Construction Fencing

Whether you're a DIYer, a residential general contractor, or even the project manager of a large commercial construction company -- you know the importance of having a quality construction fence up to protect your job site. Not only do you need to protect the site from trespassers who may get injured on the site, you also have to worry about theft of tools, equipment, and materials.

Your construction site fence should be sturdy and, hopefully, installed in-ground. If not, even the temporary fencing set up on stands will help deter certain elements. The site fence must be in place before any tools or materials arrive and before construction/demolition begins. It's best to make sure the construction fence surrounds the entire site, with no more than two access points (gates) to make sure the area is secure. If the entire site is too much, at least surround storage areas, trailers, and offices of the site.

There are many types of construction fences but the best is a high chain link fencing with several rows of barbed wire or rolled barbed wire. With chain link fencing, it's easier for security or police patrols to view the area without entering. It's important to hang "No Trespassing" signs on all construction fences, visible from many directions. This can help with liability issues, too.

Lighting the site can also go a long way in preventing theft and injury from trespassers. The combination of the fencing and the lights can go a long way in deterring the casual or impulse thief from entering the site.

If you need to find a quality Construction Fencing company to install site security fences, consider ConstructionDeal.com. We can match you with quality temporary fencing experts to make sure your equipment and supplies remain safe.

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Installation is key to Silt Fencing

There are a variety of silt fencing products you can buy to prevent erosion and loss during your construction product. Keep in mind that installation is a very important part of having an effective silt fence.

A silt fence is key to sediment control. But if it is not put in right and maintained after installation, it will be basically useless. Made of a synthetic fabric, the silt fence is usually staked down at intervals with the bottom trenched in to the ground so that water can pass through while the sediment is retained. If the bottom of that fence is not put in deep enough or if it is run over by construction machinery, the silt fence is rendered useless because the sediment will push through.

The process has always been - trench the silt fence area, install the fence posts, then the synthetic fabric is laid down and then attached to those posts. Finally, the area is back-filled and compacted down manually with tools.

The best way to the silt fence to be installed is to have the area trenched. However, it's important to thoroughly clean the backfill material of debris. Any debris will lessen the compacting ability and could cause the silt fence to pull up.

Fence Contractors normally will also pull out the backfill and put it on both sides of the trench. Once the fence is up, it's next to impossible to move the extra backfill over to the other side. A change in the normal process may help this. Instead of installing the fence posts next, it's important to back fill the silt fence material. This allows the contractor to mechanically compact the fence down -- and it can be done mechanically because there is no fence posts to get in the way.

After the trenched backfill is put back down, from both sides, it is important to add extra backfill. What was taken out is generally not enough. After the extra backfill is added and the area compacted, then the posts can be driven down and the fencing material should be attached to the posts.

Maintenance is also important:

• Inspect the fence after each rainstorm.
• The bottom material should still be buried in the ground with no gaps
• Inspect the posts to make sure the fencing is still attached
• Repair or replace any problem sections or areas as needed before the next rainstorm

If you need to find a quality silt fencing installation company, post your request with ConstructionDeal.com. Our network of fencing contractors can help you install a quality silt fence and give you great erosion control. It's free to post your project and you'll save time by having companies call you instead of the other way around.

Security Fencing Options

When considering fencing for security purposes, many companies and individuals turn to metal fencing. High chain link fences or aluminum fencing can provide enough security to deter a casual trespasser. Some will go so far as to add barbed wire or maybe even electric fences - however, there can be serious liability issues with this type of security fencing, even with proper warnings.

If you want added security with your fences, you might consider two types of fencing that do more than a tall chain link or aluminum gate and are not as dangerous as some of the other choices.

Adding a welded wire or mini-mesh fence will make it a security feature that prevents someone from easily climbing or cutting the material to gain access.

Here are some more details from the American Fence Association website:

"When higher security is required mini-mesh and welded wire are just some of the options to consider for fencing materials.

It's simple: the thicker the metal wire or tighter the weave, the more difficult it is to climb and the more time consuming it is to cut.

Mini-mesh is a very heavy duty, tightly woven chain-link fence that has no toe holds for climbing, can't be easily crawled under, and the weave is too small for bolt cutters.

Thicker gauge pipe should be used as end posts, line posts and top rail to support the added weight of mini-mesh or even heavier fence fabrics.

