• Inspect

Before you begin it’s important to make sure that your fence is actually ready to stain. If you’ve recently had a northern white cedar fence installed, like the types of fences we install, you’ll need to let it “dry out” over a period of 5 weeks (or longer, if the weather has been wet or overcast). If you have an older fence that has been painted or stained before, or which has acquired mold, mildew, dirt, or other contaminants then you will first need to prepare your fence by pressure washing it. Don’t forget to refer to our post on the proper way to pressure wash your fence. If you have to pressure wash your fence then you’ll need to give it some time to dry before you proceed. The fence must not be wet when you begin the staining process.

• Weather

You will want to check the current weather and the upcoming weather before beginning your fence staining project. The temperature should be no colder than 10°C. You also want to choose a time where sunny, dry weather is expected for the next few days. Ideally you’ll have 2-3 dry days after your project to let the stain dry completely.

• Prepare

You will need a staining brush and a paint roller with a rough surface roller cover to proceed. The roller will get most of the stain on in broad strokes but the brush will allow you to reach the areas that the roller just can’t cover.

A staining brush is not the same as a paintbrush! A staining brush is larger and has a wider base of bristles. Most paintbrushes are not equipped to handle stain and will simply be ruined by the time you are done with them. If you want your project to look its best find the right tool for the task. It’s also a good idea to have some broad, plastic sheets to put down over plants and nearby sections of the house so that you don’t stain anything that you didn’t really mean to stain. You’ll also need some sandpaper, as you’ll want to make sure the wood is good and smooth before you begin. While a sprayer may look tempting it won’t save you as much time and work as you might think. Usually sprayers do not produce complete or consistent coverage which means that your fence won’t look as good as it could look or be as protected as it could be.

• Stain

Choosing the right stain isn’t just about choosing a color that you might enjoy. It’s also about the materials that the stain is made out of. We recommend oil-based stains over water-based stains. Oil-based stains last much longer: even when this stain grows “old” it doesn’t produce the same kind of cracking and chipping that water based stains can produce. Of course you will want to make sure to test your stain, either on a piece of scrap wood or a portion of the fence that nobody ever sees. Make sure you like the color and that the wood reacts well to the stain.

After the fence has been cleaned, dried, and sanded you can begin the actual staining. Use full, up and down brush strokes and work on one board at a time. If you have a very large fence you can work on different sections of the fence over time after letting the first section dry. If you have an old fence, and washing and staining it do not help you restore the fence to new or nearly new conditions, then it may be time to call us for a free estimate so that you can replace your fence.

The post Is it too late to stain my fence? first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Vinyl or PVC fences are rising in popularity. Is it for you? We list off some pros and cons of PVC / Vinyl fences for you. Before diving into the pros and cons of PVC/Vinyl fencing, we highly suggest you read our  What is PVC fencing? post.

Pros of PVC Fences

• Modern, sleek, and beautiful. Vinyl fencing is a beautiful choice to fit in any time of house. It has a blend of modern features but also the feel of classic characteristics.
• The many designs and colors options PVC / Vinyl fences can create endless choices. PVC fencing can match any home and any style. 
• Easy matching of PVC gates with your vinyl fencing. We know security is a big plus, PVC gates are just as flexible in options as PVC fencing.
• Vinyl fencing has a longer lifetime than many wood fences which can fade, crack, and rot. This means you will be worry free for a long time.
• Vinyl fencing is easy to clean and requires almost no maintenance. Check out our How to Maintain PVC fencing: 4 Easy Steps post for amazing some amazing tips and tricks.
• Many manufacturers have lifetime replacement for their vinyl fencing in the case of cracking, fading, or other types of natural damage. Check out our warranties.

