Sound Barrier Fence – Avoid These Mistakes

  Putting up a wall between you and a noisy neighbour or a busy road will not be effective unless you know the common pitfalls of the process and how to avoid them.   Jay Fencing has experience working with home and business owners to to create sound barrier designs and installations for many different needs. Click here to find out how we can help you install or design your sound barrier fence in Waterloo, Kitchener, and the surrounding areas.   Continue reading on to learn about the common mistakes people make when building and installing and sound barrier fence – and how you can avoid these pitfalls. Common Mistakes When Installing a Sound Barrier Fence Mistake #1: Choosing The Wrong Materials Noisehelp.com emphasizes the importance of using the right materials with critical mass that help block out sounds. Options for the fence may include: stone, wood (cedar, redwood), steel sheeting, straw bales, and rammed earth. Consideration of the right material must also take into account the type of pedestrian and vehicle traffic in the area, and the climate that you reside or work in. Residential Acoustic further notes that owners and designers should be wary of materials that were intended for indoor use, as climate factors like heat can quickly degrade the resource and hamper its sound protection quality.   For those who have already invested in a fence with material that may not be ideal, feel free to check out sound barrier add-ons to fences using Acoustifence. If you aren’t sure what material to start with but are ready to get your own sound barrier, ensure you talk our professional fence installers and book a consultation for your sound barrier fence in Waterloo today. Mistake #2: Fence Is Too Short We also found that Noisehelp suggested that fences need to be between 12-15 feet high to effectively block out sound. As described by the source “it is not enough for the barrier to block the noise source from view because sound doesn’t just travel in straight lines.” This means the more height, the better sound protection performance. It is recommended that you review bylaws to ensure your fence is compliant and to ensure that you work with a knowledgeable service provider for added ease and assurance. It’s also important to remember that the higher the fence may mean more difficulty in maintenance and upkeep, as well as higher costs. #3 – Ignoring Gaps In The Fence Once a fence is completed, owners often do not inspect their perimeter. Over time, damages and natural pests can introduce new openings in your sound barrier. It is recommended that perimeter owners inspect their wall for any vulnerabilities and seek to repair any issues uncovered. This is even more prevalent in properties in extreme climates. The changes in temperature can cause splitting and contortions to wooden fences, often near the roadside where sound protection is most vital. This is often seen in strange curvatures that unfortunately create openings to sound, traffic, and sometimes even small animals.   If not addressed in a timely manner gaps in fences can create added stress to other elements of  your perimeter, resulting in an increased rate of deterioration. This may require replacing affected materials and realigning the fence components. If you aren’t sure how to determine where gaps are or what signs of decay/depredations may look like, feel free to contact us for a consultation today and a qualified specialist can help you spot and address the issues with your fence in Kitchener, Waterloo, and surrounding areas in a timely manner. Mistake #4 – Not Ensuring Your Barrier Is Grounded Making this mistake is costly as it significantly reduces the effectiveness of the sound barrier. A barrier may not be effective if there are residual gaps between the foot of the fence and the ground. Since a property’s landscape may not always be level, it is up to the designer and owner to ensure that fences do not leave gaps at the bottom of the fence where sound can seep through. This can be overcome by inspecting the perimeter before the job is completed and also knowing upfront where irregularities are located. It is best to avoid this error upfront as the cost of repairing this sort of issue can be quite costly. Alternatively, inspect the footer of your fence and check also for dug up soil or gravel that can also expose your property to unwanted noise. Mistake #5: Improper Understanding Of Sounds Careful analysis of the sounds that one is attempting to avoid when erecting a sound barrier is crucial to landing on the right design. If animals or birds are the prime culprits, this necessitates other elements in your soundproofing design that may include animal guards to ensure they remain outside of your property. Since sound travels in many directions, knowing where the sound originates can help you determine the right approach.   Benefits of a Sound Barrier Fence   There are property owners who have never looked into installing a sound barrier fence. However, sound barriers can be a functional and an attractive fence solution. Here are a few of the reasons why a fence my help.   A barrier helps keep sound from neighbouring properties or passing traffic from entering your home and distracting your family or business from what is important. With a sound barrier fence, you can spend time in your yard and not let the noises of bustling city streets or nearby trains bother your summer evenings in your backyard!   The opposite is also true –  when outdoor conversations or boisterous family events are happening, opting for a sound barrier provides privacy, reducing the risk that others can hear what is happening on your property. For those who reside in places that regularly experience high winds, having a barrier can make all the difference for a night of undisturbed sleep. Sound Barrier Fence – 5 Mistakes Infographic Need help remembering these common pitfalls when considering your own sound barrier fence? Check out the infographic below as a quick reminder for the most important things to keep in mind! Looking For

