Fence Information
"Good fences make good neighbours." - Robert Frost
Wire fence
Wire fence is a quick and economical solution for those wishing to contain livestock. The wire is simply strong between fence posts made of wood, steel, aluminum or some other durable material. Most wire fencing is coated to protect against rust and corrosion. The thicker the coating, the longer the wire will last. Most pasture fences use woven wire, barbed wire, or a combination of the two.
Pool Fence
Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death in children 1 to 14, and the vast majority of victims drown in backyard swimming pools. The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends installing fences or other barriers completely around backyard pools. To be effective, the swimming pool fence should be at least 4 feet tall and should not have footholds and handholds that would allow a child to climb over it. Gates should be self-latching and must be kept in good repair so that they close easily and completely. Pool fence slats should be no more than a few inches apart to prevent a child from squeezing inside.
Concrete fence, security fence
Concrete fence is increasingly being used to protect intrusion-sensitive facilities in the wake of increased awareness of terrorist threats. Pre-cast concrete fence materials are being installed at electrical substations, water storage facilities, and other sensitive locations. In addition to security, concrete fence can ensure privacy and act as a sound barrier.
Electric fence, electronic fence
Electric fencing generally is used to keep domestic animals from escaping or to keep wild animals from entering a predetermined area. The fence is lined with a wire, usually powered by a battery pack, designed to release a pulse that will cause a painful electric shock if touched. Besides their animal applications, electronic fences also are used for security. Electric fences can be designed to carry potentially lethal shocks.
Steel fencing, metal fencing
Steel is a popular fence material at commercial and industrial sites, but it can also be used decoratively in parks and along streets. The steel fence is welded together, galvanized, then coated with polyester power and painted. Because of the high tensile strength of the metal, steel fencing is among the most durable fencing options. Steel is also resistant to weathering and corrosion.
Construction fence
A construction fence is a quick-to-install security barrier that can be placed around construction sites. Usually built from polyethylene in bright colors, they are useful as a warning and for debris control, but less reliable for security. When keeping people out is a paramount concern, chain link fence topped by razor wire may be a better choice of construction fence material.
Silt fence
Silt fence is temporary fencing designed to prevent sediment (silt) from flowing off from areas of disturbed soil. Such runoff is damaging to nearby waterways and can kill fish and plant life. Silt fence is simply a synthetic filtration fabric stretched between short wood or metal fence posts. It can be installed by hand or with specially created machines.
Snow fence
Snow fences cause snow to drift downwind of them, preventing snow from piling up on roadways or other places where it is not wanted. As the wind blows over the snow fence, it forms an eddy behind it, making a drift form on the windward side of the fence. When placed near roadways, a snow fence will empty the breeze of snow before it can cross the road and create a hazard. Snow fences can be cheaply made of wood or plastic and must be designed to withstand high winds.
Bamboo fence
Bamboo is an environmentally friendly alternative to hardwood fencing materials, because it is fast-growing and is easily replenished. Though a bamboo plant is extremely sturdy when treated and can grow to the size of a tree, it is actually a giant grass. Bamboo fence is often sold in pre-built sections, making it easy to install and competitively priced when the labor savings are taken into account. Bamboo fencing also is attractive and durable.
Garden fence
The main purpose of a garden fence is to provide an attractive barrier that discourages deer, rabbits, dogs, and other pests. Garden fences come in a variety of materials, such as wrought iron, wood, chain link, stone, bamboo, and vinyl. Garden fence can often be purchased in prefabricated sections and easily installed by the home gardener.
Dog fence, invisible fence, underground fence
When outdoor dogs learn to climb over or dig under traditional fencing, many homeowners turn to electric dog fence, also known as invisible fence. A dog fence works by sending a signal to a wire buried underground around the desired border area. The dog wears a collar that also picks up the signal. When the dog approaches the invisible fence, it hears a warning tone. If it crosses the boundary, it receives a mild electric shock. This type of invisible fence quickly trains a dog to stay in the desired area.
Deer fence
The U.S. deer population has been growing for decades, and these residential pests will eat almost anything. Fencing provides a reliable means of keeping deer away from landscaping and garden plants. Woven-wire fences provide the most reliable deer barrier, but the fence must be tall enough to prevent the deer from jumping over. Another option is to line the deer fence with a live electric wire, which will provide a painful shock to any animal that touches it and sometimes will train deer to stay away from the area.
Cat fence
Cats love the outdoors and are great climbers and “escapers,” so traditional fencing can rarely keep them confined. Some solutions to fence in a cat are underground electrical fencing, netting barriers that attach to the top of an existing fence, or flexible mesh fencing that discourages climbing. Note: Most cat fences will not keep out larger predators; they will only keep the housecat confined within the yard.
Horse fence, farm fence
Corrals and fences must be designed so that they are not only strong enough for horses, but safe for them as well. Durability and ease of construction are also prime considerations for farm fencing. Corrals are often constructed of a heavy-gauge round pipe at least two or three inches in diameter. Five feet is generally high enough. Wood is a poorer choice for a horse fence because it is less durable, and the horses will eat it.
Wireless pet fence, radio fence
Wireless pet fence can keep animals confined to a yard while still giving them freedom of movement. The fence is actually a transmitter that you can plug into your home. It emits a radio signal that designates a safe area around your house. The pet wears a collar that receives the signal. When the pet reaches the boundary of the radio fence, it receives first a warning beep, then a startling static correction. With a bit of training, the animal quickly learns the fence boundaries.
Fence Installation
- Chainlink fence installation manual - link
- How to install chain link fence - link
- How to Install Chain Link on Steel Posts - link
- Install a Chain Link Fence - link
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Many kinds of fence are best built and installed by professionals, but the do-it-yourselfer can manage some wood fence installations. The first step is to decide where posts should be placed. Use a rope to keep lines straight, and dig post holes at least two feet deep to keep the fence posts stable. Plan and carefully pre-cut all components. Install the rails next, and finally the pickets. A pneumatic nailer is the easiest way to attach pickets when you are building a fence. Painting or staining can come last or can be done ahead of time.
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