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.

In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some of the factors and fence types to consider if you’re looking to combine privacy and a great view. While there are many excellent privacy fence options out there, there are simply ways to ensure that you get the protection you desire for your yard and property without sacrificing your excellent views.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we’re proud to serve as your local fence contractor for all such needs. We offer a wide range of fence materials, from vinyl fences to wood, wrought iron, chain link and several other options. Part one went over some of the best materials to consider for this dual purpose – today’s part two will hit on some major themes to help mold or otherwise alter a privacy fence in ways that maintain the protection, but offer you improved views and aesthetics.

Color Adjustments

You might be surprised at how often a simple color adjustment to certain fence types makes the visibility through them much greater. Think of a lattice fence, for instance, that is painted a darker color or one that blends into the nature behind it – it will be much easier to see through this and view what’s behind it than if you have a lighter color, which is much tougher to see through.

On the flip side, some might be going for maximum privacy. In such cases, you should go for a lighter color for any fence type, especially those that will have any gaps in them at any location.

Camouflage Themes

Down similar lines, camouflaging the fence in smart ways is a good way to go about limiting its impact on your views. When selecting materials or color schemes, prioritize those that blend with the surroundings in the visual area where you’ll be looking most often. Wood tones are often great in natural tree areas, and various green and other nature hues tend to do well also.

Utilizing Curvature

Finally, there’s no rule that says a fence you install has to be even horizontally. One great theme that many homeowners take when looking to maintain both privacy and views simultaneously: Utilizing the curvature of their landscape in the way they install the fence. If your property gives way to a natural tree line below it, for example, you can shape the fence to roughly match that tree line from a given vantage point. You could also shape based on the skyline or a variety of other themes.

For more on how to combine privacy and views with your fencing choice, or to learn about any of our fence supplies or materials, 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 when it comes to building a fence that will house a backyard swimming pool. Whether for simple safety and privacy concerns or to limit liability risks and related issues, fencing around a pool is a must on many properties.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we’re proud to supply a huge variety of fencing materials and fence accessories for numerous needs, including those looking to house a swimming pool. Our vinyl fencing materials are often best here, though we have several other choices as well, including wood, wrought iron and even chain link fences. In today’s part two, we’ll look into a few additional themes for proper swimming pool fencing and related areas.

Self-Closing and Locking Gate

While the fence itself is very important for any pool housing situation, you must be sure not to forget about a gate as well. This is especially true for those looking to maintain privacy on a variety of levels, whether complete or partial.

In addition, there are local laws to keep in mind here. In most districts of most US states, full fences surrounding property areas like pools or various structures must come with a self-closing and locking gate. These are great child-proof devices for those who live in areas with lots of children, as well. One tip: Be sure your lock is waterproof and above the reach of any young children you might be trying to mess with it.

Rail Gaps

In some cases, you may choose a rail fence for your style to surround the pool. This is fine, but there’s one big factor to consider here: Ensuring gaps between rails (and between the bottom rail and the ground) are small enough for safety. If such gaps are too large, they serve as footholds for kids to climb on. Gaps at the base of the fence might allow pets to wriggle under and escape, as well. If you choose a rail format, ensure gaps are properly designed so these risks are not present.

Insurance Company Guidance

Finally, one resource you may not have considered for your swimming pool fencing: Your insurance company. Particularly for homeowners installing fences to remove liability issues on their property and pool area, the insurance company will often be able to provide several quality tips in terms of pool fencing – required height, material recommendations and more. Some will even give insurance discounts if you consult them and use one of their approved fencing materials.

For more on building the right kind of fence around a swimming pool area, or to learn about any of our fence supplies or services, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.

