West Georgia Fence's Blog

If you run a home daycare, you likely have an outdoor space where children play. Keep them safe with a well-designed fence using these tips.

If you have a pool and want to better protect yourself, kids, and anyone else who visits, check out these three tips for better pool safety.

If you're in the market fora new fence, take a look at the questions to ask before you make a decision. Keep reading to learn more.

There are multiple fence options for your home. Learn about various ways a supplemental fence can provide different ways to use your backyard space.

Whatever your reason for putting a fence around your front yard, factor in the following things before you install your new fencing in the front yard.

The benefits of fencing are many, but potential concerns can arise between the new fence and the landscape. Learn what you should consider.

Installing a fence can help update your home and make your outdoor space more dog-friendly. Learn about a few factors when installing a fence for your dog.

Your fence has many uses, from keeping pets in to adding a splash of decor to your yard. Learn about a few common fence problems you might run into.

If you want to have a fence installed around your property, then deciding on the right material is the first decision you need to make. There are many benefits to choosing a wood fence. If you are considering a wood fence, the information here will be helpful to recognize the great features they offer. CHOOSE FROM MANY TYPES OF WOOD Once you decide to go with a wood fence, you need to choose the right type of wood for your fence. Redwood . Redwood is one of the more expensive fencing materials, but it is also durable and beautiful with a red hue to it. Redwood is good for damp regions because of its ability to release moisture. You can cut down on the cost by using a lower grade for the panels, but you should stick with a higher grade for the posts which serve as the fence's foundation. Spruce . Spruce is a common choice because it is more affordable than some other types of wood. Spruce is fine in many regions, but it is prone to warping in damp regions. Spruce can also be more inviting to termites, so it should be properly treated to protect against termites and other pests. The naturally light color of spruce makes it easier to paint than many other types of wood. Cedar . Cedar is durable and comes in different colors, such as white, red, and yellow. Cedar doesn't have the warping concerns some other types of wood have and it has the added benefit of containing oils that naturally repel insects. Cedar is also one of the types of wood with less knots. It is also one of the more affordable options, with a price tag that usually falls somewhere in the middle when it comes to wood fencing. Choosing the right type of wood for your fence is the first step in making sure that you have all the benefits a wood fence can offer. USE WOOD FENCES FOR DIFFERENT PURPOSES Wood fences are versatile and give you choices that fit your needs. One fence can cover many of your household's needs to save you money. A solid wood fence achieves the highest amount of privacy. For the most privacy, the fence should be tall enough to prevent a person of average height from peeking over it. The height of the fence depends on the level of the ground surrounding the fence. A tall, solid wood fence gives your home a high amount of security. When people have a hard time seeing through your fence, they'll be less likely to trespass, since they won't know what's on the other side. The fence makes it harder to access your yard. You can keep your children and dogs safe by having a wood fence installed that's solid or that's semiprivate. A semi-private fence has staggered panels that let in light while preventing kids and dogs from exiting the yard. Garden protection can be achieved with a lattice fence. This fence has a diamond pattern that allows the garden to still get plenty of sunlight while keeping pets and other animals out of the garden area. Boundaries can be created in different parts of your yard with the use of a wood and mesh fence. This type of fence can border off areas you want to deliberately separate in an inexpensive way. Since the mesh allows you to see through the fence, you can achieve boundaries without making your property appear smaller in size. When you are ready to discuss your fencing options, you can contact us now. Here at West Georgia Fence, we're happy to answer any questions you have and help you with all your fencing needs.

