Category Archives: pet containment

Pros and Cons of Different Fencing Materials

There are a variety of materials available when choosing a fence. Each type of fence comes with its own set of pros and cons associated with it. In this article we will look at a few of the most popular options in residential fencing, aluminum and wood, along with the benefits and drawbacks each offers to homeowners.

Aluminum Fencing

Aluminum fencing is one of the most reasonably priced, adaptable and long lasting materials available. It offers all of these benefits while being one of the most easily maintained materials available in fencing. This material is also easy to install on your own but can also affordably be installed by a team of professional fence installers. Aluminum is a highly adaptable material in which the panels are easily designed for a variety of landscapes including ones with a high degree of sloping. Aluminum fencing comes in a variety of ornamental styles and numerous colors to choose from. The options in aluminum fencing consist of a variety of additions such as scrolls, butterflies, decorative finials and puppy pickets.

The only real downfall of aluminum fencing is that it costs more upfront than most other materials do. In the long run however it will end up costing homeowners less because aluminum fencing does not require near the amount of maintenance as seen in other fencing materials. Aluminum is highly durable and has been compared to steel fencing for many years. It will not work as privacy fencing so if this is your goal another material is going to be better for you.

Wood Fencing

Wooden fence has been a popular choice amongst homeowners for many years. Not only is it an attractive option in fencing it is also fairly inexpensive and versatile. There are many options in designs and style choices. Wood fences are a great option for homeowners looking for privacy and can be painted and stained to compliment any home’s exterior.

The major drawback to wood fencing comes with the degree of maintenance it takes to keep it looking new. Not only is it labor intensive it is expensive as well. Harsh weather changes have a way of wearing wooden fencing away. Harsh climates give way for rot and warping. Extra moisture in the wood can lead to a high degree of damage. Another disadvantage of wood fencing is how much it is enjoyed by small pests such as ants and termites. One infestation can lead to mass amounts of destruction for your homes wooden fence.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America from www.iFenceUSA.com!

The Numerous Advantages Of Aluminum Fencing

Aluminum fencing can give homeowners the same look as wrought iron and steel at a fraction of the cost and less maintenance. If you want to keep your space from feeling enclosed while increasing the homes security installing an aluminum fence and gate is a perfect option. Here are a few tips for homeowners looking for an affordable, maintenance free, easy to install fence for the perimeter of their home or pool.

If you are looking for an ideal option to enclose your backyard to keep pets inside a safe barrier, look no further than aluminum fencing. With aluminum fencing you not only have choices about the decorative features that will make up your fence but also options within the fence itself. Puppy pickets for example are when smaller pickets are added in between the regular pickets to prevent smaller animals from fitting between or underneath the fence. The narrow design for the bottom half of the fence is perfect for keeping animals safe while keeping the traditional look of aluminum fencing at the top.

When choosing the pickets for your aluminum fencing there are two basic options that give you two very different looks to your fencing: covered and exposed. First, it is important to understand that the pickets are what create your metal fence. Exposed finials on fencing leave a sharp point sticking out of the top of your fence panel. Whereas covered finials have a straight horizontal bar covering them. Aluminum fence designs with pointed finials are a more dangerous option and may be good for homeowners looking to add a bit of security against intruders looking to enter the home by climbing the fence. Be extra careful if choosing an open finials design for your aluminum fence if small children or pets are apt to climb the fence. Opt for covered finials if you think that the open pickets will pose a hazard within your yard.

Consider adding accessories to your aluminum fence to increase the aesthetic value it offers to your landscape. Some homeowners choose more ornamental fencing such as designs that include butterfly or circular scrolls to enhance the appeal of their fence while others choose to add a gate or decorative arched entryway. Aluminum gates come in numerous styles to match or compliment any style of aluminum fencing that homeowners choose. Even the smallest of details can transform the aluminum fence that you choose. With aluminum fencing not only are you getting the most attractive option in fencing you are choosing a fence with minimal maintenance requirements that is durable and built to withstand a variety of climate conditions.

