Pros and Cons of Using Pressure Treated Lumber for Your Fence

Residential fences provide beauty, character and value to your home. Adding a fence can offer instant privacy and a level of security for children and pets, but it is important to consider several factors before making your investment, including the type of fencing material you wish to use. Pressure treated wood was developed to combat the limitations of natural wood. If you are considering using pressure treated lumber, here are a few factors to consider.

Pros

Strong and Durable: Denser than untreated wood products and resistant to scratches and dents, pressure treated lumber is perfect for long-term use.Affordable: Compared to other materials such as stone, concrete, aluminum, or steel, pressure treated wood is typically less expensive. It is also 30 – 40% cheaper than some types of wood, like redwood or cedar.Moisture Resistant: Pressure treated lumber will not soften and slowly decompose like natural wood.Fungal Resistant: Many different types of fungus can feed off the moisture in natural wood and start to grow, while pressure treated lumber is fungal resistant.Insect Resistant: When insects bore into wood the wood can be weakened, eventually causing structural problems. You will have no need to worry about wood-boring or wood-damaging insects with pressure treated lumber.Fire Resistant: One of the most dangerous threats to any type of wood is fire damage. Flame retardant, pressure treated lumber can be used in areas where the risk of fire may be in creased, such as outdoor kitchen, grilling, or fireplace areas.

Cons

Chemical risks: The chemical treatment necessary to create pressure-treated wood means you should not use this lumber near your garden due to the increased chance of those chemicals coming into contact with water and food.Warping and Shrinkage: It may take several months for pressure treated wood to dry completely, during which time there will be some warping and shrinkage.Maintenance: Annual staining is necessary to protect the wood from fading, checking, splintering, or turning soft and porous.

Choose the Right Fence Contractor

To ensure a beautiful finished product, it is important to partner with professionals who are knowledgeable about wood fence installation and craftsmanship. Be sure to choose a professional company with plenty of experience; references; and knowledge of state, local, and community building codes as well as specialized tools and experience. At First Fence of Georgia we are are licensed, insured, and have over 15 years of experience installing some of the Atlanta area’s most elegant fences for both residential and commercial properties. Call First Fence of Georgia at 770-214-4235 or contact us through our online form today to begin your wood fencing project.

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Summer Home Improvement Projects for the Weekend

Hey y’all! Have you seen the weather forecast for this week? I think we can officially say it’s summertime! One of the many things that Summer is great for is home improvement projects. In fact, it can be the absolute best time to get things done, indoors or out. You might be reading this and already thinking of a few things you would like to accomplish! If you are like the rest of us, you could use a little inspiration or encouragement to get you going. And that is why we are here today. Take a look at some of the ideas we have compiled. These are projects that will not only make your home look and feel great but add value as well! We tried to stick with ones that could be completed in a weekend, because we all want to save those sick days for the summer vacations we have planned!

 

Interior Projects

Paint or stain your kitchen cabinets– This project is very hands on and requires meticulous work. Each step must be done correctly in order to have a clean and professional finished product, especially when using paint. It is

totally worth the effort in the end though!

Add or replace kitchen backsplash– You can change the entire atmosphere of your kitchen with this one alteration.

Connect your most used lights to Alexa using smart switches– You will be glad you did this one! No need to get up to turn off all the lights in the house!

Add a security system to your home– Have you been longing to sleep a little more peacefully at night or take a vacation without having to worry about leaving your home unguarded? Put that to an end in just one weekend by adding a security system that works for you!

Paint a room– Pick that one room that needs it the most! Go all out and shop for new curtains and décor to finish the look!

Upgrade bathroom fixtures or vanity– Wouldn’t you like to be rid of your

leaky faucet or outdated fixtures?

Pick a purging project- It could be your mail that has piled up, your child’s toy room, or your closet! Your local goodwill will be glad to see you!

Install a ceiling fan or 2- Adding ceiling fans in the bedrooms of your home can really add value if you do not already have them.

Build  a DIY coffee or entryway table– Pinterest is filled with step by step tutorials on how to make different styles of tables. You are bound to find one you like that you can create at home!

Install a smart thermostat– Save energy and hassle with this automatic, anywhere you go option!

