Tag Archives: aluminum pool fencing

Create a Fun Backyard With Aluminum Fencing

In the previous two articles on creating an ideal backyard we have discussed using materials in your design that are both safe and easy to maintain. In this installment we will talk about adding in the element most important to your family, friends and pets. If the space is not being used because it is boring the time you spent designing an environment that is safe and easy to maintain will not matter much.

In order to create a backyard that is enjoyed by everyone your must include elements that benefit each individual using the space. If you can do this your backyard will become a desirable destination for the entire family.

The goal is to create a space that doesn’t look like a playground but offers similar attributes for young children to enjoy while trying not to alienate the adults. A swimming pool with the addition of a hot tub and outdoor spa is a wonderful way to accomplish this. To create a pool environment that is welcoming to both children and adults it is important to consider the environment as a whole.

Start by choosing an aluminum fence with self latching aluminum gate to enclose the space. This adds elegance while creating a safe guard against access into the area without proper supervision. To enhance the area for adults install a covered bar area with seating away from the pool. Surround the pool deck with chase lounges and side tables for guests to relax and read a book and enjoy some ice tea. Add in a slide, diving board and access for a basketball hoop and volleyball net in the pool itself. This arrangement offers lots of recreational choices for both adults and children to enjoy.

When deciding on plants for the landscaping surrounding the pool and throughout the yard consider a secret garden space. Children love spaces to hide. To create a inconspicuous fort create a clear space that is tucked behind some hedges. Let your son build a fort; let your daughter create a secret world of fairies. This hidden get away is even perfect for the family pet as a spot to hide his bones. An area all their own is an ideal way to enlighten your child. Once your children are grown, this secret space under the hedges is easily transformed into a romantic seating area for two. A space like this in your yard is ideal for not only your children or pets but for you as well.

A bat house is a popular enhancement in backyard landscape designs. You will be the coolest parent on the block if you choose to install a bat house over an ordinary birdhouse. The boxes can be places amongst the trees inconspicuously to attract bats. Your family and guests will enjoy seeing the bats fly around in early evening and the insect control they provide is an added benefit.

Add flowers in your landscaping that are safe, low maintenance and attract wildlife. Colorful flowers that add fragrance to your backyard add a pop to an ordinary green landscape. This type of flower is also useful in attracting butterflies and hummingbirds. Your family will enjoy hours of endless enjoyment watching the different types of butterflies fly among your plants.

Another addition that children and parents enjoy is a vegetable garden. This is a great way to teach them about nature and healthy foods while enhancing your backyard space. Choose some items your children have never had before mixed in with some family favorites. Growing it on their own may make it more likely to be something they eat when you serve it to them.

Creating a family friendly space that is safe, maintainable and family friendly is worth the work once you realize that your backyard is the desired location for family and friends to enjoy!

iFenceUSA offers a variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying aluminum fences shipped factory-direct fromhttp://www.iFenceUSA.com!

Creating a Maintenance Free Backyard With Aluminum Fencing

As a parent and homeowner the last thing I want to think about when I am relaxing at home is the work that needs to be done to keep the house in tip top shape. In my last installment we discussed creating a backyard that was safe. Safety is of course the first and most important aspect to your home inside and out with maintenance being the second. Landscaping options that help you avoid expensive repairs and extensive cleanup limit the time and money that you need to spend to maintain it.

Thankfully, some of the same landscape options that are installed to keep your children and pets safe are also easy on homeowners to maintain. What you are looking for in landscaping that is simple to maintain is how easy it is to clean up spills, repair damage and prevent costly repairs.

Installing a fence around the perimeter of your home or in-ground swimming pool is crucial to keeping your family, friends and pets safe. A fence keeps unwanted people out while keeping the ones you want in. Many different materials are used to create fences that are ideal for both pool safety and backyard perimeter fencing. Out of the materials you can choose none are as maintenance free as aluminum is.

Aluminum fencing never needs to be stained or painted. In fact to clean aluminum fence panels all you need is a regular hose and maybe a wet rag. Spraying the fence to get rid of excess dirt and algae buildup is all the maintenance this fence needs to look as beautiful as the day it was first installed. It is also one of the easiest materials in fencing to install. Aluminum fence comes preassembled in pre-drilled, pre-measured sections. All you need to do to install it is to dig some holes for the post and put it all together. Aluminum fencing basically installs and maintains itself making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking to be free of the hassles involved in keeping up on the look of their fence.