Cons of PVC Fences

• The cost of vinyl fencing is much higher than the materials used to create a fence out of wood, rock, wire, or cement. Contact us today to see how much each fence material costs.
• Vinyl fences do not have a long lifetime in very sunny climates because too much exposure to sunlight can cause them to crack and crumble. In Ottawa, winter dominates, therefore this would not be as much as a problem. For Winter maintenance, check out our post on Winter Fence Maintenance – Wood, PVC, Iron and Chain link.
• If a vinyl fence becomes damaged, it can be tricky to repair, depending on the fence style and manufacturing company. 
• Vinyl fences are not good for temporary use, due to the posts and concrete. They cannot be moved after they are installed.

For more information, we explained the 5 Benefits of a PVC Fence in Ottawa. We know that you might want to explore some other fence material therefore we have a post on How to choose the right fence material | Wood vs Iron vs PVC vs Chain-link.

Still have questions, contact us today.

The post The Pros and Cons of PVC / Vinyl Fence first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

However, wood has always given off a special warmth, which is missing from these other materials. When it comes down to selecting materials for fences, wood fences will forever remain a classic trim for your home.

Longevity

The first myth we’re going to dispel is the idea that wood rots easily and that it doesn’t offer longevity. On the contrary, wood fences can last more than 50 years, provided that the wood has been pressure-treated. However, the best way to preserve and maintain your fence is to apply paint or stain from the beginning, and again when needed.

Sustainability

One great thing about wood is it’s a sustainable material. Materials like iron or concrete require a lot of manufacturing, creating a large carbon footprint. Wood simply needs to grow, and new trees require approximately ten years of growth until they’re ready to be cut and milled into lumber. That means that by the time wood fences need replacing, after more or less ten years, depending on the climate, more than enough wood will have grown to replace it.

History Says it’s Our Favourite Material

As a country bordering the ‘land of freedom’, we Canadians are familiar with the American dream. And consequently, we can easily picture the ‘white picket fences’ associated with this dream. For more than 400 years, the favorite residential material for fences has been wood, and that’s because of several reasons – it’s widely available, beautiful, and of course, it’s associated with success.

Design Flexibility

There are many designs which can be made from wood fences because of wood’s flexible nature. You can carve and cut wood into any desired shape, and sometimes you might be surprised at what the material can do. In the past, wood has even been shaped into magnificent Gothic vaults.

There are certainly a wide variety of fence patterns to choose from, and wood allows you to use your creativity. Some like lattice patterns for plants to climb over it, while others like the simple post and rail. If you’re installing fences, and you don’t have a specific pattern in mind, it’s recommended that you speak with your fence company about the design options available.

Affordability

When making fences, let’s not forget about the cost. While offering a timeless look, wood is more affordable than other materials. It’s also relatively inexpensive to stain the wood into different colours. The verdict: wood fences are great for your wallet without sacrificing quality and style.

The post Why Wooden Fence Will Never Go Out of Style first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Aesthetics

Fences can enhance the look of your home. Don’t think of it as simply a fence – think of it as part of your design! There are many types of fences, including wood, PVC, iron and chain link. Each material has a unique look and style, allowing you to choose the option that best complements your home. From a design standpoint, fences made from iron and PVC are usually very visually appealing.

Safety

According the Pool Enclosure By-law No. 2013 – 39, the City of Ottawa requires enclosures for any privately owned outdoor pools (enclosures can include anything from a PVC to an iron fence). This regulation ensures the safety of others and the prevention of drowning accidents.

For those with dogs, fences are a must. A fence allows your pet to roam without any worry about them wandering. Meaning, a PVC fence can actually make the difference in your peace of mind, your pet’s safety AND the safety of others.

Privacy

Installing fences offer homeowners something very precious – privacy! No one wants to sit in his or her backyard facing crazy neighbor Dave mowing the lawn without a shirt on again. Fences offer your family the comfort of your backyard, privately. To enhance privacy, try opting for fences made from wood or PVC. Materials like PVC are especially durable and they provide noise-reducing benefits as well.

