Fence Supply Inc.

Fence Supply Inc. - wood, iron, chain-link, PVC, and farm-and-ranch fencing; iron handrails, posts, and gates; PVC handrails, posts, and gates; gate operators; access control; kennels

(972) 226-0004

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Archives for Learn

How to Install a Safe-T Rolling Gate

February 6, 2014 by Learn

1. Set gate posts 6″ wider than required opening. Build gate frame 12″ wider than opening between gate posts.

Gate and fence posts installed

Gate and fence posts installed

Chain-link fence fabric installed

Chain-link fence fabric installed



2. Mount track brackets to gate posts and line posts with U-bolts. Tubular portion of bracket should be about 12″ from ground on bottom and about 12″ from top of fence.

Track brackets installed

Track brackets installed



3. Cut 1-5/8″ O.D. pipe track to fit on outside of track bracket sleeves, top and bottom. This forms continuous track. Level and align to ensure smooth roll.

Rail track installed

Rail track installed



4. Attach double-wheel carrier to gate then install rear wheel bracket assemblies, leaving clamps loose, and hang gate on track. Adjust and align for smooth ground roll. (8″ wheels work better on uneven ground.) Balance and align, making sure weight is evenly distributed on both track wheels. Tighten rear wheel clamps.

Rolling gate installed

Rolling gate installed



5. Install offset latch to fence post.

Offset gate latch installed

Offset gate latch installed



6. Your Safe-T Rolling Gate is now installed.

Installation complete

Installation complete


Main Components

 

Filed Under: Chain-Link Tagged With: chain-link, fence, gate, how-to, install, installation, instructions, roller gate, rolling gate, safe-t rolling gate, sliding gate

Which Vinyl Fence is the Best?

February 5, 2013 by Learn

Which vinyl fence is the best? The short answer is, it depends. It depends on your needs, your budget, and other factors. There are many different types of vinyl according to make, design, and composition. To help you decide, here are a few points that you need to consider in your choice:

Cost vs. Quality

Cost is most customers’ biggest constraint in choosing the right vinyl fence. You should know how to estimate the cost per linear foot.  The cost considerations you need to take into account are the cost of vinyl, the cost of labor and installation, and the cost of the supplies to be used. If you need to rent equipment, you should also add this to the total cost.

Though prices may vary per state, the average cost for vinyl materials – posts, pickets, caps, and others – is about $40 to $50 per linear foot if you use mid-grade vinyl. Post concrete installation costs about $10 to $20 per post.  Labor costs are about $20 to $30 per linear foot. If you add 30% for supplies and unforeseen materials needs, you will get a total of $98 to $144 per linear foot. This does not include the cost of any equipment you might need to rent.

If you are looking for low-cost fencing, there are vinyl-coated products that cost much lower than the all-vinyl fences. If you are aiming for a quality fence, then you should choose high-grade vinyl products, particularly those that are weather resistant. So before going to your supplier and picking the right vinyl fence you should first decide what your budget is, and then shoot for the highest-quality materials you can afford.

Type of fence you need

There are vinyl materials available for every type of fence you might need. It helps to know the type of fence you want to install before going to your supplier and deciding on the vinyl fence material that you will buy. Some of the common fence types are:

1.  Privacy fence – are designed with no gaps to give privacy.  Since the pickets for these types of fence are placed next to each other, they will cost higher than your average vinyl picket fences, because you’ll need more of them.

2.  Semi-privacy fence – in this type of fence, pickets are placed on top of each other or with only small gaps in between them.  Unlike the privacy fence, this type will provide a a balance of privacy and unobstructed views. Semi-privacy fencing costs higher than your average vinyl picket fences.

3.  Pool fence – the main purpose of this type of fence is to keep young children and animals away from your pool. Vinyl is ideal for pool fencing since it does not rust.

4.  Picket fence – this is the regular type of fence where pickets are spaced according to your desire.

5.  Rail/ranch fence – this type of fence is also termed as “agricultural fencing.”  Vinyl designs for this type fence are available, although they may not be found at your regular supplier.  Agricultural vinyl fence types are usually sold in specialty stores.

Your unique needs

When choosing your own vinyl fence, you have complete creative control. There are lots of different designs of vinyl that are available, such as those that are designed to look like wood or iron. There are also various colors, two-tone designs, and see-through vinyl designs for your choosing. Let your imagination run wild, and don’t be afraid to make several visits to your fencing supplier before you choose the perfect fence for you.

So now you know that “What vinyl fence is the best?” is not the right question to ask.  Instead, ask yourself:

What type of fence do I need?