Artificial turf over natural grass is also a great choice not only safety but for ease of maintenance as well. Not only does artificial grass never needs to be mowed it also never needs weeding, fertilization, pesticides and other time consuming chores. The turf is easily rinsed if a spill occurs and can easily be repaired if a section is to become damaged. Artificial turf is ideal for pets as well. Cleaning up both solid and liquid waste is easy to manage on a regular basis whereas natural grass is easily damaged by pet waste. Dog urine often burns large brown patches in your lawn that can’t be easily remedied. As long as you have a pet that uses the space as a bathroom brown patches will occur in your natural grass. This is not true of artificial turf.

Using pavers to install non-skid, non-slip surfaces makes maintenance easy. The non-skid, non slip surface is family friendly and the individual sections make it simple to clean if a spill occurs or replaced if damaged. When you use pavers instead of pouring a concrete slab repairing a small section is inexpensive, convenient and time friendly. Replacing one, two or even a few pavers can be done in less than an hour with results that will appear as if nothing was ever damaged.

Safety and maintenance are key issues to look at when designing a backyard. A backyard is nothing however without using it. Our next installment will look at creating an environment that focuses on fun and entertainment while incorporating what we have learned about safety and maintenance.

iFenceUSA offers the widest variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for exceptional value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying wholesale aluminum fences shipped factory-direct to your home or business anywhere in America fromhttps://www.iFenceUSA.com.

Backyard Safety With Aluminum Fencing

The goal for homeowners is to create a backyard environment that is safe, fun and easy to maintain; a space where the entire family can enjoy. Designing a space that is kid friendly, pet safe and relaxing for adults is not as complicated as it may sound. Your backyard landscape design can include a patio, swimming pool and special landscape features that are both family and pet friendly. With a bit of planning any backyard can be a safe, enjoyable, low-maintenance outdoor oasis for your entire family to enjoy.

Safety is a big concern with all homeowners. In this article we will focus on the safety aspect of your backyard. The fun and maintenance aspect are important but only after safety has been considered.

It is important that your home feels safe and that precautions are taken to ensure your family, friends and pets are safeguarded against any eminent dangers. For instance, if your backyard landscape includes an in-ground pool it is plausible that without proper safety measures in place an accident is more likely to occur.

To limit access to the pool area while children and pets are in the yard alone it is important to install an aluminum fence with self latching gate around the perimeter of the pool and sitting area. Be sure to only purchase aluminum fence panels that meet the guidelines set forth by the B.O.C.A. as well as any local government or HOA regulations. A self latching gate is pertinent as it ensures the fence shuts tight and is not left open for children or pets to access the area without adult supervision.

Another safety measure to include in your landscape design is perimeter fencing. In order to keep the backyard aesthetically pleasing it is important to choose an aluminum fence design that coordinates and compliments your home and landscape. Aluminum fencing not only keeps unwanted visitors out of your space it also keeps the wanted ones in and safe from elements outside of your backyard environment. It is not possible to keep track of children and pets each and every second of the day. A perimeter fence keeps them safe if they should happen to wander out into the backyard without you.

Accidents occur from slipping, tripping and falling as much outdoors as they do indoors. To prevent such mishaps from happening install non-skid, non-slip surfaces on patio areas, walkways and pool decks that are likely to get wet and where children are likely to play. You won’t be able to eliminate all slip and fall accidents but non-skid, non-slip materials such as pavers will lessen occurrences.

Avoid all toxic and harmful plants when choosing the vegetation for your landscape. Azaleas are beautiful but deadly to cats and dogs. Other plants that cause issues with your pet’s liver and or heart include beauties such as lily of the valley, rhododendron, foxglove and more. It is crucial in keeping your pets safe that you research the vegetation before it is installed within your landscape design.

Grass is a traditional material to use in landscaping. However it requires a great deal of maintenance and is not the safest choice in ground cover. A safer option then natural grass is artificial turf. A synthetic lawn is even with uniform surfaces helping to prevent accidents that occur in uneven natural grass lawns. It is less likely to trip, fall or twist and ankle when running and playing on a flat surface. Artificial turf does not require harmful fertilizers or pesticides either making it a terrific alternative to natural grass.

As a homeowner it is your responsibility to keep your home free of hazards and safety concerns both inside and out. Follow the tips above to help keep your family, friends and pets safe while exploring the great outdoors.

Four Tips To Consider When Choosing A Fence For Your Home

Define the purpose for the fence: Why are you looking into fencing in the first place? Are you looking to add privacy, visual appeal, perimeter fencing to keep young children and pets in or to provide a barrier from your pool.

Fencing comes in a variety of materials: wood, aluminum, wrought iron, chain link, vinyl and many more. Given the right material and correct installation a fence can be a key piece of landscaping that increases your homes property value. Let the answer to the question above be the guide to the material you choose. Prioritize your needs for a fence over your wants.