5 Best Deck Lighting Ideas

  Adding extra lighting can completely transform any backyard as the night sets in. One of the easiest ways to add extra lighting to your property is by adding deck lights. Deck lighting helps brighten your space, which adds extra security and makes it possible to continue outdoor fun even as the sun sets. Lights also increase safety when walking down deck stairs at night. Check out our 5 best deck lighting ideas list to help get you inspired! Looking for more information? Contact the experts at Jay Fencing – we do decks too! Looking For The Perfect Deck For Your Yard?

Fence And Railing Guelph

  Looking to install a fence and/or railing in Guelph? When you choose to install a fence or railing, there are many options to choose from. Professional fence installers, doing it yourself (DIY), and even hiring a contractor off websites such as Kijiji are all options. This article looks at the pros and cons of each installation to help you make the choice that is best for you! For more information on fence and railing installation, contact the experts at Jay Fencing now! Fence And Railing Guelph – Pros And Cons To Know Fences and railings can help add extra security and safety to your property, as well as increase property value. Decorative railings can transform a balcony or deck, while also ensuring you and your family stay safe. A great fence will add character to your property while ensuring children and remain safe. With so many railing and fence options, it can be difficult to decide what method of fence and railing installation is best for you, your budget, and your property. This section will not only outline the benefits and drawbacks of each, but also looks at common customer challenges when working with professional fence installers. Pros & Cons – DIY Installation: Fence and Railing Guelph Pros: Do you love handiwork? Are you a natural handyman? If so, you may enjoy big DIY projects such as fence and railing installation. When you do it yourself, you have full control over the final product. You control your own timeline so the project can take as short or long as you prefer. You also control the materials used, and even the tools used are completely up to you. If you have a lot of spare time and a good knowledge of tools, materials, and construction, DIY fencing can be a fun and fulfilling project for your home. Cons: If you do not know much about construction or handiwork, DIY fence installation can be more than just a slight challenge. Even for the experienced handyman, fence and railing installation can be a big challenge. Post hole digging is not only strenuous work, but must be done precisely. If not, you may end up with unusable holes all over your yard or property. Doing it yourself can also lead to other problems such as: Ergonomic issues – When improper installation techniques are used, potential injuries include muscle strain or soreness, overexertion or fatigue, and even twisting your back or leg. Technical issues – Aside from issues with digging precision, there are some technical issues you have no control over, like soil conditions such as rocky soil, wet soil, and soil with too much clay. All these can make a seemingly simple DIY project turn into a longer and more expensive project. Legal issues – Do you know your city or town’s fencing bylaws? Neighbourhood fencing disputes can end up costing tens of thousands of dollars. A recent news article from DurhamRegion.com tells the story of a neighbour who faced $50,000 in court fees due to improper fence height. Working with a qualified and experienced fencing installation company will help avoid breaking local bylaws. Pros & Cons – Kijiji: Fence and Railing Guelph Pros: Kijiji and other online classified advertisements have become increasingly popular. This is no surprise as many businesses have begun increasing their online presence. Kijiji makes it easy to see many ads at the same time. You can compare companies and individual contractors in a matter of seconds! Their search feature makes it simple to specify exactly what you are looking for. Some other neat features and benefits include: Ability to specify your exact location so you only receive local advertisements Ability to specify your price range Ability to see how recently a posting was listed Cons: As convenient and simple as sites like Kijiji are, there is an unfortunate number of people preying on innocent individuals. Kijiji offers information about protecting yourself from scams and other potential problems. It even offers a specific page on protecting yourself from service scams. Though scams can be found everywhere, the online world is full of them. If you find an individual contractor on Kijiji, it is unlikely you will be able to find any Google Reviews or a website for that individual. There are many reputable companies posting on Kijiji, but it will take more work and research on your part to find them and weed out the potential scammers. Pros & Cons – Professional Installers: Fence and Railing Guelph Pros: One of the biggest benefits of working with a professional installer is peace of mind. When you work with a professional installation company, you can rest assured that your fence or railing will be installed by experienced workers who know all the ins and outs of the installation process. Working with professional installers also means working with individuals who work with you too! Professionals work with your budget, your preferences, and your needs. Some other benefits when working with a professional company includes: Knowledge of environmental conditions – Rocky soil? Slanted or sloped yard? Tree roots in the way? These may be huge problems for inexperienced contractors or the do-it-yourselfer. For an experienced professional, these are challenges that can be easily solved with the right know-how! Knowledge of bylaws – When working with experienced installers, you won’t have to worry about memorizing all the bylaws of your city or town. A professional company will already know any legal restrictions and will help ensure your newly installed product follows all bylaw rules and restrictions. Great customer service – A professional company will value customer service. This means only recommending products and services that are right for you, as well as ensuring you are satisfied throughout the entire building process. Cons: Working with professional installers may require a bigger budget. An experienced, professional installation team will work with high-quality materials and offer high-quality workmanship, which may cost more up front. However, it is important to remember that though the costs may seem higher, you will likely save money in the