A variety of heavy-duty vertical picket steel fences are available in the industry using welded wire technology to eliminate toe and hand holds. Typically using a high grade 8 gauge wire on 1/2" centers, welded wire is available in 7' to 10' wide panels with up to 12' and even 15' vertical pickets. Pickets are welded to horizontal crossbars to create panels that are then hot dip galvanized to cover all the welds and prevent rust and corrosion. Installation often uses a square or I-beam steel post for 6' to 8' panels using a no access bolting system.

To penetrate a welded wire panel requires far more than bolt cutters. To cut an opening large enough for a person to get through in a welded wire fence would take an incredibly long time - allowing security personnel or other assets to identify the potential penetration and to dispatch security personnel."

The Association goes on to point ou that these types of fences are available in a variety of colors and finishes that can make the security fence more attractive and less distracting. If you've spent any money on landscaping or if you have fickle neighbors, you can find security fencing that has function and form.

If you need to find a local security fence installer, you can post your residential or commercial job with Construction Deal. We'll match you with a fencing company in your area, for free, and you can receive as many bids as you want. This will save you time and money!

Considerations on Pet Fencing

Many homeowners have been installing invisible or underground pet fencing to keep their pets confined in their yard without having an actual fence or barrier to keep them in. These types of pet devices come with collars that will give the animal a small electric shock if they come close to the border. After a while, the animal is usually trained or conditioned to avoid straying too far away from the home or close to that border.

The biggest problems with this type of fencing is that, while it may keep your pet in, it will not keep other animals out of your yard. You will still get visits from neighborhood dogs because they do not have the collar that your pet has.

Not only will it not prevent visiting animals, it could put your pet in danger. If another dog or cat enters your yard and attacks your pet, your pet will not be able to flee to defend itself. It will force itself to stay within the borders of your yard, even if the electrical shocks are less severe than the attack from another animal.

If you decide to have a physical barrier built for your pet, make sure you consider the size of the pet as well as the capabilities of the individual animal. Some large or strong pets are able to leap over fencing. Others may be inclined to dig underneath. You might want to discuss it with the fencing installer - they may know of ways to prevent digging, climbing, and jumping that will not ruin the aesthetics of your fence installation. Also, consider the design when you describe the type of dog - if you have a smaller dog, you don't want to have fence slots that create 3 to 4 inch gaps. A gap of that size would not prevent a smaller dog from squeezing through.

Finally, consider how much room you'll be giving your pet to run, play, and explore. If you're creating an area to house the pet and not contain the entire yard, you might want to provide space for the animal to exercise. It doesn't necessarily require a larger, more square shaped area. You might be able to give the dog a long, narrow "run" - with enough space for the animal to turn completely around when it's full grown - to give it the ability to exercise while you're away from home.

If you need to find a pet fencing installation expert in your area, consider Construction Deal. We've got a network of fence installers to help you with all your needs. Post your fencing project for free, choose how many installers you'd like to bid on the job, and sit back and wait for them to contact you! This will save you plenty of time and get you started on having a completed fence installed and ready for your favorite pet!

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Vinyl Fencing

Vinyl Fencing is made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), an extremely durable plastic that is chemically altered for superior performance, rigidity, stability, maintenance, and durability.

Many are switching to vinyl fencing because it's more durable and requires less maintenance that wooden fencing. And technology has improved the characteristics of the vinyl to prevent a loss of color or discoloration that was prevalent early on.

If you're concerned about the environment, vinyl is a great, safe material and does not need some of the toxins required to treat wood fencing. Those toxins have been known to pollute the air and ground.

Be aware that not all fence manufacturers are the same. Make sure your vinyl fencing has a good wall thickness to it. A thinner vinyl fence may not last as long or may require frequent repairs and maintenance. Also, it's not possible to paint the surface of vinyl fencing, so make sure you start out with a color that will not go out of style and will work with the aesthetics of your home. But because the color of the vinyl is so deeply embedded, you won't need to paint it for the life of the product.

A final drawback is that vinyl fencing can cost more than wood. However, considering the fence material doesn't need to be painted and it is more durable than wood, it could be a better investment and might even save you money in the long run.

Make sure there is a manufacturers warranty on the vinyl fence that your fencing contractor installs. And also find out what type of labor or installation warranty the contractor has.

