Wood or Metal: Which Fence Fits Best?

May 24, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

Creating privacy in your yard can be as easy as installing a fence. However, the costs and time associated with fence installation can be difficult. Fencing a yard does increase the property value and overall aesthetic appeal of the yard. Choosing a wood or metal fence can be a difficult decision; a chain link fence with slates has a different appeal than a cedar wood fence. The information below will discuss the pros and cons associated with choosing wood or metal for your fence.

Why Choose Wood?

A wood fence is a popular choice for many homeowners because it comes in a variety of styles. Wood fencing can be installed by a homeowner with basic tools like a hammer and nails. This makes wood an easy material to use, and it is quite easy to find wood for your fence. You can choose to purchase large panels from home improvement stores, or you can easily acquire cheap wood from salvage yards.

Wood fencing provides a solid barrier for privacy. This can protect a homeowner from trespassers, issues with animals, and other concerns. If you have a pool in your backyard that you don’t want visible to neighbors, a wood fence is an ideal solution for privacy.

Depending upon the look you desire, wood fencing can be painted, stained, or left to have a natural look. Since wood is a natural material it is considered a renewable source. It gives a home a unique look compared to other fencing options.

The cost of installing a wood fence can be more expensive than other fencing options. The cost will ultimately come down to the installation. A homeowner that chooses to build their own fence will save a lot on labor costs. Professional installation of a wood fence can cost upwards of $4,500 for 300 feet. Multiple home improvement stores will sell wood panels in a variety of sizes and styles for about $60 for 8 feet.

One of the biggest downsides to wood fencing is the weather. If you do not take care of your fence, it can be susceptible to damage from the weather and other elements like insects. Heavy wind can be a concern as it can blow a wood fence over. If you live in an area with high winds, make sure the fencing posts are secured properly to prevent it from blowing over.

Why Choose Metal?

A metal fence can be a wise option for individuals seeking to save money on fencing. Chain-link fencing is a popular option for homeowners that need to fence off their yard. It does not always look as appealing as other fencing options. Chain link fencing doesn’t provide privacy. There are multiple styles available for metal fencing including wrought iron, chain link, and aluminum.

Chain link fencing can include plastic coating, which will help it to blend in a little more than the silver metal color. If you want a yard where plants can grow right next to the fence, a chain link fence is a wise investment. It is easy for climbing roses and other plants to bond with the fence, which can provide a natural-looking privacy barrier.

The upside to metal fencing is that it withstands the elements well. Most metal fencing will not rust and it will not require yearly weather-guard treatments. Metal fencing can also withstand problems related to high winds. Metal is quite strong and doesn’t have problems holding additional weight if necessary.

Which Fence is Best?

Consider the cost and landscaping elements that are required before installing either a wood or metal fence. It also helps to meet with landscapers to discuss the overall look that you want your home to have.

Byline

Dillon Francis writes on home improvement, construction, renovation & remodeling, interior design, exterior planning and other related topics. To further educate yourself on fences view the selection at Houston Fence Companies.

Filed Under: Landscaping Outdoor, Ponds-and-Waterfalls ·

All You Need to Know About Vinyl Flooring

May 21, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

Vinyl flooring has been popular for decades because of easy installation, resilience, low cost and softness underfoot. Vinyl flooring is easy to clean and long lasting.

Vinyl flooring is sold in sheets or tiles. Vinyl flooring is made out of tiny bits of vinyl that are processed into squares or sheets through the application of pressure and heat. When it first became popular, it came in familiar but uninspiring greens and beiges but now can be bought in many patterns and colors. It can be made to mimic stone, terrazzo, wood and other far more expensive materials. Vinyl flooring can even be made to look like metal. Whether a homeowner buys vinyl flooring in sheets or tiles will depend on the sort of traffic expected. Tiles are less expensive than sheets and are easier to install. Sheets require a certain level of precision, as a whole sheet of vinyl can be ruined if it’s cut improperly. This is especially true of patterned vinyl.

Tile is also more resistant to dents from furniture. If it’s damaged, individual tiles can be replaced easily, which isn’t as true of vinyl bought in sheets. Still, casters should be placed under the feet of furniture and it’s a good idea to use mats or area rugs to keep the vinyl from being damaged or dirtied. The mats and area rugs should be made of materials that “breathe” to keep the vinyl flooring beneath from becoming discolored. Vinyl can be textured or smooth. Smooth vinyl can be cleaned up easily but can also show grime and is subject to scuffing.

