Residential Chain Link Fence Pro's and Con's
Written by webtechs

How Much Does Fence Installation Cost?

Safeguard your property and enhance your home’s curb appeal in a single shot by having a new fence installed. The average cost for fence installation ranges from $1,667 to $4,075, with a national average of $2,871 in 2021.

From chain link to vinyl to picket, fences are a time and tested way to enhance a home’s curb appeal, corral pets and children, and discourages unwanted guests.

Fences can spruce up a property and increase a home’s value. Installing a fence could be more affordable than you expected, subject to the materials.  Fence installation costs between $13 to $50 per linear foot. Wooden fences less costly than metal fences, but a lot of homeowners enjoy a low-maintenance vinyl fence, also. Whether you’re thinking about installing a full-privacy fence or a classic white picket fence, below are the top factors to examine when having a fence installed.

Factors in Calculating Fence Installation Cost

Homeowners can anticipate materials and labor to each make up at least 50% of the total cost for fence installation, according to HomeAdvisor. The size of the area being fenced in is also going to impact the cost, so it’s a good idea to measure the area first. If the area being fenced is cluttered or there are the presence of rocks or roots in the ground, it could cost more to adequately dig holes for the fence posts. In a lot of areas, you are going to require a building permit or approval from your homeowner’s association.

Building Permits

A professional local fence installer is going to know if local building codes require a permit to install a fence. There could be restrictions concerning the fence’s height or the materials being used. Typically, a building permit cost around $400 to $800.

Labor

Fencing a property is a laborious project, so labor usually makes up 50% of the total cost. Labor rates differ based on the fencing material and how much work it will take for the installation of the fence posts. anticipate paying between $30 to $80 each hour for the building of a fence. A lot of professional fence installers can complete 150 to 200 linear feet in about 20 to 35 hours.

Fencing Materials

Whereas a wood fencing is a standard choice, vinyl is fast becoming a more favorable choice. Other options include chain link, wrought iron, aluminum, or steel. Installing a chain-link fence is the least expensive option at $17 per linear foot, whereas a wrought iron fence is more costly at $40+ per linear foot.

The Fence’s Location

It usually costs more for installing a fence in a rural area because the materials and laborers are required be transported from a different area. Many materials also cost more subject to the region. When a fence is located in an area that’s hard to reach, there may be added fees for location obstruction. Overgrown trees, narrow space, and parked vehicles can affect the ease of access.

Ground Condition and Trees

Occasionally, trees might need to be removed for fence installation, in which would be an additional expense. A considerable root system is going to slow down the digging of fence-post holes, in which increases labor expenses. The same holds true for rocky ground or present concrete. When bedrock is located at the post depth, additional equipment is going to be required for boring through it.

Additional Fence Costs and Considerations

  • Landscaping
  • Removal of Old Fencing
  • Gates and Posts
  • Utilities

Residential and Commercial Fencing Mesa | Construction – Special Events – 24 Hour Emergency Fencing Phoenix

Using A Chalk Line For Fence Installation
Written by Craig B

Installing a Wrought Iron Fence on Your Own

Installing wrought iron fences requires some effort, tools, and knowledge, and we’ll show you how to do it in this piece. It may be a great weekend DIY project! Continue reading to find out more!

Examining the Building Codes

Building codes may apply in some areas, governing the type, placement, and height of fencing. This is especially true if you live in a homeowners’ association. This forethought could save you a lot of trouble in the future.

Planning and Measuring

The next step is to pick where your new fence will go, how tall it will be, and what design you want it to be. This is a great opportunity to get underground utility lines marked so your post holes don’t end up in the wrong spot.

Obtaining Materials and Equipment

To build a wrought iron fence, you’ll need various materials in addition to the posts, panels, and gates. Fasteners, post hole diggers, shovels, a level, tape measure, stakes, twine, screwdrivers, wheelbarrow, gravel, and fast setting concrete are among the tools needed.

Using Stakes to Create an Outline

Set pegs to help you check your new fence’s dimensions and angles are correct. Place the stakes at the corners and where the path changes. Wrap and tightly stretch your string around each of these stakes to illustrate where the fence will go.

Post Hole Digging

Post holes should be dug at corners, on both sides of fence panels, and at the ends of fence panels. The majority of post holes should be 2 feet deep and 6 inches wide. Fill the bottom of the post holes with about 2 inches of gravel before adding your quick set concrete. Mix your concrete in your wheelbarrow once you’ve dug all of your post holes. Make sure your concrete isn’t too damp because it’ll help keep your posts straight in the holes.

Fence Post Installation

Place the post in the post hole first. After that, fill the hole with concrete. When the concrete is about 4 inches from the top of the hole, stop pouring. After that, a worker uses a level to confirm that all of the posts are straight and in accordance with the rest of the fencing. The top 4 inches of the hole are filled loosely with earth once the posts are straight and the concrete is holding them up. After the concrete has cured for about a week, you may begin attaching your wrought iron panels.