Making An Educated Buying Decision In Fencing

It is important when choosing aluminum fencing that you make and educated decision that is right fence for your home and landscape. With the number of options included in aluminum fencing from styles, colors and alternatives in picket spacing and such it can get a bit overwhelming to determine exactly what you should order. In this installment we will discuss, in depth, how homeowners can make sure they are choosing the right aluminum fencing for their home and landscape.

As a homeowner it is important that you establish exactly what you are aiming to accomplish with the installation of an aluminum fence. What are you looking to keep in verse out of the yard? Picket width and spacing are important elements especially when the fence is being installed to keep pets or children within the boundaries of your yard.

There are pros and cons of all fencing materials. Aluminum fencing has several advantages over competitive fencing materials. For one aluminum fencing requires very little time and money to be spent on maintenance and upkeep. Aluminum fencing maintains its color and aesthetic value without any added paint, staining, yearly cleaning etc… On top of the low maintenance required of aluminum fencing it is affordable, easy to install and available in a number of combinations that allow it to be custom designed for your landscape.

Consider the style of your home when choosing an ornamental aluminum fence style that works best for your home and landscape. Do you prefer something modern, contemporary or classic? What is the style of your home and what elements do you wish to highlight? Choose decorative aluminum fencing that will complete and compliment the overall look that you are going for to enhance the appearance of your home and landscape.

When you are installing aluminum fencing you are doing so for a general purpose. Most often the purpose that homeowners give is that they are looking to establish the boundaries between their property and the neighbors. It is important to be considerate to your neighbors when placing an aluminum fence. Establish the property line using an agreed upon property surveyor and stack out the proposed layout of your fence. Speak with your neighbor to address any causes of concern prior to ordering your fence. If there is a dispute it is better settle prior to beginning the installation process.

As materials in fencing come, aluminum fencing is one of the simplest for installation and most appealing aesthetically. Contact an online aluminum fence wholesaler today to get started on your aluminum fencing project.

Preventing Damage To Aluminum Fencing

I always get asked what special precautions should be taken to ensure that aluminum fencing withstands high winds and heavy storms. Although there is no guarantee that your aluminum fence will make it through a hurricane, tornado or other natural disasters there are several steps that can be taken to prevent inclement weather from destroying your aluminum fence. Let’s face the facts; the only thing holding your fence upright is the pressure of the posts against the soil.

One way to help prevent major damage to aluminum fencing even in the midst of the most horrific of storms is to look at the natural elements within the yard surrounding the fence. Trim trees and dead branches to keep them from being blown off during strong winds or heavy rain. Limbs should be trimmed twice a year, at the beginning of summer and the end of fall to help prevent them from falling onto the fencing. Have all the trees in your yard that are dead or dying removed from the space. Many times dead trees will completely uproot in the midst of severe weather. A falling tree or several heavy branches can cause a lot of damage to your fencing panels.

Another way to keep your fence from getting damaged during a storm is to make sure the fence posts are secure. Take a few minutes and walk around the aluminum fence posts. Check for loose or unstable fence posts as they have the potential to lift up out of the ground during a relentless storm.

When you know a storm is coming you can prepare your fence by closing and locking the aluminum gate. If an aluminum gate is left unlocked during severe weather it runs the risk of being ripped off or slamming into the rest of the fence. Leaving the fence unlatched during inclement weather also could lead the gate to damage the integrity of the fence itself. The swift pull and push of wind on an aluminum gate will have it going in a million and a half directions.

Another solid piece of advice to keep your aluminum fence and gate from being damaged in a storm is to eliminate all the backyard objects that are free flying. Take all chairs, tables, sports equipment and such into a secure garage or shed area. That way if the wind picks up objects won’t randomly be flying through the air causing damage to the fence or home.

If by chance you do experience storm damage to your aluminum fencing don’t fret. Check out your local online aluminum fence wholesaler who can help find you the correct aluminum fencing replacement parts to fix your homes fence.

Aluminum Fencing Is A Solid Return On Investment For Homeowners

There are a ton of options for homeowners to choose from when looking into purchasing a fence for their home and landscape. The one material that stands out from the rest is aluminum. Aluminum fencing is a popular choice amongst homeowners when installing a fence as it offers numerous benefits over other materials in fencing.

