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Aluminum Fencing: Doing It Your Self from Beginning to End

There are a number of home improvement projects that no one would recommend you take on from start to finish without hiring a professional however, installing an aluminum fence is!

Don’t let the size of the project and materials to turn you off. I know many times homeowners are horrified at the thought of a “DIY” task. Large projects like installing a fence around the perimeter of your yard or pool doesn’t sound simple no matter how you say it however, it is quite plausible when working with a wholesale aluminum fence supplier like, iFenceUSA. One of the best features is doing a project like installing an aluminum fence is that you are in charge of directing the whole thing from ordering online all the way to latching the aluminum gate when installation is complete.

At iFenceUSA, planning for and ordering wholesale aluminum fence panels is fairly simple especially with the support of our customer service professionals. Not only do we have software available that allows you to visually see the fence in place, we offer free samples of all the colors and grades of aluminum fencing offered. Having everything right where you can see it, touch it, and manipulate it allows for a better experience. You get a hands on experiencing without the bulk of moving large, aluminum fence panels with free samples and the ability to move it about with our unique fencing software. The whole process of shopping online for aluminum fencing eliminates the back and forth that most often happens during most “DIY” home improvement projects.

Doing It Yourself from Planning, Ordering, Installation, and Upkeep

Anytime you can plan for and order the materials for a project from the comfort of your own home you are winning the home improvement game. The iFenceUSA website offers a number of options to help make ordering your aluminum fence panels simpler. From informational sections to vivid images and complete step-by-step installation instructions it is all at the tip of your fingers. After reviewing the 18 different style of aluminum fence panels and available options, you will come to find that ordering your fence is perhaps the easiest of the “DIY” aspects. At this point it is as easy as entering the measurements to make sure that the exact amount of aluminum panels and posts are ordered. One thing that can’t be stressed enough is to check and re-check the measurements. It is best to avoid surprises upon delivery if at all possible.

After the aluminum panels, posts, accessories, and options all delivered comes the real, nitty-gritty process of installation. To prepare to install your fence it is crucial that you take time to read the instructions thoroughly. This helps to prepare you as far as the tools you will need and the expectations overall. There is a benefit to reviewing the diagrams and instruction manuals throughout the process to avoid complications.

Lastly is the upkeep of your newly installed aluminum fencing panels. This is the easiest of all of the steps in the “DIY” aluminum fence project. Not only is aluminum fencing durable, it is without a doubt the easiest fence material to maintain and keep looking as good as it did the day you installed it. Twice a year it is important to give your fence a quick once over with a good wash and general maintenance as you see it is needed. That’s it, that is all there is to your new aluminum fence.

iFenceUSA is an online distributor of wholesale aluminum fences and gates for residential, resort, commercial, and industrial installation. As an industry leader in maintenance-free aluminum fencing products we have all your aluminum fence and gate needs covered. More information can be found online at https://ifenceusa.com/.

Is Your Fence Eco Friendly?

There are many areas where homeowners consider if their renovation is eco friendly however I bet when it comes to fencing most of us haven’t given it a second thought. Let’s get real, it isn’t the first thing that comes to mind like it may be when choosing decking materials, lighting, insulation, and so on but in reality, it is just as important. Not only will you find aluminum fencing to be a good choice for our environment there are many other advantages to choosing aluminum when looking into fencing materials for your home or business.

There are a number of home remodeling products that come with the eco-friendly label. In part this is done to offer a bit or reassurance to companies and clients alike that they are doing what is right for Mother Nature by making this exact purchase. Not only is important how your purchase affect the environment it is crucial that they are also useful to you and meet your needs better than other options available to you. There are a number of ways that are straightforward and simple to implement when it comes to eco-aware however, it can be a bit more difficult in larger investments for around your home such as the purchase of a new fence and gate.

