A wood fence can be a very worthwhile investment for your property for any number of reasons. A wood fence adds both security and privacy while also helping to boost your curb appeal. Unlike other materials, wood fences tend to work better with the natural environment, thereby creating a more seamless and complementary aesthetic. However, one of the things that you need to realize before you have a wood fence installed is that it does require a little bit of maintenance. You need to take care of your wood fence in order to ensure that it lasts and to prevent issues from occurring that may require repairs or even replacement. The following are 10 tips that will help you to take care of your wood fencing:

1. Seal the wood panels – If you aren’t going to paint your wood fence because you want to keep its natural color, then you’ll need to seal it. Staining the wood panels can give them a hint of color while still keeping a natural look as well. How often you reseal or stain your wood panels depends on the climate you live in, but general rule of thumb is that if water no longer beads up on the surface but soaks into the wood, then it’s time to reseal or re-stain the wood.
2. Change the direction of your sprinklers – This is something many people often forget to do. Yes, your wood fence gets wet anyway when it rains, but you don’t want your wood to get soaked every single day. This increases the risk of rot. Point your lawn’s sprinklers away from your wood fence so that they aren’t in the line of fire.
3. Keep the bottom of the fence out of the ground – We recommend letting the bottom of the wood fence hang a bit above ground in order to prevent exposure to moisture as well as to insects such as termites. If you prefer to have your fence extend into the ground, consider encasing the bottom using concrete and caulk to give the wood some protection.
4. Keep plants a few inches away – You won’t want your plant life to be too close to your wood, which means that you should try to avoid having vines crawl up your wood panels. Shrubs and other plants that are too close to your wood fence will make your wood panels more vulnerable to rot and insects, such as termites. Keeping your plant life a few inches away from the wood should suffice, you just don’t want them to be right up against the wood.
5. Be careful when hanging things from your fence – You may want to hang some decorations off of your wood fence. Doing so can help make your yard feel more inviting and pleasant, but be careful about how much weight you hang from your wood panels. Heavy items can cause the wood to warp over time. If you hang lighter decorations off of your fence, make sure that they are spread out so that the combined weight isn’t affecting the fence as much.
6. Wash your fence regularly – Don’t make the mistake of thinking the rain will just wash your fence for you. If anything, rain dirties up wood fences even more. Take a power washer to your wood fence on a regular basis. Doing so not only helps keep your fence looking clean, it will also remove the dirt and debris that can gather in the wood’s holes and pores. If you don’t have a power washer, you can make a simple cleaning solution using warm water, bleach and a teaspoon of bleach-safe soap. When using this solution, make sure that any plants that might get in the way are covered up.
7. Do damage control – If you notice an issue with your fence, have it fixed right away. For example, if one of the wood panels has begun to rot, replace it as soon as possible. Not only is damage like this unsightly, but it can create a bigger problem if it isn’t taken care of immediately. One rotting panel will soon turn into three rotting panels, and so on and so forth. So make sure that you keep any eye out on the condition of your wood fence so that you can do damage control when it’s needed.
8. Make small repairs when needed – Not all wood fence issues will turn into exponentially more serious problems if you ignore them. However, you won’t want to ignore smaller issues for too long as they can affect both the function and the look of your fence. Many smaller issues can be repaired with simple waterproof glue and tape clamps.
9. Repaint the wood panels every couple of years – Paint acts as a sealant, which means that by repainting your wood panels every few years, you’ll help to keep it protected. This is important since your wood fence will be exposed to the elements, which will eventually cause wear and tear that can cause the existing paint to fade or chip away. Besides, a freshly painted wood fence will help keep your property looking at its best.
10. Keep grills away from the fence – If you enjoy grilling outdoors, then by all means, go for it. Just make sure that your grill isn’t set up near your wood fence. Not only is it a potential fire hazard (the last thing you want is for the grill to be knocked over into your fence by accident), but the smoke, grease and other related cooking stains that result from the use of a grill can stain and damage your wood fence over time. Make sure that when you use your grill, it’s far enough away that it won’t affect you wood fencing in any way.

To keep your wood fence looking brand new and to prevent any future problems, be sure to use these 10 tips in order to care for your wood fence. For information about installing commercial or residential wood fencing on your property, be sure to contact us at Lone Star Fence & Construction today.