Fences Kitchener: Street Smarts and Services

  Looking for fences in Kitchener or the surrounding areas? Choosing to install a new fence can be a big decision. When reading online or talking to neighbours, you may hear about many fencing and fencing service blunders! How do you avoid these potential problems? This article outlines the possible problems you might run into and shows how you can have great fencing street smarts! Looking for more information about installing a new fence the right way? Contact the experts at Jay Fencing today! Fences Kitchener – Big Project Blunders Unfortunately, fencing blunders can happen anywhere, including in Kitchener! In October 2016, Catherine Thompson of TheRecord.com reported that a ten-foot cinder block fence installed between two houses caused major problems between two neighbours in Kitchener. The unhappy neighbour has been trying for over two years to get the city involved with this problem, as she feels her neighbour’s cinder block fence, which looks more like a large wall, is not residential in any way. However, the cinder block fence owner did not break any bylaws regarding fence material – the bylaw does not regulate what fences can be made out of. Overall, this situation appeared to be a messy one and caused a rift between two neighbours that may take a while to solve. Even if your new fence is within the city’s bylaw regulations, you may want to ensure it will not be offensive to your neighbours, as that can cause more problems down the road! When it comes to fencing, a lot can go wrong if you do not work with experienced installers or know how to follow bylaws. Unhappy neighbours are not the only potential fencing blunder you may run into! Fence safety is another issue that has some people worried. In September 2016, Catherine Thompson of TheRecord.com reported that many Kitchener residents were worried not about a residential fence, but about a scrap yard fence! Thompson reported that residents worried about a scrap metal dealer trying to purchase more land. They argued that the scrap yard was already unsafe and that its fence was dangerous, rusty, unstable and was not sturdy enough to keep curious children out. Ensuring that your fencing, whether commercial or residential, is clean, safe, and up to your city’s bylaw standards is important for both you and your community. Ensure that you regularly inspect your fence for serious damage or dangerous pieces, especially with commercial or metal fences. Popular Fence Types in Kitchener Before you know how to avoid particular blunders, it’s important to decide on what fencing material you want to use! With each fencing material comes unique potential problems. For example, you may not have to worry about fence height with a traditional chain link fence, but you will have to keep that part of the fencing bylaw in mind with a wood or vinyl fence. You won’t have to worry about rust with a wood fence, but you should keep an eye out for rusting on a chain link or other metal fence. Here are the top most common fence types that will surround most residential or commercial properties: Wood – Wood fences can be built from many different types of materials. Wood fences can range in height and style, and are one of the common types of fences for backyards. Wood fences require maintenance, but depending on the specific type of wood, they may require more or less (for example, some woods are naturally insect repellent, while others will need to be treated). Chain Link – Chain link is a cost effective and economical fencing solution. It is a great way to protect your property and keep kids and pets safe while on a budget. Chain link is also frequently seen around commercial properties or surrounding parks and walkways in subdivisions and neighbourhoods. Vinyl – Vinyl is not as common as chain link or wood fences but it is becoming an increasingly popular choice! Vinyl requires very little maintenance and often has the look of wood. It is sturdy and when installed correctly, can last for quite some time. Fences Kitchener – Customer Challenges No matter what type of fence you choose to go with, there are many issues and challenges homeowners face throughout the entire fence purchasing and installation process. Here are some challenges customers have faced with fence installers in the Kitchener area. #1 Poor Customer Service – Customer service can make all the difference. Unfortunately, many customers have found other fencing companies to have poor customer service, especially if the company does not have enough staff on hand to deal with many customer requests and needs. How Jay Fencing Does It Differently: “My gates were installed yesterday. Thank you everything looks great. I wanted to let you know that this was a very professional experience by your team. Our family felt comfortable and at ease from start to finish.” – Mike W #2 Incorrect Installation – One of the biggest problems that customers face when working with fence installation companies is incorrect or improper installation of fence posts, boards, or gates. Fence post installation can be a tiresome and tricky process, but is extremely important that your installation company has the know-how! If not, you may find yourself paying more to fix your fence or find it just isn’t as safe or sturdy as it should be. How Jay Fencing Does It Differently: “We had Jay Fencing install an ornamental steel fence on the street sides of our corner lot in Harriston. The people in the office had the local bylaws in hand, and we planned the fence with their help. The crew showed up on time with everything they needed (we’re 45 minutes from the shop) greeted us and got to work.” – Jean and Dirk #3 Unprofessional – Another frustrating problem customers often experience when working with installation companies is an unprofessional atmosphere. This may look like unprofessional language or behaviour, frequently arriving late or during off-hours to work on the fence, or providing confusing or