Putting Up Panels

Wrought iron fencing is made up of panels that fit into the posts you’ve already put. Screws or bolts are used to secure the panels to the posts. Attach the top bracket first, then the lower bracket, after aligning the panel brackets with the posts. Carry out the same procedure for all of the fence panels.

Hanging Gates

Hanging your wrought iron gate is the final step in installing your wrought iron fence. The majority of the time, this will be a pedestrian-only gate. If it’s a driveway gate, you’ll almost certainly need the assistance of expert installers to get it put properly. This is particularly true if you’re installing a motorized automated gate.

Residential and Commercial Fencing Mesa | Construction – Special Events – 24 Hour Emergency Fencing Phoenix

Written by Craig B

Wrought Iron Railings Can Be Painted

Preparation

Failure to clean thoroughly prior can result in problems due to underlying rust. Begin by removing the larger chunks of rust and flaking paint from the fence with a wire brush. Sand the railing with medium-grit sandpaper to remove the remaining peeling paint. This also contributes to the creation of a good rough surface. After that, sweep the area and use soapy water to clean the railings. You can start setting up tarps and dropcloths, as well as attaching tape around the bottoms of the railing, after drying the metal with a clean, dry rag. Apply a rust-inhibitive primer now that your surface is ready. Allow one to three hours for the primer to dry after applying an even layer.

Painting

Begin applying exterior rust-inhibitive enamel paint once the surface is totally dry. Try to avoid using a single heavy coat of paint. Instead, use many light layers to get a more equal finish and avoid bubbling and subsequent flaking. A more typical color choice is black paint, however brighter metallic colors can provide a fascinating contrast to the surroundings. The most common finish is semi-gloss or gloss, but you can also choose with a flat or satin finish.

Preventing Rust

Metallic surfaces are more prone to rusting and chipping, especially when exposed to the elements. Fortunately, homeowners can take efforts to minimize the damage by taking preventative measures. Wrought iron fences should be washed twice a year with soapy water. Annually, clean the railings with a mixture of lemon juice and white vinegar, then buff any scratches or rust marks with steel wool. It’s possible that you’ll need to touch up a few spots with matching paint. You can also apply a coat of auto wax once it dries to help seal the rails against moisture. Iron railings rarely need to be sanded and repainted more than once every six years if they are properly maintained.

Residential and Commercial Fencing Mesa | Construction – Special Events – 24 Hour Emergency Fencing Phoenix

Written by Craig B

Restoring Wrought Iron

Wrought iron can last a lifetime but it does need maintenance on a regular basis. It is susceptible to rusting that over time can destroy the material, rendering it weak and unusable. The following steps will help you to restore anything you have made from wrought iron.

Wrought Iron Restoration Process

  1. Firstly take a dry wire brush and scrub the wrought iron to remove any flaking or rust that is loose.
  2. Take a dry paintbrush and do over the wrought iron so tiny flakes of rust or dirt are removed.
  3. Use sandpaper to remove rust further as well as any loose paint or flaking. Start with coarse grit sandpaper and then move to medium grit.
  4. Grab a bucket and mix commercial rust remover and water. Follow the instructions on the bottle of remover to obtain the right mix.
  5. Take a wire brush and dip it into the solution. Then scrub the remaining sports with the solution using a circular motion. Make sure you remove the entire rust. Even a small spot left will spread and grow in the future.
  6. Use a paintbrush to remove the remaining rust residue. Take a fine steelwool pad and once again clean in circular motions restoring the appearance of the iron.
  7. Get a sponge and wet it with plain water. Then use the sponge to wipe the wrought iron removing further residue.
  8. Let the surface dry.
  9. Apply a coating of rust primer to the wrought iron and allow it to completely dry.
  10. Apply two coats of rust resistant paint. Use small and medium strokes with a medium-sized paintbrush.
  11. Let the paint dry fully between coats.
  12. If you do not want to repaint the entire wrought iron structure, just touch it up with paint that matches.

Residential and Commercial Fencing Mesa | Construction – Special Events – 24 Hour Emergency Fencing Phoenix

Cleaning Wrought Iron
Written by Craig B

Cleaning Wrought Iron

If you’ve found this post, you’re wondering how to clean wrought iron. Wrought iron is an aesthetically pleasing and durable material. When used for staircase railings, pool railings, gates, security doors, fencing and ornamental accessories, in addition to indoor accents, like shelving, hardware, and light fixtures. Since the texture is slightly rough, wrought iron is inclined to collect dust and grime a little bit faster than a smooth surface. However, when painted and properly maintained, cleaning is rather easy.

