Author Archives: admin

Wood Fence Care Tips: Installation, Sealing, Cleaning

If you’re considering a new wood fence for your property, you’re making an excellent choice that combines traditional aesthetics with modern materials. And just like any other fencing material or major exterior addition to your home or building, the proper care for a wood fence will go a long way toward its long-term lifespan — in fact, because of the nature of wood itself, care for these fences might be even more important than some other common materials.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we offer not only a wide range of wood fence materials and installation services, but also tips and expertise on how to care for your wooden fence for years into the future. This two-part blog series will go over a number of specific recommendations we make to clients in this area.

wood fence care sealing

Fence Quality and Regulations

First and foremost, proper care of your fence begins when it’s installed. This begins with utilizing high-quality fence materials, such as cedar and redwood, which are resistant to rot and insects, as well as easy to work with for wood fences.

In addition, it’s vital to ensure you’re following state or local regulations regarding your property area. For example, some communities might require fencing to be a certain height or located away from specific property lines. And any wood fence needs to meet safety standards for heights and railings, especially if you’re putting up supports around pools or decks. Not doing so might force you to make major changes later on, and can make your entire maintenance plan a hassle.

No Direct Soil Contact

If you’re installing the fence yourself, one important tip is to use concrete or another filler material in the soil. Wood fence posts should never touch the soil directly, as this will allow for water intake and make your fence more likely to warp or rot. While you might assume that putting in a 4-inch post all the way into the ground is sufficient, it’s even better to place two posts together in one hole, using some type of filler material between them.

Sealing or Staining

Sealing helps extend the life of any wood fence, while also protecting it from rot and insects. Sealants will help prevent water damage and can even make the color of your fence last longer. In many cases, mixing sealant with stain will also provide great color. This should be done every two to three years depending on the precise location of your fence.

Cleaning and Plant Removal

The fence should be cleaned regularly, typically using a strong hose or power washer that’s held about 12-24 inches from the fence. Allow panels to dry for 24 hours before applying sealants or stains.

It’s also recommended to remove any trees or bushes that are growing too close to the fence, with exception of evergreens — due to their resistant nature, these can be trimmed and maintained safely near fences. If you’re unsure about how certain plants or trees might affect your fence, leaving it up to a professional is always best.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we specialize in both fencing materials and installation services. Contact us today for assistance with a wood fence or any other variety.

How a New Fence Improves Layton Property Value

If you’re like many other homeowners, one of your top priorities for improvements to your property involves projects that will raise its value. Whether you’re looking to sell in the near future or just want to keep your property value high in case this ever becomes a consideration, there are numerous upgrades that fit the bill here — and adding a new fence to your property is at or near the top of any list. 

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we’re happy to help with a variety of fence supplies and services in Layton and other parts of Utah, from wood and vinyl fences to other popular options like chain link, wrought iron and many others. We’ve assisted numerous clients with new fence installation that provides fantastic return on investment, helping raise property value in several ways. How does a new fence help with property value? Here’s a primer.

new fence improves property value

Curb Appeal

One of the top ways a fence adds to your home’s property value is through improved curb appeal. Having a fence set up around your property can make it look more inviting and attractive to potential homebuyers, buyers who will be looking at its appeal as part of their decision-making process.

Structure and Security

You’ll also find that adding new fencing helps increase property value for a variety of reasons tied directly to the structure itself. Fences can provide important structure and security for your property, with sufficient height and strength to keep even the most determined intruders away. 

They also serve as excellent protective barriers against things like falling objects or hazardous debris that could potentially damage your property inside. This helps protect your home’s value from outside threats when you’re not there to be on guard.

This is also a good way to ward off pests that can pose health hazards, as well as wild animals like deer. Utah Fence Warehouse will help you find the right materials and construction style for any needs when it comes to hunting or other similar concerns in Layton and elsewhere.

One Fewer Task for a Buyer

In a situation where you are thinking of listing the home on the market in the near future, installing a new fence beforehand simply removes one major task that many buyers would have to deal with otherwise. A great number of buyers will be interested in a fence for their property, whether it’s due to a desire for pet control, boundary marking or some other purpose — if a fence is already on-hand, you can list the home for a higher price than you would have previously.