25 Amazing Metal Fence Gates

Looking for metal fence gates inspiration? Fence gates can add lots of flair and personality to your existing fence! This gallery provides 25 amazing metal fence gates images to inspire and help you with your own search for the perfect gate for your fence. Want more information on metal fences and fence gates? Contact the experts at Jay Fencing today, and we’ll gladly help you out! 25 Amazing Metal Fence Gates Check out all the amazing metal fence gates below! #25 – Equestrian You may notice that many decorative metal fence gates contain wood or other fencing materials. This beautiful and unique wood and metal fence gate is truly a work of art! #24 – Small Red Gate This adorable red metal fence proves that metal fences do not have to be boring at all! Many people think of black or grey when it comes to metal fences and gates. However, metal fences and gates can come in any vivid colour you choose! This festive gate is quaint and adds lots of personality to the existing wooden fence. #23 – Modern Doors With metal gates, the possibilities are nearly endless! This ultra-modern fence gate/door would look beautiful in the yard of any equally ultra-modern home. It is almost hard to tell this is even a gate! It looks like a piece of modern art. #22 – Leafy Metal Gates This gorgeous, decorative metal gate looks beautiful between wooden fence panels. It would look equally beautiful with a metal fence! It may not provide a lot of privacy, but like the other gates listed above, it is a work of art and adds so much character to this yard. #21 – Dragonfly Gate When it comes to metal gates, the possibilities are nearly endless! Because metal can be molded and crafted into anything, decorative metal gates are quite popular. This whimsical dragonfly gate looks like it belongs in an art gallery! It will definitely have people stopping to stare! #20 – Happy & Simple A different take on the classic metal gate, this adorable, mid-sized gate contains just enough detail without drawing too much attention to itself. The beautiful red roses woven in, and the little family at the bottom transform a typical metal gate into a unique, fun fixture on this property. #19 – Steel & Wood This is a mostly wooden gate with a metal twist! This gate has been reinforced with steel and has had wheels added to the bottom. This is a great design for a stronger gate, and allows for this gate to open double-door style with complete ease! #18 – Personalized Iron If you’re looking for a more classic take on metal gates, this white, personalized iron gate may be more your style! It has an elegant flair and also does a great job protecting this property. #17 – Ultra-Modern Squares Another ultra-modern metal gate in this gallery, this modern gate provides more air flow and looks absolutely stunning alongside this stone wall. The all black metal bars looks great paired alongside the golden handle, giving it a splash of colour. #16 – Decorative Hearts This simple and elegant metal gate is a gorgeous addition to this yard. It looks perfect in between two stone pillars and shows that simplicity does not have to be boring! It has the perfect amount of detail and personality for those that prefer a unique but simple metal gate. #15 – The Classic Metal Gate If fancy designs and unique patterns are not your thing, a classic black metal gate may be the perfect gate for you! This simple and classy gate looks good paired with any kind of fence – metal, wood, stone, you name it! You don’t have to put a lot of effort into making this simple gate look great. #14 – Beautiful Driveway Gates This intricate, detailed driveway metal gate design is sure to turn the heads of neighbours driving by! This piece made our list not only because it looks beautiful, but also because of the handiwork it must have taken to craft such an intricate design! #13 – Whimsical Wonder This playfully unique metal fence gate was crafted by David Freedman, an artist, blacksmith, and sculptor based out of Great Britain. One of the greatest things about metal gates is the amazing artwork that can transform sheets of metal into beautiful gate designs for an otherwise simple property! #12 – Super Stylish Iron Gate This metal gate is situated between two stone pillars and in front of a wooden fence – this is a great example of mixing materials! This iron gate also combines a modern and traditional look, and it looks absolutely beautiful on this property! #11 – Elegant & Old Fashioned This stunning metal gates look as though it may be a repurposed old door, or maybe it was built purposely to look old-fashioned! Either way, this metal gate leads into a private backyard garden, and adds a whimsical, almost magical feel to the surrounding area! #10 – Modern Garden Gate Another metal garden gate to make our list, this modern yet classy garden gate looks amazing surrounded by the brick fence and perfectly landscaped foliage! #9 – Classic & Secure This classic double automatic iron gate looks great surrounded by greenery and two stone pillars. Many decorative metal gates do not provide security. This gate, however, provides a great amount of security for this property and family! #8 – Modern & Secure If you prefer a modern look over the classic metal gate look but still want security, you will be pleased to see that you can have it all! This awesome modern metal fence gate blends in with the rest of the fence. It provides lots of privacy and is quite tall, so it also provides the security you need! #7 – Tall Classic Metal Gate   You often see decorative metal gates that are short and wide, or just plain tiny! You do not have to sacrifice security for

