Archives: Evergreens

Automated Gates: 6 advantages for every property owner

Published by Lone Star Fence & Construction

Several words may come to mind when describing the fencing that surrounds the homes in your neighborhood. A white picket fence may provoke feelings of nostalgia, while a chain link fence may remind you of functionality. You may be curious if there is a way to combine both charm and function.

Automated gates are the answer to providing your home with curb appeal, added security, as well as a return on your investment. If you have been “on the fence” about automated gates, once you learn the advantages, you will see how they can fit your home or business needs.

Automated Gates: 6 advantages for every property owner

1. Increased Property Value: Making improvements to your home can always help better the value of your property. If you are looking to add an automated gate to your home or business, you will not only give you home a stylish makeover, but your property’s value will rise.

2. Property Protection: A welcome addition to any home or business, automated gates provide an extra layer of security that can keep unwanted visitors from stepping foot onto your grounds. Automated gates provide a multipurpose solution for your security needs.

3. Long-Term Cost Effectiveness: When hearing the term “automated gates, ” most assume that they are expensive and that they’ll never be able to afford them on a budget. This is untrue especially for commercial properties, since automated gates provide a long-term security solution that is low-maintenance and helps prevent property crimes like burglaries, trespassing and criminal mischief. The investment made into an automated gate often ends up being more cost-effective than traditional fencing.

4. Constant Safety: Whether you are protecting your children and pets, deterring unsolicited guests from your property, protecting your valuables, adding a layer of privacy or ensure the integrity of your business, gates are a dependable security choice. You can have year-round protection without the need to hire additional staff. An automated gate affords you the confidence of knowing that your home will be protected from unwelcome access to your property.

5. Fully Customizable Access: Unlike traditional fencing options, automated gates can be wholly personalized to meet your needs. You can choose to have a password-protected entrance or remote-control access, as well as select an option of whether you want your gate to lift upward or swing open when welcoming guests. Customizing your automated gate will allow you to choose the best solution for your security needs, while still maintaining an aesthetically-pleasing environment.

6. Lifelong Durability: Automated gates are designed to provide you with long-lasting sturdiness that will protect your family or business for years to come. Traditional fences easily become weathered as the materials can decay over time, whereas the construction of automated gates will remain intact indefinitely. Your automated gate will provide security for decades without the need for regular maintenance.

Lonestar Fence & Construction delivers the finest quality automated gates to suit your needs.

Top considerations when choosing the right fence company

Published by Lone Star Fence & Construction

When hiring a good fence company, you want a group that’ll provide you with exceptional services, at a price you can afford. This could take a bit of research as you consider the top fence companies in your area. But to help you know what to look for, take these top considerations when choosing the right fence company for your job in mind:

Permits and regulations : Your local government and/or your neighborhood’s housing authority might require special permitting before you can install a fence. It’s important to choose a fence company that has experience working with these local authorities, and has the right equipment, skills, and products to ensure everything is in compliance.

Insurance and references : You don’t want a fly-by-night operation on your front lawn. Instead, ask fencing companies about their insurance and liability coverage. You want to be doubly certain that you and your home will be protected for any and all types of damages that might during the project. Additionally, request references from past clients with similar projects, preferably within your same neighborhood.

Full project descriptions : A reputable fencing company will be able to provide you with a full and complete estimate before the project begins. This should be an overall project estimate that outlines the required materials, cost breakdown, and time estimate.

Hire a reliable fence company

Published by Lone Star Fence & Construction

The ins and outs of hiring any kind of contractor should be familiar. If you are going to let a company make changes to the inside or outside of your home, they need to be fully qualified and referenced. While it is your responsibility to check whether this is the case, reliable fence companies are the ones which make this process as simple and effortless as possible.

Attention to Detail

What distinguishes the right fence company for your job from the competition is attention to detail. Reliable fence companies are not satisfied with simply turning up and giving the bare minimum. They are committed to providing nothing but the best in customer service and the highest quality fencing products.

The Right Style

The style that you choose for your fence will depend entirely on its function. For example, if you are looking to add privacy and security to your home, styles with extended height and patterned panels are recommended. These panels reduce visibility and make it harder for passers by to see into your property. Alternatively, if you are keen to give your yard a makeover, we suggest browsing for an ornate design or curved spokes. Choosing a reliable company that can provide and properly execute the style you have in mind is key.

