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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When it comes to protecting your fence from potential damage, some of the top culprits are relatively well-known: Moisture risks, weather elements, impact dangers and the potential for corrosion or other forms of wear-down. Did you know, however, that there are also a few underground risks that may be present for your fence?

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we’re here to offer not only quality fence supplies and fencing contractor services for numerous fence types, from wood fences to vinyl and several others, but also expertise on the long-term care and maintenance of these products. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over some of the most common underground damage risks you should be aware of for any fence, plus how to be sure these do not create major problems for any fence on your property, new or old.

Frost Heave

One of the most common issues in this realm, and one that’s particularly common during the cold season we’re entering right now, is known as frost heave. Frost heave, which refers to an upward swelling of soil due to ice forming during winter, can have an impact on numerous soil- and landscape-related areas, not just the fence.

Specific to fences, frost heave tends to impact the posts that sit in your soil. When this dirt becomes wet and freezes during the winter, it will become more solid while also expanding, just like water does when it turns to ice. This expansion is the actual frost heave effect, and it often leads to the frozen soil moving and dislodging the post from its proper area. This can happen several times over the course of a cold spell in your area, with the post moving around more and more each time the soil freezes – and eventually even being pushed out of the ground entirely.

To avoid this effect, we recommend adding sand, gravel or other dry materials to the soil to help with drainage. In addition, be sure you bury your posts below the frost line when installing them, something our fence professionals will be happy to help with if needed.

Tree or Shrub Roots

Another area our installers will keep a careful eye on, as you should, is the presence of trees or shrubs with extended root networks near a new fence or its underground posts. These roots may grow and spread around posts, and may even pull them out of the ground or crack their wood. Unfortunately, the signs of this condition aren’t often present until the fence begins to sag, at which time repairs can be expensive. For this reason, keep newly planted trees or shrubs well away from the fence, and do not build any new fence posts near an established tree or root network.

For more on the underground damage risks to avoid for your fence, or to learn about any of our fence contractor services, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.

As a top local fence supplier, we at Utah Fence Warehouse take pride in our versatile fencing services. We’ll perform full fence installations for you if you require them, but are also happy to simply provide materials for your own DIY installation if you prefer this route – and we’re always available to offer basic expertise and tips on the care or maintenance of any of our fence supplies, from wood fence materials to vinyl, chain link, wrought iron and others.  

One of the most common questions we get regarding our fences is the proper method for cleaning them. While there are a few specific parts of this process, one of the broader choices you’ll be making is whether to use a power washer (or pressure washer) for cleaning a given fence, or whether you’ll be doing so by hand. Let’s go over both methods and some pros and cons of each, plus a note specific to wood fence types.

Power Washing (Pressure Washing)

For those cleaning larger swaths of fencing and whose fence materials are relatively new and in good shape, using a power washer – also often called a pressure washer – is usually the ideal approach. This method allows you to clean larger areas much faster than handwashing, and is usually effective for a variety of fencing materials.

Now, there are some important directives to follow if you go this route. For one, if you don’t own your own power washer, you will have to rent one – ensure it’s of high quality and has a strong spray. In addition, we recommend laying plastic sheet around your fence to protect plants or other susceptible elements. Begin with a low pressure setting and work your way up based on the amounts of dirt or grime present on the fence.

Handwashing

For older fences, especially wooden ones, the handwashing approach might be the better way to go. This is especially true if the fence area is relatively small.

This process may take a bit longer than power washing, but will not risk any damage to older materials. It involves spraying the fence with a hose to soften dirt, then scrubbing with a brush and hosing it off with a wood cleaner. Then you spray it down one more time to ensure the entire fence is clean and rinsed off.

Staining and Sealing

One more important tip for wood fences: After washing of any kind, but especially power washing, it’s vital to re-apply stain and seal to your fence. This is because washing may remove the existing seal that was present, particularly if you were using a strong stream of water from a power washer.

For more on whether to use a power washer or handwash your fence, or for information on any of our fence materials, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.

When it comes to fence installation on your property, privacy and views are often in competition with one another. Fences are often primarily in place for privacy and boundary marking purposes, but many property owners also don’t want them to block off a view – whether it’s of the city, their garden or some other feature.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we’re here to help. We’re a fence supplier offering a huge range of fencing options, from vinyl and wood fences to wrought iron fences and many others. We also offer detailed installation and maintenance services, plus have assisted numerous clients with the planning process for their new fence and the balance between views and privacy. This two-part blog series will begin by going over some of the best fence formats for those looking to check both these boxes, then look into some additional tips for ensuring you don’t obstruct your views with a new fence.

Privacy Fences and Height

For those property owners who desire significant privacy and want to install a privacy fence, the primary factor to think about when ensuring your views are not disrupted is height. You may want the fence as high as possible, but it’s important to think about the practical realities here.

Specifically, you only need such a fence to block the view into the yard from other yards – not from above. A four- or six-foot fence with a lattice-top often does a great job here, plus still offers a great view over the fence from inside your home.

Rail Fence Options

For those who are primarily using the fence as a way to mark their property boundary, a rail fence is often a great choice. It’s also commonly chosen by those in rural areas looking to stop wildlife from roaming in.

And when it comes to views, rail fences are optimal. Split rail fence or round rail fence options will both do a great job keeping animals out and marking your property, but will also offer a great view because there are no major panels blocking any area you want to keep open.

Iron Fence

What if you’re most interested in a fence for property security against both intruders and animals? Wrought iron or aluminum fences are usually your best options here, offering ideal security with limited maintenance needs. But just like a rail fence, these options do not block the majority of the outside areas from being viewed, and will allow you to maintain whatever aesthetic you desire.

For more on how to combine both privacy and great views with your new fence installation, or to learn about any of our fence repair or other services, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.