We have finally incorporated our own Blog into our website! Thus to keep consistency, we decided that all future post will be made at our own website: www.naturalartfence.com
Natural Art Concrete Fence
Beautify your home
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Monday, November 10, 2014
Fence Height, How much is too much?
For many people who are seeking to erect a new fence or
replace their existing fence, the question of fence height often comes to mind.
"How high can I go?"
To modern families and households, security and privacy is a
major concern. If possible, many people will choose to go as high as they can
when it comes to fencing.
Well, to determine a proper fence height, there are few
factors to take into considerations:
1. Local Fencing Bylaw
Most cities have fencing bylaws that dictates the maximum height for a fence on the property.Here are the general rules of thumb for residential housing:![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGluljF7sUtMLY4IUn-BgHfJ9LPXjMpY-72FqyKLXehAQhr2GAQNawJkYV_TwqW3FImQPmC8xdA-yzi_-kVJtw8q0Np7NtEzHH4Vy-KliA8Kgo2-MszZWRSr0o2XIBdx8_umJF3LBHQLE/s1600/Fence-Height-Diagram.jpg)
Max Height on back side of property: 1.8 – 2.0 metre (6 – 6.5 ft)
Max Height on the interior lot line (the two sides up to front of
house): 1.8 – 2.0 metre (6 – 6.5 ft)*Up to front of house, not property
Max Height on the exterior lot line (the two sides up from front of
house to front of property): 1.0 – 1.3 metre (3 – 4 ft)
Max Height on front of property: 1.0 – 1.3 metre (3 – 4 ft)
2. House Location
Depending on the location of your house,
there may be additional considerations required in terms of fence height.
Corner House: If your house is at the
corner of a street, there are additional requirements for the fence in the corner.
Usually, cities would require you to keep maximum height of the fence to less
than 1 metre (3 ft) for a distance (measured from the corner) up to 6 metre (18
ft) on either side. This is to minimize view obstruction for vehicles. Also,
some cities may require the fence flanking the street (besides the street) to
have a max height of only 1.3 metre (4 ft).
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Housing beside highways |
House besides Highway/Major Roads: If your
house is beside a highway or a major roadway, you may be able to go higher on
your fence height restrictions. This would be area specific and you would need
to find out more information from your local municipality.
House besides commercial/industrial zones:
Houses besides commercial/industrial zones may be able to increase its maximum
fence height depending on the type of operation in nearby zones. Please check
with local government for such eligibility.
3. Costs and Availability
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10ft high concrete fence: Natural Art Concrete Fence |
One thing to consider when wanting to go for
a higher fence is cost. Since 4, 5 and 6 ft high fence is the market standard
height. The material pricing of these fences is usually very competitive and
economical. You can likely find many fencing suppliers and contractors who have
inventory stocked. Typically, going higher than 6’, the material price of the
fence escalates drastically as they become non standard and may require
customization.
So keep in mind that you may require a much
bigger budget for a fence going over 6 ft.
So what if you are determined to have a fence beyond the
height restrictions?
Typically, cities allow you to apply for a variance permit
that allows for a higher fence on your property. In the application, you much
state clearly the reasons you require a higher fence. Once approved, than you
can hire contractors to build the fence.
Since a new fence is not a small purchase, many fence
suppliers and contractors may offer flexible payment options; this is
especially beneficial for those opting for a higher fence.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Can I have a Fence Installed in Winter?
Yes, period.
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Natural Art Concrete Fence: Fence installed in Winter |
it may actually be beneficial to install during the winter. Many fencing contractors operate year round and business often slows down during colder months as weather sours. As a way to keep their workers working and paid, many contractors actually charge bargain prices (sometimes at cost!) just to make up for slow business.
It is true that winter weather can hinder a fence installation. This is due to two main reasons:
1. Rainy weather or wet conditions that causes soil to be wet. The ground in this case will not have a chance to dry out. The ground condition will be muddy and the holes will likely be filled with water. This is not a condition to pour concrete footing for the posts. A weak post foundation could mean problems down the road. And yes, problems usually means more money out of your pocket.
2. The ground is frozen. Try digging a hole when the ground is frozen. This is back-breaking stuff. Not fun at all.
The first problem is unavoidable. So be it.
However, the second problem is usually more of an issue to people installing their own fences than to contractors. Digging through frozen ground with a shovel can be brutal. However, many contractors have machine powered augers or other tools to help them dig. How many residential owners can say they have an auger in the shed?
Keep in mind that installing your own fence in Winter condition can be hazardous as the ground are wet and slippery. Leave it to the professionals who has been doing this for a living!
www.naturalartfence.com
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Got Green On Your Mind?
No, we are not talking about money! When we speak 'Green', we are talking about being environmentally friendly!
Ever wonder about the environmental impact
building a fence could have? Sure it could vary from companies manufacturing
them and from material they are made out of. However, lets have a general
overlook based on how the materials used are manufactured and maintained.
Wooden
Fence may have the perception of environmentally
friendly material, but if you take a closer look, you will see why this is not the case. From the harvest of trees, to the production of cut up wood
pieces, and finally, the manufacturing of wooden fences, chemicals are treated
on almost every chain of the process to shape and preserve the product. It does not stop there. Once the
wooden fences are set up in your backyard, the process of maintaining the fence through repainting, sealing and termite repellents to keep the fencing looking new requires ever more chemical products. Not all chemical products harm the environment. It is important to take some time doing your research to find out whether the chemicals applied to your fence will do any residual damage to the environment.
Concrete
Fence is generally considered to be environmentally
friendly. Although few chemicals are added into the production of precast
fences to help cement, water, and aggregate mix well, concrete fence productions
generally have minimal chemical usage. As for maintenance, no chemicals are
needed to treat rust, pest, and splinter or warp problems that other types of
fences may have.
Vinyl
Fence uses PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) plastic.
Depending on where you stand, you could argue whether it is good or bad for the
environment. PVC is the by products of oil and chlorine, which gives vinyl
fence their attribute of environmental durability. Vinyl fence requires minimal
maintenance, as it does not rot, rust, split or warp, hence little chemical
required. However, according to Green Living Tips (linked below), PVC is
difficult to recycle, and is considered a contaminant in other recycling
streams. Currently, less than 1% of all PVC in the world is recycled.
Steel
Fence, like concrete fence, is generally considered
to be environmentally friendly. Typically no chemicals are not added during
production or used for maintenance. Steel fence are manufactured through
bending and welding of steels. As a result, chemicals are not required in most practices.
Most steel fences are temporary set ups and they are easily recyclable.
There you have it, next time when you are
building that fence of yours, think about its environmental impact!
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