Which fence design do I have in mind?

How am I willing to spend for my vinyl fence?

Filed Under: Vinyl

Are All Vinyl Fences the Same?

February 4, 2013 by Learn

Plastic has been around for a while, and has brought us many benefits in the form of durability and functionality. The use of plastic as fence materials but was too susceptible to sun damage. This problem was solved when polyvinyl chloride (vinyl) was introduced. Vinyl stands up against the sun, and can be manufactured in many different fence styles and uses. We guarantee there’s a vinyl fence style for any need.

Design

Vinyl is the fence material with the most number of designs.  The main colors of vinyl fences are white and tan, but it is also available in other colors and designs. There are wood-like designs, iron-like, and two-tone vinyl.  Whatever you’re looking for, you can be sure there’s a vinyl style for it. There are even see-through vinyl fence types!

Composition

Not all vinyl fences are manufactured with high quality. There are some fence materials that are only vinyl-coated and are less durable than the full vinyl materials. In order to properly make this choice, you should ask your supplier regarding about vinyl materials they are providing.  Be sure to let your suppliers know the type of vinyl you want buy.  For durability, you should opt for full vinyl, but if you are more interested in cutting costs, then you should choose vinyl-coated materials.

Make

You can choose the type of your vinyl fence according to its make. There are privacy fences, semi-privacy fences, pool fences, picket fences, or rail/ranch fences.

Vinyl privacy fence – if you value your privacy and would like to have a backyard where you can spend time with your loved ones away from the notice of prying eyes, the vinyl privacy fence is ideal for you.  The tongue-and-groove design of this type of vinyl seals the outside world off from view.

Semi-privacy vinyl fence – if you would like a little privacy but don’t want to fully obscure the beauty of your home, use semi-privacy vinyl fence. This type of vinyl is designed so as the pickets are overlapping,  allowing a small gap in between them.

Pool vinyl fence – to keep your young ones away from the pool and prevent accidents, pool vinyl fence offers you a sturdy, water-resistant solution.  This type is usually manufactured using 1.5-inch-to-3.0-inch-wide pickets which are spaced 1.0-inch to .03-inches apart.  The usual height is around 3-6 feet.

Picket type vinyl fence – The classic American white picket fence, updated for today’s durable materials. Vinyl pickets are usually manufactured in 6 inch pickets which make them less prone to wind impact.

Rail/ranch vinyl fence – this type is most applicable in agricultural use. Rail/ranch vinyl fences are also available in various designs such as wood-pattern, or more. This type may not be readily available in your local supplier since they are usually sold only in specialty stores.

With this many choices you will have the exact vinyl type for your fence needs. Just be certain that you are purchasing from a trusted supplier in order to get assurance that you are provided with quality products.

Filed Under: Vinyl

Vinyl for Pool Fencing

January 24, 2013 by Learn

Do you need a fence for your pool? (The answer is yes; many municipalities require some kind of fence for any property with a pool, for safety.) Then one kind of fence you should consider is vinyl. There are many advantages when using vinyl. Here are the qualities of vinyl that makes it a better choice for pool fencing than other fence materials:

Vinyl’s durability

Unlike wood, vinyl will not absorb moisture and it will not rot. Since what you are about to install is a pool fence, you can safely assume it will see its fair share of water. With poolwater and rainwater coming at it, you need to make sure your fence will be able to resist water, more than your usual privacy fence. Vinyl also doesn’t have a problem with termites.

Being resistant to water is also a characteristic of vinyl that makes it more durable than metal fences for your pool area.  When subjected to water, metal will rust, but vinyl will be just new as the day you installed it.

Vinyl’s flexibility is another characteristic that makes it more durable than other types of fence materials.  It will not easily snap and it will not easily break.  This gives vinyl added resistance, durability, and will give you peace of mind.

Vinyl’s stable coloring

Wood will give you the rustic feel that vinyl may not be able to perfectly achieve, but vinyl’s coloring will last longer since it has the same color inside and out. This makes it ideal if you want to maintain the look of your fence despite the weather and water that it is exposed to.  But be sure that you choose the right type and coloring of vinyl since there are some that may fade when subjected to harsh weather conditions.

Quick and easy install

Do you need to install your pool fence in the quickest possible time?  Then vinyl is the right choice for you.  You need no hammering, no welding, and no finishing when you opt to use vinyl pool fence.  Thus, vinyl is your quickest choice for a sturdy fence.