 

Exterior Projects

Build a fire pit– Nothing says “Summer” like evenings spent around a fire with

family and friends! Don’t forget the smores!

Landscape– Consider adding a walkway, a few trees or bushes, or maybe an entire new garden!

Replace your outdoor light fixtures- Improve the ambiance and the look of your exterior by updating the lights!

Regrout between patio pavers– This can be easier than you think depending on the product you choose!

Power wash exterior walls, patio, or deck- You could piggyback the regrouting onto this project! Power washing can make a huge difference to the

overall looks of your entire property!

Clean the gutters- Yes. Just do it. Don’t think, just grab that ladder and go to work! You will be glad when it is over.

Add, repair, or replace fencing- Of course! This is a fence company website after all! Considering doing it yourself if it is a small enough project. We may have the fencing materials you need in stock here at our location in Frederick.

 

 

 

 

The post Blog first appeared on Frederick Fence Company.
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Aluminum Fencing Options for your Home

How would you describe the perfect fence for your yard? Durable? Long lasting? Low maintenance? Provides safety and security? All of these things describe our premium, powder coated aluminum fence material.  In addition to being a great material in and of itself, aluminum home fencing comes in a variety of style, color, grade, and height options to choose from. We are here to help you design your fence in a way that makes it the absolute perfect one for you.

 

Grade

When we discuss “grade”, we generally mean the strength of the fence material. Our grade options start with Residential, which has the least amount of strength, working up to commercial, then industrial. Depending on your fencing needs and price point, you can choose from these three grade options.

Residential grade is called “residential” because it meets the needs of just about every residential fencing job. It looks great, is acceptable as a pool code compliant fence, and comes with all the durability and low maintenance qualities of any aluminum home fencing on the market.

Our Commercial and Industrial grade products are a step up in strength and security. The rails and posts that make up the commercial grade panels measure a bit smaller all the way around than the industrial grade, thus the industrial grade provides more security than all other aluminum product available. If security is the main reason you wish to fence in to your property, we would suggest considering one of these two grades for more protection.

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Our Stock Aluminum Product

We keep aluminum fencing in stock here in the yard for retail and installation sales. It is the most basic style that we offer called the Ascot Series. It has a flat top and comes in a couple of different height and rail options. It is our best seller not only because it is stock, but because it is our lowest priced aluminum fencing product and meets most of our customers needs anyway. If you think this style of fence can suit your needs, you may choose between 4ft, 4.5ft, and 5′ tall. A couple of these options are pool code compliant as well. Check out the following diagrams and you will see what our stock aluminum looks like.

4’ Tall – 3 Rail

4’ Tall – 2 Rail (Pool Code Compliant)

54” Tall – 3 Rail (Pool Code Compliant everywhere except Montgomery County)

 

5’ Tall – 3 Rail (Pool Code Compliant)

 

dditional Residential Styles Available

If you are interested in something that is any more interesting than the Ascot Series, you can have it! We are always placing orders with our suppliers, we just have to add your fencing to the list!

 

All  of Your Options

In this list you will notice that Ascot is one of the flat top options that we offer, but we do not offer the Ascot Royale or Ascot Puppy Picket as an in-stock option. The other two general style options in the flat top category are the Canterbury and Fairmount Series. Each style is more complex than the last with its own unique look and advantages to the design. Notice the puppy pickets designs. There are perfect for keeping in any small critters you have, while the options with only two or three rails are better for containing larger pets that can climb (oh yes. . .  we have been there, done that).

Pictured next are the Belmont and Hamilton Series. Both have open tops that display pressed spears, which can be staggered if you choose.

Finally, our most ornate options; Victoria and Newcastle. You may choose from various spear designs, styles, and choose your pickets to be staggered or not.

 

Our Aluminum Fencing in Action

 

 

 

The post Blog first appeared on Frederick Fence Company.

7 Ways to Make Your Small Yard Feel Bigger

We understand that a big yard just isn’t possible or practical for everyone, but we are here to let you know that you can make a wonderful space for any purpose! You just have to get a little creative. We have done some of the work by providing these tips that you can apply to your small space.

