Fundamentals Of A Solar Gate Opener

Solar gate openers can be used alone or as a backup to electric systems. Here are some things to know when considering adding a device to your gate.

The power of the sun has been harnessed for use in a variety of daily applications, replacing expensive and complicated electrical systems in an environmentally friendly way. In some cases, however, solar power can work as a backup system for electronics in case of a power outage. Solar panels are a cost-effective solution for use as battery chargers, swimming pool heaters and landscape lighting, to name just a few of the dozens of options.

Another vital task well-suited to solar power is opening gates at residential or commercial buildings. Regardless whether the gates are in place for security or aesthetic reasons, they require the convenience of access without leaving one's vehicle. Gates may be swinging or sliding and may use solar power exclusively or as a backup. This also will depend on a gate site's proximity to an electrical source.

Swing gates tend to be less heavy than sliding gates and so are better suited to having solar power as their sole source. Sliding gates use a chain for movement, requiring a greater power draw. Solar openers can be used on both single- and dual-arm gates.

The panel included in a solar opener kit contains the cells that gather the sun's rays and converts them to power. Many people might worry the panel will be large and unsightly, but that is not usually the case. The panels are small and can be tucked nearly out of sight so they don't interfere with the decorative look of the gate. Still, they must be installed in a position that allows them to take maximum benefit of the sunshine.

Unrivaled Fence Security

Concertina wire may have a pretty name and come in attractive rolls such as this one, but its purpose is all business. Adding a roll of this razor-sharp wire to the top of your fence offers supreme security and peace of mind….read more

Differences Between Farm And Ranch Fencing

Whether raising chickens on a farm or cattle on a ranch, farmers want to protect their investments while keeping them happy and safe. When it comes to making the right fencing choices, it really all comes down to scale.

Let’s start with the different types of fencing used on a farm. Here, the animals are smaller, but they still create some unique challenges.

Goats, for example, are climbers and escape artists. Their ability to find routes over or under their fences means they need a taller fence – at least four feet – and one that goes all the way to the ground. Wire mesh is a good option for both goats and sheep as it contains them safely while preventing predators from entering their pens.

Pigs are known for their intelligence, and their weight adds to the challenge. They will find a weak spot in a fence and prod at it with their noses until they create an exit. Many times electrified wire is recommended for pigs because after they receive a shock they won’t soon go back to that spot. Pigs also like to chew, so a heavy-gauge wire is essential.

Form and Function Combined

Form and function often get combined in fencing, as this attractive, rustic pen demonstrates. The stained wood blends naturally into its surroundings and the wide mesh fencing is clean and orderly. Fencing as well-designed as this surely has a place on your property….read more

Benefits of Card Reader Gates for Your Company

As a company owner there are a lot of little details you have to worry about. One of those details is how your employees are going to get in and out of your building. Save yourself some anxiety by installing card reader gates. There are many benefits to card reader gates including the few mentioned below.

Card reader gates make less work for you as a company owner. Every time you hire a new employee or an employee is no longer working for you, you can easily delete or add someone to the system allowing him or her access. Regardless if your company consists of five people or 100, card reader gates are adaptable to many sizes.

They are also great due to the security they provide. Because every employee has to scan their card upon arrival, you are able to see who is coming and going. This can come in handy if you were to ever run into a security breach or some form of theft.

A Fence for Privacy and Beauty

This wooden fence proves that beauty and functionality are not mutually exclusive. The tightly placed wooden pickets provide full backyard privacy, while the framed fence topped with decorative lattice adds some beauty to the space….read more

Five Benefits of Fences You May Not Have Known

Most people know that fences can provide privacy. However, that’s not all they offer. Here are five additional benefits of fences.

Security – From automated security fences to the typical privacy fence in the backyard, fences provide security for your home.

Beauty – Available in a wide range of styles and materials, fences can be customized to compliment the style of your home and landscape. From ornate iron fences that surround a yard of winding paths and carefully planted gardens to a rustic wooden fence intertwined with wild flowers, fences can beautify a landscape.

Noise Minimization – Whether you need to mute traffic noise from a busy street behind your house or minimize the sound of an air conditioning unit next to your patio, fences can help. Installing a wooden fence can offer some much needed respite from unwanted noise.

Zaun supplies French prison with new fences

A Wolverhampton-based security fencing manufacturer has been exporting its expertise across the English Channel to secure a prison in the north of France…..read more

Difference Between a Diamond and Round Rail Fence

When choosing fencing options for your property, it can be hard to know what will work best. Knowing the difference between diamond and round rail fencing can help narrow down your search.

Round Rail Fencing

A rustic, natural option, round rail fencing is useful for enclosing large areas and keeping horses, cows, or other livestock corralled. Consisting of rounded posts and rails, it is a popular choice for farms or other properties with large acreage that need fencing to delineate boundaries and create a barrier for animals or crops. The secure fit of the posts and rails makes for a sturdy and durable fencing option. Most round rail fences are made of pressure-treated wood posts, but galvanized metal posts are a popular choice as well.

Diamond Rail Fencing

An attractive alternative to round rail fencing is diamond rail fencing. The diamond effect is achieved by using square posts and rails that are attach edon their side, giving the posts a diamond-shaped look. Treated wood posts are a popular choice for diamond rail fences, but vinyl posts are also an option that is well liked among homeowners for their low upkeep and striking, clean look.