The Finest Materials

There are some fence companies which charge clients sky high prices and only provide medium grade materials. The fence company you choose should take pride in the resources they use, whether they be wood, stone, or wrought iron.

If you take these factors into consideration, you can rest assured that you have chosen the best fence company for your job.

Find a reliable fence company in Houston

Published by Lone Star Fence & Construction

When you hire a fence company for your home or business, it’s important to find a reliable one that will provide you with high-quality work. Instead of going with the first name you come across while searching for a fence company in Houston, keep the following tips in mind.

Check for licensing and insurance to make sure you’re dealing with a dependable company. Fence companies that are licensed indicate that they are operating legally in Texas, while having insurance means that they are willing to accept legal and financial responsibility if damage occurs or if someone is injured on your property.

The right fence company should also be willing to provide you with references from previous clients. This allows you to find out how the company performed on other jobs and whether or not other clients were satisfied with the quality of their work. Reliable fence companies should also be willing to show you examples or photos of previous work, so you can see the kind of fencing work they do.

Fence companies that offer superior service are also reliable when it comes to finishing projects on time and guaranteeing their work. Ask for a timeline for your fence project, as well as detailed information on the fees and costs involved before signing a contract. The company you hire should also offer warranties on the fences they install.

how do you narrow the field to choose the right fence company?

Published by Lone Star Fence & Construction

If you’ve checked the yellow pages or searched the Internet for fence companies, you may have found hundreds of companies in the Houston metro area to choose from. So, how do you narrow the field to choose the right fence company for your job?

Quality Assurance

When you’re hiring a fence contractor (or any home and garden company, for that matter), you certainly want assurance that the company is reputable and delivers quality work. Consider the following questions for narrowing your field of prospective fence companies:

Can you provide references of recent work?

Does your company guarantee its work?

Do your fences come with a manufacturer warranty?

Is there any maintenance cost involved for the fence you select?

Do you provide a detailed written estimate?

What is your payment structure?

Can you provide proof of valid license and insurance?

License and Insurance, Please

The next order of business is checking for valid business licensing and insurance of prospective fence companies. This is a critical step to ensure you’re not held holding the bag for any injuries or damage that may occur on or to your property. Make a quick call to the insurance carriers of prospective fence contractors to confirm that policies are up to date.

Handling the Legwork

One common snafu for home projects is performing work without the proper permits. In general, fences below 8-feet tall that are not constructed of masonry or concrete don’t require a permit. However, permit requirements also depend on zoning and your HOA, where applicable. Hire a fence company that will handle these issues for you.

How to install wrought iron fence – DIY

Published by Lone Star Fence & Construction

As malleable as its composition, wrought iron fencing is stately, elegant and imposing all at once. Wrought iron has been used for centuries, and it’s still popular today in the form of fences to mark property lines, security gates, automated gates (e.g. driveways), balcony rails, security doors and more.

While professional installation of wrought iron fencing is suggested, you may successfully install your new fence if you’re handy with tools.

Setting the Posts

Mark the hole locations 8 feet apart in a straight line by marking with a string.

Use a hole digger to dig 8-inch diameter by 24-inch deep holes.

Mix concrete in a wheel barrow or other suitable container, and pour it around the posts with a shovel.

Set the posts to the proper height, which is typically 4 inches higher than the top of the fence panel. Confirm height with a laser level.

Plumb each side of the posts.

Let the concrete set for no less than 24 hours.

Hanging the Fence Rails

Slide the brackets to the fence rails.

Place a fence panel between the posts.

Block beneath the panels to adjust to the correct height. Use a laser level.

Use a nut driver and self-tapping screws to secure the brackets to the posts, keeping the panel plumb.

Cut any infill panels to size, and use the same installation procedure.

Once all the panels are installed, glue on the spear points or other decorative parts using liquid nails or silicone caulk. Make sure the points dry vertically.

Wrought iron fencing adds beauty and value while protecting your property. People look in at the building and others inside the fenced area can look out. This type of fencing last a lifetime when it’s properly installed.

Wrought iron fences and gates can be installed with stone, brick or wooden posts to work with professional landscaping. The individual iron bars can feature attractive finials on their tops. Wrought iron fencing comes in different sizes and heights with twisted and criss-cross patterns along with special designs that turn a gate or fence into a work of art.

