Keep your kids safe around swimming pools

Installing a Fence Around Your Pool Can Help Save Your Children’s Lives

One of the best thing about summer is having a backyard pool that you can use for cooling off. What’s more, having your own pool is a cost-effective solution for keeping the kids entertained. However, one of the biggest, and most obvious risks of having a pool is the risk of drowning.

Here at Legend Fence Corp., we understand the importance of installing a secure fence and gate system around your swimming pool. Not only will it keep children safe, it’ll also help protect adults, and animals. Here’s why it’s so important to have a secure fence around your pool.

How is a pool fence different to a normal fence?

If someone suggests installing a fence around your pool, your first thought might be of a 6-foot high wooden or chain-link fence, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The poolside fences that we install at Legend Fence Corp. are specifically designed to improve safety while not detracting from the overall appearance of the pool.

We always ensure our mesh fences are high enough to prevent children from climbing over, secure enough to not be knocked down, but inconspicuous enough for you to still be able to admire your pool and access it easily. Here’s what you should always look for in a pool fence:

  • The fence needs to create a complete barrier around the pool. This might seem obvious, but plenty of people think it’s okay to simply fence off the side of the pool that’s most accessible. However, children should be stopped from accessing the pool completely unless they’re supervised.

  • The fence should include a gate. After all, you still need to access the pool. Importantly though, the gate should close automatically and have a self-closing latch. This is the easiest way to keep curious children from finding their way through.

  • A secure pool fence should be at least 4 foot tall, but realistically, the taller it is the better. However, we understand that you might not want a massive fence around your pool, so we focus on making them secure but not in the way.

  • Similarly, if you go for an iron fence rather than mesh, make sure the railings are close enough together that a child can’t fit through. Realistically, there should be less than a 1-inch gap between railings or slats.

  • Your pool fence should always be installed by professionals. While you might think you can install the fence yourself, this one is arguably more important than the fence around your property, as it’s there to stop people falling into the pool. Only a licensed professional can ensure the fence is secure enough.

What do you need to make your pool secure?

While a pool fence is definitely the best way of securing your pool, it should only be the first step in making the whole area more secure. Consider the following tips alongside your fence pool for ultimate backyard safety:

  1. Any locks on gates or doors should be higher than usual. In most cases, a simple latch on the gate should be fine, but it needs to be high enough that small children can’t reach it. If this is impossible, consider a more secure option, such as padlocks.

  2. Poolside alarm systems are an invaluable failsafe in case someone makes it over the fence. Proximity alarms go off when someone (or something) enters the pool, which gives you plenty of warning. After a pool fence, this is the next best thing.

  3. Make sure children and animals aren’t left unattended around an unsecure pool. One of the biggest causes of children drowning in a backyard pool is parents turning their back, even for a minute or two.

  4. Do everything possible to ensure at least one adult is trained in CPR. Of course you want to prevent accidents happening, but sometimes they do, and if so it can be the difference between life and death if someone is able to give CPR immediately.

  5. Ensure your pool fence is properly maintained. Mesh fences are resistant to corrosion and rust but still need to be looked after correctly. Keeping the fence clean and painted will help it last much longer, and will decrease the risk of the fence breaking suddenly.

  6. Consider buying a pool cover for when it’s not in use. Not only will this keep the pool clean, it’ll also help prevent people from falling in. A rigid cover is better than a soft one because it blocks off the water better.

Keeping your pool safe

Although these seem like a lot of safety measures, pools can be surprisingly dangerous. This is particularly true for small children, who often aren’t confident enough swimmers to fix a problem if one arises. So, aside from not leaving children unattended around a pool, the best thing you can do is to install a perimeter fence.

As with all fences on your property, Legend Fence Corp. recommends regularly inspecting and maintaining your pool fence, particularly during off-season. Fall and winter are arguably the seasons in which most damage will be done to the fence, either through weather or neglect.

However, we maintain that this is the best time to fix any problems with your pool fence, as it’ll save you having to do it when the weather finally turns and you want to get in the pool. We’d also recommend regular inspections of your pool fence throughout the summer, perhaps while you’re skimming or cleaning the pool. This will allow you to be proactive in solving any problems, meaning your children’s safety is never compromised.