Wrought Iron Maintenance

Wrought iron is a metal that has low carbon content in comparison to steel, making it very malleable and easily shaped and welded into decorative pieces that have elaborate shapes that can gather dust and dirt. Additionally, all iron-based metals are going to, over time, rust and oxidize. Wrought iron is particularly vulnerable to this when the painted surface coat is allowed to flake and/or chip away. Especially in outdoor areas, cleaning wrought iron could involve sanding and/or grinding loosened paint and rust to thoroughly clean the metal prior to repainting.

The following are some basic cleaning supplies needed to properly clean wrought iron:

  • Vacuum cleaner and attachment brush
  • Water Bucket
  • Mild dish-soap
  • Cleaning cloth
  • Small nylon detailing brush
  • Pressure-washer or garden hose
  • Paint scraper and sandpaper
  • Dust mask and eye protection
  • Paint for touch-ups
  • Wire brush and drill

Common Ways to Clean Wrought Iron

Regularly cleaning of your wrought iron isn’t that much different than cleaning your household surfaces.

  1. Wrought iron surfaces can get quite dusty, so start by using the vacuum and its brush attachment to get rid of as much of the looser dust and dirt as possible.
  2. Use a gentle combination of water and dish-soap for cleaning all surfaces. On elaborate pieces, dip a small nylon detailing brush (toothbrushes are fine too) in combination and use it to scrub inside nooks and crannies.
  3. Use clear water for rinsing. With outdoor ornaments, gates or railings, you can simply spray the wrought iron with a pressure washer or your garden hose.

Cleaning Before Touch-Up Painting

A more comprehensive cleaning is required when your wrought iron has chipped paint or oxidization.

  1. Use a paint scraper for the removal of any loose paint. Make sure to vacuum up and throwaway any paint chips.
  2. Use your drill with a wire brush for the removal of peeling paint from small nooks and crannies. Use the brush to remove most of the rust from the iron’s bare surfaces. This is going to be a messy, so make sure your wear a dust mask and eye protection.
  3. After all of the loose paint is removed, use a medium grit sandpaper to remove any of the remaining rust on exposed wrought iron surfaces.
  4. Do a comprehensive cleaning of the entire pieces to remove any loosened-up dust.

Outside Wrought Iron Pressure-washing Option

Using a pressure-washer may be an option on outside wrought iron pieces with significantly chipped, flaking paint. A pressure-washer can make easy work of stripping loose paint from your outside wrought iron surfaces, depending on if they are well maintained. Pressure-washers are powerful, serious tools. Use caution when using it, and be careful not to damage neighboring surfaces.

Tips for Repainting

After all the loose paint, rust, and muck has been removed, proceed as soon as you can in painting your wrought iron. When left exposed, the iron is going to produce more rust faster. For the best result, use a rust-proofing primer on all bare wrought iron, then apply at a minimum of 2 coats of lasting enamel paint. Spray paints best to use when painting ironwork with elaborate detailing. Applying multiple lighter coats will provide better results than trying to cover with a one heavy coat.

Residential and Commercial Fencing Mesa | Construction – Special Events – 24 Hour Emergency Fencing Phoenix

Using A Chalk Line For Fence Installation
Written by Craig B

Inspecting Rust On Fences

Maintenance is essential to keep your wrought iron gate to keep looking its best.  Read on to learn more.

Cleaning

When your wrought iron gate gets dirty, the best way to clean it is to apply a mild soap and water mixture using a soft cloth. Afterward, rinse it with clean water. Avoid using abrasive products on the gate, as they can strip away the outer finish which helps prevent rust.

Getting Rid Of Rust

Scrub with steel wool to remove all the corrosion you can, then apply a mixture of vinegar and water to the area to eliminate the rest and prevent more from forming.

Finishing

You’ll need to cover it again with a rust-resistant finish or wax. For best results, the product should be reapplied regularly. You might also choose to paint your iron gate; in this case, use an outdoor primer before you apply the paint to make it last longer. Look for paints made specifically for metal surfaces; these products can be applied with a brush or a spray nozzle for even coverage.

Another Way To Clean

Mix a mild detergent with warm water in a bucket. Wash the piece with a sponge or power-wash using the mixture. For intricate pieces, use a small nylon scrubbing brush to tackle every crevice. Rinse the surface thoroughly and dry with a clean towel.

Painting

Choose a spray primer with rust-proof properties for easier application. Apply at least two coats for maximum protection. After the gate is prepared, touch it up with paint. Enamel paint is best-suited for iron. Like you did with the primer, apply at least two coats of spray paint. Your wrought iron gate will look as good as new once it dries.

Residential and Commercial Fencing Mesa | Construction – Special Events – 24 Hour Emergency Fencing Phoenix

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