SOURCES:

http://www.redbeacon.com/hg/how-often-should-my-fence-be-stained/

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/tips-for-maintaining-your-wood-fence-panels#b

http://blessmyweeds.com/12-tips-for-maintaining-a-wood-fence/

Installing wood fencing on your property doesn’t just help to add privacy and security, it can also improve your property’s curb appeal. While there are many types of fencing to choose from, many homeowners decide to go with wood fencing due to its naturally beautiful look. Wood not only tends to look great, it compliments any type of landscape on the property. Even though wood fencing is a great choice when it comes to adding to your curb appeal, there are still a number of ways that you can further improve your wood fencing’s aesthetics once you’ve had it installed. The following are a few ideas that you can use as inspiration to improve the look of your wood fencing and to further boost your property’s curb appeal.

1. Painting or Staining the Wood

Painting your fence is an easy way to introduce some color to your property. Doing so is fine if you’re okay with getting rid of what made the fence look natural, but in a lot of cases painting the fence can give your property a more finished and balanced look. For example, white is a popular choice due to the fact that it often compliments newer homes. If you want to keep a natural look, you could stain the fence to make it look like a different species of wood. Staining your fence is a great way to make the wood look more exotic, especially if the wood you used for your fencing is a more common species of wood. In addition to helping to improve the look of your wood fence, painting and staining the wood can also help provide it with an extra layer of protection against the elements. Just don’t skimp on the quality of the paint or stain you use, otherwise you’ll find yourself having to re-paint and re-stain the fence on a regular basis.

2. Installing a Top Cap or Trim

To add a bit of visual depth and interest to your fence, install a top cap or trim. This small decorative accent can go a long way to giving your fence a more elegant appearance and also gives it more of a finished look. Not to mention that adding a top cap or trim will help to protect the endgrains of your fence, thereby making it feel sturdier and helping to increase its longevity.

3. Adding Post Caps

If you want to make your fence stand out a bit more, you can add decorative post caps. These fencing features are a great way to add a bit of timeless style to your property’s fencing. There are plenty of different types of post caps to choose from in order to create the look that best compliments your fence and property, from high point post caps and plateau post caps to wood post caps and ball post caps, to name a few. If you want to go the extra yard, then consider installing lighted post caps. Lighted post caps typically come with bases in wood or metal along with post caps that are made of either metal or glass. You’ll be able to choose from a number of different lighting features and colors in order to add ambiance to your home while also improving your property’s safety.

4. Adding Post Trim Bases

Post trim bases work in the same way that post caps work. You can choose the same style of post trim bases as the post caps you are using in order to create a more uniform look for your fence, or you can go with a different style in order to create an aesthetic that’s a little more eclectic. Post trim bases will help make your wood fencing look more finished and can be sized to perfectly fit your wood fence, no matter how big or small the posts are.

5. Adding Plant Hangers

Even if you add top caps and post caps, wood fencing can still appear to be a little flat. This is especially true if it surrounds a large, flat yard. To keep it from looking a little too monotonous, consider using decorative plant hangers. Adding plant hangers to your fence will help improve the visual depth of your fence and will break up some of the monotony without the need to make big changes. Plant hangers will also help make your fence blend into your natural surroundings, and they can also help to cover up blemishes on the fence itself. Just make sure that you don’t hang too many plant hangers in the same space on your fence – otherwise you may be putting too much stress on the fence, which could cause damage over time. Make sure you spread the plant hangers out evenly so that their weight doesn’t cause issues over time.

6. Adding Lattice Work

A lattice is an interlacing of wood strips that can be an excellent way to add texture to a somewhat flat looking wood surface. If you’re a little bored with the look of your wood fence, adding a lattice overlay will certainly add another visual dimension to it. It’s also a great way to encourage the growth of vines up your fence, which will not only add yet another element of visual depth, but will also help integrate your fence more with your natural surroundings.

If adding lattice work to your entire fence seems like a little overkill – especially if you like how your fence looks without it, you can consider adding a lattice work top. A lattice work top can be built on the top of your existing fence. Not only will a lattice work top help add visual interest to your fence without changing its appearance, it won’t obstruct light or air from coming through.

These are just a few ways that you can improve the look of your wood fencing in order to not only boost your property’s curb appeal, but also to appease your own personal style. For more information about installing wood fencing onto your property, be sure to contact us at Lone Star Fencing today.

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Sources:

http://buzzfence.com/10-ways-to-dress-up-your-fence/

http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/outdoor/fences/decorative-fence-ideas/

While manual gates are adequate in many situations, automated gates provide additional security and ease of access that makes them superior and even necessary in many situations. Automated gates were, at one time, relatively rare, but today, the cost of installing and operating an automatic gate system has become affordable enough that they are a fairly common choice.

