Monthly Archives: February 2017

Steps To Take When Installing Aluminum Fencing

There are many decisions to make when deciding on what type of fence you would like to install at your home.  A fence’s main purpose is to add security but won’t cost a fortune for your improvement budget. One of those many choices is an aluminum fence which can offer many styles and colors that can fit your unique vision of a design. Once deciding on an aluminum fence, learn some pointers on the best tips to use in order to have a successful fencing install.

Talk To Local Zoning Officials

No matter where you are located, each area has its own type of fencing that is permitted. Make sure to check that you are in the boundaries for height restrictions and if there are any boundary regulations. Depending on the location, some locations require you to offset the fence post away from the property line by a certain distance but others can allow the post on the property line. If you are uncertain where your property line exists, you can have a survey done for you to help understand where the line exists. Also, another set of information to verify not only with local zoning is with your Homeowner’s Association (HOA). Some of them may have very strict regulations as to what type or color of fence is installed on your property.

Call Miss Dig For Underground Utilities

Before starting your project it is of high importance to always call “Miss Utility” before you begin digging. Many do- it-yourselfers do not remember to take this precaution and end up in trouble during the install. In many cases, one third of a fence height has to be dug underground. With an aluminum fence, gate posts should be at least 30 inches below ground. There are many hazards beneath the ground that you do not want to take the chance of hitting a pipe or wire. To save yourself from one large headache, please take the time to make one quick phone call that could save you a lot of stress in the long run.

Keep In Mind The Fence Rating

There are three types of ratings for aluminum fences that many are not aware of. It is important to decide between the strength of residential, commercial, or industrial. In special cases, there has even been ‘Heavy Industrial’ design created. If you would like to learn more about these three ratings you can view Alumni-Guard’s website, which provides great information about the Cads and Specs for each rating separately.  The consumer must think hard about what the purpose of this fence will be used for, a residential fence for example may not be the best option if the fence will be heavily “used” by a person’s animals and kids.

Layout The Fence Perimeter

Before beginning to build the actual fence, make sure to lay out your plan for the fence physically on the ground so that you can see what the fence will look like when completed. We recommend using inexpensive string and use stakes for the corners to remember where you will have to dig holes at for posts of the fence. Many of people forget to do this step and will come across larger obstacles than they had imagined because someone forgot for example about a big rock or tree that is in the way of where fence wanted to be installed.

Mark Off Pole Locations

It is very important to designate a place for each of the fence posts. The simplest way of doing this would be to place a “X” using paint but be sure to measure your placement and spacing correctly. Many people make the mistake of just eye-balling pole locations and this error will cause further problems including further expenses and time when it’s time to actually install the fence. When using the paint mark, it will need to show the actual center of where the fence post will be so it is helpful to know the post measurements before placing the paint mark on ground.  Being cautious to not mix and match the posts because Aluminum fence posts are pre-punched to be a certain type such as corner, in-line or end posts for the gate.

Start With The Gate

The first thing to do in the project is the gate posts. When building wood fences, you have the ability to make alterations during the installation but because when installing aluminum fences, the posts are pre-punched and the rails fit tightly together. By starting with the gate posts it will help eliminate problems with measuring or strange entry locations. Also when installing an aluminum fence the gate posts need to be dug deeper than a different type of fence post because the posts have quite a bit of weight attached to the post compared to other fences. If making the mistake of digging the hole for the post to shallow, the process and maintenance in years to come will have to be repeated frequently so it is best to do it right the first time and dig the hole appropriately in depth. A suggestion from aluminum fence specialist is to dig a depth of 30″ for gates over 96″. With smaller gates you may only have to dig a depth of 24″.

Concrete and Aluminum Fence

Aluminum fences can be mounted to concrete however; there are things to remember when working with concrete. First, your fence posts need to be anchored properly because normal wear and tear on daily basis could lead the fence to weaken and sag overtime. To install aluminum fence to a concrete surface the simplest way is to use a floor flange for each post. A person can bolt down into the concrete, add the post and then finish securing it. Secondly, keep in mind to allow the concrete to dry completely before ongoing your installation. It is key to be patient when installing an aluminum fence, rushing the process will only make things worse. It may take up to three days for the concrete to dry completely but that is much less time than it will take to redo sections of the fence or possibly even having to redo the whole thing!