Is it time to install a fence around your swimming pool?

Having a backyard swimming pool is great, there’s no doubt about that. However, one of the biggest responsibilities of having your own pool is making sure it’s safe, even when not in use. That’s why we at Legend Fence Corp. feel it’s so important to make people aware of a pool fence’s benefits. If you decide it’s time you got a pool fence installed, why not contact Legend Fence Corp. today? Our 15 years experience will help you find the best fence for your pool.

6 Tips for Choosing the Right Fence for Big Dogs

There are plenty of factors you should consider when choosing the right fence for your yard. One of the most important, and most often overlooked, is whether the fence will be suitable for containing a large dog. Generally speaking, large dog breeds have plenty of energy and can be great climbers.

So how do you know what kind of fence will be best for your big dog? Well, here at Legend Fence Corp, we’ve had plenty of experience installing fences for customers with big dogs, so we know exactly what does the job. Here are some top tips to consider when choosing your fence.

1. Make sure your fence is high

Some people might not want a tall fence because they can block out nice views or make your backyard feel smaller. However, if you’ve got a big dog, then the height of your fence is probably the most important thing to consider. Big dog breeds, such as Huskies and Labradors, have an amazing ability to jump, which can be impressive at times, but not when they’re trying to escape from your yard.

For a large breed, a fence around 6ft high should be fine. It’s unlikely your dog will be able to jump higher than this, but if they can then you can always add an extension onto the fence at a later date. At the absolute minimum, you should choose a fence that’s 5ft high, but always consider how athletic your dog is.

2. Choose the right materials

There are plenty of options to choose from when selecting the material for your fence, and each has its own pros and cons. However, if you’re installing a fence to contain your big dog, then you need to be much more careful about which material you choose. Most large dog breeds are very strong and wouldn’t have a difficult time getting through a low-quality fence, even if it’s made from durable materials.

The best choice of material for using around a large dog would be either wood panels or vinyl. Sure, chain link fences might seem the sturdiest option, but these come with a range of other issues for containing a dog. A fence made from high quality wood, vinyl, or composite will be the best options because they’re resistant to jumping, scratching, and chewing.

3. Don’t forget they can climb

Many large dog breeds are actually surprisingly good climbers, but only if they’ve got good footholds. This is why chain link is a bad idea because your dog will have little problem climbing over it. Panel fences, or vinyl fences, are an ideal choice because they don’t give your dog any footholds, meaning their only option for escape would be jumping. And providing you’ve built the fence high enough, this shouldn’t be a problem.

Along with your choice of materials, you should also ensure there aren’t any boosters around the fence that your dog could jump from. Things like planters and bird baths might seem like a good idea, but you’ll probably think differently when your dog uses them as a springboard to get out of the yard. One of the best things to do is let your dog into the garden and keep an eye on it. See where it goes, and if there are any areas you’re suspicious of, make sure there’s nothing they can jump on.

4. Are they territorial?

Being territorial isn’t unique to large dogs, although their size and strength makes it a bigger issue. Does your dog love to bark at people or animals as they pass by your house? You might find this annoying, but your dog only thinks it’s doing its job. However, this is definitely something you should consider when choosing the right material for your fence.

The best options will again be something like wooden panels or vinyl. The aim is to install a privacy fence so your dog has no visibility outside of your property. For this reason, chain link is obviously a no go. Installing a solid fence will theoretically mean your dog acts slightly calmer, and will hopefully reduce the risk of them wanting to escape. After all, if they can’t see that dog walking, then they won’t want to chase after it.

5. Pay attention to fence upkeep

While this tip applies to all fences, regardless of whether they’re containing a large dog, it’s particularly applicable in this case. As mentioned above, large dogs are strong, and so you don’t want your fence to be weakened through lack of care. This will give your dog more opportunity to escape, which is the last thing you want.

If you have a wooden fence, make sure you clean and treat it every year. Vinyl and chain link fences have less upkeep, but should be checked regularly for signs of damage and wear. If your wooden panel fence is looking a bit shabby, one of the best options might be to replace it. Dogs are clever and will more than likely know if there’s a weakness in your fence, and they’ll be perfectly happy to exploit it.

