Privacy, decoration, weather barrier, protection of kids or pets... whatever your reasons are to build a fence or repair an existing one, make sure you give the fence gate the care and attention it deserves. Nobody likes crooked or squeaky fence gates. They are not only an annoyance but also, when they are not functioning properly, they bring the value and beauty of your home down.
It is true that fence gates are subject to damage more often than the rest of the fence, due to their frequent use. Speaking of usage, before you begin repairing or installing a fence gate or a garden gate, keep their purpose in mind. Some gates are for decorative purposes only. Sometimes you will see two little posts with a gate attached to them, right in the middle of a garden. They are not made to keep certain critters out or to protect anything. For those, a simple little latch with a hook will be good enough while gates that are attached to a fence or a wall will require more attention.
What kind of repair do fence gates require?
Sometimes, all you need will be a simple paint job to give your fence gate an updated, fresh look. Sometimes, you will need to replace a latch, a hook or a lock. Most of these parts are quite affordable and readily available in hardware stores. If you are working with an antique gate and the parts are old, you might need to find an expert to fix these or simply replace them by new parts. Since the gates are used frequently, it is better to keep them closed or locked when they are not being used. This way, you can keep them stable and balanced. In addition to this, if you have a heavy gate made from iron or massive heavy wood, then you will need stone or iron walls/fences to support your gate. You won't be able to keep a heavy gate secured if your fences are not made from heavy material to support them.
Like everything else, you will need to clean and do little repairs or updates on your fences and gates to prevent them from getting severely damaged in the future. If you have wooden gates and you live in a humid climate, make sure you prime and seal the wood for heavy weather conditions to increase its durability. You will also need to oil hinges from time to time so they don't squeak. Fence gates/garden gates that are regularly taken care of will greatly increase the beauty and value of your home and who doesn't love that? If you are building new fences, make sure you check your setbacks with your city in order to find out where exactly you are allowed to build them. Another thing you will want to make sure is that there are no buried cables or pipes where you are planning to build your fences. For this, you can contact your utility companies and they will come to your property and mark those lines for you.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Orange County contractor services, Irvine home improvement and Orange County fences .
Showing posts with label Orange County Fences. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orange County Fences. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Material Issue: Wood and Metal Gates
When you’re installing a gate, you may want it to match the rest of the fence. For instance, a picket fence would look best with a picket gate to match. However when you’re dealing with safety and security, you don’t want a picket fence. Something more secure would be advisable.
Nothing surpasses metal though, and an iron gate at the street protects the home from intruder’s right at the beginning of the driveway. Iron is expensive and many have turned to steel and aluminum gates not only for their price, but for the aesthetic beauty of the gate. They resist the weather, but the aluminum gate may lack in strength and that defeats their purpose.
Today steel is often painted black and sold as wrought iron, and the consumer must be wary if wrought iron is the choice. But there again, it is more expensive and the labor is intensive as well. Steel on the other hand can be molded and looks like old iron and many homeowners choose that look even though it isn’t as strong as iron.
Wooden fences are still popular depending on the grade of wood. Pine is lightweight and affordable, and will look good, but will need a regular paint job. Cedar is heavier and has natural weather resistance and bug repellant qualities. All wood fences need regular upkeep and painting to remain in good condition. The heavier the wood, the more costly the gate, and if you’re looking for privacy and security, the wood gate will fill the bill.
If you have a vinyl fence you’ll probably want a vinyl gate to match. They are functional and nice to look at, but carry little in the security department.
Another option in many areas, especially in the deserts of California is the chain link fence. Where wind plays a big part in choosing a fence and gate, the chain link fence is secure, but carries no aesthetic charm or privacy. However the chain line needs little upkeep and they come in sizes from three feet on up. The chain link fence also works well in keeping animals secured behind the fence.
When you search for the best fence for your area, look around at your neighbors. What types of fences do they have? If you like their fence and if they had it installed by a fence company, ask them the name of the company. It’s a good time to become familiar with your neighbors as you reach out to admire their fences.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Costa Mesa home improvement and Orange County fences.
Nothing surpasses metal though, and an iron gate at the street protects the home from intruder’s right at the beginning of the driveway. Iron is expensive and many have turned to steel and aluminum gates not only for their price, but for the aesthetic beauty of the gate. They resist the weather, but the aluminum gate may lack in strength and that defeats their purpose.
Today steel is often painted black and sold as wrought iron, and the consumer must be wary if wrought iron is the choice. But there again, it is more expensive and the labor is intensive as well. Steel on the other hand can be molded and looks like old iron and many homeowners choose that look even though it isn’t as strong as iron.