If you've decided to have a wood fence installed, then you've made a great decision. Wood fences offer you many benefits. Decide on whether you want to let the fence age naturally, stain it, or paint it. Each option will come with its own considerations you should mull over. Here are some things to think about when determining which route is best! Allow Your Wood Fence to Age Naturally If you've ever stopped to admire a fence allowed to age naturally, then you know how charming they can be. Also, the idea of having a wood fence installed and never needing to do any maintenance to it can be tempting. After time, the fence will start to break, and you'll need to replace boards or be faced with having the entire fence replaced. When you replace boards on a weathered fence, it'll be hard to find ones that match. If you choose a quality wood, even an unmanaged fence can still last for years. Keep in mind, as the fence ages, you should count on it less for important tasks, such as containing a dog. Light Cedar can be a good option for a wood fence you plan on allowing to naturally age. This wood option will eventually end up having a grey color to it with a silver sheen. Consider going with a picket or semi-private fence when you plan on allowing it to naturally age. A solid fence can end up looking sloppy as boards change shape and separate from one another. Paint Your Wood Fence Painting wood fences used to be the more popular choice before so many stain products came onto the market. The paint was used to offer homeowners a way to liven-up what would have otherwise been a plain or uneven looking fence. Now, painting a fence is something people do when they want to achieve a very specific look, such as a fence that perfectly matches the trim of their house. Painting your fence allows you to be 100 percent in control of what it looks like, but you need to be prepared to repaint it at least every few years. The constant exposure to the sun, wind, rain, and snow will take its toll on the paint and cause it to crack and peel. Repainting the fence comes with a lot of preparation, as you'll need to begin the job by removing the current coat, sanding the surface, and finally applying the new paint. While you can hire someone to paint the fence to get out of doing it yourself, the fact that you'll have to do this so often can eventually become a financial burden. Stain Your Wood Fence Stain gives the wood a beautiful sheen and shade of the homeowner's choosing while allowing the natural wood grains to still show through. You can go with a clear stain that shines up the natural wood's look or change the wood's color and shade. Stains can also help to protect the wood from things like sun and water damage, keeping the fence in good shape longer. While a stain also needs to be redone, it doesn't need touch-ups nearly as much as pant will. When a stain needs retouching, it has simply faded, unlike paint that will show significant visual damage. Preparations for adding a new coat of stain on a wood fence are also easier than for repainting the fence. To re-stain the wood you simply need to clean the surface of the fence, then apply the stain according to the instructions. Go with Vinyl Fencing You have another option available to you if you want a fence that looks like wood. A vinyl fence can offer you a wood appearance in the color you want without worrying about maintenance issues. If you're ready to discuss your fence needs, you can contact us now. We'll be happy to answer your questions and help you choose the best fence.

A fence is a great investment. Not only will it add privacy and security to your home, but it can also increase your home's overall appeal and value. Of course, certain fencing materials are more beneficial than others. While it is a great deal more durable and easier to maintain than wood, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) fencing still requires cleaning and maintenance to maintain its function and appeal. Here are a few tips to help you clean and maintain your new PVC fence. Routine Clean No matter how durable the PVC material is, your fence will get dirty over time. Grass clippings, dirt, mulch, pine straw, pollution, and various types of weather will affect the look of your PVC fence. Thankfully, cleaning off slight dirt, dust, and discoloration does not require a lot of effort. In most cases, using your garden hose to rinse off the fence periodically will be sufficient. A heavier accumulation of dirt, dust, or mud may require a more powerful cleaner. Use a cloth or non-abrasive sponge and a solution of laundry detergent and water to wash your fence. Then, rinse off any remaining dirt and soapy residue using your garden hose. A solution containing water and baking soda can also be used to scrub away stubborn stains on your PVC fence. Mold/Algae Removal If you notice patches of green, brown, or black growth on the fence, you may have mold or algae growing. Removing this growth is imperative, since it will continue to grow, weakening the structural integrity of your new fence. Bleach diluted in water is a common solution, since it is capable of killing mold and algae quickly. However, bleach can be too harsh to use on a fence that is surrounded by landscaping. To protect your lawn, flowers, trees, and shrubs, consider a natural solution containing vinegar and water. Combine equal parts of white vinegar with water in a spray bottle and douse the solution onto patches of mold or algae. Recent studies have shown white vinegar is capable of killing 82 percent of mold spores, so it is a great option for removing mold and algae from your fence without harming your landscaping. Miscellaneous Maintenance Your PVC fence will stand the test of time, but that does not mean it will not change over the years. PVC can expand and contract in different types of weather, so you may notice some changes as the temperatures fluctuate. For example, PVC can become a bit brittle in extremely cold weather. This will make your fence more susceptible to damage. During the winter season, make sure to protect the fence from snow, ice, and tree branches that may fall. Shovel snow off the fence as soon as possible and trim any trees that are hanging over your fence. As the PVC expands and contracts over time, check the gate to ensure it lines up with the rest of the fence. You may need to adjust the gate hinges at some point in time. If any sections of your fence feel wobbly due to the freezing/thawing of the ground, backfill the posthole with gravel, soil, and concrete to make it more secure. Or contact your contractor for help reestablishing posts. PVC does not rust, but the metal connectors used to install the fence panels are susceptible to rust and corrosion over time. Inspect the connections periodically for signs of distress. If they appear rusty or are loose, consider replacing them. Finally, use caution when mowing your lawn and landscaping near your fence. Mowing too close to the fence is risky, so most people use a weed eater to cut grass around their fence. This is also not recommended, since the string and blades of a weed eater can damage the PVC material. For the safest removal of grass around your fence, consider installing post guards and using extreme caution when weed eating around the fence. Removing all vegetation from the ground where your fence is located is also an option. ​ For help with your fencing project, whether it be the initial installation, maintenance, or repairs, contact West Georgia Fence today.