Aluminum fencing requires less cleaning and maintenance then most other types of fencing. This is a major advantage of installing aluminum fences in your home or business. The last thing busy home and business owners need is another thing to clean or maintain making aluminum fencing a top choice.

Unlike other metal fencing, aluminum is resistant to corrosion. Aluminum retains its finish for quite some time and does not easily corrode. Once an aluminum fence is installed the finish retains it shine for a substantial period of time. To ensure that the surface of aluminum fencing is protected it is finished with a powder coat that improves the surface of the fence making it smooth.

Another reason that aluminum is a popular choice is that it is available in a number of styles and designs to choose from. There are also a number of colors available for homeowners to choose from to compliment the exterior of the home. Aluminum offers a great deal of flexibility when it comes to choosing a fence.

Aluminum fencing is simple to install and is a popular choice for DIY homeowners. Taking away the cost of installation keeps aluminum an affordable option for all budgets. Compare the cost of materials and installation of wood fencing, wrought iron andaluminum fencing and you will see just how reasonable it is to purchase and install wholesale aluminum fencing.

A number of materials in fencing are durable and built to withstand the climate changes of homes in the north but only aluminum comes with a lifetime warranty direct from the manufacturer. In case of an accident or minor damage to the fence it is important to note that aluminum is easy to repair. If the damage is minor all homeowners need to do is to remove the affected part and replace it or have it repaired. In cases of more severe damage the part of the fence that is damaged can be removed and replaced without affecting any other parts of the fence.

The above benefits make aluminum fencing a popular option. It doesn’t hurt that aluminum is said to offer solid return on investment as well.

Tips On Making An Aluminum Fence Purchase

When it comes to making a purchase for your home there are many places you can turn to. From local home improvement centers to online wholesalers there are many companies looking for your business. When you can’t seem to find what you are looking for the best place to turn is the internet. Online you can find a number of retailers that will ensure you are offered a quality product at an affordable place. When you are searching for the right residential aluminum fence for your home or business and are looking for a variety of options an online aluminum fence wholesale reseller is your best option.

You should keep in mind the following tips when looking for a residential aluminum fencefor your home and landscape.

The first order of business is measuring your yard. Every homes landscape is unique. With that in mind it is important to make sure you purchase the right fence for your space. When taking measurements for your landscape take into consideration not only the length and width of the yard but also the various slopes found within your space. Whether you have a large sloping landscape or several small slopes it is important that you take measurements with that in mind. Most online aluminum fence suppliers will offer a number of options for rackable aluminum fencing options.

Companies looking for your business will do whatever it takes to gain your trust and secure you as a client. One of the ways that online fencing companies do this is through free online aluminum fencing quotes. Aluminum fencing doesn’t cost the same across the board. Fencing prices are based on the style, length, height and additional extras. So many things contribute to the final cost of aluminum fencing; be sure to ask for a free detailed quote from the online wholesale aluminum fence suppliers you are considering. Don’t only look at the bottom line, consider everything that is included, or not for that matter, in the quote.

Aluminum fence panels are available in many lengths, heights, styles, colors, designs and with a number of accessorial options. Be sure you understand all of the options that are available to you before choosing a fence; with aluminum fencing there is never a reason to settle. Researching a fence for your home takes time but trust us when we say it is worth every second to find the right fence and an acceptable supplier.

With the above tips in mind it should be much simpler for you to find the best residential aluminum fence for your home and landscape. Consider all of your research and you will make a smart aluminum fencing purchase.

Aluminum Fencing For Pet Containment

There are numerous options to consider when searching out fencing that is marketed for pet containment. The main considerations when choosing pet fencing is to assure the safety and protection of your pet. Consider the following to ensure the fencing you choose will maximize your pet’s wellbeing.

It is important to consider the type of dog that the fence is going to contain. Different breeds require different needs out of a fence. Does your dog require a great deal of space to run around in? Do you have a breed that needs to be worked and will need a large fenced in space pull sleds or gather herds of animals? Are you trying to keep an ultra intelligent variety of dog that will need to a fence that resembles a prison yard? The type of breed normally can help pet owners establish temperament ahead of time. If the space within your yard is incompatible with the breed of dog you choose then it isn’t going to be fair to either you or the dog.