For more on how a new fence raises the value of your property, or to learn about any of our fence installation services in Layton or nearby areas, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.

Chain Link Fence Uses: Sports, Industrial, High-Security

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the common uses and purposes of chain link fences in several settings. Perhaps the single most popular type of fencing found around the country, chain link fencing is ideal for several different needs, from marking and defining areas to protecting from pet escape and many others.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we’re happy to offer a wide variety of fence supplies and fencing contractor services, including comprehensive assistance with chain link fences. Whether you want to perform your own install or need our team to assist you with this and other important themes, we’re happy to take any level of involvement you need. What are some of the other common reasons you might consider a chain link fence? Here are several.

chain link fence sports

Sports and Activities

One of the most frequently-seen uses of the chain link fence in today’s society is their placement around various fields or outdoor locations as part of a sports or activity setup. Pretty much everyone has driven by one of these setups recently, whether it’s a large field adjacent to a school or perhaps a stand-alone field.

In these areas, there’s no better fencing material than chain link. It provides clear and defined boundaries for anyone present, but also doesn’t cut off views or surrounding aesthetics at all, keeping the area wide open. It’s ideal for separating paying and non-paying customers in relevant settings, too, plus to keep athletes separate from fans when the professional ranks are involved.

Industrial Facilities

Many industrial factories or related facilities have a number of areas that should be kept off-limits, largely for safety reasons. Chain link fencing is often used here, keeping trespassers out while also informing various employees or staff of areas where they do or don’t belong. It’s very easy to attach various signs and warnings to chain link fences based on areas where people shouldn’t be, and this is highly common in these settings.

High-Security Areas

Finally, while we went over general security in part one of this series, specific high-security facilities and areas deserve a special mention. Chain link fencing is a common and useful defense mechanism for these areas, especially chain link fencing topped with barbed wire to dissuade intruders from attempting to climb over it.

To be clear, this type of fencing isn’t impenetrable – those with the right tools can cut through it, or around it. But this takes significant time and heavy tools, and gives any high-security facility easily enough time to identify the threat and respond to it.

For more on the common uses of chain link fencing today, or to learn about any of our fence services, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.

Chain Link Fence Uses: Boundary, Security, Containment

There are several fence types that are equally useful in both residential and commercial settings, and one great example is the chain link fence. Popular in numerous settings, the chain link fence is easy to install, fully functional, and works aesthetically with a variety of surroundings.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we’re happy to offer a wide range of chain link fence options, plus comprehensive installation for those who require it. Perhaps the single biggest draw of chain link fencing is its versatility – this two-part blog will start out by going over some of the top purposes it’s generally used for, while part two will dig into a few of the areas or property types where you’ll most often see chain link fencing.

chain link fence boundary security

Boundary Definition

Like many other fence types, one of the primary roles of chain link fencing is to define your property’s boundary in a specific, easy-to-see way. These fences will often be installed directly along your property line, marking the exact path it takes.

They’re beneficial for this purpose because they don’t detract from any aesthetics or related needs. Chain link fences don’t block views in any way, plus allow for simple installation of additions like gates for easy entry and exit. They’re also easy to maintain, which makes them ideal for boundary marking uses that don’t involve too many other specific practical applications.

General Security

Whether on a home or any other kind of property, chain link fences are excellent for security. The first them here is visual security – even a waist-height chain link fence tells anyone who might be thinking about trespassing on your property that you’re taking proactive security measures.

However, they also provide practical security if needed, including several additions that enhance these themes. You can install barbed wire on top of a chain link fence if you’re protecting a commercial property and its equipment, for instance; you can also consider vinyl slats or privacy mesh for your residential chain link fence, improving both visual and practical security. And when it comes to costs in this area, chain link fences hold several benefits over other fencing types.

Keeping Animals or People In

In other cases, chain link fences work perfectly as ways of keeping people or animals confined to a given area. You’ll often see them surrounding sports fields or school yards, as children who play on these areas need to have boundaries to stay within for their safety. On the home front, many homeowners will install chain link fences to keep pets from escaping the yard – all without detracting from views or aesthetics at all.