If you have a pool in your backyard, you want to make the area as safe as possible. According to the CDC, 10 people accidentally drowned in the U.S. per day from the years 2005 to 2014, and your pool is just as much of a risk factor for drowning as any other body of water. The best way to make your backyard pool safe and to protect your family (and anyone who visits) from accidentally gaining access to your pool is to properly fence the area off. Here are fencing options for your pool.

You usually want to keep three factors in mind when preparing your property for renters: curb appeal, functionality, and cost. When selecting a fence for your rental home, keep these factors at the forefront of the decision-making process, and read on for some more tips. Target Demographic You probably have an ideal tenant in mind, such as a young couple or a young family. Use information about this target demographic to help narrow your fence selections. For example, if you're marketing your home to families with school-aged children, you need to make sure the fence is durable. The Atlanta metropolitan area offers children the luxury of playing outside all through the year, and it is fair to assume that a great deal of this playtime will be spent in the backyard of the home. High-energy play sessions could send the children, and even balls or other toys, slamming into the fence. Wood is a highly durable option that can withstand the impact of this type of activity while remaining intact. Pet Policy Are you planning to allow pets at your property? If the answer is yes, then potential renters will appreciate a fenced yard that keeps their dog secure and safe. If pets are your main concern, then you should probably stay away from a chain-link fence. Chain-link is versatile and affordable, but it's easy for a larger dog to climb up a chain link fence and ultimately escape the yard. Also, the wide-open design of chain-link may be problematic for an overly excited or aggressive dog. Remember that any noise complaints about the tenants’ pet will come to you, not the tenants. A vinyl fence or wood fence is better for pets since both vinyl and wood are virtually climb-proof and restrict the dog's view outside the fence, which can minimize excessive barking. Maintenance Commitment Just how committed are you to maintenance? The property, including the fence, needs to look acceptable while a tenant is living there as well as after they've moved out and you're looking for a new tenant. Given the elevated humidity levels in Georgia, this climate can create challenges for some fencing structures, namely metal selections like chain-link or wrought-iron. If you want to install these types of selections, be prepared to re-apply a protective sealant and re-paint the sealing from time to time. If you have multiple rental properties or don't have much time to commit to maintenance, a vinyl fence might be a better solution. Vinyl can easily withstand the constant exposure to the extra moisture in the air and doesn't require any maintenance aside from damage repair. Community Guidelines If your rental property is located within a subdivision or other homeowners association governed community, don't forget to consult these boards when considering fence installation. These organizations will typically have strict rules about the height, design, and sometimes even the material of the fences allowed in the community. Rather than have the fence constructed only to discover that it is out of regulation, get this information from the HOA before you start the project. Even if you don't live in one of these communities, there are still regulations. For instance, residential fences may not exceed eight feet in Fulton County. If you hire an experienced local fence contractor , they should be able to help you understand the local regulations. Depending on your needs and goals, there is a lot to consider when choosing a fence for your rental property. So don’t forget to rely on professional help. Whether it's your rental property or your own home, contact West Georgia Fence for all of your fencing needs.