Fencing and related property marking types are important themes across several areas you may not have considered previously, and a great example is the use of fences for swimming pools. Both for public and private pools, including those in back yards within family homes, both fencing and other signage are vital for safety, hazard prevention and general operation.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we’re proud to offer a wide variety of fence materials and solutions, from classic wood fences to modern, versatile vinyl fences and many in between. We’ve assisted numerous homeowners with their needs for fencing that surrounds or otherwise marks off a swimming pool or related area on their property – why might this be important on your property, and what are some of the areas you should be considering? Here are some general tips we’ll offer in this area.

Homeowners and Pool Liability

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that all pool owners – even those in private homes – carry some liability risk with their pool ownership. If someone is injured on the property in a way related to the pool, whether due to slipping, hitting a hazard or some other reason, the homeowner could be found liable for these damages.

However, erecting a fence and including signage and other markers limits this risk significantly. For instance, if someone is trespassing on your property and is injured around your pool, you might have actually been liable if you didn’t have a fence in place signaling private property – but if you do, your chances of being found liable here drop significantly. Through a combination of maintaining a safe area plus using fencing and other methods to mark private property, you avoid such liability risks altogether.

Proper Height Considerations

If you decide it’s prudent to install a fence related to your pool area, whether for liability issues or simple safety and security, one of your first decisions should be regarding the fence’s height. The fence should be tall enough that children using the pool cannot climb on or over it, especially not to jump into the pool – this can present major hazards. At the same time, though, the fence should not be too high, where it will block out the sun or a breeze.

Material Choice

There are several materials you might choose for such a fence, but our top general recommendation here is a vinyl fence. For starters, vinyl is extremely durable and resistant to water and forms of corrosion – it will not buckle or split, and the color will not fade or chalk in the sun. It also comes with virtually no required maintenance and is available in a huge range of styles and colors.

For more on building a fence near or around your home’s swimming pool, or to learn about any of our fencing supplies or services, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.

For many considering installing a new fence on their property, multiple important factors are involved. You want a legitimate, aesthetically-pleasing fence option to help define your property, but you also likely care about factors like security, limiting unnecessary property access and other practical factors that come with a fence installation.

At Utah Fence Warehouse, we’ve helped numerous Utahns find the ideal fencing supplies when searching for a fantastic multi-purpose fence. From wood fence options to vinyl, chain link, wrought iron and even ornamental aluminum fences, we offer materials and installation services that help you achieve the precise fence balance you desire. Here are some basics on combining aesthetic and practical factors for the best possible fence on your property.

Defining Decorative Elements

There are numerous fencing materials that offer decorative qualities, including some of the most well-known and highly practical options. Vinyl fences, for instance, can be designed in any color and them you want, but also offer fantastic security and durability throughout the year. They allow for the placement of a trellis or a picket-style top for aesthetic improvements.

In addition, though, they’re very hard to climb and will not crack or break under pressure. The same qualities are shared by several other fencing options to one degree or another, and those looking for both practicality and visual appeal will have multiple choices available.

Security Factors

Even if you’re going for a highly customized decorative fence, today’s modern fencing materials mean there’s no need to sacrifice security factors to make this happen. Consider iron or aluminum fences, for instance, which are powder-coated to prevent rust and can be matched with any color or shade your garden, home or property are taking. These fencing options are easy to assemble and install and also provide a durable source of security, but also allow for easy tweaks or changes with decorative qualities in mind.

Limiting Access

One of the top methods for limiting property access using a fence is ensuring the height of the fence is adequate for its surroundings. Not only are taller fences tougher to climb, they signal privacy and property markings in ways smaller fences may not.

Numerous fencing materials offer this option along with secure, durable gate options for entry and exit. There are numerous self-closing and self-locking mechanisms that can be installed in fence gates, and you can also obtain quality lighting for this area – this will benefit you both aesthetically and security-wise. All these options are available for many of the fence materials we’ve mentioned, meaning you do not have to sacrifice security for beauty.

For more on how to combine practical and aesthetic elements when installing a new fence, or to learn about any of our fencing contractor services, speak to the staff at Utah Fence Warehouse today.