Aluminum fencing tends to work well for a variety of situations and is incredibly pleasing to the eye. The decorative touches, such as finials and butterfly scrolls, in aluminum fence offer an elegance not found in other types of fencing. It is often the required choice by homeowners associations.

Consider the maintenance required to maintain the fence: Ask yourself how much time and money you are willing to spend to maintain your fence.

Wooden fences require regular maintenance. Fencing needs to be power washed every couple of years and either painted or stained. Aluminum and vinyl require very little maintenance which tends to be an appealing option to many homeowners. To clean vinyl or aluminum fencing all that is required is a gentle water rinse, wiping down any areas that are stained or covered in algae.

Research local city and neighborhood fencing regulations: What rules are in place? Does your homeowners association require a certain height or type of material with the installation of a fence? What are the local city ordinances; this is especially important when it comes to fencing around your swimming pool.

If there are rules in place that specify the use of a certain material in your fencing you don’t have much choice. Many HOA’s require aluminum fencing as it is elegant and withstands a variety of severe weather conditions. HOA’s stipulate specific rules for homeowners in certain neighborhoods to maintain the subdivisions visual appeal.

Hire a professional fence contractor to install your fence: Research professional fencing contractors that install fences in your area.

Many fences can be installed by do it yourself homeowners however if often shows in the end product. A contractor that specializes in the installation of fencing is your best bet for a quality end result. It is too expensive to buy materials for your new fence only to ruin the aesthetics of it with poor installation.

Landscape Additions That Increase Home Values

Your yard is an extremely important extension of your home. Your landscaping should be a reflection of the interior and exterior style of your home. In this article we will discuss four basic concepts to use when upgrading your landscape to compliment the improvements to your home.

Level the Landscape

One simple way to increase the aesthetics of your yard while increasing the utility and beauty of the space is to level your landscape. Homes built on an odd slope or cursed with sections of uneven land are not conducive to an active family. When you level the landscape around your home it makes the space ideal for a patio or an area for kids and pets to run around and play.

Install a Decorative Aluminum Fence

A decorative aluminum fence is the perfect addition in the creation of an inviting yard. Not only is ornamental aluminum fencing appeal visually it is ideal when it comes to protecting your home and family. Installing a durable, maintenance free aluminum fence creates a barrier keeping kids and pets in while discouraging unwanted trespassers from entering the property. With the installation of aluminum fencing homeowners are certain to increase the value of their homes. It is one of the only landscape additions where the expense is recouped with an increase in your homes equity.

Add Shade Trees

Adding trees especially shade trees to your yard will help to make your home and landscape more inviting. Not only can mature trees increase the value of your home seven to nineteen percent they add to the visual appeal of your landscape. Shade trees provide a home for roosting songbirds, cover for small animals and a canopy from the sun which helps to keep your home cool during the summer months. Trees add personality and dimension to your space. Trees can be purchased in a variety of variations and sizes. Make sure you chose trees that will flourish in your climate for the most ideal results.

Install an In-Ground Swimming Pool

Upgrading your landscape with an in-ground swimming pool is almost mandatory in southern states. Here in the north a swimming pool is a luxury addition to your landscape. No matter where your home is located a swimming pool adds a component to the space that nothing else can. A pool adds the feeling of relaxation to any landscape. The minute you step into the space you instantly retreat to the feelings you experience on vacation. The water helps homeowners unwind, slow down and kick back. Your home and landscape will soon be the local sanctuary for your friends and family.

The addition of any one or all four of these yard improvements will help to ensure your landscape stays up to date with the improvement to the interior and exterior of your home.

Keeping Your Pool Safe With Aluminum Fencing

As a home and swimming pool owner it is important that you feel your family and friends are as safe in your yard as they are in your home. The pool is an extension of your home and yard. It is important to create a safe environment around the pool that fits in with the natural flow of your home and landscape. This can easily be accomplished with the installation of an aluminum fence around your pool area.

There are important requirements that need to be met in order to meet the standards set forth by the Building Officials and Code Administration, B.O.C.A. for short when installing aluminum fencing around your pool area. Homeowners also need to research local regulations that are in place as well as any special rules within their H.O.A. Some H.O.A.’s have rules and regulations in place regulating the material or color of fencing used. It is crucial to install an aluminum fence that adheres to all of the requirements set in place while also maintain visual appeal.

There are several key elements that must be met in order for an aluminum fence to comply with B.O.C.A. pool safety standards. The aluminum fence that is chosen should be at least forty eight inches tall. If the fence style that is selected has a mid-rail it must be at least forty five inches above the bottom rail. To accomplish this some styles of aluminum fence need to be taller than the forty eight inches in order to meet the B.O.C.A. regulations.