There are a number of materials that fencing is created from. Popular options throughout history have included chain link, wood, vinyl, wrought iron, electric, and aluminum. Wood is an obvious eco-friendly material in fencing however, wood fences come with a number of drawbacks as well. Unlike aluminum or other metal fencing wood needs constant maintenance and is not known for longevity. Vinyl fence is far from eco friendly as it is created with a number of chemicals. Classic black wrought iron fencing is a popular and eco-friendly option however it can be quite costly. Aluminum is a less expensive, equal quality alternative.

What Do You Recycle?

One of the most recycled materials is aluminum. Aluminum is used in a number of applications because it is not only lightweight it is easy to manipulate. Although lightweight is not something most of us would equate with strength in fencing it is important to note the strength comes from the grade of aluminum used and not the overall weight of the aluminum fence panel. Aluminum fence grades have been established to ensure customers get a fence that will meet the environmental requirements of its environment. Residential aluminum gates and fences will not see the same amount of traffic as commercial gates and fencing therefore it does not need to be as heavy duty thus the four common grades of aluminum fencing: pool/resort, residential, commercial, and industrial.

Another benefit of aluminum vs wrought iron is the coating that is applied to keep it from oxidizing. Aluminum fence is powder coated which allows it to keep its look as it ages. A ten-year-old aluminum fence panel will look as good as a newly installed aluminum fence because of this unique powder coating. There will never be a need to repaint or stain your aluminum fence, this in itself is eco-friendly as well as consumer friendly. Less maintenance is always beneficial to busy homeowners.

Aluminum fence panels are a great alternative to fencing for homeowners and business’s alike not only because of the many benefits such as durability, easy upkeep, quick installation, and so on but also because it is good for Mother Nature. When your fence has reached the end of its life cycle it is simply recycled into something new.

Adding Privacy to Your Homes Backyard

There is a something to be said for coming home and relaxing in your backyard. The last thing you want when you are trying to wind down is to have to interact with your neighbors or view their unsightly idea of backyard landscaping. Your backyard space should be a sanctuary, a place where you can go to let go and unwind without anxiety. You should never feel like you are sharing your space. Your backyard is yours and yours alone. It is up to you as the homeowner to make the space your own little sanctuary. Bring privacy to your space can easily be done while improving the aesthetics and security of the space. Here are a few ways to “enclose” your backyard space for additional privacy.

Walls:

Enclosing your backyard space with solid walls is without a doubt the most effective way to increase privacy. Solid walls are quite expensive and can be a bit constricting if your space is on the smaller side. One way to avoid the constriction of solid walls is to add plants that cascade over the wall, aesthetic arbors, and gates can help create an airier sense to the enclosed space. If you are looking for a serious approach to security and privacy a solid wall is a great option.

Landscaping:

There are many types of landscaping materials that can help increase the privacy of your backyard. Consider the addition of large evergreens, hedges, arborvitaes, and vertical garden materials. These natural elements will increase the privacy of your landscape and create a living fence. The space will be inviting and natural. If you aren’t necessarily looking to increase the security of your yard and are just searching for a way to increase privacy vertical landscaping materials are a great natural border.

Fencing:

Aluminum fencing is one of the most practical ways in which to increase the privacy of your backyard space. It is durable and practically maintenance free. Aluminum fence panels come in a number of sizes, styles, and colors. There are a number of decorative options to choose as well. Aluminum fencing is affordable, easy to install, compliments any space, and adds security.

Any of these three options can provide homeowners a sense of privacy when relaxing in their backyard. The purpose of a backyard is to have a space that is all yours to relax in and enjoy, a space where the rest of the world and its noise is kept from infiltrating.

Caring for Your Aluminum Fence in the Winter

It’s evident that winter is coming. The temperatures have dropped from the high seventies to the low fifties in just a week. Colder temperatures along with the extreme weather that winters here in Michigan bring can do some serious damage to the maintenance of your home and property, including the aluminum fence that encloses the perimeter of your home. During winter, perception is known to come down in multiple forms including rain, snow, sleet, and hail. We have been known to have a complete thaw one day and freezing ice and snow the next. Winters in Michigan can do some serious damage to your fence. To avoid this there are a number of precautions that can be taken to prevent damage to the fence come spring.