Another aspect to consider when choosing a fence g for pet containment is the size of dog. Different size dogs have different requirement. Smaller dogs will most likely need a style fencing that offers puppy pickets. With aluminum fencing, puppy pickets are in additional pickets in the lower railings of fence that are put into place to keep smaller dogs from squeezing through the small picket opening of the fence. No matter the size if you have a dog that likes to dig you will want to consider the additional option of protruding pickets that fill the gap between the ground and the fence. Dogs that are taller generally require taller fencing or fencing without horizontal beam above the base of the fence. This beam allows dogs the additional bit of height required to push them over the top.

Is your fence going to be in place to contain both your pet and children? If this is the case many homeowners choose two different aluminum fencing options that complement one another to create a realistic space for both. With this option in place your pet is free to roam about without worry of escape when children accidentally leave the fence gate open while also containing their output.

Not only is the fencing itself important but also the type of gate you choose. For most homeowners looking to contain a pet it is crucial to have a gate that is self latching that closes automatically. This is extremely helpful when your hands are full or your pup is a little Houdini.

Home Improvements That Increase A Homes Market Value

Owning a home is a dream that many people have. It is believed that real estate is one of the greatest investments that can be added to a well rounded portfolio. One issue that plagues homeowners is how to invest money into their house to ensure that the expense of the renovation is recouped in an increase to the homes market value.

It is almost impossible to get a return of investment of one hundred percent on home renovations no matter if the budget is two thousand dollars or twenty thousand dollars. It is however a good idea to invest in renovations that are proven to increase the value of the property. Building equity into a home is a smart way to invest money. Smart investments done around the home can pay homeowners back.

Home improvements that improve the energy efficiency of your home are smart choices as they save you money straight away with a decrease in monthly expenses. They are also smart choices for resale value in that most homeowners are looking for these upgrades when seeking a home to purchase. Buyers will pay more for “green” renovations.

Some of the best energy efficient improvements that can be made are upgrades in windows, doors and appliances. By replacing older, worn out windows that leak saves homeowners on average four to five hundred dollars a year with decreased utility payments. New, properly sealed windows help to keep the temperature in place. The same is true of installing a steel entry door. Both replacements can return close to ninety six percent of their initial cost in resale value while saving on monthly utility expenses. Energy star appliance upgrades also offer a great return on investment and can often offer some serious savings in the form of tax credits.

Exterior home improvements also serve as great projects for homeowners looking to maximize their return of investment while increasing the enjoyment that they get out of their home. Replacing a garage door, for instance, can cost upwards of fifteen hundred dollars. This home improvement is on average known to bring in an eighty five percent return on investment with an increase in the homes market value.

New siding and updated shutters can give a home a fresh, modern look that makes a home pop. Many homeowners comment that new siding; a fresh, updated color can make a home that they have lived in for years feel brand new. The ROI on an improvement such as this can be upwards of eighty percent.

As a homeowner, if you are seeking something a bit more classic out of exterior remodeling install aluminum fencing. Not only does aluminum fencing increase the aesthetics of the landscape it adds to the homes security. Over other types of landscape improvements, aluminum fencing is preferred because it is easy to maintain and its presence within the yard is surprisingly powerful to the overall look of the home. When installed within a well kept landscape, aluminum fencing can alter the entire look of the home’s exterior and increase the market value of your home.

The Best and Worst Investments For Your Money

When it comes to home improvement projects homeowners are always looking for ways to improve their own quality life while increases the market value of their homes. Not all renovations are created equal when it comes to their return on investment. Although a sunroom might bring you enjoyment buyers may look at it as a waste of space that could have been better utilized as an additional bedroom.

Renovations with a Solid Return on Investment

When it comes to recouping your money on renovation projects nothing has a better return than entry way improvements. A new front door, especially one made of steel can add more money to the equity of your home then what it actually costs. Steel doors are three times more affordable then fiberglass and are just as attractive and energy efficient.