6. Give your dog reason to not want to jump the fence

Granted, this tip isn’t directly related to your choice of fence, but it’s useful nonetheless. Dogs often want to escape out of boredom, too much energy, or curiosity. So, you should do everything possible to stop it from wanting to escape. Make sure there’s plenty for your dog to do in the yard, and work on modifying their behavior so they know not to escape. This will be just as useful as building an escape-proof fence.

Conclusion

Hopefully these tips have helped you see what kind of fence it takes to contain a big dog. However, if this has made you realize that your current fence isn’t up to the job, then give Legend Fence Corp a call. We have over 15 years experience in the industry, and know exactly what fences will work around big dogs.

Spring Cleaning Your Fence

Spring is one of the best times of the year, and is an excuse to get everything clean and tidy for the summer. Your backyard is the perfect place to focus your spring-cleaning efforts so that it can be ready for all the parties you’re going to host in the summer. Spring cleaning your fence in San Diego is a must if you want to get the most out of your backyard once the weather is better.

The San Diego weather can be harsh on fences, particularly the hot summer sun. However, the hot weather also causes plenty of dust and dirt to be kicked up, which can stick to your fence and make it look horrible. Here at Legend Fence Corp, we think one of the most important (but most frequently overlooked) areas that need cleaning is your fence. Read on to find out the best way to spring clean your fence.

Is your fence dirty?

The answer to this question, unless it’s been built within the last month or so, is most probably yes. All types of fence collect dirt, but it’s definitely most obvious on wooden fences. They are a breeding ground for algae and mold, and dirt sticks to wooden fences like glue. So even if you think your fence is nice and tidy, it’s probably much dirtier than it should be.

While problems like algae and dirt are mostly cosmetic, it can be useful to clean your fences down, not only for a better look, but to maintain the quality of the materials. Wooden fences that are moldy can be damaged, and it opens the door to rotting structures. Keeping your fence clean will not only look nicer, but will also make it easier to treat with preservatives, which make it last much longer.

How to clean your fence

Different materials need slightly different cleaning methods, but they’re all mostly the same. Here is a breakdown of cleaning methods for the most popular types of fence (wood, vinyl, and metal).

How to clean a metal fence

Metal fences, particularly aluminum or iron, are probably the easiest to keep clean, and generally require the least maintenance. Although your fence is probably treated to prevent rust, there’s nothing wrong with giving it a quick clean so it looks fresh.

All you need to do to clean a metal fence is brush it down to remove the loose dirt and debris, cut back any plants that might be in your way, and wash it down. This is best done with a mild vinegar solution because this will cut through any grime, but you can just as easily use soapy water. And that’s all you need to do!

How to clean a vinyl fence

Vinyl is another great choice as a fence material because it’s resistant to mold, and so you only have to worry about it getting dirty. One of the benefits of vinyl is that it can simply be wiped down, which is best done with a vinegar solution or soapy water. Give it a brush first to remove any loose dirt.

For a vinyl fence, you can also use a pressure washer. This will get the job done much quicker, but obviously isn’t something everyone has at their disposal. However, they’re generally really easy to rent around San Diego, so if you’ve got the money handy, we’d recommended this as the quickest and easiest way to clean your vinyl fence.

How to clean a wooden fence

Wooden fences are the hardest to keep clean and in good condition, but a commitment to regular cleaning and maintenance will keep them looking fresh for a very long time. The San Diego sun can be quite harsh on a wooden fence, which is why it’s very important to treat it with a wood preservative.

