Sometimes new products take a while to make an impression on the purchasing public. Chain link fencing wasn’t one of those. It quickly became a favorite of pet owners to construction companies for multiple reasons.

• Quick and easy to produce
• Affordable
• Effective
• Has multiple applications
• Highly durable
• Resistant to corrosion
• Easy to install
• Could be produced with multiple sized diamonds
• Can be crafted in different thicknesses
• Easy to clean and repair
• Little maintenance needed

From Great Britain to the U.S.

Created by Charles Barnard in Great Britain in 1844, the inventor based his design on the day’s cloth weaving process. It produced fencing that contained a diamond pattern. It wasn’t until 1891 that the fencing made its way to the U.S. market.

Social Implications

While its creator didn’t realize it, Barnard was effectively creating a social shift. The powerful and wealthy utilized wrought iron fencing to protect their personal safety and properties. The introduction of chain link fence meant that the middle class could have fencing to protect themselves and their homes.

Home and Family

The fencing provides effective security for containing pets and children. It’s equally applicable for keeping human intruders and wildlife out of residential spaces. Available in multiple heights, it can be equipped with attachments at the top for an added level of security. It’s a physical barrier that also offers a psychological deterrent.

Commercial Uses

Chain link fence is the first choice of construction sites that need to protect tools and equipment, while preventing access from unauthorized personnel. The fencing is used to enclose manufacturing plants and similar infrastructure that’s at risk from terrorist attacks. Chain link is equally applicable for housing projects to prison fences.

Essential Infrastructure

For many years, chain link fences were part of city infrastructure across the nation. The fencing enclosed school yards, public parks, and is still used in sports fields.

Still Popular

Technological advances have resulted in many more fencing options. However, chain link fence still remains popular for many of the same reasons and applications that rocketed it to stardom in the fencing industry, even after more than 130 years.

Zepco Fence…South Florida’s Premier Fence Company
Since 1981 Zepco Fence has been providing superior quality fence products and installations to all of South Florida Residential and Commercial Property owners.

Serving all of Broward and Palm Beach County areas, we are the #1 Fence Company in South Florida.

We encourage you to contact us below to get started with a free estimate on your next fence project.

Call Today at 954-410-9570

Choosing lumber for a home DIY project can be confusing. There are different grades, but wood that’s 2 inches or more in thickness is typically only graded for strength, indicated by #1, # 2 or #3. It tells the uninitiated purchaser nothing about its other qualities or defects.

Definition of a Defect

A defect can give a piece of lumber unique characteristics. In the lumber industry, a defect is something that will affect the integrity of anything constructed with it. Most defects are a result of the cutting, stacking or drying process and include:

• Splits
• Twists
• Cracks
• Bowing or curling
• Cupping
• Crooking
• Wane
• Shake
• Knots

The Department of Commerce and the American Lumber Standards Committee are responsible for setting grade standards for lumber.

Knots and Appearance

Lumber with a #1 designation is stronger because it has fewer knots and the knots are smaller. It’s also deemed more attractive by buyers.

Conversely, lumber with a #2 rating is seen as less attractive due to larger knots and a greater number of them. Lumber in this group is generally used for projects where the appearance isn’t a primary concern.

Grade #3 lumber is allowed a greater number of defects, as long as the defect doesn’t extend completely through the wood.

Prime Grade

This is created from some of the most attractive timber. It contains a minimal number of knots and has uniform color.

Select

The highest grade of timber available, it has the least amount of knotting and defects, while exhibiting the highest level of strength.

Construction and Stud Grade

This is used for light framing, with any knots tight, encased and sound. Stud grade lumber is appropriate for vertical members of a structure.

Standard Grade

Also used for light framing, the number of knots isn’t restricted.

Utility Grade

The lowest grade of lumber, there are few restrictions on the number of defects it may contain.

Zepco Fence…South Florida’s Premier Fence Company
Since 1981 Zepco Fence has been providing superior quality fence products and installations to all of South Florida Residential and Commercial Property owners.

Serving all of Broward and Palm Beach County areas, we are the #1 Fence Company in South Florida.

We encourage you to contact us below to get started with a free estimate on your next fence project.