For more on the common uses of chain link fencing, or to learn about any of our fence contractor services, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.

Removing Ivy and Vines from Utah Fences

If you’re like many Utah fence owners, you want your fence to be not only a protective element, but also a positive aesthetic feature. And for the minimalists among us, plus many who prefer simplicity and a lack of clutter or are worried about their impact on the fence’s long-term quality, this means ensuring additions like vines or ivy don’t become permanent parts of the fence’s visual setup.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we’re happy to offer a wide variety of fencing options, including wood fences, vinyl fences, chain link and many other choices. We also provide expertise to all our clients on how to care for and maintain their fences, including on themes like ivy and vines. For some, these kinds of elements are actually desirable and add life to the fence; for others, removal is necessary for a combination of aesthetic and practical reasons, as vines may wear-down or damage certain fence types. If you’re in this latter group, here are some basic tips on how to remove ivy and vines from a fence, plus for preventing them from returning long-term.

removing ivy fines fences

Ivy Removal

The more damaging of these two is the ivy plant, especially if it’s left to grow significantly over a fence. Ivy has long tendrils that will infuse themselves into various parts of the fence structure, eventually becoming an inextricable part of the fence itself by weaving their way throughout the entire thing. In some cases, this even leads to situations where the ivy is holding parts of the fence together after damaging them, and removal at this point will risk damage.

Before this happens, attend to ivy on your fence by cutting it from its roots, as deeply as you can go. From here, you could also spray the cut root area with herbicide, though you must be sure this is safe for any children or pets on your property.

Vine Cutbacks

Vines grow slower than ivy, and won’t be quite as aggressive in terms of wrapping itself around your fence. But they can still grow into significant blockers over time.

If you want to get rid of vine issues, you might be fine just pruning it. In addition, however, you might consider attaching a wire or string to the fence, which will cause the vine to grow on this new item instead of the fence. If desired, you can “train” vines in this way rather than removing them, or combine these approaches.

Long-Term Prevention

Long-term prevention of both these plant types comes through regular digging and spraying. Locate the roots for ivy and vines, the former in particular, and both dig them out and spray their area with a quality herbicide.

For more on getting rid of ivy or vines on your fence, or to learn about any of our fence services in Utah, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.

Value of an Iron Fence: Curb Appeal, Gardening, Repairs

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on the excellent value areas owners receive from iron fences. Both iron and wrought iron fences are extremely durable but also highly pleasing aesthetically, allowing for a mixture of both practical and visual needs to be met.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, wrought iron fence options are just one piece of our comprehensive selection, which also spans vinyl fences, wood fences and many other materials. All of these potential material choices come with their own set of benefits depending on your needs – what are some that stick out for iron fences in particular? Here are several to keep in mind. 

value iron fence repairs

Overall Curb Appeal

When we talk about curb appeal, we’re referring to the immediate visual impression someone gets of your home and property when they drive by or pull up for the first time – and curb appeal is known to have a major impact when it comes to home and property value. Homes with great curb appeal tend to do very well on the resale market, while those without it are fighting an uphill battle.

And for curb appeal, iron fences are fantastic. They’re highly aesthetically pleasing, for one, but also show anyone looking at the property that you take security seriously – practical value is part of curb appeal, too. If people driving by your home see a gorgeous, well-maintained wrought iron fence, they’ll naturally assume you also take other areas of property maintenance and care seriously.

Aesthetics and Gardening

Getting a bit more specific on the aesthetics side, those who garden regularly often love wrought iron fences. They bring a sense of personality and flair to any setup, standing tall and adding to the elegance of your gardening or landscape display. They’re also ideal for including in various plant or other design setups – while other fence types might look out of place if they had vines wrapped around them, for instance, wrought iron looks right at home. In some cases, iron fences even serve as simple ways to split up your soil or gardening areas.

Simple, Easy Repairs

Finally, when it comes to any repairs or maintenance you might need, vinyl fencing is one of the best options. Some fence repairs are unavoidable over a large enough period of time, and in these cases, you want to be dealing with a material where said repairs are simple to make. You can replace individual panels of an iron fence easily by simply opening a bracket system and fitting your new panel in, and posts are also easy to replace.