Leaf patterns, hearts, trees, animals, birds, vehicles, your initials, name or business logo can be created in wrought iron. You will find numerous intricate wrought iron scrollwork patterns that can be used for fences, gates, stair and balcony railings.

These strong iron fences can provide a security perimeter for commercial and industrial buildings.

Installing a wrought iron fence or gate should be done by professionals. You can also do some of the advance work:

Determine the desired height and design of the fence and/or gate.

Layout the area you want to fence with your landscaper.

Obtain all necessary building permits

Select latch systems

Make sure that electrical systems are available if you want an automatic gate.

A well designed wrought iron fence and gate will enhance any property.

Classy and Practical: Wrought-Iron Fencing Projects

The possibilities are endless when it comes to wrought-iron fencing. If you can dream it, Lonestar Fence & Construction can turn it into reality. Wrought-iron fencing is pliable, which means that it can be shaped into various elaborate designs. Wrought-iron fencing is also more than simply another way to mark the boundaries of your property line–it provides a design feature that will add value and curb appeal to your home or business.

Driveway Gates

Using wrought iron for your driveway gates provides you with a product created by skilled craftsmen, with only the best materials to ensure you’ll enjoy years of use.

Installation of wrought-iron fencing should only be done by experts. Choosing wrought iron for your driveway gates will provide you will a high quality, aesthetically pleasing product with proven longevity.

For Gardens

Consider the use of wrought-iron fencing within the confines of your property. The accents of wrought iron are sure to heighten the splendor of your flowerbeds. Since this type of wrought-iron fencing averages only 1-3 feet in height, this particular type of project is cost effective yet eye-catchingly beautiful. .

For your Home or Business

One of the benefits of using wrought-iron fencing is that you can see through it. If you are not in need of extreme privacy, this can be an advantage. The street view of your home will be classy, upscale, and appealing to those catching a glimpse of what lies beyond through lace-patterned stanchions.

Wrought-iron fencing can be forged into any shape, so you can indulge in over-the-top, lavish designs, or you can use a minimalist approach that will still draw attention to your home and provide the added security and durability you need.

More Reasons to Install Wrought-Iron Fencing

Wrought-iron fences are an eco-friendly alternative to more traditional materials like wood or chain-link because they are constructed to last for generations. They do not need to be replaced as frequently as traditional fencing options and the materials used in your wrought-iron fencing projects can be reused if you move from your home or business and do not wish to leave your wrought-iron palisades behind.

Be sure to hire a reputable and reliable company that employs quality craftsmen to ensure proper installation and longevity.

No matter what type of wrought-iron fencing project you’re in the market for, Lone Star Fence & Construction will provide you with excellent customer service and detailed, professional workmanship.

Updated by Steve Rogers on November 30th, 2015

Wrought iron fencing can add elegance to your property–especially when considering the many designs you can use as well as the fact that wrought iron fencing can easily compliment other materials, such as brick or stone. The following are a few practical uses for wrought iron fencing, plus a few basic installation tips:

Practical Uses

Improve Security – If you’re looking to protect your property from potential intruders, installing wrought iron fencing around your property is an effective way to do so. Wrought iron fencing is strong and sturdy, making it less likely that unwanted visitors could penetrate the fence in a way that they might with wood or wire fencing.

Establish Boundaries – If you have a garden on your property, you can use wrought iron fencing to establish boundaries between the different sections of your yard. Remember, you don’t have to necessarily use tall wrought iron fencing. A wrought iron fence of about one to three feet high can be perfect for your garden and can help keep small animals out.

Installation Tips

While the actual installation of your wrought iron fence should be left to a professional, here are a few tips to prepare for installation:

Decide how high you want your fence to be.

Lay out the area you want to install the fence in.

Obtain all the building permits you need to install the fence (your contractor may be able to help you with this)

Choose a latch system.

If you plan on installing an automatic gate, make sure that electrical systems are available.

Benefits of wood fencing

Published by Lone Star Fence & Construction

When choosing which kind of fence to go for, there are a few factors that need to be taken into consideration. You certainly want a material that is durable, long-lasting, and will match the exterior of your home or commercial space. It also needs to suit your budget.