Property Value

Installing a fence is actually an investment. Whether it’s made from PVC or chain link, properly installed fences will enhance the curb appeal of your house. Why? Well, for all the reasons mentioned above. And, while a new fence may just be your lowest maintenance investment, make sure to check for insect nests and keep an eye out for damage. If you see any broken pieces, call for repairs right away. Opting for a strong material such as PVC will avoid maintenance issues and ensure a long lasting investment.

The post Why get a backyard fence in Ottawa? first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

1. Check the damage
2. Determine the size of the damage
3. Clean the fence
4. Replace or repair the fence
5. Paint or stain the fence

1. Check the damage

Use a pry bar to check the areas of your fence which are broken. In case there are nails fixed to the wooden posts of your fence, use a pair of pliers to remove them. You need to always wear a pair of work gloves when you are mending a fence which was broken in bad weather.

2. Determine the size of the damage

Measure the broken sections of the fence by using a tape measure. Buy a new supply of wood to replace the broken pieces from the fence. Try to purchase wood that matches the one from your fence as much as possible. Measure the wooden post of the fence and use a rip saw to cut the wood to fit the measurements of your damaged fence.

3. Clean the fence

Remove the surface layer of aged wood can bring a new life to your fence. With a power washer, clean your fence. A power washer that operates at 1,500 or 2,000 psi max. Use 15- and 25-degree spray tips. The power washer’s spray will slightly raise and roughen the grain on smooth wood. This allows more sealer to soak in and improves the finish. The wood’s color will brighten as the surface is stripped away. Watch closely and stop stripping when no more color change occurs. You don’t have to remove too much surface to expose fresh wood, and continuing to spray won’t improve the color.

4. Replace or repair the fence

With the fence clean, it’s time to fix or replace damaged boards, refasten loose boards and countersink any protruding nails. Remove the damaged wooden posts and replace them with the new posts by installing them properly in the gap where the broken posts were once located. Place a level on the new post of the fence to make sure that it is straight. Use a hammer and nails to fix the posts to the frame of the fence. Make sure to hammer down the nails in even spaces between one another so that the new post is firmly fixed to the fence’s frame.

5. Paint or stain the fence

Before applying the stain, be sure the fence is dry. Allow at least 24 hours. If it’s cool and humid, allow another 24 hours. Apply paint to the surface of your wooden fence. Make sure that you using exterior paint of a very good quality to paint the fence. Let the exterior paint dry thoroughly after you finish painting and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Painting the fence is optional but it is a very good idea because it conceals the storm damage repair. To preserve the natural color of the wood, use an exterior semitransparent oil stain. It seals the wood while allowing the grain and color variations to show through. And its pigments add an overall color tone. Make sure the stain contains ultraviolet inhibitors, which will slow down bleaching by sunlight, and a mildewcide to slow fungal growth. Look for samples on cedar at the paint store, or bring in your own piece of wood to test. A test sample is the best way to ensure a satisfactory result. Most semitransparent oil stains are guaranteed to last two to five years. (Solid-color stains last longer but are more difficult to renew.) Fences usually face severe weathering, so expect the finish to last no more than three years. Plan on recoating the fence within this time frame to keep your fence looking fresh. Before recoating, wash the fence with a garden hose sprayer and use a bristle brush on stubborn dirt deposits and stains. Let the fence dry and stain it using the same method.

The post How to repair water damaged fence first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Here’s a list of the pros and cons of some of the most common materials for building fences:

Wood. As the go-to material for thousands of years, wood is still one of the most common and versatile products for building sturdy fences. Even though it’s one of the most affordable options, wood fences are quite durable and will stand the test of time – with the proper maintenance. If there was a drawback to this material, it would be that a wood fence requires some regular maintenance as compared to fences made of other materials. However, with proper waterproofing (as with a paint or stain that fits your design) a wood fence can be the happy medium between functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Iron. Wrought iron fences call to mind pictures of stately Victorian homes with expensive landscaping, and for good reason. Real wrought iron is one of the most expensive materials to build a fence out of, but it is also the most durable and lasting. Even though wrought iron can rust when it’s scratched (nothing a bit of regular maintenance won’t fix,) it remains the most sturdy of all the fencing materials.