Wood Fence Panels Buying Guide

Looking to buy wood fence panels but don’t know where to start? This handy wood fence panel buying guide will help you decide what fence panels are best for you, considering factors from material, to style, to the best places to buy fence panels, and more! This article will guide you through the whole process from beginning your fence panel search to finally installing a fence. Ready to learn more about wood fence panels and fence installation? Contact the experts at Jay Fencing now! Wood Fence Panels Buying Guide – Types of Wood There are many different types of wood that fence panels can be built out of. The most common types of wood panels you’ll find in your local hardware store may depend on your location.  Some trees are native to certain areas, and therefore may be more or less common, and more or less expensive, depending on where you live. We have provided an estimate for each wood material cost, but it may vary depending on your location. The following outlines some of the types of wood you may come across when choosing your wood fence panels. Southern Yellow Pine ($): A generally cheaper wood material that is not naturally resistant to rot or insects. In order to keep this wood from becoming a new home to pests, you will need to treat it to help resist rot, insects, and sap. However, if you are looking for a cost-effective find, this might be a good choice for you. Douglas Fir ($$): Fence boards made from Douglas Fir are strong and stable. With this type of wood, you won’t have to worry about sap. However, it is not naturally insect or rot resistant and will need to be treated to resist these potential problems. White Woods ($): White woods are not a specific type of wood. It is used as a term to describe inferior types of spruce, pine, and fir. White woods are usually much cheaper and are not resistant to insects or rot. If left untreated, they have a very short lifespan compared to other woods. Redwood ($$$) – Naturally resistant to rot, insects, and moisture. Comes in a beautiful red colour, prized for both its aesthetics and strength. (Source) Wood Fence Panels – Style After you have selected the type of wood that suits you and your budget, it’s time to select your fence panel style! When selecting the style of fence panels, your preference is what matters most. Do you need a privacy fence? Do you prefer aesthetics over practicality? Do you want both? Asking these questions ahead of time will help you pick the fence style that’s right for you! Check out the images below for a list of pros and cons for these common fence panel styles. The list above is not exclusive, however. There are other types of wooden fence panels that you can install, and may even prefer! Here are some panel styles not listed above. Picket Fence: Picket fences are a classic and traditional look. If you want aesthetics, you will definitely get it with a beautiful new picket fence! Picket fences are often painted white but can be painted whatever colour you choose, or left natural. Like post and rail fences, picket fences do not provide a lot of privacy and are not the best fence to contain children or pets. Louver: Louver wooden fences are tall, staggered boards that provide some, but not total, privacy. They allow airflow in through the wide spaces between the boards. They are often used in addition to privacy fences and may be used to surround a deck or pool. Lattice: A full lattice fence can be a beautiful addition to any home and yard. They do not provide full privacy on their own. However, they will obscure the view through the fence and they are often paired with shrubbery to fill in the spaces. Therefore, they can be a good privacy fence if set up this way. Lattice is not the strongest fence type and may not withstand a strong force. (source) Where To Purchase Fence Panels There are many places to purchase fence panels. You may even be lucky enough to know someone personally who can provide you with the