If you follow these simple seven steps, your installation should hopefully go fairly smooth.

 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!

Crucial Steps Involved In Aluminum Fence Installation

In our last installment on aluminum fencing we began to discuss crucial steps to take before plunging into the installation process.  We previously discussed why it is important, even ordering a new fence, to find out regulations placed on fencing by your local government and HOA.  This will prevent you from ordering a material, height or color fencing that doesn’t meet the regulations set forth.  Verifying underground utilities and choosing the correct grade of fence for your installation are both other suggestions that were made to ensure success.

Here are a few more pieces of advice and tips to ensure success when installing aluminum fencing.

Map Out The Perimeter Of The Fence

Before you start digging any holes map out the perimeter of the fence.  This will allow you a visual map of the perimeter of the fence.  Take time to stake off where the holes for the fence posts need to be even better prepared come time for the actual installation.  This process helps prevent odd fencing configurations.  It allows you to account for the big tree or huge rock that is in the way of the fencing before you find yourself having to make last minute changes to account for them.

Mark Off Pole Locations

As previously mentioned, it can save a ton of time if you stake off the location of the fence posts prior to installing your aluminum fence.  During this process, before digging any holes, you can measure the space between the poles a number of times to ensure accuracy.  There isn’t room for error when measuring out the location of aluminum fencing posts simply because the posts come pre-punched and the fence panels come in specific, pre-assembled sizes.

Begin Installation With The Gate Posts

When installing an aluminum fence it is important to begin the installation with the gate posts.  The gate posts are pre-drilled as are the fence posts and the rails are meant to fit sung.  The margin for error in this process is small.  It is crucial to measure and then re-measure to guarantee accuracy.  Remember that the gate posts must also be dug further down into the ground then regular fence posts.

When installing an aluminum fence, patience is needed.  Don’t try to cut corners or rush through the installation process.  If you use concrete when setting the posts it is crucial that it has time to thoroughly dry.  This will help prevent any give the fence may have as it settles.  Too much give will impact the performance of the fence.  The installation of your aluminum fence is sure to be successful if you follow the advice above.

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!

Enhancing Your Landscape With Aluminum Fencing

Homeowners are always looking for a way to improve their homes while adding value and security.  Installing an attractive, durable aluminum fence is just one home improvement method in which both can be achieved.  Without breaking the homeowner’s budget aluminum fencing can be installed to enhance the visual appeal of the landscape, increase safety and increase the market value of the home.

There are numerous aluminum fencing styles, colors and enhanced features to choose from.  This allows homeowners the ability to find the perfect combination for their home and landscape.  It is important to fully understand the scope of any home improvement project before you begin.  In order to ensure your success when installing aluminum fencing it is crucial to consider the following tips.

Check Local Government and HOA Zoning Laws

The requirements for aluminum fence installation can vary a great deal from one local municipality to another.  It is crucial that the requirements limiting your installation are accounted for before installation.  From materials to boundary requirements understand the limitations you are up against even before placing an order for fencing.  Check into requirements that your HOA has in place considering the material, height, color and boundary placement of aluminum fencing as well.

 Verify Underground Utilities

This is an important step that many times is overlooked.  It is crucial that you call “Miss Dig” before you start digging.  The last thing that a homeowner needs is the hassle that comes along with breaking an underground utility.  Most posts need to have at least one third of their height underground while gate posts should a minimum of thirty inches deep.  With these depths you can see how it would be easy to nic a utility line.  It is also important not to place the fence over a utility line in case underground repairs need to be made at a later date.

Choose An Appropriate Grade of Fencing 

Many consumers are unaware that aluminum fencing comes in a variety of grades.  The location and use of the fence will allow you to determine the grade of fencing you should choose.  For instance, to enclose a backyard residential grade fencing is a reasonable choice.  If you live in an area that incurs a lot of windy weather you may consider the next step up to commercial fencing.  For heavy duty use there is an industrial grade option.  For use around commercial and residential pools there is also a pool grade aluminum fencing that can be installed and meets the standards set forth by the B.O.C.A., Business Officials and Codes.

In our next blog post we will continue the discussion on aluminum fencing and mistakes to avoid in order guaranteeing success during the installation process.

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!