Today, most “wrought iron” fences are made out of steel, which is more affordable than iron, but only slightly. Still, you can get all of the aesthetic appeal without the hassle of regular maintenance.

PVC.  Also known as vinyl, PVC is a man-made, plastic-like material that is often used to build durable, low-maintenance fences. PVC is only slightly more expensive to install than a wood fence, but colors can be limited to pre-determined neutral shades like tan or white. Also, while a PVC fence may require little day-to-day maintenance, they can fade over time and may need replacing every decade or so.

Chain link. Chain links fences are great for putting up a fence quickly, affordably and when design isn’t your top priority. Both durable and inexpensive, a fence made of chain link will do a great job defining a boundary, but lacks merit for privacy.

The post How to choose the right fence material | Wood vs Iron vs PVC vs Chain-link first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Source: https://ottawa.weatherstats.ca/charts/relative_humidity-yearly.html

To make your iron fence last, remove moisture as much as possible. It is quite impossible in the snowy season, however, removing any excess moisture as soon as the snow is gone can protect your fence. When the snow is gone and spring is peeking through, you can remove any vines, weeds or grass that might be growing around or onto the fence. Cover the surrounding areas, like vegetation or masonry, with tarps. Unwanted plants and vegetation can bring additional moisture to your fence.

But what happens if your fence has already rusted? Remove any evidence of rust using a fine wire brush. Do not use heavy corded wire because this will ruin the integrity of the fence. Afterward, rinse the fence using nonionic detergent and water and allow it to dry. Apply a rust converter to the areas where there is already rust; phosphoric-acid-based or tannic-acid-based converters are most appropriate. Follow all manufacturer instructions explicitly and wear all the required personal protective equipment.

Apply a thin coat of primer. Primer must be oil-based and made for metal applications. Allow it to dry fully. Spray-on primers are easier to apply and will get into the crevices of ornamental designs more easily than brush-on applications. Apply a finish coat of an oil-based paint that is designed for metal. Use a similar paint color if you can get one locally. Otherwise, contact the manufacturer to see if any touch-up paint is available. Maintain your fence’s paint job by cleaning the fence with soap and water once every six months. Apply a thin layer of metal-grade wax to the outside of the fence, especially in areas that are exposed to sprinklers and vegetation, to protect the paint’s surface. Replace missing fasteners or other gate and fence hardware with pieces of similar size and appearance, which you can get from local hardware or home improvement stores. Grease the hinges of the gates annually, or if the gate squeaks. Squeaky hinges mean they’re already too dry, so apply a general-grade lubricant to remoisten them.

One of our iron work in 2015. Contact us to see more examples.

The post Make Your Iron Fence Last first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Garden fences often serve to protect areas from animal trampling and herbivory (eating plants). Knowing your enemy is critical to building an effective barrier. Even so, if your garden is the only green feed for miles, then that animals will often find a way into the sturdiest of fences. Deer can be difficult to exclude with conventional fences and there are several designs. If electricity is not used, a deer fence should be at least eight, and preferably ten feet tall. Cottontail rabbits can be excluded with a two-foot tall poultry wire fence that is stretched tight to the ground and preferably buried at least two inches. Jackrabbit exclusion requires a three-foot tall fence buried at least six inches below ground. Javelina can be excluded using a sturdier version of a jackrabbit fence. Cattle require a standard ranch-type fence that will withstand rubbing and pushing. Elk are the toughest to exclude. Twelve-foot wire fences are often used, but aggressive bull elk can tear down almost any wire fence.