  • Start by brushing your fence down to remove any loose dirt and debris. Cut back any plants that are in your way, or tie back any that you want to keep. You’ll probably notice that your fence looks much nicer already, but we’re not done yet.
  • Mix up a cleaning solution that’s either 1 part bleach to 5 parts water, or 1 part white vinegar to 1 part water. Either of these solutions will get the job done, and will help you cut through the organic matter, such as algae and mold.
  • When you come to wash the fence with this solution, make sure you scrub really hard and the solution penetrates into the wood. This is the best way of killing mold and algae, both of which have microscopic spores that will be embedded in the wood.
  • Once you’ve left the solution to soak in, it needs to be washed off. There are various ways you can do this. The first is by hand, and involves you scrubbing the fence down again with clean, hot water. This is easily the most labor-intensive option though.
  • Alternatively, you can wash it down with a pressure washer. San Diego pressure washer rental is easy, but if you don’t have the resources to rent one, you can do the job with a garden hose. Just bear in mind it’ll take longer, and the job won’t be as good.
  • Your wooden fence should then be left to dry before you do anything else to it. It’s up to you whether you repaint the fence, but this should be done every 3-4 years to make sure it’s well preserved.

Whatever type of fence you have, spring cleaning can help it look nice and fresh for the coming summer. However, in the process of cleaning you might have noticed that your fence is most probably beyond saving.

If that’s the case, give Legend Fence Corp a try. We’re a team of experts with over 15 years in the industry, and we have all you need to get a new fence built in time for the summer. We work with your needs, and bring in our wealth of expertise to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want. Contact us today to find out more.

DIY vs. Professional Fence Installation: Is Building Your Own Fence Really Worth the Effort?

Building a fence for your own back yard might not seem like it’s going to be too much trouble when you begin planning, but you might find your opinion changes once the job gets underway. The main reason you’re probably considering building your own fence is to save money, but is the amount of effort you’ll have to put in really worth the savings? That said, there’s really nothing wrong with calling in a professional fence installation expert. Here at Legend Fence Corp, we think people should give it a try if they want, but consider the following points first.

What does it take to build a fence?

When it comes to building your own fence, it will require you to have several different skills, including carpentry, and you’ll also need a reasonable level of math to work out areas and coverage. Many people who start out on a DIY project also underestimate the amount of time it takes to complete the job, including any possible delays that might also push the budget up.

The most important thing you’ll need to consider is the amount of labor involved in the job. And take it from us, installing a fence requires much more labor than you’d think. First, there’s cutting and working all of the individual pieces (once you’ve worked out how big the fence needs to be of course), and then there’s the digging and installation, which is arguably the longest part. Finally, you need to paint or treat the fence, and this can take longer than expected.

Of course, if you have plenty of free time, and some friends at your disposal, this won’t be too much of an issue, but many people underestimate how much work it actually takes to build a fence. Sure, it does mean you’ll save some money, but offset this against what you could be using the same time for in other projects around the home.

Why might you want a DIY fence?

The main reason people might want to build a fence themselves is to give their space a personal touch. It can be very satisfying to look out over your yard knowing that you built the fence that surrounds it yourself, from scratch. It also means you can build the fence exactly how you want to, but that said, this is something that professional fence installation experts can do for you too.

Also, some people do enjoy the challenge of a DIY project, regardless of whether it’ll save them money. But these people tend to already have a reasonably good skill set when it comes to projects, and so probably won’t find it all that hard. If you like the idea of getting down and dirty, and look forward to the satisfaction you’ll get from completing the project, then building your own fence is probably for you.

The other main reason is that people think it can be a way of saving money. After all, you don’t have to pay for labor right? It’ll simply be a case of buying the materials, and equipment if needed, and then getting stuck in. However, savings aren’t always as significant as you’d expect, more than anything because professionals tend to have agreements with suppliers to get their materials at a much lower price. This is then offset against the price charged to the customer, meaning you might not save as much as you think.

There’s no harm in employing a professional fence installation company

Here at Legend Fence Corp, we’re all for people getting stuck into their own DIY projects, but we also know that sometimes it’s just easier to employ a professional to do the job. It might cost slightly more money, but because we’re experts in our field, we can deal with any problems quickly and easily as soon as they arise.

For example, when installing your fence, you might run into unexpected problems, such as ground issues or hidden underground cables. For someone doing a DIY project, this would be quite a significant setback, and would probably require research or a second opinion to overcome. However, we’ve had plenty of experience dealing with these issues, and would move past them quickly.

