Tag Archives: aluminum fencing and gates

Wood or Aluminum: Which is Right for Me?

After spending months (sometimes years) of stressful time and planning, you and your loved one step outside on the deck and marvel at your new large yard behind your newly bought home. You gaze upon the neighborhood and watch the neighbors’ kids playing with pets, swinging on swing sets, and jumping in a pool. You see all this and realize you don’t have a fence surrounding your own pool, and that needs to change. But how do you decide which kind of fence is best?

Choosing a fence to surround your home’s yard may seem like an easy choice (and it can be) but there are certain factors to consider before putting the extra money down on your yard. Some questions to ask yourself are whether you’re putting a fence down for privacy or practicality, or whether you mind people seeing into your property or not. Do you want something you can paint to a color of your liking or a classier approach? Do you have a puppy that you don’t want escaping? The options are vast but straight-forward.

Weighing the Options

Fencing material is an important part of the deciding factor. Wood fencing has been around for ages but as time goes on more and more people prefer the streamlined and more modern look of an ornate aluminum fence. Naturally wood fences can provide more privacy, while aluminum fences can be sturdier and last much longer. If you have a pool a subtle aluminum pool fence can match the visual quality of your pool area and bring both elements to a heightened atmosphere. Both have their advantages and disadvantages to consider before making the big purchase.

Choosing Cost

Price is a big deciding factor when buying a fence, and the price of labor is often a forgotten element of the equation. Since wood fencing can often involve being built from scratch, the cost of labor is much higher than aluminum fencing, which generally comes pre-built and segmented. While the cost of aluminum material is generally cheaper than wood, not all woods types are more expensive. The overall size of your yard and thus size of the fence should be considered, as the amount of material and labor can add up unexpectedly.

Maintenance

If you expect to remain in your new home for decades or longer it’s worth considering how much you want to spend on fencing maintenance in the future. Wood is a natural material that can be weathered by the elements much quicker than aluminum fencing and must be repaired or outright replaced over time. If you wish to have a fence for privacy but live in an area known for active tornadoes or harsh weather you should consider such events damaging the wood over time, especially with its predictability. Aluminum fencing can brave almost any weather and is considered much sturdier and more resistant to mold and outside forces.

Fencing your yard may seem like a stressful endeavor at first but the reality of the situation is much simpler. You have questions to ask yourself and understand your intentions with a fence, but the options are there. You’ll be looking at this fence for years, so make it something you like looking at.

iFenceUSA is an online distributor of wholesale aluminum fences and gates for residential, resort, commercial, and industrial applications. 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://www.ifenceusa.com/.

Major Benefits to Choosing Aluminum Fencing

Aesthetics matter when it comes to your home’s curb appeal. It is important that the entrance to your home accurately showcases your house as well as the surrounding landscape. Aluminum fencing can help make your house stand out from the rest.

Just think about the last time you were driving around and came across a beautiful home that was surrounded by a dilapidated, dated fence. It probably turned you off and had you no longer wondering what lay on the inside. If you are house hunting it may lead you to believe that the owner doesn’t take care of what they own, which may mean the home has some hidden defect.

Appeal from the Curb

When selling your home, curb appeal is more important than most any other feature on your home. It provides buyers the confident they want to ensure the homes value and worthiness. Little details, such as the type and condition of fencing play a huge part in creating curb appeal. The installation of an aluminum fence and driveway gate promote qualities all buyers are looking for, sturdiness, dependability, and elegance. It shows the property has been in good hands.

Budget Friendly

The ordering and installation of an aluminum driveway gate and perimeter fence has been made simpler because of online fence manufacturers, the ability to order from the comfort of your own home and install with tools you likely have sitting around the house already. Online customer service also helps make ordering and installation simpler as well as the fact that all aluminum fencing from iFenceUSA comes with detailed installation instructions and diagrams.

The best part is that these well-made, beautiful aluminum fences and gates don’t have to break the bank. Aluminum fencing products from iFenceUSA are priced reasonably; you get a high-quality aluminum fence that doesn’t require yearly maintenance or to be fixed and repaired regularly. The only thing that is required to maintain aluminum fencing and keep it in good, working condition is a solid cleaning that removes the dirt and mold which can be done using a basic combination of soap and water.

Customization

Another major benefit to aluminum fencing is that it is highly customizable. You can choose exactly what you want from a fence and gate when you decide on ordering and installing an aluminum fence and gate. There are 18 different styles of aluminum fence that can be ordered in 4 different grades and in 9 different colors when ordering from iFenceUSA. Additional pickets can be installed between the existing pickets and even closer pickets near the base can be installed all to provide more security to keep small children and pets contained within the yard.

An aluminum fence is appealing to homeowners for a number of reasons. Not only are there benefits to current homeowners but future homeowners as well. When you want to add a welcoming feel to your property nothing holds it appeal as well as the addition of an aluminum estate gate with a corresponding aluminum fence around the perimeter.

Adding Protection and Beauty to Your Home Property with An Aluminum Driveway Gate

When choosing any home additions, it is important to display your own style and preferences. This allows your home to truly feel like your own. Choosing an aluminum gate design for your driveway entrance is no different than selecting a style of fencing. There are many different options to consider with custom posts, pillars, sizes, and colors. Your new driveway gate should complement your homes architecture and natural surrounding to make it a joy to exit and enter your home each day.

