PVC Fencing: Unlike wood fences, PVC fences are long lasting, easy to clean and require no maintenance. For these reasons PVC fencing in Ottawa has become extremely popular as it is also weather resistant; a huge asset with Ottawa’s harsh winters. In fact, most companies will offer a lifetime warranty on PVC fencing because of its resilience. The installation process is quick and easy, and the appearance is very clean and aesthetically pleasing. PVC fences can be pricey but they are an investment in the long run, saving you the headache of fence maintenance and increasing the value of your home.

Iron Fencing: Similar to PVC fencing, iron fences are a great alternative to wood fences as they are strong, durable and provide security — especially around pools. Iron fences can be custom made and are very artistic and aesthetically pleasing. They are commonly coated in a UV protector that is important for fencing in Ottawa, as the extreme temperatures and sun exposure can wear away at wood fences. Iron fences are more durable that wood fences, require much less maintenance and are a cheaper alternative to PVC fencing. Though there are many misconceptions about iron fencing, most companies can install it for around the same price as wood fences. Iron fences are a trendy and unique way to modernize your backyard.

Many companies that do fencing in Ottawa have already begun installing these new, innovative designs this spring to ensure a summer filled with privacy and relaxation. If you are looking to increase the security, privacy and over all value of your home, then invest in new fencing in Ottawa and be assured this investment will save you headaches in the future.

The post Why PVC and Iron Fences are gaining popularity in Ottawa 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.

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.

In Ottawa, the extreme winter conditions put a remarkable amount of stress on our fences, especially those made of wood. Natural wood typically requires the most maintenance because it runs a higher risk of being damaged. During fall and winter months it is important to keep debris, especially leaves, off of your wood fence. Wet leaves and debris can cause your fence to warp and rot through the winter. You’ll be surprised by the amount of gunk, dust, mildew and other debris that can be coated on your fence. If you have a pressure washer, use it to spray clean the the debris. Short of that, good old fashioned elbow grease along with a sponge and some soapy water should do the trick. Waterproofing your wood fence can also help keep it in excellent condition for when spring comes around.

Consider painting or staining your fence. When selecting your paint or stainer, look for UV resistant types that will help protect your fence from the sun’s harmful rays. If you decide to paint your fence, a best practice is to prime your wood beforehand. A good primer can add years to your fence’s lifespan, saving you money and increasing the value of your home. After you’ve applied your primer, allow it to dry completely before applying your paint. When painting, we suggest you use a brush or a roller to apply the paint as opposed to spraying, which can be difficult to apply consistently. Start by painting the top of your fence and work your way down. Use a piece of cardboard at the base of your fence so that you can quickly paint the bottom without worrying about painting your grass or mixing mud into your paint.

Vinyl / PVC fencing

Vinyl fencing requires the least amount of maintenance of all the fencing materials. Vinyl is very durable and never needs to be sanded or repainted. The best thing you can do to maintain your vinyl fence this fall is to rinse it with soap and water when you notice that it’s covered with dirt and debris. Routine maintenance will not only help keep your vinyl fence looking great, but it will also help make it last longer. Due to weather related reasons, such as freezing and thawing, vinyl fence post caps can become loose. To keep the beauty of your fence up use plastic fencing glue to secure the caps back in place.

Iron fencing

Iron fencing also requires little to no maintenance. However, it can be susceptible to rust from regular moisture deposits without the lack of proper coating. You can fight the usual culprits of rust (Rain, morning dew and snow fall) by covering your iron fence with a clean coat of rust-resistant paint. Along with rust, wrought iron fence is susceptible to dents, deep scratches and chips. To ward off the scratches and chips of the surface of the fence, you need to use rust-resistant finish every year, just to maintain the beauty of the wrought iron fences. When it comes to deep scratches, bending and dents, above method of protection won’t work. We suggest not hanging heavy fall decorations on them and, as always, keep your fence free of leaves and debris.