Landscaping around the fence is one of the best things that you can do for your fence. Proper landscaping prevents the full weight of the snow from leaning up against the panels. It is also important that trees that overhang the fence are properly trimmed back. This helps to prevent tree limbs from falling on the aluminum fence. Snow and ice are heavy and can potentially fall on the fence and damage the panels. Properly trimming trees prevents this from occurring.

Snow should never be allowed to pile up around the fence. One way to help prevent this is by removing the build up of leaves and debris from around the fencing panels in the fall. Without the leaves sitting up against the fence collecting moisture, going through the freeze thaw process, the fence should stay in good condition. Leaves lock in moisture which causes fence damage, warping, and rust.

Maintenance throughout the winter is always necessary as snow should always be moved away from the fence using a rake or shovel. Without the snow built up around the fence it can evenly melt and allow the fence to uniformly dry out.

Maintenance is a key element in keeping your home in top shape. The same is true of your aluminum fence. If you begin to notice small damage to the fence be sure it is quickly taken care to prevent further, bigger issues down the road. If there is damage to the posts they can quickly become weakened and may not withstand the shrinking and expansion that comes with the freeze and melt of the winter weather. Repairs and maintenance need to be kept up on to prevent small repairs from becoming major problems down the road.

Design Choices With iFenceUSA Aluminum Fencing

A four-foot-tall aluminum fence in white, adorned with circles offers a contemporary design to enhance the clean look and feel homeowners are looking for in a backyard oasis. A six-foot-tall, classic black aluminum fence with an added dual driveway gate offers sophistication and style to regal, two story colonials in brick. Aluminum fencing offers several unique design options which offer homeowners a way to individualize their unique story.

Aluminum Fence Height:

The height of your home’s aluminum fence is one of the more critical choices you will make when selecting your new fence. The height of your homes fence will depend on the job that it needs to perform. Aluminum fencing used around the perimeter of a pool must be four feet or higher other than that the only other regulations you need to consider is those in place by your HOA and local municipalities.

If a fence is only for aesthetics you can literally choose any height that is offered for sale, from three feet to twelve feet. Are you using the fence to keep children or pets inside the yard? Is the fence being added for additional safety, to prevent unwanted visitors? Maybe the fence is purely for aesthetics. Whatever the reason, iFenceUSA has a fence that meets your height requirements.

Resort, Residential, Commercial, or Industrial Grade:

Another choice that homeowners need to make is when selecting the grade (thickness of aluminum) of fencing. It may seem obvious that homeowners would choose residential grade aluminum fence however that is not always the case. The grade of fencing not only determines the strength and thickness of the aluminum that is used in your fence but also the size of the individual pickets, and then length of the aluminum fencing panels.

Style:

iFenceUSA offers eighteen unique options of aluminum fencing to choose from including popular options The San Marino, a flat top aluminum fence style and The Bella Vista, a simple and elegant spear top style. There are three major options when it comes to aluminum fence styles: flat top, exposed spears & finials, and flat top with spears.

Flat Top:

The most popular style in aluminum fencing which covers the pickets so that there is nothing left above the top flat railing.

Spears & Finials:

This style offers a more decorative option for aluminum fence. The pickets are spruced up with a variety of ornamental styles of finials, spears, butterfly scrolls, and circles.

Flat Tops with Spears & Finials:

Aluminum fencing that offers homeowners a combination of elegance with ornamental option with a subdued flat railing.