Wooden fences are still popular depending on the grade of wood. Pine is lightweight and affordable, and will look good, but will need a regular paint job. Cedar is heavier and has natural weather resistance and bug repellant qualities. All wood fences need regular upkeep and painting to remain in good condition. The heavier the wood, the more costly the gate, and if you’re looking for privacy and security, the wood gate will fill the bill.
If you have a vinyl fence you’ll probably want a vinyl gate to match. They are functional and nice to look at, but carry little in the security department.
Another option in many areas, especially in the deserts of California is the chain link fence. Where wind plays a big part in choosing a fence and gate, the chain link fence is secure, but carries no aesthetic charm or privacy. However the chain line needs little upkeep and they come in sizes from three feet on up. The chain link fence also works well in keeping animals secured behind the fence.
When you search for the best fence for your area, look around at your neighbors. What types of fences do they have? If you like their fence and if they had it installed by a fence company, ask them the name of the company. It’s a good time to become familiar with your neighbors as you reach out to admire their fences.
Home Improvement Guide specializes in Southern California home improvement, Costa Mesa home improvement and Orange County fences.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Orange County Fences: Fence Your Pool
Drowning is a preventable death, and it is the second cause of death for young children under the age of five. Anyone who has a pool that is accessible to children needs to take a few simple precautions and a fence is almost the first in line.
The fence needs to be at least 4 feet high and about 2 inches from the ground. Vertical slats should be less than 4 inches apart so children can’t climb over, under or squeeze between them. There should be no hand or footholds on the outside where a child could climb over the fence. Install a lock on the inside of the gate about 3 inches from the top so little fingers can’t reach them, and the gate needs to swing out from the pool. Many small children watch their parents and learn how to get into the pool.
The homeowner should install some type of warning signals when children open a door or someone goes into the pool area. They shouldn’t rely on only one barrier and the more barriers available to prevent a child from entering the pool area unassisted would be well worth the effort. Sometimes a locked door is all that’s needed, but they’re all worth the cost to save a life.
When homeowners don’t want permanent barriers, they need to install removable pool barriers when grandchildren, family members, or friends come to visit. Like we said before, drowning is a preventable death, and it is also a silent one. Most deaths happen in family pools when the parents or caregivers are home and the child sneaks silently out into the pool area, possibly just to retrieve a ball. There are also power safety covers with the controls far out of their reach.
If a neighboring child enters a back yard and falls into the pool, remember the homeowner is at fault for not keeping the area safe. Even when the locks are in place and a child climbs over the fence. They shouldn’t rely on only one barrier.
When you’re in doubt about the pool area in your yard contact the Consumer Products Safety Commission, the Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) National Building Code, they have standards that are easy to follow and would take only a few minutes of your time to investigate.
When you’ve taken care of all of the safety measures, there is one thing that will always help the child. Teach them to swim and how to get out of the pool and that is first in the line of safety features.
The Vinyl Fence Co specializes in Los Angeles pool fences, Los Angeles vinyl fences and Los Angeles fences.
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The fence needs to be at least 4 feet high and about 2 inches from the ground. Vertical slats should be less than 4 inches apart so children can’t climb over, under or squeeze between them. There should be no hand or footholds on the outside where a child could climb over the fence. Install a lock on the inside of the gate about 3 inches from the top so little fingers can’t reach them, and the gate needs to swing out from the pool. Many small children watch their parents and learn how to get into the pool.
The homeowner should install some type of warning signals when children open a door or someone goes into the pool area. They shouldn’t rely on only one barrier and the more barriers available to prevent a child from entering the pool area unassisted would be well worth the effort. Sometimes a locked door is all that’s needed, but they’re all worth the cost to save a life.
When homeowners don’t want permanent barriers, they need to install removable pool barriers when grandchildren, family members, or friends come to visit. Like we said before, drowning is a preventable death, and it is also a silent one. Most deaths happen in family pools when the parents or caregivers are home and the child sneaks silently out into the pool area, possibly just to retrieve a ball. There are also power safety covers with the controls far out of their reach.
If a neighboring child enters a back yard and falls into the pool, remember the homeowner is at fault for not keeping the area safe. Even when the locks are in place and a child climbs over the fence. They shouldn’t rely on only one barrier.
When you’re in doubt about the pool area in your yard contact the Consumer Products Safety Commission, the Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA) National Building Code, they have standards that are easy to follow and would take only a few minutes of your time to investigate.
When you’ve taken care of all of the safety measures, there is one thing that will always help the child. Teach them to swim and how to get out of the pool and that is first in the line of safety features.
The Vinyl Fence Co specializes in Los Angeles pool fences, Los Angeles vinyl fences and Los Angeles fences.
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