Lower cost

Vinyl offers the lowest cost for each fence foot in your pool.  The material itself is cheaper than wood and metal. The labor cost will also be significantly lower since this type of fence is easily installed.  Since vinyl can be purchased in the color of your choice, you have saved yourself from finishing costs. Vinyl is also resistant to weather and water so you will need no repainting and only low maintenance for this type of fence. Vinyl saves money, time, and a lot of effort on your part.

Health, safety and environment

Vinyl is made of non-toxic materials and it also needs no painting, so it is more environmentally-and-health friendly than other materials. It’s likely that children will play and run around your pool.  Vinyl’s flexibility offers a cushion for impact in case they bump into your fence, making it a much safer material compared to the hardened wood and metal.

If you are an environment-conscious person, you may think that vinyl is a hazard to environment since it is made of plastic.  In fact, vinyl can be used for a long time and once it depreciates, the material can be recycled and put to good use again, making it much more desirable to wood, which is more difficult to recycle, and metal, which is cumbersome and a pain to work with.

Filed Under: Vinyl

Are Chain Link Fences Good Pool Barriers?

January 2, 2013 by Learn

Are chain links good pool Barriers?  The answer to this is yes.  Due to the alarming statistics of fatalities caused by drowning on yard pools, erecting barriers around these areas are recommended, and in most municipalities, required for pool owners.  Children below five years of age are the ones most prone to accidental drowning.  A chain link fence installed around your pool is the best way to keep your loved ones safe, because they are:

  • Cost efficient – chain link fences costs less than most fencing materials. They no painting to be done, unlike other types of fencing materials.
  • Easy to install – ease in installation is also one of the advantages of chain link fences. Other fence types would require more leveling and aligning work compared to chain link fences.
  • Durability – chain link fences are weather resistant. This attribute makes them ideal for the pool area where there is a greater chance of exposure to water.

Having chosen chain link fences as your pool fence, you also need to know how to childproof these fences.

Mesh size

The mesh size of your chain link fence should be smaller than what is commonly used.  For standard use, chain link has mesh that is sized from 2 inches to 2 3/8 inches.  What you would want to use around your pool area should be smaller than this.  The advisable mesh size is 1 ¼ inches or smaller. This would prevent your toddlers from injuring themselves in the wires.

Height

The height of your chain link barriers should at least be 4 feet. This height would be enough to keep your children from going over the fence.

Picket distance

The pickets or poles supporting your fence should no more than 4 feet.  This would provide the ideal support for your chain link since the lesser the spacing between your pickets, the more resistant your fence is to banging.

Chain link gates

Your chain link gates should have the same height, mesh size, and picket distance as with your chain link fence. Another thing to always keep in mind in installing your chain link gates is that they should open away from your pool area.  The reason behind this is that, when children are confronted with barriers, they would most likely push (pulling would be less tempting to your toddlers) against it. Having gates that open out would be more resistant to accidental openings.  This positioning would help in case you forget to latch your chain link gate.

Self-closing hinges and self-locking latches

These types of hinges and latches will help enhance the security and reliability of your chain link gate.  These components will eliminate the margin of error should you ever forget to close and lock your chain link gate.  You can rest easier, knowing your children and your property will be safe.

For all of these reasons, chain link fences are some of the best options for pool fences.

Filed Under: Chain-Link

Chain Link Fence for Commercial Dog Kennel Applications

January 2, 2013 by Learn

You love your dog, and you want the best for it. That’s why you wouldn’t think of keeping it in a place where it would be uncomfortable or unhappy. If you have a commercial dog kennel, whether you sell pets, train dogs, breed dogs, or even if you’re a pet sitter, you’ll have to think about kenneling options for the dogs under your care. And one of the best options for kenneling dogs remains chain link fence.

Dog kennels should be comfortable.

Big kennels with chain link fences keep dogs happy and stress-free. Dogs like to be able to see their surroundings, and other fencing material, such as wood or plastic, are either less secure or will make the dogs feel claustrophobic. The dogs will enjoy plenty of the views and breezes that chain link fences provide.

Dog kennels should be clean.

Because of its minimalist construction that absorbs no moisture, you won’t have to spend any more time than you need to in cleaning a kennel with a chain link fence. Wood absorbs moisture, and gets dirty fast. You’ll need to spend a lot of time treating and maintaining other materials, but chain link fences are basically set-and-forget.

Dog kennels should encourage or allow interaction.

It’s better for the dogs if they can see who’s coming and going; it’s also better for your peace of mind to be able to see the dogs. With chain link fences for your kennel, you can tell at-a-glance how your dogs are doing and if they need anything. The dogs will be less stressed as they are able to interact with each other and their surroundings, leading to an all-around happier time for everyone.