If you're in the market to have vinyl fencing installed, save yourself the time of searching through the yellow pages. Post your project, for free, on ConstructionDeal.com. We'll match you with local Fencing Contractors and they'll contact you. It's important to get more than one bid on the project and we let you choose how many fencing contractors will be contacting you!

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Switching from Chain Link to Wooden Fencing

Tired of the boring and over-used chain link fence to surround your yard? It might be time to switch to a different look. There's not better way to bring life to your home fencing than to move to a more natural wood fence.

A wood fence can be easily installed, usually in a just a day or so, at a very low cost. But the transformation will be amazing. It will really set your home apart from the rest of the neighborhood. The best part about changing to a wooden fence is that you have so many choices, so many options. You can decide how tall the fence will be. You determine the fencing pattern. You even get to choose the type of wood used and how it's stained or painted.

Another great advantage to changing to a wood fence is that you can easily change the look when you get tired of the current paint color or stain.

Some of your wood fence styles include the lattice or diamond patterns, the shadow box, tongue in groove, post and rail, picket, stockade, or even a solid wood fence.

Another nice option from switching to wood fencing is that it gives you the freedom to have a decorative gate design to go along with the natural beauty of the wood.

When you need a fence company to install your wood fence, post your project free on ConstructionDeal.com.

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Types of Fencing

Don't fence me in? Nonsense. Fences and gates have a multitude of uses and come in a variety of materials. There are residential, commercial, and industrial applications for all types of fences. It's important to choose the right style and material of fencing for you needs.

After you've found the right fencing contractor for you, make sure to talk about your specific needs for your fence project. Is the fence for security, aesthetics, privacy, pets or animals, or even for a sports facility? It could even be a combination of any of those needs.

Making this decision could determine what fencing material you use.

The most common fence is the chain-link fence. Chain link fences are installed in commercial, residential, and industrial locations. They're very economical, maintenance free, and durable. It can be a galvanized metal, as you've traditionally seen, but they can also be vinyl-coated with a variety of colors for a more aesthetic feel.

Wood fencing is also very popular, especially in residential applications, because you can choose the style, colors, type of wood, and more. It's very common for backyard or privacy fencing. Pine or cypress wood fencing is most popular. The fencing can be solid, slatted, or even split-rail style.

Aluminum fencing is a great option. It's usually more expensive but can increase a home's value. Aluminum doesn't rust so it will be around for a long time. It can be made into virtually any shape, heighth, color, or pattern so it's highly decorative.

Vinyl Fencing is extremely durable and can look similar to aluminum or wood fencing. Some vinyl fences comes with long or lifetime warranties. Very low maintenance products.

Our goal at Construction Deal is to make sure you find a quality fencing contractor located in your neighborhood. You can try to pick a contractor from your yellow pages or you can save time and money by receiving multiple bids from several fencing companies. Post your fencing project today and begin receiving calls tomorrow!

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Practical Tips for Garden Design

This post has been  permanently moved to http://contractorequotes.com/outdoors/gardening/practical-tips-for-home-garden-design/

A DIY Guide to Fence Building

"There is an old adage that tells us that "good fences make good neighbors." The addition of a fence to your existing property is a major step, and there are quite a few things that must be decided and tended to before you even begin. However, don't let this discourage you. There are also several good reasons why the building of a fence is an ideal DIY project, and not beyond the abilities of the normal homeowner.

There are a lot of reasons one might have to build the fence, and these considerations control the decision as to what type of fence to build and the materials that will be used in its construction. Privacy is a prime consideration, and usually leads to a desire for a high and forbidding type of material selection. It is important to control this a bit. You do not want to spoil any possible views by making the fence too high.

It is also true that thieves are not very fond of fences and the presence of a fence can protect you from unwanted access to your property, but when a fence is too high it provides a sanctuary for them. Once they are inside the fence, they are shielded from view.

When the major purpose for the fence is to provide a pen for a pet, and privacy is not a major concern, this would suggest a smaller and more open type of fencing. Chain link would get the nod here. It might also be possible that the fence has a limited purpose beyond the closing in of the entire property. A fence around a garden is an example of this. When this is the case, a good choice might be vinyl fencing. This is a newer and very versatile fencing material.