Color:

One of the last but important decisions homeowners will make has to do with the color of their new fence. Black aluminum fence panels, both matte and glossy, are the most popular option for homeowners. iFenceUSA offers nine color choices when picking out your new fence including: Matte bronze, Bronze, White, Matte White, Green, Beige, Matte Sandstone, Black, and Matte Black. When choosing a color for your fence consider the color and style of your home, choose a color that will compliment your home and matches its style.

Measuring Your Yard for Fencing

One of the most critical steps when you are a DIY homeowner is to measure and then measure again. Ordering and installing an aluminum fence is no different. It is critical to properly measure the area and dimensions of your property looking for possible obstacles that could occur when installing your fence. Measuring the perimeter of the yard is also important to ensure that you have proper amount of fencing materials when the time comes to actually install the new fence.

In order to properly measure your yard and landscape to add a perimeter fence to your yard there are several steps professional fence installers use including:

Sketch out your home as well as the yard:

Drawing out the space will offer you a visual to guide you as you are surveying and measuring the space. It will allow you to include the measurements in the exact location of where they will be needed. This also allows you to add obstacles to the sketch as seen.

Mark out property lines:

One of the initial steps in measuring your yard for the installation of a new fence. Staking out your property line allows you to visually see the yard’s boundaries.

Decide the placement of your fence:

During this step you will be able to decide whether you are looking into installing aluminum fence panels that are 4’, 6’, or 8’. It also allows you to layout a space that maximizes your yard space. Remember that some HOAs may actually require the installation of the fence to be off the property line and not directly on it. It is crucial to understand and abide by these regulations otherwise you could end up wasting both time and money with a fence that needs to be moved.

Measure from post to post:

Once the fence is staked out and you have approval on its placement you can start the process of measuring it out. Using a measuring wheel can be beneficial during this process or a 100-foot measuring tape. This will allow you to calculate how much fence is needed when you get ready to get a fence quote.

Mark obstructions and elevation changes:

Once the initial measurements are taken it is important walk along the fence line and make note of any obstructions or changes in elevation. Obstructions can be anything from utility boxes, boulders, trees, or outdoor structures. Changes in elevation can be small and easily adjusted for or you may need to consider stacked or rackable fencing.

Plan for your aluminum gate:

One of the final steps in measuring out your fence is to plan out where you would like your gates to be installed. Would you like to install a single or double gate, would you like a gate in place that is big enough for a vehicle to enter the space?

Considerations When Buying Aluminum Fencing Online

The convenience of shopping online has left many of us wondering why we ever subjected ourselves to the hassle found with going to the store. Getting what you want, when you want it, all at the click of a button has changed the way consumers shop. Consumers can shop for almost anything online including fencing. In fact, now-a-days purchasing a fence the old fashion way may even be harder than it is online.

Not only do you not have to leave the comfort of your own home, online fencing companies are offering additional services to ease the process from the initial planning to the final installation. As with any online purchase it is important to understand the process involved with getting exactly what you want.

A Guide to Purchasing Aluminum Fencing Online

It is Important to Know What You Want

If you have not chosen a type of fencing your first step is to figure out what you want. Many online fencing companies will send free fence samples to allow customers the chance to see and feel exactly what they are buying. With fencing you get to sample different grades and colors, so you can feel the weight and see the color; this way you know exactly what you are getting and aren’t surprised when your order arrives.

A popular preference for homeowners is aluminum as previously mentioned. Black aluminum fencing being the most sought-after material and color. If you don’t have any idea of what you want it is a good idea to get samples of several different materials, colors, and grades from online fencing manufacturers. The visual element of a sample can really help solidify your choice.

It is Important to Measure Your Yard

Another matter that is important when ordering a fence online is that homeowners order exactly what they need for their space, not more, not less. When you are in the planning phase it is crucial to get an exact measurement of the yard perimeter where the fence will be installed. This measurement, along with a detailed sketch can be sent to online fencing specialists to help them assess your need as well. Double and triple checking measurements prior to placing your online fence order will save you time, money, and a whole lot of aggravation.