perfect fence panels you need! If not, here are some common places where you can find and purchase the fence panels that you’ve been waiting for. Hardware stores: Rona, Home Depot, and Lowe’s are all common places to purchase fence panels. Purchasing fence panels from a large hardware store will offer many options, including styles and wood types. It’s easy to compare prices and determine a close approximation of how much your fence will cost in total. Online: Others try to snag the best deal from purchasing online or via such as Kijiji. There are many ads and private sellers currently selling fence panels. Though this may seem like an appealing option, it’s important to be aware of possible scams. If you choose to go this route, understanding what quality wood looks like and knowing how to avoid online scams is vital. From Your Fence Installer: If you choose to hire an installer, there is a good chance they will supply you with everything you need – and that it will all be included in the price. Hiring an experienced and trustworthy installer is one way to ensure your fence panels are exactly what you want and need. Fence Installers vs Do-It-Yourself: Post Hole Digging Post hole digging can be a major challenge for anyone, especially inexperienced DIYers. The entire process of fence installation can be strenuous and challenging, but post hole digging is probably the biggest challenge you will run into if you decided to go the DIY fence installation route. In the video below, we watch as a product reviewer uses a rented post hole digger for the first time. From the challenges of using a rental digger, to the actual digging process, you can see what one DIYer’s experience with a post

Best Chain Link Fence Installation Guides

If you are looking to install a chain link fence the do-it-yourself way, you may find yourself spending hours searching the internet for the best installation guides. Chain link fence installation can be a challenge. It’s important to find a great guide that can help you with the process. This page reviews the top three chain fence installation guides on clarity, use of visuals, and time required. Have more questions about chain link fence installation? Contact the fence installation experts at Jay Fencing today!

11 Amazing Ornamental Iron Fencing Pictures

Looking for some ornamental iron fencing inspiration? If you’re ready for your very own iron fence, looking at various options, or just love looking at beautiful fences, this picture gallery is for you. Iron fences can last a very long time and are extremely durable and come in many different looks from elegant to modern to rustic. Wrought iron fences can be shaped into many different designs, making it the perfect ornamental fence. Have more questions about iron fencing? Contact the fencing experts at Jay Fencing today!

Wood Privacy Fence Panels Buying Guide

  Interested in purchasing your very own wood privacy fence panels but don’t know where to begin? Jay Fencing’s Wood Privacy Fence Panel Buying Guide will give you money and time-saving tips, outline the top places to purchase fence panels, and compare the do-it-yourself installation route versus hiring a fence installation professional. Have unanswered questions about wood fence panels? Contact Jay Fencing today!

Chain Link Fence Installers – What To Look For and Installers By Province

Chain Link Fence Installers – What To Look For and Installers By Province Chain link is a great fencing solution for both commercial or residential properties. Chain link is known for its versatility, strength, and low cost, making it a very popular fence choice. However, it is not always an easy type of fence to install yourself. This article will help you discover what makes a great chain link fence installer and how to find an installer near you. If you live in Ontario and are considering a chain link fence for your property, contact Jay Fencing and we’ll help you select the right fence for you and your needs!