To make sure your iron fences keep look looking new for years, you can give it a thorough washing with soapy and warm water, at least twice a year. Oil the joints, latches and springs of the fences and then follow up with a wax. Use formulated paint to cover small holes and scratches. Don’t forget to sand away all the scratches with steel wool before painting and allow each layer of paint to get dry before applying another layer, this way you can less the chances of dripping and flaking of the paint.

Chain link fencing

While chain link fence is known for its durability and ability to withstand the elements better than other types of fencing, without proper coating it can easily become vulnerable to rust from moisture. Rain, morning dew, and snow are the usual factors that cause rust. With proper coating of rust-resistant finish, you can easily fight them off. During the fall and winter, leaves and other yard debris can become lodged in your chain link fence, which can cause rust. It is helpful to use a leaf blower to keep leaves out of the links in your fencing. Dirt and grass from the ground accumulating on the fence are major reasons why you would need to clean your chain link fence from time to time. You can give your fence a good washing with soapy water between seasons in order to keep it looking new. Start with a wax and then oil the fence’s springs, latches, and joints, etc. with mineral oil. You can use steel wool to sand away light scratches. While painting, it is important that you let layers dry between one another, or else you will risk dripping and flaking.

Loose nails can become the cause of a bigger damage into your fence if not taken care of on time. Make sure that there are no loose nails on your chain link fence. Tighten all loose screws and bolts. Pay close attention to gate hardware as it gets the most use. If there’s a gate in your chain link fence, make sure that its hinges are rust free. Regularly apply oil on the hinges to keep it rust free. If you don’t do that, opening and closing the gate could become difficult as the hinges start to rust.

The post Winter Fence Maintenance – Wood, PVC, Iron and Chain link 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.

In the past we have listed some helpful tips and tricks:

• The Ultimate Backyard Fencing Guide
• How to plan for a fence installation – THE CORRECT WAY
• How to Prepare Your Yard for Fence Installation

However we never went over what could go wrong! Today we shall change that fact! Below we list 6 common but costly fencing mistakes!

1. Wrong Kind of Fence for your Home

This is the big one. Choosing the wrong kind of fence is one of the worst fencing mistakes you can make. If your garden fence doesn’t keep large pests out. It is useless. If your dog can escape his fence. It is useless. There are a lot of choices so how do you choose the right one? We dedicated a complete post on this issue: Choose the Right Fence for Your Home. You also might find How to Choose the CORRECT Paint or Stain for your Fence helpful!

2. Unsecured Anchor/Corner Posts

Corner posts are very important to the integrity of a fence. They bear a lot of the pressure, especially when constructing the fence. If you don’t secure them to the ground and support them with braces or other anchors you will slowly see you fence start to cave in. Or your posts might even snap under pressure. And no one wants that. Make sure your corner posts and your gate posts are deeply secured in the ground and properly braced.

3. Underground Utilities

The other day the city was putting up new guard rails on our road. Sometime that morning our internet went out. Then later that day we went out to do some errands and came to the work crew digging every single guard rail post by hand. And lots of new flags dotting the area showing where cable lines were running under the ground. Those guys looked thrilled to be using a manual post hole digger instead of their fancy post drilling machine. So make some calls before you plan your fence. Make sure you won’t be cutting off your neighborhood’s utilities. Make sure you know where your own septic system is. Because that is one fencing mistake you just don’t want to deal with.

4. Wrong Location

So let’s say you’ve spent all your free time fencing in whatever it is you are fencing. You’ve dug in posts. You’ve stretched wire. You’ve cemented in your gate posts and hung the gates. You are super proud of all your hard work. Then you start using the area that is now fenced in and you realized just how inconvenient your gates are. Maybe they are smack dab in the exact area where water and mud gather after storms. Maybe you want to walk you tiller from your shed to the newly fenced in garden and you have to go WAY around to get there. Maybe you didn’t quite plan all scenarios and you now you can’t fit a tractor in through the gate to deliver hay or bush hog or whatever. Before you start any fencing project make sure you have thought out exactly where you need your gates, what they will be used for, and if everything will work as they are supposed to. Because once those gate posts are secured and the fencing stretched…you really don’t want to move your gate. It’s not impossible to do, but it’ll cost you a lot of time and money and cause a headache or two.