Once homeowners have an idea of how much fence is needed (total linear footage) they will divide that by the length of the aluminum fence panels, most common sizes being 6- and 8-foot sections. Some homeowners will need to customize some of the fencing panels as adjustments are needed for landscaping but overall most of the fence panels either 6- or 8- feet.

It is Important to Know the Reputation of the Retailer and Fees Related to Delivery

More often than not people are hesitant make a purchase online because they are unfamiliar with the reputation of the seller. When you are looking to make a purchase online it is important to check out the reputation of the seller specifically:

How many years has the company been in business online?
Read online reviews and look into customer feedback.
Review their shipping and delivery terms and fees.
Work with a retailer that offers a warranty

The Best Style of Fencing for Homeowners with Pets

There is no doubt about it, the safety of your pets is as important as any other member of the family. This is just one of the many reasons it is important when choosing a fence for the perimeter of your yard or to enclose your swimming pool that you are cautious to purchase an option that is pet friendly.

Aluminum Fence Panels for Pets

When choosing a fence that is safe for your pet it is important that it is also stylish and compliments your home and landscape. Aluminum fence supplier, iFenceUSA.com, offers 18 different styles of aluminum fencing, all of which can be fitted with puppy pickets to add an extra layer of protection from the outside world and your pet. Aluminum fence panels not only serve a purpose but are aesthetically pleasing as well.

Not only are aluminum fence panels great for backyard spaces they are often used in commercial settings. Often veterinary clinics have fenced in spaces that allow pets to wander around outside without running away. Aluminum fence panels with the addition of puppy pickets are a perfect option for both homeowners and in commercial settings.

Aluminum fence panels with the addition of dog fence panels are perfect from keeping puppies from escaping from in between or under the pickets while also being tall enough to prevent them from climbing over them. Aluminum is also durable enough that even the most ambitious pup can’t chew through it.

Breeds and Ability

Anyone who has ever owned a dog or is considering a dog for their family must understand the breeds natural demeanor. Does the breed have the ability and desire to escape from a fenced in property? Some breeds are naturally good at staying within their designated space while others will do whatever it takes to escape. Your goal as a homeowner choosing a fence is to find an option that prevents escape from either over or under.

Walkway Gates

Many escapes occur because of an improperly latched gate. When choosing an aluminum fence panels for sale, it is important not to forget the gate. Aluminum gates have additional hardware that can be purchased that helps to ensure the fence is never unexpectedly left open. When shopping for a gate it is crucial to get an aluminum gate that is both self-closing and self-locking.

Your pet’s safety is as important inside as it is outside. This is just one of the many reasons that aluminum fence panels are the right option when enclosing the backyard for your family friend.

iFenceUSA is an online manufacturer and distributor of wholesale aluminum fencing. With over 18 styles of aluminum fence panels and gates to choose from, we have aluminum fences that will meet your wants and need. Choose from custom aluminum fencing options including: Commercial Grade Aluminum Fencing, Residential Grade Aluminum Fencing, Pool Grade Aluminum Fencing, and Industrial Aluminum Fencing all at https://ifenceusa.com/. For more information contact one of our aluminum fence experts toll free 800.762.2907 or via email at info@ifenceusa.com.

Not All Yards Are Flat: Racking Your Aluminum Fencing Panels

When it comes to fence installation the Earth is unfortunately not flat but instead full of a variety of landscapes. The variety within your landscape can lead to some major difficulties when looking into adding a fence to the perimeter of your home. To combat this exact issue, iFenceUSA offers aluminum fence panels that conform to the slope of your landscape.

Racking

To ensure that your fence is installed with the slope of your landscape in mind it is important to work with an aluminum fence provider that offers fencing with what is sold in custom racked positions. This occurs more easily in aluminum fence panels because of their construction. Fence panels are screwed together, allowing the railing to be angled while the pickets remain straight up and down. In the fencing industry this is known as “racking”. This function allows the fence to follow the grade of your yard, uphill or downhill.