Vinyl floors are desirable because they can be installed on any sort of grade and can be laid on an existing floor without having to take up the old materials. However, some types can’t be installed on concrete that’s lying directly on the ground. The homeowner should also make sure that if they chose to take up the old flooring, it doesn’t contain asbestos. Asbestos was a popular material in flooring before 1980. Asbestos is harmless until disturbed. Asbestos then scatters fibers into the air that can be breathed in. If a homeowner is worried that the old flooring has asbestos, he or she should have it tested. If there is asbestos, then a professional contractor will need to be hired to remove it.

Caring for vinyl floors is easy. They should be vacuumed or swept regularly to get rid of grime that can scratch the vinyl. Vinyl floors should also be mopped with a solution that’s half hot water and half vinegar or ammonia. Harsh cleansers need to be avoided as they can etch the vinyl. An unsightly waxy buildup can be removed by rubbing one part rubbing alcohol and three parts hot water. Paint thinner or hot water with bleach can be used to erase tough scuffmarks or stains. The homeowner should always use a clean white cloth to scrub a vinyl floor.

Byline

This piece was contributed by Arnold Pratt is a freelance writer who focuses on home improvement, renovation & remodeling, home construction, floor installation, foundation repair and other similar topics. To learn more about home improvement visit homeexteriorsystems.com/hardie-plank-installation.

Filed Under: Home Improvement ·

Sprinkler Tips for the Super Ambitious Gardener

May 20, 2013 by · Leave a Comment

Installing an underground sprinkler system can cost homeowners upwards of $2,000. If you already have established landscaping, moving your sprinkler system can be tedious. It is a good idea to consider using an above-ground watering system to save money. If you have a variety of flower gardens and vegetable gardens, getting adequate water to your plants is vital. Here are some tips on how to create a high-quality sprinkler system that requires little maintenance.

Locate the Pipes

For an underground system, the first thing you must do is locate the gas pipes, water pipes, cable lines, and any other underground systems. You need to be very careful when digging around these areas as it could cost you thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Create a Map

To add an elite sprinkler system to your yard, create a map of the gardens and where the water must reach. Certain gardens will require more water than others, as is the case with flower gardens and vegetable gardens. Add different control valves to the gardens so they can receive adequate water without overwatering other areas.

Determine the Sprinkler Heads

Different sprinkler heads will produce varying degrees of water to the yard. It is important to examine the different sprinkler heads so you can choose the one that will properly cover the garden. Full circle heads are commonly used for large areas of grass, but they are not always the best choice for a garden. Consider using one of the following for proper garden watering:

Pop-Up Sprinkler

This sprinkler head will pop-up from the system and water spray reaches about 3-15 feet. They normally pop up about three to twelve inches from the ground and will fall back once the water is shut off from that line. New models of pop-ups allow for adjustable trajectory nozzles, matched precipitation, and other settings. This can aid in conserving water while also properly watering your garden area.

Gear-Driven Rotors

If your garden is on a hill, or it has a lot of clay, use this sprinkler head. This will work better for water absorption because it has a lower precipitation rate. They look similar to a pop-up head, but they slowly shift left and right, and can spray out about 18-55 feet. The nice aspect to a gear-driven rotor is that it requires little maintenance as the body never clogs like other sprinkler heads do.

Soaker Hose

For a garden system that requires continual watering, add soaker hoses. You can connect a soaker hose directly to an automatic sprinkler line. The hose should be strung along a long garden, such as roses near a fence line. This will help provide proper watering to the flowers, and it does aid in reducing water loss since the plants will soak up the water immediately. Soaker hoses come in a variety of sizes and work perfectly for flower beds.

Trench Watering

Many gardeners prefer a system that floods trenches near their plants. For the ambitious gardener, trench gardening is an ideal solution to water your plants daily. Many home improvement stores now sell hose systems that you position over each trench. During the evening or early morning hours, the hoses will flood the trenches for about twenty minutes. The plants will drink water from the trenches, allowing them to grow properly. The trenches should be about 6 inches deep to allow plenty of water to pool for your vegetable plants.

The right sprinkler system will give your garden adequate water, providing you with healthier plants and vegetables. If you are struggling to manage your system, consider hiring a professional to move water lines and help you create a watering system that works for your yard.

Byline

Rick Ryan is a freelance writer based in Phoenix, Arizona who concentrates on home improvement, gardening, home construction, home maintenance and other assorted topics; he is an expert on sprinkler repair in Phoenix.

Filed Under: Garden & Landscape ·
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