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Fencing in your Future Which Fencing Material is Right for You?


Fences are made from many different materials, and many different styles. This can make choosing a fence difficult. However, the decision of choosing a fence can be made easier. Before attempting to shop for a fence, a few preliminary steps can save you a lot of time. Furthermore, you will be less frustrated in the end.

The first step you should take in choosing a fence material is to decide what the purpose of the fence will be. Many people choose fences for the following reason:

To protect against trespassers and burglars
To create a boundary line
For decoration
To keep pets and children in the yard
To stop animals from intruding
For climbing plants

After you are done thinking about why you would want to make a fence, it is time to choose one. The following is a list of various types of fences:

Chain link
Barbwire
Picket fence
Wooden fence
Small garden fences
Electric fences
Invisible fence

Now you know the reasons why you would want a fence. Along with that, you know some types of fences. Now it is time to decide which fence is right for you. In order to do that, you need to know which types of fences are good for what purpose. In addition, you need to know which fences will be most practical in case you choose a fence for more that one reason.

For instance, a chain link fence can keep pets or children in a yard, and it also keeps out trespassers and burglars. A second example would be the use of the barbwire fence. This fence marks the boundary line of a farm property, and also aids in deterring intruders. Just like a chain link fence, a wooden fence can keep pets and children in the yard. However, it is a little different than the chain link fence. The difference it that a wooden fence is more attractive looking than a chain link fence. Nevertheless, it serves more than one purpose, as most fences do.

Now, you know some of the purposes of the barb wire, chain link, and large wooden fence. The other types of fences serve a similar purpose as those three. For example, the picket fence is much like the use of a wooden fence, only smaller. It also is more decorative than the chain link fence. However, it does not do much for protecting a home against intruders. Picket fences are usually only about three feet high. Now you know the main difference between a picket fence and a wooden fence. However, there are exceptions. Sometimes tiny picket fence can be places close to shrubs, flowers, or gardens. This is to stop small animals such as squirrels, mice, rabbits, and chipmunks from intruding. They might run into the fence, and then turn around and go the other way. The tiny picket fence is a type of small garden fence.

Other small garden fences can be placed around tomato and bean plants for a similar reason as the picket fence. These also serve something for the plants to climb on. Also, smaller versions of the chain link fence serve to keep animal intruders out of your garden.

Another type of fence is the electric fence. This is similar to the barbwire fence. An electric fence is also known as an invisible fence because someone usually doesnt see it. Then, if a person or animal does not know the fence is there, that person or animal bumps into it. Then, they get a shock. Then, they know not to cross that line. Most people know how to climb over it though. The main use is to block farm animals from entering another persons pasture.

A more modern of the electric fence is a fence that actually is invisible. It serves a similar purpose, and has the same affect on a person or animal as the electric fence. The only difference is that it is literally invisible. A variation of this type of fence is found in Jewelry stores. The invisible fence usually surrounds valuable jewelry locked up in a display case. Also, it is attached to an alarm that goes off when the burglar crosses the invisible beam.

There you are. You know all about fences now-or at least more than you did before you read this article. Keep this information handy to help you make a wise choice in choosing a fence.

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Screened In: How to Replace the Screens in Your Windows


In many parts of the world, window screens are an important necessity of comfortable living. While extremely helpful in keeping out unwanted intruders and letting fresh air flow in, screens are by nature delicate and often need repair or replacement. Particularly if you have a rambunctious dog and a sliding screen door, as my parents do. In their case, they have learned to keep a roll of fresh screening handy. In your case, hopefully this wont be quite as regular of a task!

On the do-it-yourself (DIY) scale, repairing or replacing screens is relatively easy and requires little elbow grease. The only materials required are:
new screening or screen patches
scissors
household cement
screen rolling tool
razor knife
square
1x2 and 1x4 stock to stretch the new screening
stapler
brads
wood putty

Screen Repairs
If you have noticed a small hole in your window screen, less than about 3" in diameter, you can simply repair the hole. Plastic screens are difficult to patch and should probably replaced. Fiberglass screens can go either way, while metal screens are easy to patch.
1. Measure the hole(s) and buy ready-made patches or cut them from new screening. For small holes, the patch should have a minimum diameter at least a half-inch larger than the hole. Larger holes require a full inch extra diameter of replacement screening.
2. To insert the patch into the screen, unravel quite a few strands around the patchs edges. Interweave these strands with the screening and bent until the patch is held tightly in place. The stands can usually be bent by hand, but if the screening is heavier you can use long-nosed pliers. Plastic patches also require some household cement on the strand ends after they have been woven into the screen.
3. Small holes (less than 3/8") with some household cement.

Screen Replacement
Replacing screens in metal and wooden frames can require different procedures. Because replacing screens in metal frames is easier, Ill discuss that process first and then move on to replacement of screens in wood frames.

Replace screening in a metal frame
1. Remove the screen from the window and lay on a hard, flat surface large enough to support the entire frame.
2. Remove rubber edging from the old screen. Set aside for reuse if it is in good shape. If not, discard it. Measure and cut new rubber edging.
3. Remove the old, damaged screening. The damaged screening and any scraps can be saved for future repairs.
4. Using the old screening as a pattern or measurements of the window, measure out the new screening from a replacement roll. Be certain to leave sufficient excess screening on all sidestypically enough to reach the outsides of the frame and a bit more.
5. With a screen rolling tool, start in a corner of the frame to tighten the screening into place. Press the rubber edging into the groove and secure the screening in the frame. Work your way slowly and with a steady hand around the screen. This helps avoid the errors of bending the screen frame, which is often made of thin aluminum, and ripping the screening with the screen rolling tool.
6. If you are finding the process difficult, try tacking the material to the frame first (recommended for fabric but not aluminum) or use a spreader to support long screens.
7. When the screening is pressed tightly into the frame, trim excess material with a razor knife.
8. Replace the screen in the window. Sit back and relax in your insect-free home!

Replace screening in a wood frame
Replacing the screening in a wood frame can be more challenging because of the care necessary in affixing the screening to the frame.
1. In the existing frame, start in the center of a strip of screen molding and work toward the ends, prying slowly along the way. Be careful not to break it.
2. For wood frames, the wedge method of stretching ensures tight screening for a quality finished product. For this method, have some 1x2 stock that is slightly wider than the frame handy. Also use 1x4 stocks to make the wedges.
3. Cut new screening from a replacement roll. Be certain to leave sufficient excess screening on all sidestypically enough to reach the outsides of the frame and a bit more.
4. Staple screening across top edge. Nail the bottom cleat to a bench or flat surface and install the 1x2 cleats. Roll the new screening over the cleats and nail to the top cleat.
5. Between the cleats and screen frame, insert the wedges. Tap wedges until the screen is pulled taut.
6. Every few inches, put a staple in the screening along the bottom and then the sides.
7. Trim excess screening. Countersink brads to refit screen moldings and fill holes with wood putty.
8. Finally, staple the entire screen tightly in place working from the center brace outward. Remove the wedges and the screen should stay taut. Use a screen rolling tool or putty knife to replace the screen moldings. As with the metal-framed screen, relax and enjoy the peace and quiet your hard work has afforded you!