 

Create levels and defined areas

Adding multiple levels to your space will help create definition and variety, which makes the space feel bigger. It does not have to be much; a 12” difference or so will do nicely to create this illusion. An example of this could be making a step-down to a level that is used for your fire pit or a slightly raised porch off the back of your home that extends into the back yard, used for dining or entertaining.

 

Use containers for gardening

It can be difficult to put your green thumb to use in a small space without taking up the entire area as ground gardens tend to do. Get creative with your planting by using anything and everything as a garden container to keep it downsized. Consider possible options like traditional pots, fruit crates, old tires, galvanized tubs,  and cut out tree logs!

Use less furniture

Open space is your friend in a small yard if you want to create a larger feel. Downsize on all furniture when possible. Choose a style of chairs and table that are just big enough to suit your needs. Try considering how you can incorporate the natural landscape into additional seating options. Large stones, retaining walls, and steps can all serve as extra seating for entertaining large parties when necessary. If you have enough garage or basement storage space, consider purchasing foldable tables and chairs that can be stashed away when not in use.

Maximize available space

Consider every possible option of how and where your yard can be expanded. Do you have any side yard space? Extra space in the very back? A broken down shed you no longer need? Maybe a playset that has no use anymore?

Go vertical

There are countless ways to make this happen in your space. Hanging gardens and garden walls have become very popular. Pick out décor that is tall and narrow, rather than wide. Consider hanging art pieces on the back of your house. This will bring the focal point higher and give the look of more open space.

Add interesting features

Create focal points using effective, carefully chosen features that will give you and your guests things to look at. Adding interest this way makes the space feel like it has more in it, and therefore bigger.  Interesting features could be objects that create ambiance like candles, fountains or other water features, lights, colorful curtains or artwork. Consider constructing a small pergola or archway.

Steer clear of high walls and privacy fencing

Anything that closes the space in will make it feel smaller. If you have a decent view outside of your yard, go for a fence that is lower to the ground and less private. Wood/vinyl picket and ornamental aluminum are great choices that will add to the atmosphere of you yard without closing in the space too much.

 

The post Blog first appeared on Frederick Fence Company.

Secure Your Business with High-Security Commercial Fencing

Property fences of all kinds provide a level of security for homes and businesses, but some businesses need a higher level of security. In addition to creating a physical barrier, adding high-security commercial fencing to your business or organization can also provide:

Privacy: If you are handling valuable inventory or needing to shield the movements of your employees or patrons, a high-security fence can protect your facility from prying eyes.Access control: By only allowing authorized personnel into secured areas you are reducing the possibility of your assets being damaged or stolen while also keeping people safe from any hazards that may be present.Safety: High-security fencing will make your employees and guests feel safe while working or visiting your business.

Systems and Design

Security fences are typically 72″ or higher, unless restricted by local codes. They also incorporate pickets, barbed wire, or razor ribbon at the top and use very few (if any) horizontal rails to deter climbers. No two systems are the same and can be customized to meet your exact specifications and site specific details. At First Fence of Georgia we are experienced with precast concrete walls, louvered panel fencing, anti-climb chain link fence, anti-crash, and steel ornamental systems which require a variety of installation procedures and construction methods.

Secure Your Investment

High-security commercial fencing is a smart investment that creates a secure, controlled area on your property and protects your bottom line. Don’t trust just any fencing company to handle your high-security fence project! At First Fence of Georgia we know how to properly manage and administer commercial projects and are familiar with the qualities specific to these types of projects including:

Extensive inventoryCoordinating with project managers and associated tradesMeeting insurance requirementsCertified payroll and Davis Bacon wagesDraw schedules and retainageEnhanced bonding capacity

Trust the Best!

Trust First Fence of Georgia, the best fence design and installation company in metro Atlanta, to handle your project. We assist in the planning, design and construction of all types of commercial, industrial, and government fence projects throughout the

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Fencing Etiquette

That pristine 7-foot-tall vinyl privacy fence might sound like your dream addition to your property, but have you given any thought to how those living near you might feel about it? We believe it is within your best interest in many cases to consider a few points of fence etiquette before having your fence installed. Taking your neighbor’s feelings into account will serve you better in the long run. Trust us! We are not saying you should neglect getting the fence you need and want, but there are small adjustments that can make a big difference in the eyes of others. You might be glad you chose something that was a bit of a compromise, instead of the intrusive option you were considering earlier.