Posts and Pillars

No matter what style of aluminum driveway gate you choose for your home, the gate will need posts on each end to mount to. Standard posts can be ordered along with your new aluminum gate or you can add custom options such as stone pillars when installing the gate. The standard posts are typically black or matched to the color of the fence. Many homeowners upgrade to stone pillars to make a bold statement to the driveway and home. Depending on the budget, your choice of materials for a pillar can range from masonry, brick, stone, and more.

Accent Items

To create a custom look to your aluminum driveway gate, buyers can order additional accent options. At iFenceUSA there are several options such as ball caps, circles at base of gate, butterfly scrolls, or estate scrolls. Another option to increase security and ease of navigation during the dark is lighting. Lighting fixtures can be mounted on top of the columns or installed in the ground facing the gate to create up lighting. Perhaps you want to step your aluminum estate gate up another notch, add an ornamental feature to your gate such as statue or a large plant. Many specialty businesses such as golf or equestrian like to incorporate their industry into the entrance of their companies.

Arches and Scallops

When purchasing an aluminum driveway gate, a choice on arch design has to be made. At iFenceUSA you can select from four different configurations: Horizon Straight, Regal Wave, Stonecliff Sunrise, or Stonecliff Sunset. The personality of a gate can change dramatically depending on the choice you make. Take into consideration the homes architectural elements so that your home and gate coordinate.

Choosing the Right Color

Aluminum gates in black are classic, timeless, and a traditional option for buyers. However, some homeowners like to choose more natural color options such as green or beige to match landscaping. At IfenceUSA, there are nine colors to choose from to coordinate your aluminum estate gate to your landscape and siding.

The Best Option in Fencing Is Always Aluminum and Here’s Why

There is no reason to struggle when it comes to purchasing a fence for your home or business. No matter where your fence is going to be installed it aluminum fence panels are the solution to your fencing needs.

Aluminum fencing has been a popular option in commercial pool fencing for awhile now. Do you want to know why? The answer is that not only is it simple to plan for and order online, it is also easy to install and best of all DURABLE and practically MAINTENACE FREE! Why spend an entire weekend over the summer cleaning and staining fencing when you don’t have to? Time is precious and the last thing that should consume an entire weekend is fence maintenance.

Choosing the Best Fence Material

Let’s start where we began in the article, pool fencing. Why is aluminum the best option when fencing in the perimeter of your swimming pool? As earlier mentioned, outdoor commercial pools have been choosing aluminum for their fencing needs for years now. Pool water contains chlorine or for some salt water, both corrosive to many fencing materials. Without a doubt the fencing around your pool will get wet and needs to be able to withstand the harsh chemicals. Aluminum is coated with a powder coating that allows the paint to withstand not only harsh pool water chemicals but also the beating of most natural climates.

Another reason that aluminum is used when fencing in swimming pools is because of its overall reputation for safety. In a pool setting the number one concern is safety and aluminum fencing and gates provide both. Aluminum pool gates from iFenceUSA are equipped with self-closing swing mechanisms that automatically latch. This prevents a gate from accidentally being left open. Not only do our aluminum pool gates contain these extra safety devices our aluminum fencing panels are suited to meet B.O.C.A. regulation, narrowing the spacing between vertical and horizontal pickets. This close spacing helps prevent children from climbing the fence to gain access when not supervised.

Less Maintenance

The fence specialists are always answering questions regarding the maintenance of aluminum fence. Most consumers don’t understand how aluminum can look exactly like wrought iron but that it doesn’t rust. What allows aluminum fencing to stay rust free? The answer is that although the oxidation process still occurs with aluminum it doesn’t concern aluminum fencing panels because of the powder coating that is used on top of the panels and posts. The powder coating protects the aluminum from moisture. This protection against moisture creates an environment that is not favorable for rust to form, thus aluminum fencing stays free of rust.

Installation is another common concern surrounding fencing. Although the installation of a fence is a large scaled job, aluminum fencing is easier than most other types of fencing naturally. Can homeowners install aluminum fencing without hiring an installation expert? The answer is an unequivocal, YES!

The entire process from ordering to installation is easier with aluminum fencing. There are several online tools at www.ifenceusa.com for homeowners to use when planning for and installing aluminum fencing. The online ordering options allow homeowners to upload an image of their space and virtually plug in the different styles and sizes of aluminum fencing. Once you have established a layout diagram that you are pleased with ordering is as simple as answering a few basic questions about your landscape. Following the diagram will ensure you order the right number of posts and panels. This diagram will be included in your fencing shipment with detailed installation instructions. Do you remember those paint by number canvas’s we all painted as little kids? Yep, your fence installation can be that simple. Many customers have been blown away by the simplicity of the installation process. This is not to say it is done without some good ole fashion hard work, time, and patience however it can be done without stressful complications that are found with the installation of other fencing materials. You don’t sacrifice quality saving money on installing aluminum fencing with the DIY method.

Aluminum fence panels and gates have an abundance of benefits over other materials available to homeowners and commercial users. Not only is aluminum affordable it offers durability, low maintenance, ease of installation, an abundance of options, styles, and more.

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.

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