Wood fences are usually more attractive than wire fences, but require some maintenance (i.e. paint, repair, etc). Concrete block, brick, or stone are the most permanent types of fence but also the most expensive in terms of time and materials. Masonry fences are also the most efficient at reducing noise. Both wood and masonry fences can create privacy, but they also exclude light to allow plant growth. In addition, masonry fences retain and reradiate heat. This quality can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your needs. In some situations, wood and masonry fences will also trap cold air, which flows downslope on cold nights and can cause frost injury to fruit crops and frost tender ornamentals.

Wire fences offer many functional amenities and can be ornamented to make them more attractive and/or less noticeable. Cyclone or chain link fences are very common. This is because they last a long time, require little maintenance, and are very functional. Gates are welded and all parts are weather resistant. Different colored vinyl coatings are also available to help the fence blend in to its surroundings. Woven wire is also a durable fencing material. Woven wire is available in a variety of heights, patterns, and hole sizes to meet your functional and aesthetic needs. Welded wire is similar to woven wire, but is usually less durable. Both woven and welded wires are best suited to level ground because they are not flexible. Chain link is slightly more flexible for use on uneven terrain. Wire fences also allow air, water, and light to pass through.

Wrought iron or welded metal fences are sturdy, but usually require some knowledge, equipment, or outside assistance. They have many advantages and can be very decorative. They are often combined with masonry pilasters. On a recent visit to New Orleans, I saw some beautiful examples of wrought iron fences many of which were over 100 years old and still functional.

Live vegetation is mostly decorative, can create privacy, and function as a windscreen. Many times, a combination of fencing materials can be used to meet both aesthetic and functional needs. For instance, a wood or masonry fence could be used in highly visible areas where appearance is more critical and wire fence could be used on less visible areas where function is the primary concern. Likewise, a wooden, wire, or wrought iron fence could use poultry wire at the base to exclude rabbits.

Size and location of gates should also be considered. Once a fence is built, you will need to walk around it if you don’t have gates conveniently located. Gate width may restrict accessibility to vehicles or equipment. Think about these needs before you build the fence. Repost from Jeff Schalau.

The post How to build a fence first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Deer can be difficult to exclude with conventional fences and there are several “deer-proof” designs. Cottontail rabbits can be excluded with a two-foot tall poultry wire fence that is stretched tight to the ground and preferably buried at least two inches. Jackrabbit exclusion requires a three-foot tall fence buried at least six inches below ground. Javelina can be excluded using woven wire instead of (or combined with) poultry wire. Cattle and horses require a standard ranch-type fence that will withstand rubbing and pushing. Elk are perhaps the most difficult to exclude. Twelve-foot wire fences are often used, but aggressive bull elk can break through almost any wire fence. Woodrats and rock squirrels can climb and must be completely caged out where their populations are high. After reading this, you may decide to completely enclose vegetable growing areas.

Wood fences are usually more attractive than wire fences, but require some maintenance (i.e. paint, repair, etc.). Concrete block, brick, or stone are the most permanent types of fence but also the most expensive in terms of time and materials. Both wood and masonry fences can create privacy, but they also exclude light that would otherwise support plant growth. In addition, masonry fences retain and reradiate heat. This quality can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your needs. In some situations, wood and masonry fences could trap cold air, which flows downslope on cold nights and may cause frost injury to fruit crops and tender ornamentals.

Wire fences offer many functional amenities and can be modified to make them more attractive and/or less noticeable. Chain-link fences are very common. This is because they last a long time, require little maintenance, and are very functional. Gates are welded and all parts are weather resistant. Different colored vinyl coatings are also available to help the fence blend in to its surroundings. Woven wire is also a durable fencing material and is available in a variety of heights, patterns, and hole sizes to meet your functional and aesthetic needs. Welded wire is similar to woven wire, but is usually less durable. Both woven and welded wires are best suited to level ground because they are not flexible. Chain link is slightly more flexible for use on uneven terrain. Wire fences also allow air, water, and light to pass through. Wrought iron or welded metal fences are sturdy, but usually require some knowledge, equipment, or professional assistance.