Respect Property Boundaries

Our policy is to install your fence a few inches within your property line. This is required by law in some counties, but in others it is simply for the sake of ensuring your fence is protected from any property boundary disputes that might happen in the future.

We highly encourage you to be sure about where your property lines are before we install your fence. If you or your neighbor have no documentation or proof of where the property lines are, we suggest getting a survey done. If it by chance results in a situation where your neighbor has a fence or another object intruding a few inches onto your property, we beg you to let it go and move on. A nice relationship with your neighbor is not worth risking for a couple of inches. We have seen too many situations like this cause unhappy disputes.

We also do not want you to ever assume your neighbor is ok with you using their existing fence line as your fence line on the adjoining sides of your yard. Ask your neighbors if they are ok with you using their fence as a boundary on that side before either assuming they are ok with it or paying to have a whole other fence line installed right next to it.

Follow your HOA Rules

Abiding by the rules of your HOA from the beginning saves a lot of hassle down the road. We know that some HOA’s can be very restricting, but there is no way out of them, and trying to get something installed that they will not allow will only result in fines or extra money spent on changing the fence later. Our sales representatives are experienced in the areas that they serve. It is very likely that they are well versed in the fencing regulations of your HOA.

Consider Street Corners and Drivers on the Road

Corner properties can be difficult to fence, especially in front yards. Some municipalities regulate fence height and distance from the road in order to minimize the effect on driver visibility. We have experienced cases where we have installed fences too close to the road and gotten complaints from residents who frequent those streets. We recommend that you investigate any laws in your area that might restrict your fence design. Additionally, we encourage you to be generally considerate and generous when it comes to height and distant to the road.

We want you to take as much pride in your new fence as we do! A major way this can be achieved is by making sure you follow certain “rules” of fence etiquette. We encourage all our customers to consider the points we have discussed here, but at the end of the day we will install the fence that you want. You are our first priority and we hope you will enjoy working with us as much as we will working with you!

The post Blog first appeared on Frederick Fence Company.

Our Doors are Open!

 

We wish to welcome our customers back through our doors this coming July 6th! We will be returning to normal operations in accordance with the Governor’s recent orders.

Masks with NOT be required upon entry into the showroom, but feel free to wear one if you wish. Our employees with be wearing masks at their own personal discretion as well.

 

Are you ready to come see us? From our office and showroom you are able to. . .

View the many fence styles and materials we have on display.

 

Meet with our retail sales representatives and place orders in person.

 

Pickup materials.

 

Meet with your installation sales representative to sample and discuss products.

 

Make payments.

 

Meet our wonderful team!

 

Someone will always be here to serve you between the hours of 7am  and 4pm, Monday through Friday. Feel free to call ahead to ask about products we have in stock, or what samples we have on display to view in the showroom.

 

 

The past year has been a roller-coaster for the business as well as our families in many ways. We faced new challenges as a result of COVID, but we also received many blessings along the way.  We hope you will join with us in breathing a sigh of relief as we invite the post-COVID chapter into our lives.

We hope to see you soon!

-The Frederick Fence Co Team

 

The post Blog first appeared on Frederick Fence Company.

Celebrating the Dogs of the Frederick Fence Family

Here at Frederick Fence Company dogs are loved by absolutely everyone! It is not uncommon to spot one or two of our families’ pets running up and down the halls or playing together in the showroom.

Last year, Perry and Kelly Orman raised their yellow lab, Huk, in the office from a small puppy until he was ready to go off to hunting school. Now that he is grown, Huk has completed his training and started his hunting carrier with Perry. Check out this photo of their success on their very first hunt together!

Penny, an Irish Setter, is owned by Todd and Laura Powers. She is a frequent visitor to the office. Todd brings her in on days when she is not at puppy Day Care. She loves trotting through the halls to visit everyone and enjoys spending time with Todd in his office.

 

Our current mascot has been Nora, an ABT puppy owned by Matthew and Laura Braden, who both work in the office. They bring Nora to work everyday since she is still a young puppy. She even has her very own Frederick Fence T-Shirt. You might meet her playing fetch in the showroom, loving on anyone and everyone, or snoozing in her dad’s lap while he works.  Her favorite thing to do when she comes into the office in the morning is run around and greet every one of her friends!