Check out these most outstanding benefits:

1. High Levels of Security

Automated gates, particularly the wrought iron variety, are extremely strong and held firmly in place so as to be a major deterrent and obstacle to would-be intruders. They also serve to keep children and pets inside the yard and to keep stray animals and solicitors out. In conjunction with electric locks, security cameras, keycard or keypad access controls, and on-duty security guards, automated gates significantly enhance and contribute to a full-fledged security system. They are commonly used at gated communities, as parking barriers, in high-risk business zones, and at homes where privacy is valued.

2. Quick, Easy Entry

Most gate motors are powerful enough to open the gate in a matter of seconds, and not needing to exit and re-enter your car after manually locking/unlocking and opening/closing the gate is a huge convenience. Larger, heavier gates will use hydraulic motors while moderately sized gates tend to use electro-mechanical equipment. The former is more powerful, while the latter is more affordable, but both are efficient and cost-effective in their own specific applications.

3. Safety Features

Laser sensors prevent most modern automated gates from closing when they encounter an obstruction like a car or a human hand. Back-up batteries ensure the gates will still be functional during a power outage, and a manual override allows you to unlock the gate should it malfunction. Speed bumps and area lighting are often added as well to increase safety, and an annual safety and maintenance inspection will ensure all devices are working properly as well as give you a chance to upgrade if safety equipment becomes outdated.

4. Several Opening Options

There are several types of automated gates as far as method of opening is concerned. Swing gates swing either in or out and are a common choice with wood paneled gates. They can be run by underground gate motors that move gate doors by turning the pivot point as far as 180 degrees. If more mechanical advantage and less danger from flooding is needed, an above-ground ram or link-armed gate may be used. Articulated gate openers, often made of aluminum, do well at opening up in tight spaces when attached to wide posts. Sliding automatic gates are ideal when there is little room for a gate to swing or when a driveway is built on a steep incline.

5. Long Durability

Unlike many traditional gates, automated gates are built to last for decades. They will typically be constructed from wrought iron, steel, solid and weatherized hardwoods, and other tough materials. They are also low-maintenance, though like any “machine,” some minimal amount of care will be necessary. You can expect your newly installed automated gate to fit perfectly, remain free of sags, and open/close smoothly for many years to come.

Iron and steel grids are frequently galvanized and powder-coated to increase the metal’s life span and give you a long-lasting finish. Powder coatings are generally more durable than simple paint, and seal-welded wrought iron is not going to break or deteriorate anytime soon. Wooden paneled gates can also be durable since the wood utilized is hardy, and a wood face with a metal “skeleton” does well in areas with corrosion-causing salty sea air.

6. Increased Property Value

On large, private estates or at upscale city homes, an automated gate may be a major selling point and a boost to your real estate’s market value. Ranches and farms are also often expected to have a good gate system, and an automated gate will be a “bonus” to interested buyers.

7. Attractiveness and Customization

Ornamental metal and beautiful wood paneling make many automated gates as much a work of art as a functional piece of equipment. Styles can be custom-designed to fit the needs of each person, and gates can integrate with or complement the surrounding buildings and landscaping.

Wood gates come in three main styles, the most traditional option being open-slatted. Open-slatted gates bring with them a “country feel,” though they are not uncommonly found in town, and they work well in areas with frequent high winds. Close-boarded wooden gates tend to look rather imposing and bring the greatest amount of privacy, but they can fail to hold up sometimes in windy areas. Metal-framed wooden gates allow softwoods to be used instead of only hardwoods, and they offer a unique stylish contrast. Whichever type is used, wood gate panels are often ornately carved and stained to bring out the natural beauty of the wood.

Iron gates are often jet black, which is a very attractive color when set up against brick, stone, or cobblestone fences/walls. White, blue, red, and every other color, however, can be found. Ironballasts will often be spiked on top and arranged in symmetrical fashion for a “prim and proper” effect. Rise-fall curves or dips in the mid-section of metal gates are another common feature. Finally, family crests, corporate logos, and ornamental images are used for identity purposes as well as for curb appeal.

In the Greater Houston area, one of the premier providers of automated gates for the last decade has been Lone Star Fence & Construction. They cater to both residential and commercial customers and offer a wide variety of styles, materials, and opening mechanisms. Lone Star is committed to providing its clients with high-quality, customized gates, and their installation crew has acquired impressive expertise across their many years of experience.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_gates

http://www.washingtonfence.net/8-benefits-automatic-gate/

When in need of new fencing for your Houston-area home, business, farm, or ranch, it is often preferable to contract the services of seasoned professionals. A properly installed fence should be strong, long-lasting, and aesthetically attractive, and the skilled labor on staff at local fence companies know how to ensure your fence meets these high standards. Additionally, professional fence-builders will be able to tackle large projects in an organized, step-by-step manner that will allow your fence to be installed quickly and at an affordable price.

