Steel, iron, and aluminum are great choices for fencing materials, but even the strongest fences can eventually weaken and need replacement. Proper monitoring and repairs are necessary with the maintenance of any fence but if you notice any of these signs, it may be time to replace your metal fence:

Accidental Damage

If your fence has received significant structural damage from a motor vehicle crash, falling trees, or a weather event, it is time for a new fence. Damaged areas will not only reduce your fence’s structural integrity, they can compromise your personal safety, privacy, and security.

Rust

Modern metal fences are often coated with special rust-resistant materials but that doesn’t mean that rust spots don’t appear. It is crucial to identify and immediately repair these spots to prevent the rust from getting out of hand, eating away at your fence, and eventually causing it to crumble apart. Pay careful attention to the joints keeping the fence together. Rusty and corroded joints can cause your fence to weaken and extensive, overall rust throughout your metal fence is a sign that it’s time for a new fence.

Metal Is Severely Bent, Warped, Leaning, or Sagging

Bent areas mean your metal fence has sustained severe damage. You may think bending them back into place is a simple way to repair the damage, but that type of added movement will further weaken the metal. A leaning fence is a serious safety hazard due to its high risk of falling over and injuring someone. As it continues to lean it will also continue to pull down attached fencing materials and nearby structures.

Exposed and Damaged Fasteners

Looking at the screws or nails that are holding your fence together is also an important part of your fence inspection. If your fasteners have developed rust, have begun to stick out from your fence, become worn, or are no longer securing sections of your fence together your fence is at a high risk of falling apart and it is time to replace it.

Deteriorating Welds

Welding produces a strong point of contact and your metal fence likely has welded sections and areas. Unfortunately, rust is most common at these welded metal joints, causing the welds to become weakened and pull apart. Extensive repairs of these welds is difficult and replacement is the better choice.

Trust First Fence of Georgia for All Your Aluminum and Steel Fencing Needs

If your metal fence has any of the above signs of damage, your fence will probably need to be replaced. One of our highly trained and experienced contractors would be happy to inspect your fence, offer suggestions, and perform the repairs or replacement that you need. With over 20,000 fences installed, you can trust that First Fence will provide you with an excellent service experience and professional outcome. Call us at (770) 214-4235 for a free quote.

The post 5 Signs That Your Metal Fence Needs to Be Replaced appeared first on First Fence.

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Restoration and Staining Services

Wooden fences are great for providing privacy, sheltering an area from wind, and for easily identifying property lines. They are also highly susceptible to warping, rot, and general weathering due to their continual exposure to natures’s elements. When you choose to install an all-wood fence around your home or business, it’s important to keep restoration and staining in mind to protect your investment.

Wooden Fence Restoration

If your fence has begun to look dark and weathered or has damaged areas in need of repair, restoration is a great lower-cost alternative to replacing your fence. Restoration is the “face lift” to any unsightly or damaged areas of the fence that need to be repaired and may include replacing cracked or warped pickets, addressing nail pops and fixing gates. If section repairs are necessary, First Fence is able to match your existing wood using aged lumber that we set aside specifically for this purpose. We use this type of lumber because brand new “wet” lumber can take several weeks to dry out/cure.

Wooden Fence Staining Services

Staining is a crucial part of the regular maintenance and upkeep of wooden fences.

Experts recommend that you use a heavy-duty wood stain that not only works to seal your wood from the effects of the elements, but also helps to beautify it and bring out the richness of the wood. Depending on your climate, experts recommend that stain be reapplied every 2-3 years or whenever water no longer beads up on the finished surface. At First Fence we always clean your fence to remove any dirt, mildew, pollutants, and chalking before staining to protect and beautify the wood.

Trust the Fence Professionals at First Fence

Wood fences need continual upkeep and care to ensure longevity. Regardless of why or how often you choose to restore or reapply stain to your wooden privacy fence, it goes without saying that it’s not worth the hassle and expense of doing it if it’s not done correctly. From installation of a new wooden fence to restoring and staining existing ones, First Fence of Georgia is a full service turnkey fence company that can take care of all your fencing needs. Our team of skilled and helpful technicians will inspect and properly prepare your fence for any repairs or staining using the appropriate process, products, and materials for your fence. Call us today at 770-214-4235 or contact us for your FREE online quote.

The post Restoration and Staining Services appeared first on First 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.

The post Pros and Cons of Using Pressure Treated Lumber for Your Fence appeared first on First Fence.

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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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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.

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.