A new front entry door, along with an updated rug, fresh seating and colorful flower pots can really increase the exterior appeal of your home. As for the interior, add a fresh coat of paint and some careful organization to hide the hideous amount of shoes and coats that usually clutter the space. Updates to the entry of your home are a solid renovation that can turn a profit for homeowners.

Curb appeal sells homes. Exterior renovations add top dollar to the market value of your home. Aluminum fencing and vinyl siding are two exterior upgrades that have a high return on investment. Both work to add to the curb appeal of your home. Aluminum fencing can be purchased in a variety of styles and colors to enhance your home’s exterior. Adding aluminum fencing to a landscape that is well kept shows buyers that homeowners care for their home. This alone adds to a home’s market value. A home that is maintained appeals to buyers and makes a home easier to sell.

Renovations with a Weak Return on Investment

Certain home improvements are costly and bring in a small ROI thus should be avoided unless it will supersize the enjoyment that the home brings to homeowners. If working out of your home is a convenience for you a home office may be a renovation that is considered. Don’t expect the space to increase the value of your home nearly as much as it cost you. This however, might not deter you from the renovation but it is something to consider when determining the budget for the project.

The same can be said for garage additions, backup generators and sunrooms. If the renovation is going to be something of value for you as a homeowner then it may be something to consider but don’t look to increase the value of your home with these.

If you are a homeowner looking to only invest a little bit of money into home renovations but wish to greatly increase the value of your home the best place to start is with the exterior of your home. The updates to curb appeal will truly enhance the value of your home. On average exterior renovations recoup nearly one hundred and twenty five percent of the projects overall cost.

Increasing Your Homes Value

One common goal between all homeowners is to increase their homes value. The majority of home renovations are intended to increase the enjoyment homeowners receive out of their home. With any luck these same improvements will add equity to the home as well. Quality is the key to home improvements. From aluminum fencing to hardwood flooring, upgrades that are done using top quality materials and installed by skilled professionals will bring an increase in value to your home.

How can you increase your home’s value without breaking the bank?

Exterior Enhancements

The exterior of your home can be enhanced in a number of ways. Some outdoor features increase the enjoyment of the space for homeowners more than others. Consider increasing the aesthetics of landscape while adding privacy with the installation ofaluminum fencing. Other exterior renovations to consider are updates to siding, new doors for the garage and front door, and landscaping. Exterior enhancements return up to seventy five percent of the overall initial investment. Homeowners will enjoy improvements to their homes curb appeal while being rewarded with a substantial return on investment.

Fabulous Flooring

At some point homeowners will contemplate replacement flooring. Whether replacing dingy carpet or worn out vinyl homeowners should carefully consider replacement options that work to accentuate the home. Hardwood flooring is not the only choice when looking to increase the home’s value. Quality carpet, ceramic tiling and engineered flooring are all affordable flooring options that improve the homes aesthetic value while increasing the value of the home. Flooring professionals point out that a thousand dollar flooring investment is likely to add upwards of two thousand dollars back into the homes equity.

Beautiful Bathrooms

Homeowners know that updated kitchens and bathrooms work in their advantage when selling their homes. What most don’t consider is that these room renovations don’t need to be extreme. Small upgrades in a bathroom space can really transform the space. To inexpensively update your homes bathroom consider sweat equity. Fresh caulk, clean grout, bleach white sinks, toilets and tubs, updated fixtures, and hardware can turn an ordinary bathroom into a space that has a huge impact.

Reduce Rubbish

The number one way to increase the value of your home is to reduce clutter. The best part about this improvement to the home is that it doesn’t cost the homeowners anything but time. When a home is free of clutter it not only looks bigger it also appears cleaner. The perception of outsiders is that the home is taken care of and that maintenance around the home has been performed. This may not be the reality but it certainly is the perception that others get when coming into a space that is free of clutter. Even if homeowners are not looking to sell their homes anytime soon there is something to be said for a space that is tidy to call their own.

No matter how you choose to improve your home, whether it is aluminum fencing or updated bathroom fixtures, make sure that the updates will increase the enjoyment you get out of the space.