5. Incorrectly Spaced Posts

Now let’s say you are crunching numbers for your new fence, and you figure you will save a few bucks by spacing the posts just a little farther then they ought to be spaced. This might work okay for a non-working fence. But let me tell you, if you’ve got an animal inside that pasture, they will be sure to find those weak points in the fence. You don’t want to spend your free time fixing a fence you just put up because the goat knocked it down again. And you don’t want to spend the money to insert new posts to help strengthen the wire. So if your fence needs posts every 8 feet, then put them every 8 feet.

6. Property Lines?

Didi you know that in some places, if a fence is placed on a property line incorrectly and no one contests it, after awhile (years)  that fence becomes the new property line? So if you don’t pay attention you could mistakenly give part of your land away to your neighbor. On the flip side, do you want to take your fence down and move it over a few feet when you neighbor complains that you just fenced in part of his yard? Or even worse, you could get a fine for accidentally fencing in public or government owned property. If you are at all unsure as to where your property line is, then call a surveyor. It’ll cost less in the long run.

So there you have it, 6 Fencing Mistakes That Cost You Time and Money. Whether you are planning a fencing project in the future or mid-job, hopefully you can skip making these mistakes and have a strong, well-made fence that will last a life time!

The post Common Costly Fencing Mistakes first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

1.        Security

Although Ottawa is a safe city, installing a fence adds a layer of security to your home. Whether you install a simple wooden picket fence or a private PVC fence, it adds an extra measure of comfort for you and your family. Intruders will have to work harder to penetrate your property by going up and over your fence. Burglars tend to target homes that are easier to access, meaning a fence could make the difference between you, or perhaps one of your neighbours, being a target of crime.

2.       Privacy

The term, “nosy neighbour” is no laughing matter. Whether you live in a large city or a small town, you will quickly discover that there are nosy neighbours just about everywhere. A fence will keep unwanted eyes off your private life. You can relax in your backyard or take a dip in your pool without having to worrying about who is watching. Installing a PVC fence around your Ottawa home will ensure that your family’s privacy is protected.

3.       Peace and Quiet

Life in your neighbourhood may not be as quiet as you would like. Unless you live in a remote area, noise from neighbours, loud kids, barking dogs and traffic is usually a given. While you cannot make the noises go away, you can dampen sounds by installing a fence around your home. Taller fences, such as privacy fences, are particularly great at reducing certain noises. Installing a PVC fence will certainly help to quiet the sounds of passing cars or your neighbour’s next backyard party.

4.      Pet friendly

Are you tired of your beloved pet escaping your yard? Perhaps you are frustrated with the daily battle of keeping every neighbourhood dog and cat out of your yard. Whatever the case may be, installing a fence in Ottawa could be the answer that you’re looking for. A fence keeps unwanted neighbourhood animals out, while keeping your own pets in.

5.       Eye candy!

A rotting, broken down fence surrounding your home looks very unattractive. Replacing such a fence can improve the look of your home, add curb appeal, and significantly increase the value of your property. Additionally, a rotting fence decreases the security of your home by granting easy access to unwanted intruders, both human and animal. Toss that old fence and consider installing a new fence that will serve you better.

The post 5 Benefits of a PVC Fence in Ottawa first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

The post The Ultimate Backyard Fencing Guide first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

2. Budget
Do some research online or call a reliable fence contractor to determine the price points for different fence options to achieve best value for money invested. For example as a rule of thumb wood is around twice the cost of residential chain link. So if privacy was not an issue then chain link would be the way to go.