The other benefit of hiring a professional fence installation company is that you know the work will be completed to a high standard. Most companies should have examples of previous jobs that you can look over before hiring them, and it’s usually not difficult to find customer reviews online either. Sure, the idea of building your own fence might be tempting, but if you want something done to the highest standard, it’s probably worth hiring a professional.

Then, probably most obviously, there’s the fact that a professional company will already have all the equipment and resources at their disposal to get the job done. This is probably one of the biggest advantages for the customer, because it saves them having to go out and either rent or buy the necessary equipment to get the job done. A fence installation expert can arrive at your house, get the job done, and leave behind nothing more than an amazing looking fence.

Finally, you get the benefit of years of experience in the industry. A fence installation company will work with your exact specifications and needs, and consider things such as ground type, purpose, budget, and resources, to come up with a project that both looks nice and suits your needs. If you build a fence yourself, you’re having to rely on what you know, or can teach yourself. With a professional, you can put your trust in their knowledge.

Conclusion

Building your own fence might sound like an exciting DIY project, and for some people it will be. However, think carefully if you’re only doing it to save money, and compare this to the time and effort it’ll take. After all, there’s nothing wrong with hiring a professional to do an amazing job. If you like the idea of getting stuck in with building a fence, then go ahead, but if not, Legend Fence Corp is here to help. Contact us today for more information about our fence installation services.

Protecting a Wood Fence From Sun and Rain

Wooden fences are one of the least expensive ways of bordering your property, although they do require more maintenance than a metal or vinyl fence. While San Diego weather is usually warm and dry, the addition of rain does have a big impact on the lifespan of a wooden fence. If a wooden fence isn’t cared for properly, it can deteriorate in a matter of years. Here at Legend Fence Corp, we know how important it is to keep a wooden fence looking pristine, so we’ve written this guide to help you protect your wooden fence from San Diego sun and rain.

What paint to use when protecting a fence

The best method of protecting a fence from both rain and sun is to use preserving paint or stain. Many of these products are designed specifically for wooden fences, and there are different products for different jobs. Many standard fence paints will protect from rain, but if you want one that also prevents the aging effects of sunlight, choose one with UV blocker as an ingredient. These will likely be more expensive, but it’s money saved when you compare it to the price of replacing a fence.

It’s also worth using a primer on the fence before painting on the first layer of paint or stain. Not only will primer help the paint adhere better to the fence, but it’ll also stop chemicals from the fence bleeding through, which can cause paint to blister. This would eventually reduce the effectiveness of the paint, causing the fence to rot.

A good alternative to standard paint is acrylic latex paint. It provides a completely waterproof barrier, and blocks UV radiation from sunlight, which is easily one of the biggest causes of weathering in San Diego. Acrylic latex paint is also flexible, which means it can expand and contract along with the wood during temperature changes. This is something that San Diego residents should be conscious of, considering the temperature can rocket at certain times of the year.

How to protect a fence

So once you’ve found the right kind of paint to suit your needs, the next step is to apply it to the fence. Before starting, clean the fence with a stiff brush to remove any caked on dirt or debris. You want to get the fence as clean as possible before starting because this will allow the paint to stick better.

  •  Trim back any plants that are in contact with the fence, or if you don’t want to cut them, at least tie them back so they’re out of the way.
  • Place down dustsheets or tarp if your fence sits on a hard surface, such as asphalt or concrete. This isn’t necessary if your fence is on soil, although you might still want to lay something down.
  • If the fence is particularly dirty, clean with a pressure washer, or a rough brush and water. If your fence isn’t dirty, it might not be necessary to wash it.
  • If you decide to wash your wooden fence, or it’s recently rained, give it 48 hours to dry before painting. This will allow enough moisture to evaporate, which could damage the paint otherwise.
  • At this point, look out for any damaged sections that need repairing or replacing. It’s best to do this now while everything is clean and before you start painting.
  • Next, apply the primer if you’re using one. If not, start with the stain or paint.
  • Working in thin layers, paint the whole fence from end to end. Wait a day or so for the stain to dry before applying another layer. Most manufacturers will recommend several layers, and the more you apply, the better protection you’ll have.
  • Once you’ve finished staining, allow the whole fence to dry before picking up tarps. Reapply stain every couple of years, or more frequently if your area experiences weather changes.