Once the decision is made as to the type of fence, and the material is selected, it is a good idea to take a good look at the code requirements for the area where you reside. Codes vary widely from locale to locale, and you need to make sure you have this area covered before you begin. It is also a good idea to have a survey of the property done prior to getting started. Nothing ruins a day more than finding out your new vinyl fence is two feet onto your neighbor's property.

When the preliminary matters are all tended to, it is time to begin the actual construction process. It is pretty much accepted that you are going to have to dig some holes. In fact, the digging of the holes, and the placing of poles constitutes the major labor output of this project. A good post hole digger, an item that can be easily rented, is a necessity here. The placement and distance between poles is going to depend on the type of fence and the building material selected. When the fence is going to be wood, and you are planning on doing the carpentry yourself, you have a little more leeway in the hole placements. The use of chain link, or the very popular and versatile vinyl fence material, or the use of precut and prepared lumber dictates the placement, and you should be sure to follow the recommendations of the supplier.

Once the holes are dug, and the poles firmly planted, it is a simple matter of attaching the rails, nailing together the posts, or installing the chain link. Then you can sit back and enjoy your privacy, and perhaps your security, and certainly your new and improved relations with your neighbors."

About the Author
Natalie Aranda writes on home and garden.

If you are not able to install fencing yourself, you can use the network of ConstructionDeal.com to find a local fence installer today!

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The Death Of The Windsor Retaining Wall

"My father asked me the other day, what question did I get most from my landscape and lawn care customers. The answer: How much does it cost and what kind of retaining wall can I install?

Customers and potential customers alike are always amazed about the high cost of landscape design. Cost may not always be about the materials used, but it is always, about the time involved in the design and installation. Labor is the key component of any project and any business. If you doubt me, just call for an estimate on an in-home computer repair.

The second question is one that continues to evolve. Not long ago, when a customer wanted a retaining wall installed at their residence, the choice was simple; you get pavers or Windsor's. That is certainly not the case today as Windsor's are rapidly becoming extinct as the dinosaur. Here are few tips when thinking of installing a retaining wall:

1. Materials: When choosing materials, select the type that is best suited for the desired result. Many long-lasting materials are available for landscape use including flagstone wall rock, Xeriscape rockery, railroad tie maze, regal stone, Pyzique stone, Windsor stone, and framed fence. Also consider recycled concrete paving treated timbers, vertical poles, pre-cast concrete modular units, poured concrete, and brick veneer.
2. Type of wall: The type of wall you choose should be determined by need. Decide if you need a poured-in-place concrete "structural" wall or a much less expensive "dry-laid wall" consisting of stacked, open-joint material.
3. Determine design or on-site placement: Planning ahead will help you avoid the expense and time it takes to relocate a wall or to modify retained areas once they're installed.
4. Drainage: Most retaining walls fail because of pressure against the wall caused by water or soil-moisture build up behind the wall. All walls should provide for the back-of-wall water to freely drain down and away from the wall. This is accomplished with gravel backfill, or manufactured drainage blankets and drain pipes. Structural walls require "weep" holes to allow water to drain from behind the wall.
5. Foundations: A wall is only as good as its foundation, and all retaining walls should be built on structurally sound, compacted foundation sub-base material. Leveled and compacted earth or gravel fill are acceptable. The foundation material should extend at least one foot beyond the front and back of the base width of the wall. When building dry-laid stone walls, place the largest, most stable stones on the bottom of the wall, and be aware that the base width may need to be as wide as the wall is high.
6. Cant or batter: Walls are more stable and structurally secure if they slope back or "lay back" into the retained slope. This amount of variance from true vertical is called "cant" or "batter".
7. Anchors: Timber walls and other walls of solid horizontal materials usually have "T" anchors extending back into the slope into undisturbed earth. This helps walls resist pressures that force them forward, or cause them to pivot on footing material. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least one anchor per 16 square feet of exposed wall face.

Installed wall costs generally range from $20 to $35 per square foot of wall face for dry-laid materials. Cost will vary considerably depending upon materials used and overall wall height. Structural wall costs may range from two to ten times that of dry-laid walls."

About the Author:

John Kicklighter is the owner of Kicklighter-Landscaping. His business is near St. Louis, MO.

If you need to find a fence or wall installation expert in your area, you can use ConstructionDeal.com and post your project for free!

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