For more on why wrought iron fences offer such value, or to learn about any of our fence materials or fence repair services, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.

Value of a Layton Iron Fence: Security, Safety, Maintenance

For those who are looking for an ideal combination of decorative and functional qualities with any fence installation, iron is one of the best materials out there. Iron and wrought iron fences combine excellent durability with beautiful style and aesthetics, allowing property owners to achieve their practical needs easily while also maintaining curb appeal, property value and personal enjoyment from their property border.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we’re happy to offer a variety of wrought iron fence options, made from strong iron alloys and fabricated into a number of different designs. If you’re considering iron for your next fence alongside a few other common fencing materials, such as vinyl, chain link, wood or others, what are some of the top benefits of iron in comparison? This two-part blog series will go over several areas Layton, Utah clients should be aware of.

iron fence security safety

Security Themes

For many property owners, security is the top priority when it comes to the fence. We’re not just talking about prevention of burglars, though this is a relevant area – we’re also referring to its limited propensity to break or become damaged, plus its safety qualities around children, pets, gardening materials and many other common home presences.

From a broader security standpoint, though, you really can’t do much better than wrought iron. Iron is hard to cut or damage through impact, meaning any unscrupulous individuals trying to sneak onto your property will have major obstacles in front of them.

Safety

In addition, wrought iron is an extremely safe material to be used for a fence. This is in contrast to some myths that have gone around about it, claiming it breaks easily – this is not true at all, as iron is actually one of the most durable materials out there for fences.

This means you aren’t dealing with pets or kids getting injured by pieces of the fence if it breaks, splits or splinters, as none of these are high risks with iron. In addition, it’s easy to add panels or additions to an iron fence to stop pets or kids from slipping through the rails.

Limited Maintenance

Another major advantage for many property owners when considering an iron fence is how easy it is to maintain. Iron fences are powder-coated at the factory, which brings a protective layer that prevents any rust or corrosion – you do not have perform do any sealing or related tasks here, such as painting or staining the iron. Rather, it will stand up to the elements with little but cosmetic repairs for years.

For more on the benefits of iron as a fence material, or to learn about any of our iron fences or other fencing materials and solutions in Layton, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.

Selecting Fence Gate: HOAs, Pools, Multiple Fences

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some basics on everything you need to know about fence gates. There are certain settings where fence gates are actually required by law, but others where they are simply desirable for fence and property owners for a variety of reasons, and also numerous different fence gate options available in terms of material, opening style and size.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we’re happy to offer not only a wide variety of fence materials, but also numerous other fence supplies, including a robust selection of fence gates. While much of part one here was focused on the basic details of fence gates, such as their measurements and various materials, today’s part two will look into some various property or related considerations you might need to make when it comes to fence gates.

fence gate HOAs pools

A Word on HOAs

Quickly, for those who live in a neighborhood or area that falls under a homeowners’ association (HOA), it’s important to check with this group in advance of any fence installation – and the fence gate may be part of what’s included here. Some HOAs may include standard fence gate size regulations as part of their overall stipulations; these may be precise numbers or could refer to more of a general range.

However, if you do not check with this group in advance and end up building a fence or fence gate that does not conform to HOA regulations, you could be in for some major hassle and expense. In some cases you might be forced to tear the fence down and start over, where in others you may have to pay somewhat hefty fines.

Pool Fence Considerations

For most districts of most states, a fence and gate will be required considerations for those who have outdoor pools on their property. Local laws tend to be fairly strict here, including requirements that the fence gate is self-closing and is of a high enough height that young children cannot climb over it.

In addition, the lock and handle of a pool fence gate must generally be above the reach of a small child so they cannot open it themselves. Finally, the hinges must be rustproof in nature.

Multiple Gates

There may be certain settings where you either want or need more than one gate on the same fence. One common such situation is if you have a long fence around a horse or livestock paddock, or if you’re running a fence around the entire property in a rectangle and need access for not only yourself and guests, but also emergency services.

For more on choosing the ideal fence gate for your new fence, or to learn about any of our fencing contractor services, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.