General tips

Although the weather in San Diego is generally very nice, sun can be as damaging as rain, if not more so. Sun causes the wood to expand and potentially crack, which then lets in moisture when it does rain. It’s important to find a stain with UV protection, and this should be your main objective when preserving your wooden fence in San Diego.

If your fence hasn’t been painted in several years, and the wood is very cracked and warped, then repainting might not be enough. Decide whether the fence is still good enough to be worth repainting, or whether simply replacing it would be easier. It might be a more expensive job, but it’ll need to be done at some point.

Preparing your wooden fence for painting is one of the most important steps, and shouldn’t be rushed. It’s important to remove as much debris as possible because it’ll stop you from getting a good finish. And considering the whole point of painting the fence is to seal it, you don’t want to do the job only for it to not work.

Buy good quality painting supplies, specifically a good brush. Painting on a rough surface (such as a fence) is hard on a paintbrush, and poor quality ones will fall apart in no time at all. You might not want to spend loads on a paintbrush, but one brush that lasts for years is much better than several bad ones that fall apart quickly. This point also extends to the stain you use, for pretty much the same reasons.

Conclusion

Protecting a wooden fence from rain and sun is a long and sometimes difficult job, but it needs to be done to keep the fence in good order. If you find your fence needs repairs, Legend Fence Corp is always on hand to assist you with this. Or if the repairs are too great, our staff are more than happy to discuss replacement, and will provide estimates using our years of experience in the business. Contact us now for more information, or to book your estimate.

How To Attach Barbed Wire To Posts

Barbed wire is a cheap and effective solution for keeping your property safe. It’s very easy to buy and install, and can be the ultimate deterrent for trespassers and thieves. Legend Fence Corp is happy to assist with San Diego barbed wire fence installation; we’ve put together this handy guide on how to attach barbed wire to posts.

Things to consider

Before going out and buying some barbed wire, work out how much you need and what your intentions are. It’s also worth getting some safety equipment, such as goggles, thick gloves, and some thick clothing. Barbed wire is sharp after all, and it’s best to avoid injuring yourself during installation. You’ll also need to buy fencing pliers, a wire stretcher, a spool handle, and clips. You will need one clip for every place you plan to attach the barbed wire, so make sure to plan this in advance.

How to attach barbed wire to posts

  1. Put the spool handle in the middle of the coil of barbed wire and walk it between the two posts until it’s flat. Barbed wire is under tension when spooled, so be careful not to hurt yourself while doing this.
  2. Return to the first post and attach the wire to it. To do this, force a gap between the two pieces of wire that make up the larger wire and then insert one end of the clip through this gap. This will help to hold the wire in place.
  3. Use the pliers to bend the end of the clip around the wire once or twice to bind the two parts securely together. The better you do this, the less chance there is of the wire coming loose over time.
  4. Take the rest of the clip and wrap it around the post. The other end of the clip should now be resting on the barbed wire, where it can be tightened into place.
  5. After both ends of the clip are wrapped around the barbed wire, use the wire stretcher to pull it tight against the next post. Providing your clips are properly attached, the wire should pull taught.
  6. Repeat this as many times as needed until the fence has been installed.

Although it is possible to install a barbed wire fence on your own, it’s much easier with an extra pair of hands. Having a second person around means they can pull the wire tight while it’s installed, leading to a more professional looking end result.

San Diego barbed wire fence installation is important for protecting property, and for keeping out wild animals and trespassers. The installation process is easy as long as you have the right tools for the job, and a bit of patience. You will need to inspect the fence regularly, because weather or animals could cause it to lose tension or shape. Contact us for more information, or for a quote on our installation services.

How To Weatherproof Your Fence

Once you’ve had your fence installed it can be easy to forget about maintaining it. However, the more you care for it, the longer it’ll last. Even though the weather is pretty good in San Diego, it’s still helpful to weatherproof your fence to protect it from the elements. Here are the top ways to weatherproof your fence.

1. Keep an eye out for weather damage

Fences can be affected by all kinds of weather, not just rain. Strong winds can damage any type of fence, and the sun will cause damage to wood and PVC fences. Make sure you keep an eye out for signs of warping, rot, mold, or any other damage, and get it repaired as soon as possible.