In purchasing aluminum fence panels to meet pool safety standards you must look for a style in which the pickets of the fence are less than four inches apart. The space between the bottom rail and the ground must also be less than four inches. Perhaps one of the most important requirements of all has to do with the aluminum pool gate that is used to enter and exit the pool area. In order to meet the B.O.C.A. requirements the aluminum pool gate must be self-closing and self-latching. When the gate is installed it is required to open away from the pool area. As you are entering the pool the gate will open towards you. As you exit the pool the gate will open out. The latch on the gate must be at least fifty four inches off the ground.

All of the regulations put on pool fencing are in place to prevent accidents that can occur when swimming pools are accessed when they should not be.

Reasons To Install An Aluminum Fence

Why do homeowners choose to install fencing? There are many different reasons that people choose to install a fence but one of the main reasons is always for the safety and security it provides to their home and family.

Reasons To Install An Aluminum Fence

Pool Safety: Fencing around the perimeter of an in ground pool, with the use of a locking gate helps to prevent children and children from accessing the area without an adult. The fence helps secure the area to prevent accidental drowning.

Pet and Children Containment: An aluminum fence prevents children and pets from leaving the enclosed area. This helps to keep them from running out into the road accidentally and helps protect them from people and other animals from entering the area.

For the Prevention of Theft: A fence detours people from thinking your house is an easy target. A fence makes your house a trickier target for thieves.

Aesthetics: If homeowners are looking to enhance the outer appearance of a home, garden or pool area a fence is the way to go. It is a large statement piece that significantly improves the exterior look and feel of your home.

Added Value: Adding a fence adds to the equity of your home. It is a home improvement investment that you get back what you put into it.

Reasons to Choose Aluminum Fencing

Warranty: Not all fencing materials offer a lifetime warranty but aluminum does. The warranty covers against paint cracks, peeling, chips and workmanship defects. The powder coating makes the fences finish last for a significant period of time over other fencing materials.

Colors: Aluminum fencing comes in a variety of colors, black being the most common choice amongst homeowners. Different colors are available in every style and grade of aluminum fence. You can choose a color that coordinates with the exterior of your home.

Economical: Over the long term, aluminum fencing is the most economical type of fencing. Other types of fencing materials require replacement not to mention maintenance and painting expenses over time.

Maintenance: Aluminum fences are rust resistant and require far less maintenance overall than most fencing types. Aluminum does not need to be stained or power washed yearly. There is no need for paint either as the powder coating used on aluminum helps prevent against chips, cracks and peeling.

Safety: If you are looking for a fence that meets B.O.C.A. standards, aluminum s designed to meet pool codes. This is true not only of residential use but also commercial use.

Installation: There is no other fence as easy to install as an aluminum fence. The fence comes in pre-assembled panels with posts pre-punched. The most difficult part of installing an aluminum fence is digging the holes for the posts.

Aluminum fence is priced according to the ornamental design and grade of fencing you choose. Residential fencing is less expensive and requires a lighter gauge then commercial or industrial aluminum fence do.

Preferred Option In Perimeter Fencing

When you plan to install a fence around the perimeter of your yard or swimming pool there are a variety of options to consider. Out of the vast array of options the most popular material in fencing continues to be aluminum. When you look at all of the options on the market and compare the benefits of aluminum over other materials you will see why it continues to be the number one selling material in fencing.

Aluminum fencing is a preferred option in fencing for the many benefits it offers to homeowners. Below you will find a list of the advantageous that aluminum offers over wood, vinyl, chain link, wrought iron and other fence materials.

Minimal Cleaning and Maintenance: The prime advantage that aluminum has over other materials in fencing is the lack of time and money you will spend on the upkeep. Aluminum fence does not require special cleaning or maintenance. In order to keep your fence in the same shape as the day that it was installed all that is required is a light power washing every once in a while when dirt, algae or moss starts to grow.

Huge Selection of Styles: Ornamental aluminum fencing comes in so many variations. Whether you are looking for something simple or something decorative there is a style that will compliment the exterior of your home. Decorative finials add a historical look while circles appear modern; depending on what you desire there are features you can add to create the perfect combination for your yard or pool area.

Resistant To Corrosion: Aluminum fencing is resistant to corrosion. Once the fence is installed the metal is prepared in such a way that it preserves the natural shine for a long period of time. Often times the aluminum is powder-coated which offers a smooth finish to the surface of the fence. You can purchase aluminum fencing in a variety of colors therefore it never will need to be painted.