Here are some additional factors that give wood fencing the edge over other types of fencing:

It’s Long-Lasting

There is a great reason why wood fencing has been the top choice of property owners for many years. It stands the test of time.

It’s Affordability.

Fences rarely come cheap, with some iron fences costing upwards of ten thousand dollars and more to purchase and install. As a naturally occurring resource, wood doesn’t have a ton of manufacturing costs and thus is a much more affordable options for most homeowners.

It’s Beauty.

A wooden fence’s arguably greatest quality is its attractiveness. Wood fences offer a timeless and rustic appeal that will add to the appearance of most any home. In fact, the addition of a wooden fence can greatly increase your home’s curb appeal, in addition to its actual property value as beauty pairs with function.

Wood fencing advantages

Published by Lone Star Fence & Construction

When choosing fencing material, there are a lot of advantages wood has to offer.

The look of a wood fence is classic and traditional. It contributes to the image of your home, and can raise your house’s resale value. Wood blends easily with nature, and can add to the relaxed feel of your garden or yard, while still providing privacy. Wood is also very customizable, and you can choose the type of wood and adjust designs to get your own custom look. There are plenty of stain and paint options for wood as well.

Wood can be easily maintained, and will not rust or degrade with proper care. Repairs can be made inexpensively and easily. As your fence grows older, the matured look of the wood can add extra appeal, contributing to the atmosphere of your home. There is also the environmentally friendly aspect of wood, as it is a renewable resource and the material is all natural.

Finally, the cost of building a wood fence is very affordable compared to other materials, ensuring that you can have a beautiful fence that will fit your budget.

Why you should install a fence

Published by Lone Star Fence & Construction

There are many advantages to installing a fence. Fences provide security and privacy for your home, and clearly delineate property lines. Fences may also enhance your home’s appearance and value. Although, you may be on the fence, so to speak, about which fencing material is right for your needs.

Advantages of Wood Fences

Fences are manufactured of many materials, including wood, steel, iron, vinyl and masonry. Each fencing type has its share of advantages and disadvantages, though many are characterized by their intended purpose. Size up the following attributes and advantages wood fencing delivers over other fence types:

Cost: If you’re like other savvy consumers, budget is always an important factor when undertaking a home project. The end cost of any project depends on numerous variables. Generally speaking, wood fence installations are less expensive than vinyl, iron and masonry, but more expensive than chain-link fencing.
Customization: Wood fences offer a great advantage for quick and simple customization that is just not practical with other fencing types.
Maintenance and repairs: All fencing types are going to require maintenance and repairs. Again, wood fences are split with a strong advantage for easier and considerably less expensive repairs. However, wood fences may require more maintenance through the years.
Literally the “green” choice: Wood fences are the “greenest” available of the common fence materials. Moreover, there are many options to dispose or re-purpose wood fencing.

Which kind of fence you should go for?

Published by Lone Star Fence & Construction

When choosing which kind of fence to go for, there are a few factors that need to be taken into consideration. You certainly want a material that is durable, long-lasting, and will match the exterior of your home or commercial space. It also needs to suit your budget.

Here are some additional factors that give wood fencing the edge over other types of fencing:

It’s Long-Lasting

There is a great reason why wood fencing has been the top choice of property owners for many years. It stands the test of time.

It’s Classic

Wood fencing also provides a classic look. There is a reason why the American Dream is often relayed as having a white picket fence around the yard. Wood fencing can be made to have a custom feel with various design details that are based on each individual’s style and taste. When all is said and done, it gives off that timeless look.

It’s Durable

Wood fencing is also extremely durable, and typically lasts for decades. Whatever Mother Nature throws at it, the material holds up well in every weather condition. When a wood fence is installed correctly—preferably by a professional—and maintained as directed, you will enjoy it for years to come.

It’s Affordable

In addition, wood fencing is one of the most cost-effective fencing solutions. Other materials can be extremely expensive to manufacture and install. Plus, wood is a naturally sustainable product that does not pollute the environment.

It Looks Good

Last, but certainly not least, is the fact that wood fencing increases your property’s curb appeal, and even property value. If you are planning to sell in the future, many potential buyers will appreciate the fact that they will not need to install a new fence. Having a beautiful wood fence will certainly give you the edge over the competition.