2. Keep your fence clean

One of the easiest ways to weatherproof your fence is to keep it clean. Even chain link and iron fences will need cleaning occasionally, and this is a good time to check for any weather damage. Brush away any dirt and built up grime, and wash it down with a scrubbing brush or pressure washer.

3. Trim surrounding plants regularly

Keeping the area around your fence neat and tidy will help you keep an eye out for signs of damage, and will stop plants from growing up your fence, which can cause unnecessary damage. Even in reasonably dry climates such as San Diego, plants still harbor moisture, and this can be very damaging to all fencing materials.

4. Complete repairs quickly

If you happen to spot damage while inspecting your fence, make sure it’s repaired as soon as possible. Exposed wood or untreated metalwork can quickly succumb to the effects of weathering, and so it’s best to get this fixed straight away. If you don’t think you’ll be able to make the repairs yourself, then consider calling a professional fence repair service.

5. Maintain a weatherproof coating

You might think you only need to weatherproof your fence if it’s made of wood, but it’s important to apply some sort of treatment regardless of what materials were used. Weatherproof paints or coatings are designed to keep moisture out of the fence, as this is the main reason for rot and warping. Most paints will be oil-based, and can be used on wood, iron, chain link, and many other materials.

Ideally, you should apply a weatherproof coating when the fence is first installed, and this should be reapplied at least once a year, but make sure you coat any sections that are repaired or replaced.

Perhaps reading this article has made you realize that your current fence is beyond the point of weatherproofing, and it might be time to install a new one. Legend Fence, a leading San Diego fence installation company, is your go-to business for all of your fence installation needs. Contact us today for an estimate, and to see how we can help. We’ll also give you all the top tips on how to keep your new fence in good working order.

Common Fence Installation Mistakes

Installing a new fence on your property can be an exciting project. However, seeing the project go wrong can be stressful, and ultimately affect your appreciation of the new fence once it’s built. Because we want customers to make the most of our San Diego fence installation services, we’ve worked out the most common mistakes so you know what to avoid.

Inadequate planning

Planning is more important than the construction stage. After all, if planning is done right, the fence should just fall into place. It’s crucial to work out your needs and budget before work starts, as it gets more difficult to change the further along you go. Make sure you’re up to date with local Homeowners Association guidelines for construction projects, and that you also know the location of any underground pipes. The worst thing you could do is bust a water line when putting in a fence post.

Not choosing the right materials

This is part of the planning stage, but a very important part. Different materials have unique benefits and drawbacks, and it helps to know these before choosing. For example, if you need a fence around your pool, it’s best to choose a corrosion resistant material such as vinyl or aluminum. If you need a fence for privacy or to block out noise, you could do much worse than wood. Make sure you consider all options before picking the right material for your project.

Not getting the lay of the land

It’s very rare for a fence to be constructed on completely flat ground. The geography of your property will have an effect on where the fence can be built, so it helps to plan this in advance. Get an idea of any slopes on your property, and let us know so that we can take the right steps to build it properly.

Getting measurements wrong

There are few things worse than installing a fence, only to realize you got the measurements wrong. This can have an effect on your budget, and the speed at which your project is completed. Knowing the correct measurements also means you order the right amount of materials, which gives you a much better grasp on your end budget.

Not communicating with neighbors

People can get angry if they’re not kept in the loop about something that affects their property. You might have different ideas about where the boundary lies between your two properties, or they might have different ideas about what materials to use. Although it needn’t be more than a pleasantry, telling your neighbors about a fencing project can help to avoid bad blood in the future.

Legend Fence Corp has years of experience providing San Diego fence installation services, and over that time we’ve seen many different mistakes. We do everything we can to ensure a smooth installation process, but there are some steps that are out of our hands. The most important thing to remember is that good planning is key. If you’re looking to get a new fence installed, contact us today for a quote.

How To Choose A Fencing Material

There are now so many different materials you can use to build a fence. Each has their own unique properties, both practical and aesthetic, and these can have an impact on which is right for your project. Legend Fence Corp are industry leaders in San Diego fencing installation, and so we’ve created a guide to help you make the right decision.