Easy Installation: The installation of aluminum fence panels is just another reason this material is chosen often for perimeter fencing. Being that you can install aluminum fence on your own in a weekend, it is that easy, it saves homeowners a great deal of money in installation. If you are not a do it yourselfer finding a fence installer will be simple.

Aluminum fencing is also easy to repair, durable, light-weight and competitive in price as well. The benefits of choosing aluminum are abundant therefore making it a continued favorite for homeowners.

Choosing The Perfect Deck Railing

It is almost impossible to picture a deck without railings. Railings are in place not only to create an aesthetically pleasing architectural addition but also to provide support for unsteady people as well as to add an extra barrier of protection for children and pets. As you begin shopping for railings for your deck you will find the market is flooded with a variety of styles and materials to choose from. It is easy to be confused when it comes to different railing systems available within today’s market. Following the tips below you will better be prepared to make a decision on what railings and hand rails are best for your home and situation.

Determine a Reasonable Budget: Coming up with a reasonable budget is where every home improvement project should begin. Take into account what you can afford and how much you are willing to devote to your project. As you determine a budget consider the durability and maintenance of the product you choose and wok those figures into the extended budget. The cost of aluminum railings upfront may be a bit more but overtime when you consider the time and costs associated with maintaining wood it may be that aluminum rails and hand rails are the better value.

Consider the Variety of Materials Available On the Market: Railing for your decking comes in a variety of materials; varieties include aluminum, vinyl, wood, iron and glass. For a durable, attractive, versatile and practically maintenance free material we suggest you look into aluminum railing systems over other materials on the market. Wood is prone to decay and requires yearly upkeep which can be a financial drain year after year. Glass is a trendy option that is difficult to keep looking fresh and clean. Iron is incredibly durable but is heavy and more difficult to install. Vinyl is a good choice but again is not nearly as durable or maintenance free as aluminum.

Consider Local Regulations: It is necessary to check with local ordinances on rules and regulations of deck railings in your area. Depending on the height of your deck the railing will need to be a specific height. Not only should you consider the height of the railing system but also the width of the space between each rail. All of these are important measurements to obtain before ordering your aluminum railing to ensure you are ordering railing that meets the residential code criteria.

Choose a Color and Style: Choosing a color and style of railing can often be one of the more difficult choices. Many homeowners need to visually see what the combination will look like with the style of their home before committing. Many online companies offer design studios that allow you to import a picture of your home and design the space with a variety of aluminum railings. This allows you to visualize different colors and styles before you commit. These tools are terrific to compare between several styles you are considering.

The final decision is yours. It will come down to your personal taste and desires. Some homeowners choose a complementary style that matches the home while others desire a stark contrast between the two. While one person likes simplistic designs others may enjoy the ornamental aluminum styles. Take time while choosing your aluminum railing as it is an investment that will be last for decades to come.

Selecting a Quality Aluminum Fence

As you are choosing which style of decorative aluminum fence to install it is important to understand that not all aluminum fencing is created equally. If low quality aluminum is used in the making of your fence you could be in for troubles down the road. Lesser quality materials lead to weak fence panels that will not withstand normal wear and tear, let alone the beating pool fencing takes throughout the summer months. Low grade material used in aluminum fence also leads to an inferior finish making your fence age fast and take away the aesthetic beauty of aluminum.

Do research on the company you are looking to purchase fencing from to ensure the quality of your new fence. One thing to look for is the warranty offered. Top model fencing will offer a lifetime warranty against manufacture defects. It is crucial to find out about the warranty that is offered when looking into ordering aluminum fence panels online. If you don’t see a lifetime warranty it is time to move on to another company no matter how inexpensive the fencing is.

Another choice you have when it comes to aluminum fencing is picking a style that suits your home, landscape or pool area. There are a variety of options when it comes to ornamental fencing options, handrails and bottom panel designs. Not only do you have choices when it comes to the decorative options in aluminum fence but also the grade of fencing, the color and the height.

Most companies offer a variety of grades including residential, commercial, industrial and pool grade. Colors vary a great deal from manufacturer to manufacturer. Black aluminum fencing continues to be the most popular options but other color options include bronze, white, green, beige and sandstone to name a few. The height of your fence also will vary depending on what look you are going for. It is important to note that standard regulations for pool fencing and B.O.C.A. regulations state the fence enclosing the pool area must be a minimum height of forty eight inches. It is also important in aluminum pool fence have a self closing, self latching aluminum gate.

There is a lot to think about when ordering your new fence. The best advice I can give to you is to find an online company to work with that also offers expert fence contractors to speak with when going through the entire fence process from measuring your yard, ordering fencing and the installation process.