no further than A-1 Fence Inc. Please call (408) 259-2955 for details about our products and services.