What materials are on offer?

Although you could theoretically build a fence out of anything, these are the main options:

  • Wood is a traditional fence material, and has been used for centuries. It has a desirable look, and is also one of the best for blocking out noise. However, it’s worth remembering that wooden fences require lots of upkeep and will need to be treated regularly to stop them rotting.
  • Wrought iron. This is another traditional material, and has a certain classic look about it. It’s very heavy, and can be expensive, but will look great if you can afford it. Iron can rust easily, so you need to make sure it’s painted regularly to stop this happening.
  • Chain-link. Chain-link fences are better suited to commercial properties because they are inexpensive and easy to install. They don’t look as nice on residential properties, but do still serve a purpose.
  • Vinyl has many of the same benefits of metal fencing, but is more durable and won’t rust. It is more expensive than other materials, but you can easily make this money back when compared to wooden or metal fences.

Consider long-term upkeep

Most traditional fencing materials require regular painting or treating to keep them in good working order. The best way to avoid this is to choose a material that doesn’t degrade, as these will require much less maintenance. However, if you favor look over practicality, then make sure you’re willing to put in the work needed. After all, you don’t want to be paying for another fence in 10 years time because the last one has fallen down.

Consider your budget and needs

This should be the first step in any project, but deciding your needs and budget will impact what materials you can use. For example, if you need a durable fence and money is less of a problem, you’re free to choose from anything you want. However, if you need a more cost-effective option, wood or chain-link are always practical choices. We will discuss this sort of thing with you in detail during our estimation process.

Consider the weather

Weather should always be a deciding factor in planning a fence, as it will affect the longevity of your project. Natural materials won’t last as long in wet locations, but extreme heat can also damage wood. Bare this in mind when planning your fence. Choosing the right materials for a fence is one of the most important steps. As one of the top San Diego fencing installation companies, we make sure our customers have all the information needed to make the right decision. Contact us today for a quote and we can discuss things further.

Planning A Fence

When it comes to building a fence, it’s not as simple as putting it up. You need to consider other factors, such as getting the right material and the potential impact on your neighbors. Legend Fence Corp are San Diego fence installation experts, and so we’ve written a comprehensive guide to planning your fence.

1. Assess your needs

This might seem like a no-brainer, but working out your exact needs will impact your other decisions. Is your fence for keeping kids and pets safe? Is it for keeping things out, such as trespassers or noise? Deciding your needs should be the first stage, and will influence which materials and design you use. Work out whether your fence needs to only serve a practical purpose, or whether you’d like it to look nice too.

2. Work out your budget

Once you’ve settled on your requirements, work out how big you need the fence to be. Find out your property boundaries, either roughly using a tape measure or exactly using blueprints, and use the measurements as a guide. This will also help you to get an idea of how much you can expect to spend, and will likely impact on what materials you decide to use. All of our prices are very competitive, and we will give you a complete breakdown as part of the estimate process.

3. Select the right materials

Fences can be constructed from many different materials, including wood, aluminum, iron, or other materials. If you spent time working out your needs, it should be easy to choose the right material. However, this decision will also be impacted by your budget, as metal fences are more expensive than wooden ones. It can help to do plenty of research beforehand, but we will talk you through all the best options for your property.

4. Alert your neighbors

Seeing as fences often mark property boundaries, it can be helpful to speak to the people who live next to you. Not only is it polite to alert them about the upcoming building work, it can be useful to confirm where boundaries lie, and if they’re happy with the fence you’ve chosen. If you’re lucky they might even offer to split the cost with you!

5. Get building

This is the step in which Legend Fence Corp really shines. We will come and install your fence quickly and efficiently, and with minimal disruption. We’ll do all of the hard work, so you can sit back and enjoy the sight of your new fence going up.

There’s more to planning a fence than people first think. It’s important to make sure the boundaries you’re marking are the right ones, and that the fence is fit for your intended purpose. We know a lot about San Diego fence installation, and so we want to make sure everyone understands the right process before starting. If you’ve been thinking about getting a new fence installed, contact us today for a quote and see how we can help.

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