When planning for the installation of your new aluminum fence and gate it is crucial for homeowners to remember that it is impossible to follow every change in grade within the yard. The main goal of racked aluminum fence panels is to follow a gradual slope over the span of the fence rather than each slope individually.

Stepped Fencing

Steeper slopes can be addressed with a more customized aluminum fence panel that into consideration more sudden drops. This is often referred to as stepping or staggered. Instead of the panels being angled as they are in racking they are designed to create a step up or down with each panel. Each of the aluminum fence railings stay horizontal and the step is created when a new aluminum panel is installed lower/higher than the previous one. The aluminum panels are attached at different points which allows then to be positioned at a different level than the previous panel.

Stepped fencing often occurs when the landscape grade is more sudden rather than gradual as it is in racked fencing. Many times, stepped fencing occurs when used in conjunction with retaining walls. In stepping taller aluminum fence posts and additional rails may need to be worked into your online aluminum fence order.

Choosing IFenceUSA For Your Next Fence Purchase

iFenceUSA offers several customizable options when it comes to ordering wholesale aluminum fence online. Since most landscapes are non-conforming and there are more issues to address than a flat backyard iFenceUSA has specialists available to help you with every stage of your project from measuring the yard, determining tricky installation spots with in the space, measuring the yard, choosing a style, ordering, and installing your aluminum fence. From traditional black aluminum fencing to contemporary, bold bronze aluminum, iFenceUSA is your one-stop shop meeting all of your aluminum fence needs.

Caring for Your Aluminum Fence

Unlike traditional wood gates and fences, aluminum fences and gate do not need regular maintenance. However, to preserve the beauty and to ensure the prolonged existence of your aluminum fencing and aluminum gates, an annual schedule for maintenance should be planned.

Cleaning and Caring for Your Aluminum Fence

Spray your aluminum fencing regularly with water using your garden hose. This helps to eradicate fertilizer chemicals, dirt, and grass clippings thus, keeping it looking as good as new. In coastal areas, frequent spraying of your aluminum fence panels with water is advised to reduce the buildup of dirt and salt.

Light Cleaning

Rinse your aluminum fencing with water from top to bottom and then back up. This cleans the surface and prevents streaking as well as the gathering of dirty “run-down”. After rinsing, wipe the fence with a lint-free, soft cloth or better still, air dry.

Thorough Cleaning

For more filthy parts of your fence, first rinse the surface of the aluminum fencing with clean water and then wash with a sponge and mild dish soap mixed with water. Make sure not to allow soap to collect on the surface and, rinse any “run-down” immediately. Once washing is done, rinse the whole section with water. Dish soap must not dry on the surface! Air dry or wipe with lint-free, soft cloth. Carry out these steps repeatedly to get rid of water soluble debris.

Make Use of Cleaning Products

Degreasers and cleaners can also help with stain removal especially for stubborn stains. Simple stains can be cleaned by applying a degreaser which must be rinsed after applying. For stubborn or hard water stains, cleaner such as CLS. It can come in handy to remove stains. It should also be rinsed after use.

However, adequate care should be taken when making use cleaning products for your aluminum fence as some abrasive agents, household cleaners, steel wool or cleaners with solvents contain harsh chemicals which could cause discoloration and damage to your fence.

Maintaining Your Aluminum Fence

Adjust the aluminum fencing panels every spring. This is a normal maintenance activity that must be performed by the homeowner.
Always keep your aluminum gate secured to prevent it from swinging in the wind.
Make sure to tighten the screws on your aluminum posts and panels at least once a year.
Carry out frequent inspections to check for any loose aluminum fence post and once you find any, simply re-tamp & realign.
Avoid mounting or stacking any materials or objects beside your fence.
Make sure not to make use of weed trimmer at the bottom of the aluminum fence panel