Selecting Fence Gate: Opening, Varieties and Size

There are several components of most fences that home and property owners will be considering, and one of these is the fence gate. A gate is a type of entry used in various settings, from buildings to roads and even fences, and it holds both aesthetic and practical value.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we’re proud to offer robust services in numerous fencing areas, from fence materials like vinyl and wood fences to a number of fence gate solutions to meet all your needs. What are the options you have available for your fence gate, and what are some of the important variables you should be considering while choosing a fence gate? This two-part blog series will go over several basics to be aware of.

fence gate opening varieties size

Gate Opening Types

There are a few different gate opening options you might consider depending on your space and desires:

  • Swing gates: the standard gate style, set on a hinge and reinforced diagonally. Most swing gates will secure with a simple latch.
  • Cantilever: Gates that slide open rather than swinging, and are great for limited-space needs. These are also ideal in areas that have lots of snow.
  • Rolling gates: Another option that slides, this time with a set of wheels and a track embedded in the ground. These are ideal for wider spaces where the gate is well-supported.

Gate Varieties

You have numerous gate options at your disposal as well:

  • Standard: One that matches the fence using the same material
  • Ornamental: A fancier, luxury option
  • Specialty: Various options that serve purposes, from space-saving to security gates
  • Hidden: Gates that blend into the fence itself
  • Double gates: For gates that go across the driveway

By far the most common of these options is standard, which is used on most home properties that have a fence. The standard gate can also often be infused with basic security measures to fill multiple purposes.

Choosing Size

Choosing the ideal size for your gate will depend on where the gate is located on your property, first and foremost. If it’s being used as an entryway to the yard or front garden, you can usually use a gate that’s three feet wide at maximum; if you need wheelchair access, this should be at least four feet.

As for height, it mostly depends on the height of the fence. The majority of homeowners will match their fence and gate height, or perhaps make the gate just slightly higher or lower – but too much higher will look strange, and too much lower will not be secure in many cases. No matter what, your fence size must leave access open to emergency responders in case they’re ever needed.

For more on choosing the ideal fence gate, or to learn about any of our fencing materials or solutions, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.

Underground Fence Risks: Rot and Burrowing Creatures

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the basics on underground risks to your fence posts. While most of the damage and other risks to fences and their components take place above the ground, there are also a few below it that you should be aware of, particularly as we head into the winter season.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we’re happy to provide not only a wide range of quality fence options, from vinyl fences to wrought iron, chain link, wood and many other materials, but also expertise on the care of any of our fencing products. This includes fence posts that are secured into the ground and sit partially underground – here are a couple other issues that may impact these fence post areas, plus how you can ensure they do not become a problem on your property.

underground fence rot burrowing

Rot Concerns

Rot is a concern in several areas of a home or property, and your fence is no exception. Some fence buyers think they’ll be saving money by purchasing lower-quality, cheaper fence post alternatives – that is, until they realize part of the reason these products are so much cheaper is they’re highly susceptible to rot.

Specifically, if a fence post is not pressure-treated at the factory before being placed into the ground and connected to your fence, it will not resist rot. This is because the pressure-treating method involves injecting chemicals into the post that keep it safe from underground damage, including moisture infiltration and potential rot that comes with it.

On top of this, it’s important to maintain proper drainage around your fence area – something we already went over in part one in relation to frost heave issues. Lining the fence hole with pebbles is also a good method to ensure moisture doesn’t seep in.

Burrowing Creatures

Finally, various rodents and other creatures who naturally burrow underground may come into contact with your underground fence posts in some cases. Most of these rodents aren’t actually interested in the fence, though termite issues and a few related concerns are technically possible – rather, it’s the damage they create in the surrounding area that’s the biggest problem.

Specifically, burrowing animals may dig under or around your fence posts. This will weaken the soil around the base of the post, which in turn weakens the fence itself. This may cause posts to tilt to one side or the other, or even eventually fall over. To avoid this, ensure posts have been buried in concrete and are deep enough to avoid the most common burrowing animals.

For more on how to keep your underground fence posts safe from damage risks, or to learn about any of our fencing materials or other services, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.