To Fence or Not to Fence

Depending on the community in which you live a fence could be either a necessity or simply a preferred add on. While some people are certainly fence lovers, others might still be "on the fence" as far as installation is concerned. 

To help make the decision a bit easier, we're listing a few advantages and disadvantages of fencing in your property below:

Advantages
Privacy: Blocking out the view of neighbors makes room for more dinners out on the patio and games of Marco Polo in the pool without the feeling that you're sharing every moment with your neighbors.

Safety & Security: Not only can a good fence block in your possessions and keep trespassers out, it can also give you peace of mind when it comes to ensuring pets and small children are safe in the backyard. 

Noise Barrier: Especially if you live near a major highway or traffic area, a fence can help to contain some peace and quiet for your property. 

Design: There is a great decorative value to a fence installation, as well. With the right materials and set up, a fence can be a bold statement piece or subtle addition to your landscape and general home design. 

Disadvantages
Maintenance & Upkeep: If your not big on yard work or landscaping, you might not want to fence in your property if you don't really need to. Certain fencing materials require regular painting or staining and keeping the lawn mowed and branches from hanging becomes a bigger priority when protecting a fence from potential damages. 

Compromise: A new fence installation and boundary details may require your neighbor to get involved. Unfortunately, negotiating fencing agreements could get tricky and could sometimes have a negative impact on your neighborly relationship. 

Cost: As with all home improvement options, there is going to be an expense involved. While the benefit may out way the cost for many, it might not make the most sense in your particular situation. 

Fence Factory is a leading supplier of fences in New York's Westchester County and Connecticut's Fairfield County. For updates on fencing products, installations and more, connect with us on social media. LIKE us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter and add us to your circle on Google+. 

#DIY: How to Install Your Own Fence

At Fence Factory, we know that some homeowners are up for the challenge! That's why we provide you with the fencing material and DIY instructions here »

See a quick breakdown of how to build your own fence below:

1. Gather your tools! You'll need the following:

• Saw (Circular saw for wood, Jig saw for vinyl)
• Level
• Post Hole Digger
• Digging Bar
• Drill
• Hammer 
• Tape Measure
• Shovel
• String Line (Mason Line)
• Metal or Wood Stakes (For string line)
• Concrete (bagged premix or traditional)
• Screws (For wood fencing)

2. Prepare for installation. 

A few things you'll want to consider are the purpose of your fence and the total footage of fencing needed. If your fence is primarily for privacy you might choose a different material than if it's for decoration. You'll also want to prepare your site by calling 811 and locating your underground utilities. Local zoning codes should also be considered. For more on pre-installation fencing steps, click here »

3. Get to work!

A fence installation can be completed in three main steps.

1. Set up the line: String lines are used to ensure that your fence will be set up in a straight line. Pound your wooden or metal stakes into the ground past the proposed beginning and end location and stretch the string tightly between the stakes. Posts should then be set in the ground right next the the string line. 
2. The "On Center" measurement of your fence describes the distance from the center of one post to the next. If your "On Center" measurement is 96", mark every 96" with spray paint.  Using a post hole digger and bar, dig a hole on every mark with a diameter the size of each post. 
3. Place a post in the hole and hold the level tool against the side of the post. Move the post toward the string and recheck with the level. Keeping the post about 1/8 of an inch away from the string, have a helper pour a bag of pre-mixed concrete around the posts and add water - hold still. Attach the section to the post and fasten depending on the fence type. Repeat until all posts have been installed. 

Fence Factory is a leading supplier of fences in New York's Westchester County and Connecticut's Fairfield County. For updates on fencing products, installations and more, connect with us on social media. LIKE us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter and add us to your circle on Google+. 

Planning for Your Barbed Wire Fence Installation

Do you have farm animals that need to be protected from outside harm? You might be looking into barbed wire fencing! Since slightly more difficult to install than other fencing, you might need advice on how to begin planning your new fence installation. 

Here are four main points you'll want to consider: 

Calculate the quantity of fencing material needed. Before you even order the fence, you'll want to know how much you actually need and what you can expect it to cost. Start with an accurate map of your land and identify your property lines.

Determine height and strength. Do you have animals that will attempt to jump the fence? Will a cold winter climate and heavy snowfall make it easy for animals to climb an otherwise strong fence. Instead of going for the cheapest option, make sure you clarify your needs so you are purchasing a fence that will be effective. 

Where will lanes and gates go? Keep in mind that straight lines require a smaller amount of fencing material and are therefore less expensive to create. You will also need to consider any water sources, including ponds and streams. 