You may be spending more than you had anticipated but remember that a fence is an investment and will increase the value of your property (as long as it fits the aesthetics of your neighbourhood). Always add some extra in your budget to cover unforeseen instances such as cost to repair a damaged drainage tile not shown on your property plan or replacement of some shrubs or ornamental trees that had to be removed to accommodate the fence.

3. Inform Your Neighbour
Approach your neighbour to discuss the proposed fence. It is the polite and neighbourly thing to do as it invades their vista and is a very personal thing as it butts onto their property. I remember starting a customer’s fence in the morning then having their neighbour arrive home for supper and see fence posts along their property line. They flipped! They had not been made aware of the project and took it as a personal affront thinking that my customer wanted to shut them out of their lives. After a little explanation for the reason of the fence and some soothing words I was able to diffuse the situation.

Had they been the more unreasonable type my customer may have had an offended and contentious neighbour for life.

4. Permits
Determine if your municipality requires you to take out a permit to install a fence. Most municipalities in Ontario do not require a permit for a fence but most do have bylaws regulating them. For instance they may limit the fence height and distance from the road allowance if you have a corner lot to keep vehicle sight lines clear at intersections, or so your neighbour can see to exit their driveway.

5. Property Lines
Ensure that you know where your property lines run. You can usually find the existing square metal property pins, if they aren’t buried too deep, by stabbing the ground at a 45 degree angle in the approximate area that the pins would be expected to be found. Newer pins are denoted with a white and red wooden stake above ground. Failing that a metal detector can be used. A property plan with house and lot dimensions is a great way to determine where to place your fence. You want to be sure that your fence is installed on your property!! If it is found later to be on your neighbours property they can make things miserable and expensive.
Have underground locates for utilities done. In Ontario a simple call to Ontario One Call (ON1CALL) at 1-800-400-2255 is all it takes to have gas, electrical and telecommunications located. You can also go to www.on1call.com. Your water and sewer lines must be located by your municipality. All locating services are free of charge. Drainage tiles may be more difficult to locate. Your home builder may be able to tell you or you could have someone experienced in water “witching” find them for you. We as a fencing company hand dig by the foundation where your fence is most likely to intersect with a tile.

Every fence and circumstance is different but these items should make you well prepared to start your project.

Call us today at 613-413-7572 or contact us online.

Check out our partial portfolios.

The post How to plan for a fence installation – THE CORRECT WAY first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

There are many options when choosing your home’s fence, including wood, PVC, chain link and ornamental iron. Each kind of fencing has a unique set of benefits, which can be used to help determine what type of fencing is best for you.

Wood Fences
Wood fences can come in several forms; however, one of the most common is a closed slatted model. This type of fencing offers maximum privacy, while emitting a natural elegance. The only downfall with wood fences is that they may require staining and they require some regular maintenance.

Chain Link Fences
Chain link fences are great if you need a quick and easy set-up. They’re usually less expensive than their stylish counterparts and are virtually maintenance-free. One thing to keep in mind, however, is on their own they do not provide much privacy.

Iron Fences
Ornamental fencing is one of the more stylish and modern choices. In addition – iron fences also require little maintenance and upkeep, making iron fencing both chic and simple. Again, if privacy is your main desire, iron fences may not meet your needs.

PVC Fences
PVC or vinyl fences are the best of both worlds, offering both privacy and style. The only thing to keep in mind with PVC fences is that the initial cost and any repair costs can be higher than some of its counterparts.

Some other things to consider:
– Does your community have any requirements concerning fencing types, sizes and/or placement?
– Are there any city bylaws that will affect the placement of your fence?
– What is your budget for this project? Having a professional provide an estimate can help you determine which types are within this frame.

A new fence can be a great addition to your home, providing appeal, style, privacy and more! By using the information above, you should be able to determine whether wood, PVC, chain link or ornamental fencing best suits your home!

For a more in depth look into each fencing material, check out our guide, Pros and Cons of Vinyl/PVC Fences, Wood Fences, Iron Fences and Chain Link Fences.

The post Choose the Right Fence for Your Home first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.