There are literally hundreds of different types of fences to choose from on today’s market, and it can sometimes be difficult to know what the best fencing option is for your particular purposes. Below, we will look at 10 of the most commonly installed types of fence to help you gain some perspective on your options.

1. Privacy Fences

Privacy fencing is used simply to keep prying eyes out of a back yard or other private area, or to additionally supply a degree of security against would-be trespassers. For the most part, privacy fences are still wooden, but PVC is becoming increasingly popular. PVC is preferred for its low-maintenance needs, but wooden fences offer natural beauty and a cheap installation cost.

Metal privacy fences succeed at greatly increasing security levels, but they also must be kept well-painted to prevent rusting. One of the most important uses of privacy fencing is to guard private swimming pools to keep out pets, the neighbor’s kids, or any uninvited guests.

Pool privacy fences are typically wooden or metal, but in either case, a fully functional security gate is needed. Furthermore, a tall, sturdy structure will be required by–and inspected–by most local municipalities.

2. Chain-Link Fences

Common at parks, sports fields, and around city power plants, chain-link fences are sufficiently strong and durable but less expensive than other forms of metal fencing. The grade of metal will greatly affect the durability of the fence, and coating the chain-links in vinyl will extend the life of the fence even further.

3. Wrought Iron Fences

Wrought iron is easily the strongest and most attractive of metal fence types. There is an incredible variety in the height, width, and design features of the metal bars that form the fencing, and the manner in which the horizontal and vertical runs intersect also is very diverse. Many times, wrought iron fence sections will be interspersed between brick and mortar columns with concrete caps, which creates a truly classic appearance.

4. Aluminum Fences

Aluminum fencing is like other metal fencing in many ways, but it surpasses other options in that it is rust-proof and virtually maintenance free. For a metal, it is rather lightweight, yet it is strong enough that pets cannot chew through it and strong winds will not bend or topple it.

5. Split Rail Fences

Split rail fences are a Southern tradition, particularly in rural areas, but in recent years, they have become very popular for landscaping purposes nationwide. The more practical and rustic use is for keeping in livestock, but modern rails and posts are often weather-treated and cut less roughly. Usually, a split rail fence will have two or three holes per post with rails running five to seven feet. Spacing between rails is typically about 16 inches. The wood used for most split rails is pine, but cedar is becoming quite popular as well.

In some cases, a split rail fence will only run on one or two sides of a yard, not enclosing the terrain. They usually serve purely aesthetic purposes. Another split-rail off-shoot is the corner-unit fence. A single post is placed in a corner, and two rails, which cross diagonally near ground level, extend from it in both directions.

6. White Picket Fences

White picket fences are an American icon, and they are one of the most decorative fence-types in existence. Depending on how closely the panels are spaced, they can serve the practical function of keeping pets and small children inside the fenced area. Traditionally, these fences are made of wood, but white PVC is gaining ground as an alternative. What are, more or less, “miniature versions” of white picket fences are frequently found lining gardens and flower beds as well.

7. Bamboo Fences

A special kind of privacy fence with exotic beauty and uniqueness is the bamboo pole fence. Bamboo poles, whether natural or artificial, are individually tied to the two adjacent poles. Ultimately, this forms a solid wall of bamboo that is surprisingly strong and weather-resistant, and that presents a medley of light- and dark-shaded bamboo pieces for a striking overall effect.

8. Horse Fences

While, in the past, horses were always contained with wooden fences, the modern ranch or livery stable may well use vinyl fencing instead. Wood must be painted and repainted, though initial installation is very cheap. Vinyl barely ever needs a repair, though when it does, whole sections may need to be replaced for the sake of isolating the damage.

9. Electric Cattle Fences

Many farmers utilize electric fences to keep their cattle or other livestock within the confines of a field. There are many varieties of hot-wire to choose from, and a string of barbed wire is often stretched along the bottom of the fence. These fences are fairly inexpensive and are easy to install and repair, but it is imperative that the installer knows how to deal with electricity safely.

10. Masonry Fences

Concrete, stone, and brick fences are among the most expensive options, but they are preferred for the solid barrier they create as well as for their beautiful appearance. Solid, reinforced concrete footings are commonly used for greater stability, and extremely high-grade masonry blocks are needed to build a structure that will reach to six feet or more. In some cases, concealed rebar may help hold brick and stone fences together. In reality, this type of fence is essentially a “small wall,” with formidable security potential.

When looking for a top fence company in the Houston area, you should ask not only how much experience the contractor has in fencing but also how much he has in the exact type of fencing you are having installed. Lone Star Fence & Construction is one Houston-based company that offers wide-ranging and deep expertise for every type of fence project. They can help you decide on which fence-type is best for you and can even customize your fence to fit your precise specifications.