Calculate the cost. Though price will vary based on the type of barbed wire you choose, the average is said to be $100 per acre. Find an easy to use fence cost calculator from the University of Kentucky here »

Fence Factory is a leading supplier of fences in New York's Westchester County and Connecticut's Fairfield County. For updates on fencing products, installations and more, connect with us on social media. LIKE us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter and add us to your circle on Google+. 

Pros & Cons of Aluminum Fencing

Considering aluminum for your new fence installation? You'll want to gather all of the facts before wrapping your property in this high quality material. 

Advantages

• Since aluminum is one of the most corrosion-resistant metals, your fence will never crack, peel, rust or bubble. Even lawn chemicals and moisture produced by rain and snow are no match for the all the mighty aluminum. 
• You can choose from a number of colors and designs. Black and decorative or beige and classic? You decide. 
• Extremely long-lasting and 100% recyclable. An Eco-friendly option you can depend on. 
• Maintenance can be as simple as a periodic hose down. 

Disadvantages

• If you live in a region that experiences heavy storms, aluminum might not be your best bet. Due to it's malleability, aluminum can be easily bent, dented, etc. 

Ready to fence in your yard, your pool or maybe just your garden? Call Fence Factory today! We are a leading supplier of fences in New York's Westchester County and Connecticut's Fairfield County. For updates on fencing products, installations and more, connect with us on social media. LIKE us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter and add us to your circle on Google+. 

Caring for Your Fence Through the Cold

We've seen a lot of rain this winter, but what happens if it snows? Cold months can pose harsh conditions for your wooden fence. Here's some simple tips for protecting it:

Clean out the spaces between your fence posts. When fallen debris, such as snow and leaves, becomes trapped, additional moisture will build where the wood is weaker - causing it to becoming moldy or rot. 

Keep the cement footing of your fence free of debris and dirt, as well. Allowing moisture to build up at the bottom can cause soil to shift,  which in turn will cause the fence to shift. Without proper care you may notice the structure of your fence is out of line come the spring. 

Trim back your branches. Keeping limbs that hang over your fence short will prevent damage to your fence from falling. When snow builds up, tree bark becomes weaker and could potentially wreck the structure of your fence if it breaks off. 

Fence Factory is available for your wood fence installation or repair. For updates on fencing products, installations and more, connect with us on social media. LIKE us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter and add us to your circle on Google+. 

ActiveYards Fencing FAQ

If you appreciate the finest detail in a quality product, you might be interested in vinyl fencing from ActiveYards. It is maintenance free and guaranteed never to rot, peel or rust!

No brainer, right? We're answering some FAQ's below to seal the deal:

Does a high quality fence from ActiveYards cost more?
The fence panels themselves might cost more but you'll probably find a good balance overall when you factor in the cost of installation and value. Installers often charge more for low quality fencing because it may be harder to put together.

How can I purchase an ActiveYards product?
ActiveYards delivers their products to homeowners through authorized ActiveYards dealers, like Fence Factory. You can browse products on the corporate site and order it through your local dealer. You will not, however, find ActiveYards products at a big box home improvement store. 

What makes ActiveYards a premiere fencing solution?
The product is engineered in such a way that you enjoy both quality and performance in the style you want it. 

For a complete list of frequently asked questions, click here »

Fence Factory is a leading supplier of fences in New York's Westchester County and Connecticut's Fairfield County. For updates on fencing products, installations and more, connect with us on social media. LIKE us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter and add us to your circle on Google+. 

Vinyl Fence Repair & Replacement

It's the pristine and clean white color that makes vinyl fencing so attractive to homeowners. It's the picket white fence fairy tale, without all the maintenance, but do you know when your vinyl fence is ready for a replacement?

So you can keep your property protected and appealing, we're giving you a guide to everything vinyl:

Go for quality: When you are choosing your material and your installer, you want to make sure you are choosing well. Low quality vinyl fencing will not last and poor installation will leave you with a crooked unsightly appearance the glorious vinyl is not meant to offer.  

Be kind to its color: Vinyl fencing is susceptible to yellowing from sun exposure, which unfortunately can not be removed. If your fence has become too discolored and you don't want to undertake the maintenance of repainting your fence, you are going to have to go ahead and get a new one. As for water stains, there are rust-removal products on the market. You'll just need to ensure they are vinyl-safe. 

Check for parts: If just a few panels or pickets are damaged or missing, you might be able to replace just those few pieces of your fence. If your vinyl is more than a few years old, however, matching pickets may not be available. Otherwise, your only option may be a full replacement. 

Whether you choose to repair or replace, remember all vinyl material is recyclable! Dispose of your fencing the green way. 

Fence Factory is a leading supplier of fences in New York's Westchester County and Connecticut's Fairfield County. For updates on fencing products, installations and more, connect with us on social media. LIKE us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter and add us to your circle on Google+.