Call Today at 954-410-9570

Every type of fencing has an average life span, at which time it will have to be torn down and replaced. Depending on the material, fences are estimated to last:

• Aluminum – 50 years
• Chain link – 15 years
• PVC – 30 years
• SimTek® – 25 years
• Vinyl – 20 years
• Wood – 15 years

It’s important to note that allowing climbing and vining plants to overrun the fence will lead to sagging. However, there are some measures that individuals can take to prolong the life of fencing materials of any type.

Aluminum

Fences of aluminum require little maintenance and look good for many years. They can benefit from:

• An inspection of screws and hardware once a year
• A yearly wash with warm water, soap, a sponge and rinse

Chain Link

An effective and affordable fencing option, it’s not one of the most attractive. Keep it in good condition and enhance appearance by:

• Not letting children and pets climb on it
• Consider adding vinyl slats
• Inspect regularly for damage and repair even small problems quickly

PVC

The material doesn’t need much maintenance. Keep it looking good with:

• Application of a vinyl sealer
• Hose it down regularly to keep it clean or use soap and water
• Check for holes and cracks from insects and weathering
• Keep plants trimmed back so they don’t touch the fence

SimTek®

A SimTek® fence comes standard with a lifetime warranty against defects. Highly durable, it can withstand hurricane winds. It only needs:

• A pressure washing to remove dirt and grime

Vinyl

A fence of vinyl is another option with few maintenance needs. To keep it looking good:

• Wash it regularly with mild soap and water to remove dirt, grime, mold and algae
• Make repairs or replace elements immediately if damaged

Wood

A wood fence requires the most maintenance of any material. Extend its life by:

• Inspecting the hardware regularly
• Checking the boards for any warping, cracking or splitting
• Repair cracks and holes immediately
• Replace damaged or rotted boards and pickets promptly
• Paint or stain the wood
• Remove mold and algae

Zepco Fence…South Florida’s Premier Fence Company
Since 1981 Zepco Fence has been providing superior quality fence products and installations to all of South Florida Residential and Commercial Property owners.

Serving all of Broward and Palm Beach County areas, we are the #1 Fence Company in South Florida.

We encourage you to contact us below to get started with a free estimate on your next fence project.

Call Today at 954-410-9570

Lights, motion sensors and security cameras are all security measures that you may have taken if you’re a business owner. However, a fence can be equally effective as those precautions and combined with existing security equipment as part of a multi-faceted security system. There are multiple fencing materials from which to choose that will secure your enterprise and be attractive.

Aluminum

The material has an elegant appearance and emulates the look of wrought iron. Highly durable, the fencing is extremely difficult to breach and can be equipped with points on the tops of pickets as an additional deterrent. Aluminum fencing is appropriate for a wide range of enterprises.

SimTek®

A SimTek® fence is aesthetically pleasing and a solution that’s durable. The technologically advanced manufacturing process enables the fencing to duplicate the appearance of natural wood or high-end stone in multiple textures, colors and styles. The surface doesn’t present a surface that’s easy to breach. It’s extremely low maintenance, impact resistant, and performs well in hurricanes. The fencing withstands consistent 110 mph winds and gusts up to 130 mph.

PVC

This is another material that provides many of the same properties as SimTek® fencing that include security and privacy. It works to block outside noise, while creating a pleasing appearance and remaining impact resistant. It’s also environmentally friendly.

Wood

While there are designs for wood fencing that can provide an additional level of security, they’re typically not the first choice for many business owners as the fencing requires more maintenance and won’t last as long as other materials, though wood is less expensive.

Informed Decisions

Before deciding on a specific fence, it’s best to consult with a fencing professional. They have extensive knowledge and will work with individuals to assess their specific needs and requirements. Fencing is an investment in the security of a business and should never be approached without all the facts. It will enable owners to make an informed decision about their best option.

Zepco Fence…South Florida’s Premier Fence Company
Since 1981 Zepco Fence has been providing superior quality fence products and installations to all of South Florida Residential and Commercial Property owners.

Serving all of Broward and Palm Beach County areas, we are the #1 Fence Company in South Florida.

We encourage you to contact us below to get started with a free estimate on your next fence project.

Call Today at 954-410-9570