Sources:

http://picturesoffences.com/

 Share This Infographic About Wrought Iron Fencing

<strong>Why Wrought Iron Fencing?</strong></p><br /><br /><br /> <p><a href=”https://lonestarfenceco.com/wrought-iron-fencing”><img src=”https://lonestarfenceco.com/_images/wrought-iron-fencing.jpg” alt=”Wrought Iron Fencing – Infographic – July 2015″ width=”479″ height=”6571″ /></a>

Adding a fence to your backyard or other outdoor space is a great idea. Beautiful fencing can increase the value of the property and provide a bit of privacy that you cannot get any other way. For those that own pets or have small children, a good fence is a great way to ensure their safety. However,  how do you know you are hiring the right fencing contractor? Here are eight tips for finding reputable fence companies for your next project.

Tip #1: Determine the Types of Fence They’ve Worked With

The first step to hiring a fencing contractor is determining the types of fence they’ve previously worked with. Some wood fence companies only construct different types of wood fencing. Other contractors offer a myriad of choices including wrought iron, vinyl, metal, and others. Be sure to research the different options available to you before calling any potential contractors. Determine what type of fence you are looking for and then find a firm that offers that type of installation.

Tip #2: Request Information on Their Licensing, Insurance, and Bonding

One of the first questions you should ask when interviewing potential fence companies is whether they are licensed, insured, and bonded. In Texas, most types of construction firms are required to have some sort of licensing before they can operate. This protocol is designed to protect both the company and the client. However, this isn’t true for all types of contractors and some less-than-reputable firms don’t obtain the right credentials before opening their doors. Finding out where your contractor stands before you hire them is a great way to protect yourself and make sure you are ready should any unexpected accidents that happen during installation.

Tip #3: Get Referrals from People You Know

A good place to start when finding the right contractor for your project is to ask people you already know. Your friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers might have had a fence or two installed over the years. Finding out from them who they used and liked is always a great idea. Alternatively, if they were not happy with the service they received they can also provide you with a list of companies to not use. This is a great way to whittle the list of providers in your area down to a select few.

Tip #4: Ask How Long the Company Has Been in Business

Asking how long the company has been in business is crucial to finding a reputable company. Some new contractors who have little experience in the fencing industry post on Craigslist or other sites. Many home and business owners over the last few years have been taken advantage of by scammers and companies that simply didn’t know what they were doing. Determining whether or not the firm has experience is important when determining which contractor to work with.

However, there is a slight caveat to this. Sometimes newer companies hire individuals who have worked in fencing and construction for decades. Thus, to accurately determine if a new company is worth hiring, you may also ask how much experience their employees have.

Tip #5: Use Your Intuition

Using your intuition is also another way to determine if you are working with the right fence company. If something appears off or you just don’t see yourself being comfortable having workers from that firm on your property, take that as a sign that maybe you shouldn’t be working with them.You can also ask the firm whether or not they do full background checks on their employees prior to hiring them. Some companies do not, making it a great question to ask when any contractor will have workers on your property.

Tip #6: Check Out the Company’s History and References

One great way to ensure you are working with a reputable provider is to check out the company’s history. Websites like Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau are always a great place to start. You can also ask the firm for photos of past jobs or to speak with previous clients. Those that are truly reputable will be able to provide you with this information without any hesitation. (In fact, they will usually have multiple projects that they are very proud to show off!)

Tip #7: Be Weary of Some Online Reviews

Keeping the two websites referenced above out of the equation, it is important to be weary of some online reviews. Websites that list contracting companies but do not make any effort to control the reliability of reviews should be avoided. Instead, rely on reputable sources that either charge members a fee to post their reviews or verify that the company has actually dealt with the client. This rule of thumb regarding online references in today’s modern age also works anytime you are hiring a contractor.

Tip #8: Don’t Rely on Price Alone

It is also important to not rely on price alone when hiring a fence company for your next project. Some of the lowest bidders are not often the best and some of the highest estimates are even worse. Instead, get a few different quotes from various companies in your area. Compare all of the above mentioned factors together to get a complete picture of what you are getting when you hire them. Then, make your decision based on all of the facets instead of just a monetary figure.

Of course, these are just a few of the basic factors to consider when hiring a company to install a fence at your home or business location. Using your best judgment and gathering as much information about the contractor as you can before signing a contract is always a wise idea.

Lone Star Fence and Construction has helped hundreds of Texas homeowners beautify their spaces. For more information on wrought iron fencing, wood fencing, or any other project, please contact us today.