Aside from being the ideal material for kennel fence construction, chain link is one of the most economical choices available.  It is also easy to install, cutting down on labor costs.  These fence materials have minimal maintenance costs. Chain link is a wise investment choice for kenneling your dogs, no matter what business you’re in.

Filed Under: Chain-Link

Chain Links for School Fences and Other Campus Facility Use

January 2, 2013 by Learn

Throughout America, it’s pretty much guaranteed that people’s schoolyard memories involve some sort of chain link fence. And with good reason, too: schools, municipalities, and sports facilities all over the country turn to chain link fences when they want security, durability, safety, and cost savings.

Campus fence

Chain link is an ideal fencing material for schools. Installed properly, they form a secure barrier, keeping out unwanted visitors while keeping your children safe. Chain link fences will clearly mark the boundaries of the school grounds. Chain link fences are the most economical fencing choice for large institutions, and once installed, they rarely need maintaining. Dollar-for-dollar, chain link fences provide the ultimate in safety, security, low maintenance, and cost savings.

Barriers other than line fences

In addition to the property line, most institutions need fences for traffic control, and other area markers. Chain link fence provides the same benefits here as it does for perimeter fencing: easy visibility, high security, low maintenance, and low cost.

Court enclosures

If your property has sports facilities, you’re going to need a chain link fence to enclose them. Chain link fence is strong enough to withstand even the biggest balls (and bodies) a sport can throw at it without damaging. Chain link fence offers unobstructed views for spectators while keeping them safe at the same time. And all the benefits mentioned above — low maintenance, low cost, security, etc.–still apply.

As you can see, virtually any outdoor area where you need to keep secure at a minimum cost can be served by a chain link fence. Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”  If you invest on knowledge, you need a safe, secure place to learn. Chain link fences will do that job.

Filed Under: Chain-Link

How to Install Razor Wire

January 2, 2013 by Learn

Razor wire provides the ultimate in security and safety for your property. When criminals see a fence topped with razor wire, they’ll think twice about trying to get into your property. Razor wire makes chain link fences virtually unclimbable; people will move on to easier targets when they see your razor wire.

If you’re in charge of a razor wire install, here are some tips to help everything go smoothly. Our biggest advice: be careful! Razor wire can cause sever injuries if you’re not careful, and needs to be handled accordingly.

Length of the razor wire

Before proceeding to the installation, you should first estimate the total length of the razor wire needed to cover the entire area of the fence that you want to equip. To get the total length of the wire you need the following measurements:

RazorWire3

An example of razor wire showing three parallel (straight) wires.

 

1.  Parallel wire length (PWL) which is the total length of wire placed horizontally above your fence.  These are usually composed of three wires placed on parallel lines with at least a 1 foot distance from each other.  To compute the total wire length for this, use the following formula:

Parallel wire length = fence perimeter length x 3

2.  Coiling wire length (CWL) which is the total length of the wire placed on the parallel wires.  Use this only if you chose to install the said coiling wires for added security.  Compute for the wire length as follows:

Coiling wire length = Coils per foot x fence perimeter x average length per coil of wire

As a result the total wire length needed in your installation will be equal to the combined length of the PWL and CWL.  Don’t forget to use feet in all wire measurements.

Install razor wire braces

Razor wire braces are usually placed on top of each fence pole tilted 45 degrees toward the outside of your property. This will make your fence nearly impossible to climb.

Install razor wires

You will need to install the parallel wires first.  To do this, take one end of your razor wire and attach it securely to a corner post brace.  Stretch your wire on a straight line and tie it to each brace until the entire perimeter is covered.  Do this two more times in order to complete the three-parallel-wire installation.

Then install the coiling razor wires by tying each coil onto the installed parallel wires.  Make sure that each coil runs from the bottom to the topmost parallel wire. Do this until the entire perimeter is covered.  Cut the razor wire on ends if needed.

A team of three to five would be advisable to handle this job.  While installing your razor wire, don’t forget to ensure your safety and the safety of those people working with you. Proper tools, protective gear and secured ladders should be used.

Filed Under: Chain-Link

Tennis Court Dimensions, Fence Layout, and Material Estimation Guide

January 2, 2013 by Learn

To successfully plan the installation of a chain link fence around a tennis court, you should first determine the length and width of your fence. In order to do this, you should acquaint yourself with the standard tennis court layout and dimensions.

From the net, the service lines should be placed at 21 feet in both directions. Then another 18 feet is provided from the service line to the base line which results in a measurement of 39 feet spreading on each side of the tennis court, or a total of 78 feet court length. The total width of the tennis court is 36 feet.