 

Almost all the other dogs in the Frederick Fence family have been to the office. Check out their photos below along with their names and who they belong to.  Enjoy!

This is Luke and Rory “Red Dog.” They are owned by our founder, Charlie.

The newest addition to the Frederick Fence dog family is Harlow, a sweet little Goldendoodle that was recently adopted by Erica! Isn’t she precious?

This beautiful German Shepherd named Bear is owned by Brody, who used to be a material sales representative, but is now one of our installation sales representatives.

 

Roxanne Henline is one of our material sales representatives. She owns Hunter and Louie!


Hunter

Louie

Our installation manager owns this playful German Shepherd. His name is Ruger.


Ruger

Neil, one of our installation sales reps, owns Lily, Bruce, and Ella!


Neil’s Dog Lily

Neil’s Dog Bruce

Neil’s Dog Ella

Khloe is owned by Luther, another member of our sales team!


Klhoe

Justin and his family enjoy the company of Sully, their Labrador puppy.


Sully

Our sales manager Bill has Murphy, another lovable Labrador Retriever.


Bill’s Dog Murphy

 

Kelly and Perry have another dog, a Boxer named Jax.


Jax

Perry, Kelly, and their Family

Huk and Penny playingThe post Blog first appeared on Frederick Fence Company.

Gutter Repair Cost – Don’t Try to Fix the Leak Without Gutter Repair

If you are like most homeowners, you hate gutter repair. Not only is the process tedious and expensive, but your gutters are also at high risk for failure. While gutters may be one of the oldest drainage methods, they have fallen out of favor for many reasons. But if you don’t address gutter damage and it doesn’t happen soon enough, it could end up costing you more money than you saved by fixing them in the first place. It’s better to call Roof Company to avoid the issue.

gutter repair

The primary function of a gutter system is to channel rainwater away from your home. A properly functioning system will keep water away from the foundation and keep it away from seeping through your roofing tiles. If your gutters are clogged, that’s when water can get behind your roofing tiles and cause roof damage. The expense of gutter repair pales in comparison to the potential costs a failing system could cause. Here are some more tips that will help you avoid roofing repair and gutter repair costs:

Homeowners often hire roofers without realizing the full extent of the damage. Sometimes the roofers go straight into the attic, cutting into the ceiling. In other cases, the roofers cut into the attic and disturb the contents, leading to mold and structural issues. It is important to work with experienced, well-trained roofing contractors to prevent this problem. You’ll also want to check with the Better Business Bureau before hiring a roofer to make sure that they’ve removed any complaints against them.

Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t pay much attention to their gutters. They follow the gutter maintenance schedule as set by their roofing contractor. While this can be helpful in the sense that you won’t have to come up with creative gutter repair solutions independently, there are better ways to handle routine maintenance. Avoid costly roof repairs by paying attention to the details of your roof.

Gutters should be inspected at least once a year, but that doesn’t mean you need to schedule an inspection every month. It is best to get the job done once a year so that you can have the most accurate estimates and prices for gutter repair. Most companies charge an estimate based on the average cost of a square foot of gutter protection. If you want to know the average cost of repairs, contact several companies and get price quotes. However, you should also consider the time required to complete the repairs. If your gutter repair requires a complex installation, you may be required to have the job done in less than a day.

The best way to compare estimates for gutter repair and gutter replacement is to ask for quotes from several contractors. This will allow you to compare the average costs over the course of a year. Don’t forget to factor in installation costs when evaluating the estimates. You may be required to hire a professional to install the shingles, so you need to factor that into the equation as well.

The average cost of repairs is lower when you fix the damages yourself. In most cases, you can fix most small issues yourself without hiring a gutter repair company. For larger water damage issues, it is best to hire a professional company to deal with them. They will use special tools, materials, and equipment to help repair your roof. Additionally, they will tell you if there are more serious issues that could have been prevented by fixing the issue properly in the first place.

Hiring a professional gutter and roofing repair company to fix the leaking roof on your house can be an expensive endeavor. Fortunately, if you are prepared to do a little bit of work yourself, you can save a lot of money. Just be sure that you don’t try to fix a bigger problem that could require a contractor.