Few things are as discouraging as making the decision to upgrade a part of your home or yard, only to be confronted by a neighbor or city official about a problem with your plans. Fortunately, you can prevent these kinds of delays during fence installations by doing a few things beforehand. Here are three easy ways to prevent fence disputes.

There's a reason why chain link is one of the most popular fencing options for homeowners; this material is inexpensive, low maintenance, and easy to install. With proper care and maintenance, your chain link should last a few decades or even longer, especially if your fencing is powder-coated to protect the metal construction. Like any fence on your property, certain precautions should be made to preserve the life of your chain link fence. This guide can help you maintain your new chain link fence so it lasts as long as possible.

If wooden privacy fences are provided with proper care, they can last for many years. Once every couple of years, you should renew and rehabilitate your wooden privacy fence. This will help preserve your fence's attractive looks as well as keep it sound and sturdy. Here are three things you can do that will keep your wooden privacy fence updated from a cosmetic and structural perspective. 1. Renew the Exterior Finish One of the most visible acts of maintenance you can perform is renewing the exterior finish of your privacy fence. Privacy fences are often left unfinished when first installed, but leaving your fence unfinished may cause damage from the elements to occur at a faster pace. The natural, brown surface of a wooden privacy fence will gradually turn gray if left exposed to ultraviolet rays of the sun and other environmental forces. Fortunately, the gray layer is only the topmost surface level and there is fresh wood lying just beneath it. Therefore, it is helpful to occasionally strip the gray layer from the fence to restore the wood's natural look. The easiest and fastest way to get rid of the gray is by using a power washer with a 40-degree tip to remove this layer. Be sure to keep the tip moving constantly across the surface of the wood and avoid holding the spray in one place for too long so that scarring doesn’t occur. Once the gray has been removed from an area of the fence, move on to the next section and keep spraying until all gray discoloration is gone. You can quit at this point if you wish, but you can also apply a stain to the wood to provide a longer lasting finish. You can purchase fence stains from a home improvement center or hardware store. 2. Repair Cracks and Splits As privacy fences age, wood can dry out and result in the formation of cracks and splits. These fissures are more than cosmetic problems, and they can actually permit the introduction of pests and accelerate wood rot. A potential pest problem is one of the reasons it is helpful to seal up cracks and splits with a durable, exterior wood filler. Select a wood filler that’s the same color as the fence and fill the openings. Once the filler has dried completely, you can sand the fence, if necessary, to blend the repair. Finally, you can apply a wood sealer or stain over the site to promote the repair's longevity. 3. Straighten Sagging Fence Gates Another problem that a wooden privacy fence can have is sagging. This is particularly problematic with gates, especially those that are wider than just a couple of feet. Sagging gates need to be fixed before they fall apart or cause damage to the fence. The first step in straightening a sagging gate is to measure the diagonal length of the gate. Next, purchase a gate repair turnbuckle that is the same size as the diagonal measurement; these items can be purchased at a home improvement or hardware store. Once you have the gate repair turnbuckle in hand, securely attach one end of the turnbuckle to the opposite lower corner. Next, attach the other end of the turnbuckle to the opposite diagonal corner. After both ends of the turnbuckle are in place, begin to slowly tighten the turnbuckle to pull the corners closer together. Be sure to take your time and constantly check the square of the gate with a measuring tape or carpenters square. If the gate begins to sag again in the future, just tighten the turnbuckle on a periodic basis to maintain its shape. If you need help with maintaining or installing a wooden privacy fence, or if you have any additional needs concerning fences, be sure to contact West Georgia Fence for assistance. Their team is ready to help you with all your fence-related concerns.