In order to give the players adequate playing ground to chase the ball, a setback of 21 feet on both directions is provided before the back screen, and a setback of 12 feet is provided for the side screen on each side of the court. This gives you a total screen length of 120 feet and width of 60 feet, which is the dimension of your fence line.

Please see illustration below for a better understanding of the tennis court dimensions. Bear in mind that the base back screen and the side screen is what your fence will be installed on.

Chain link estimation

The next measurement that you should take into consideration is the height of your chain link fence.  The usual height of a tennis court fence is 10 feet. You could have a shorter fence height on the area in between the two service lines, which measure at 42 feet on each side. In these areas your fence could be as low as 6 feet.

Based on the figures above, what you will need to buy is a taller chain link with a dimension of 218 feet by 10 feet, and a shorter one with a dimension of 82 feet by 6 feet. All of the following figures will be based on these 10-foot and 6-foot measurements.

Fence posts estimation

You will also need to buy fence posts with heights in accordance with the chain link fence.  These posts will be buried about 4 feet for corner posts and about 3 feet  for line posts, and spaced on average 8 feet apart, except for the gate posts. With the standard dimensions of a tennis court, you will need the following:

1)      4 corner posts with a length of  14 feet;

2)      26 line posts with a length of 13 feet; and

3)      8 line posts with a length of 9 feet.

Note:  All measurements above are based on the dimension of tennis courts for official use.  Should you decide to install a court within your yard for personal use, shorter chain link and court dimensions may be applied.

Filed Under: Chain-Link

How to Pick the Perfect Chain Link Fence

January 2, 2013 by Learn

If you’re responsible for choosing a chain link fence, you’ve probably discovered that it’s not as easy as going to your fencing supply warehouse and telling them how much fence you need. There are different materials, types, and varieties of chain link to choose from, and one size definitely does not fit all.

Chain links are commonly classed based on the type of coating applied to the wires, the gauge or size of the wire, and the sizes of the square or diamond mesh.

Basic wire materials

There are three basic wire materials to choose from for your chain link fence: zinc-coated wires, aluminum wires, and stainless steel wires.

Zinc-coated, or galvanized, wires are dipped into zinc and galvanized using two different approaches. One is to galvanize after weaving (GAW), and the other is to galvanize before weaving (GBW).  There are many different opinions on which type to use since, GAW chain link fence may have uncoated portions where the mesh touches, while GBW chain link fence will have uncoated portions at wire endings. More people would recommend a GAW finish.  Despite this, both types are expected to last at least 12 years with no maintenance needed. This makes  galvanized chain link fence appropriate for use on residential or private property enclosures.

Aluminum chain link fence has the advantages of being corrosion-resistant, weather-resistant, lightweight, long-lived, and of having a high tensile strength. The coating process is the same with that of the galvanized wire. This type of chain link fence is recommended for commercial or public use such as on school grounds or on a ranch. Due to its durability, aluminum chain link fences are expected to last up to 25 years, even in harsh weather conditions.

Stainless steel wires are the most durable of all chain link wire materials and as a result, they have higher costs. This type has high alkali resistance, can sustain high temperatures, and is also resistant to harsh weather conditions. Additionally, stainless steel wires are not prone to breakage, rolling, or sagging, which enables them to retain their shape over long periods of time. This chain link fence type is recommended for high-grade enclosures or barriers such as those on airports, highways, railroads, and other applications which require high-level performance.

Additional wire coating materials

To provide additional durability and enhanced aesthetics, many decide to coat their chain link fences with paint. Although this is more economical, paint is prone to cracking and peeling which would require cheap but frequent maintenance. Paint will only be of service for around 3 to 5 years.

Plastic coating is another way to add color to your chain link fence using polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. When properly applied, PVC will not easily crack or peel.  As a result, your chain link fence will have lasting protection again rust, scratches, and other physical deterioration. The PVC will also provide additional aesthetic quality to your fence since these materials naturally shine and come in various colors.

Wire gauge and wire mesh sizes

Wire gauge and mesh sizes depend on the security risks and the anticipated tension your chain link fence may bear. In choosing your chain link fence, pick those with smaller mesh sizes and wire gauges as security risks and anticipated fence tension increases.

Filed Under: Chain-Link

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Sunnyvale, TX 75182

 

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Fence Supply Inc. - wood, iron, chain-link, PVC, and farm-and-ranch fencing; iron handrails, posts, and gates; PVC handrails, posts, and gates; gate operators; access control; kennels
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