Size, location, and construction of a gate should also be considered. When large areas are fenced, you should consider putting multiple gates at allow access. The gate should be as sturdy as the fence and not restrict accessibility to equipment needed to work there. If fencing edible crops, the gate(s) should be able to exclude the herbivorous species discussed above.

Many times, a combination of fencing materials will meet multiple pest exclusion goals. My larger yard is surrounded by a five foot tall chain-link fence which excludes javelina, contains our dogs, and keeps most predators away from our chickens. The garden is also fenced within the larger yard. This allows 360 degree access for chickens around the outside of the garden which provides a measure of grasshopper control. Repost from Jeff Schalau.

The post Fencing 101 first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

DO know what the snow drifting problem is, where it is, and why it exists. Determine the prevailing wind direction that produces the blowing snow. The wind direction determines the area that contributes drift snow, and the fence orientation. Determine the amount of blowing snow that must be stored. This can be done by past winter experiences with the problem area, and by calculating the amount of winter precipitation that will drift. Is the problem long-term or short-term?

DON’T build snow fences before the snow drift problem is completely identified and a system with adequate storage has been designed.

DO build the snow fence tall enough to store the required amount of snow. Tall fences are cheaper to build for the amount of snow stored. For example, a snow fence 12 ft (3.4 m) tall will store as much snow as seven rows of 4.5 ft (1.4m) tall fences. The amount of snow stored behind snow fences of different heights, when the fence is filled to capacity.

DON’T build snow fences too small to do the job. It’s not cost-effective and will not solve the problem.

DO extend the fence past the problem limits on both ends, to account for varying wind directions (up to 30 degrees), and the reduced trapping efficiency and storage capacity near the ends of the fence.

DON’T build the fence line to short, because snow blowing around the ends of the fence will be deposited in the problem area.

DO located the snow fence far enough upwind of the problem to leave room for the resulting drift. On flat terrain with a 50%-porous fence, this distance would be 35 times fence height, H (). Storage capacity and drift length increase for fences placed on down-sloping terrain, and decrease on upslopes. Locations at the crests of ridges or hills, and sites upwind of topographic depressions increase snow storage.

DON’T place the fence too close to the problem site. This common mistake of not allowing enough room for the drift formed by the fence often makes the problem worse. Fences should not be placed in locations where drifts form naturally, such as in depressions or on the downwind side of hills. Steep, upwind-facing slopes reduce both trapping efficiency and storage capacity. However, fences built to reduce snow loading in avalanche zones should not be placed on ridge crests, which would increase the cornice size.

DO build permanent, tall fences to solve long-term drift problems. These fences should be built in one continuous line with no holes or gaps between panels. Fences may be supported by steel or wood posts set in the ground (post-supported), or by a surface-mounted framework, anchored or counterweighted to resist overturning in the wind (truss-type). Horizontal boards 6-in wide with 6-in gaps (50% porosity) are among the best fencing materials. Synthetic fencing materials include woven fabrics and extruded plastic net. These show no great snow-trapping differences among materials having 40% to 50% porosity.

Post-supported fences, without guys or back braces, work well on ski area sites, where snow is removed from the fence area to cover rocks and bare ground, and where skier safety is a concern. However, these fences are usually more expensive to build.

DON’T leave holes or gaps between panels. Don’t build poorly constructed, to solve long-term drift problems. These greatly reduce snow storage temporary snow fences as an attempt.

DO use the same rules for locating portable fences that apply to permanent fences. Fences that can be removed and stored until the next snow accumulation season are sometimes necessary on cultivated lands, for example. On ski areas, portable snow fences may be used for constructing or protecting snowboarding ‘half-pipes’, where safety requires removal.

DON’T use poor construction techniques for portable fences, or temporary snow fences to solve short-term problems.

Author Credit: R. L. Jairell and R. A. Schmidt

The post Snow Fences? Tips and Tricks! first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.