A Fence Like a Winding Path

Form meets function with this unique winding fence. Like a fine sculpture, this fence boasts beautiful lines, fine details, and an open view. Meandering through the landscape, it leads the eye to the distant horizon….read more

Advantages of Chain Link Fences

Are you looking for an affordable, functional fence? In the world of fencing, chain link fences offer a great alternative to higher-priced models. Chain link fences have several advantages over other types of fencing:

• Affordable

• Durable

• Versatile

Durability:

Chain link fences are quick to install and easy to maintain. After the posts are installed, unrolling and securing the chain link is a quick task for an experienced installer. Quick installation means less disruption to your life. Unlike wooden fences that need ongoing maintenance, chain link is a fix-it and forget-it kind of fence. Once installed, it requires little to no maintenance. These fences are also long-lasting. Many can go decades without needing any attention.

Versatility:

Whether you need to fence your backyard to keep your dog in or the local wildlife out, a chain link fence is a hard-working option. Designed for functionality, the crisscross metal lattice design is great for keeping animals where you want them to be. Able to be installed without gaps below it, chain link is an optimal fence for keeping small animals on the right side of the fence.

Natural Geometry

This horizontally-oriented fence encloses a yard in clean geometry and naturally-hued wood. Fencing your property should be pleasure, not a chore. The privacy and aesthetics that a fence such as this can provide will turn your backyard into a sanctuary…learn more

Benefits of Vinyl Fences for Your Outdoor Pool

Owning a pool gives you and your family something to do together and brings people together for parties and other events. However, you want to make sure that your property is protected and out of the view of your neighbors. There are many benefits of vinyl fences for your outdoor pool.

Durability:

One of the most desirable traits of a vinyl fence is how durable they are. Vinyl fences are known for not twisting, splitting or warping in hot or cold weather conditions. Many vinyl fences are so durable that manufacturers offer substantial warranties on them. No matter what climate you live in, vinyl fences are the prime choice.

Little to no maintenance:

Those that own a vinyl fence love the fact that it doesn’t require any staining, painting or sealing in order for it to continue to look nice. Because vinyl fences have no exposed hardware, there is little chance of snags and cracks that need to be fixed.

Color variety

When vinyl fences first became available, white was one of the only color options available. Now available in a number of common exterior colors you can easily match one to your home.

2015 Arlington National Cemetery Project

NAFCA is making a difference, and you can be a part of it!  Join the crew gathering on Friday, March 27th 2015 at the Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center in honoring U.S veterans....read more

Types of Wood for Fencing Solutions

Wood fences can be a great choice for any space. With a wide variety of options, there’s sure to be a choice that fits your aesthetic and budget. When deciding between the different materials available for wood fences, it’s important to keep in mind your climate, price point, and the maintenance level involved.

Cedar:

Cedar is a very popular choice for wooden fences. It is characteristically low-maintenance, does not warp or shrink, and offers a pleasing aroma. However, it is usually more expensive than other material options.

Cypress:

A popular alternative to cedar posts, cypress is resistant to bugs and can have small knots throughout the wood, adding character to your fence.

Pine:

A well-liked choice for fences, pine is relatively inexpensive and pressure-treated boards will help the wood to deter insects and stave off decay.Pine is especially good in areas with more rainfall as the pressure-treated boards help repel water. Properly treated pine boards can also last for decades.

Redwood:

Because of its beautiful deep red color and natural durability, redwood is a popular fencing choice. Redwoods are also highly resistant to rot and infestations, but they are typically the most expensive fencing option.

When installing a wood fence, you’ll need to remember to apply a waterproofing solution to help the wood repel water, maintain its characteristic color, and to prevent rot. Taking proper care of your wood fence will help your investment to last longer and preserve its beautiful character.

A Zen-styled Fence

Soft wood and custom framing give this fence a decidedly zen feel. With clean lines and the light look of unfinished wood, it is an ideal backdrop for a landscape of layered greens and brightly-colored flowers....read more

Residential Fences to Consider for Your Home

A fence can help corral pets and children, prevent wayward wanderers from entering your yard, and it can also be a beautiful asset to your property. Finding the right fence for your home may depend on your budget, property size, and the fence’s main purpose.

Wood:

Wood fences are a popular choicefor homeowners because of the visual appeal they can add to your home. They can alsocreate privacy, help muffle nearby noise, and they are cheaper to repair if they are damaged. The price for wood fencing can vary depending on the type and amount of wood, and although they may be cheaper upfront, wood fences do require much more maintenance than other fencing options, which can add up over time.

Vinyl:

Requiring little to no upkeep, vinyl fencing is a popular option for its durability and pleasing look. Vinyl can be difficult and costly to repair, however, and expensive to install. Vinyl provides a clean look for yards while also giving homeowners some seclusion and the ability to block out noise.

Chain link:

A very inexpensive and low-maintenance fencing option, chain link fences are incredibly utilitarian. They do a good job of keeping pets and children safe and offering peace of mind for parents and pet owners.

Wrought Iron Elegance

The strength and heft of iron is what makes it such a timeless material. This spear-shaped wrought iron fencing in a luxurious black coating adds class and grace to any yard or park. Imagine the visual boost it will give to your property...read more

Mix and Match

The perfect combination of fencing is matched by a verdant mixture of lively plants, bushes and flowers. Your tennis court or sports area can also benefit from a highly functional chain-link fence paired with a more elegant wooden perimeter fence...read more

Steel Fencing to Enhance Security and Maintain Visibility

Fences come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and materials. Common materials used to build fences include wood, vinyl, chain link and steel. Steel fencing has many advantages for your property including prime security with a good amount of visibility.

Steel fences come in an array of heights allowing you to choose something that is difficult to climb. They are also known for their strength, which guards you from burglary and at the same time the perfect fence for keeping pets in your yard. If you are looking for something to guard a business building, steel fences are the prime option because they can easily be topped with spikes or other security devices to keep intruders out.

Installing a steel fence is a great way to add style and elegance to any property. It allows those that are within the fence to continue to see the world beyond the fence, but it also lets the outsiders behold the beauty within the fenced area. If you are looking for something that offers a lot of privacy, a steel fence isn’t for you.