FAQ
CAUTION: Always wear goggles when working with wire of any kind. The "whipping" action of a loose strand could take out your favorite eye. Pick up nails when working with wood fence. You will avoid stepping on it later and the lawn mower won't throw it into your neighbor's pet. Keep fingers out of pinch points when working around gates and you'll always be able to count to ten.
For simplicity we have broken down our FAQ sheet into several main categories.
General
Is there a phone number I can call to see if it is safe to dig for a fence? I wouldn't want to hit a gas or electric line!
Yes there is! You should always call this number to check if it's safe to dig to install a fence. The number is "811". One easy phone call to 811 gets your underground utility lines marked for free. Remember, know what's below. Always call before you dig.
Do you sell special fence tools?
Yes we do, check out our quality fence tools.
My fence, installed years ago, is on my neighbor's lot. Now what?
Question:
After much aggravation and harassment from my neighbor concerning my privacy fence, i was glad to find your web site. We have lived here in Wayne MI for over 20 years . My husband's mother was the one who got the permit for the chain link fence and now my neighbor wants to cut it down. The city said its on his property, but we have a permit on record, he does not. We put a privacy fence up and painted only one side the city said it looked fine, and signed the permit. Now they say I have to let my neighbor paint it. What about adverse Possession? We were here first? I hope you can answer some of these questions for me, because I'm not sure what the ordinance says concerning, and the city inspectors say one thing and mean another? Also do you know where I can obtain a land survey that won't cost me an arm and a leg? Thank You for your time.
Sorry to hear of your difficulties. You have several issues here. I am not an attorney (thank goodness) and can't voice an opinion on legal issues, but here are some considerations as I best know them.
- Just because you got a permit does not relieve you of the responsibility to install the fence on your own property.
- Just because the fence has been in the wrong place for years does not guarantee that you now own any portion of your neighbor's property contrary to some popular belief. There is a law floating around that says possession is 90% of the law. Considering how much tax we pay, I believe it is only about 50% anyway.
- It is up to your neighbor to prove the fence is encroaching on him before action can be taken. You do not have to prove that it is in the right place after the fence is up. Let the neighbor pay the surveyor to prove you wrong or do the neighborly thing and split the cost with him.
- Many inspector's, although meaning well, are not attorneys either and their opinion on legal issues carries no more weight than mine. They do have the responsibility to enforce the zoning and building laws, if they themselves understand the correct interpretation of them. Have them show you in writing the appropriate code. Read the rest of the section and all other pertinent sections.
- Always get a permit if required. Once issued, it is your best protection that the fence you erect is approved. It can not protect you against improper location off your property. Most permits require you make a drawing showing your lot and the proposed fence location. When you place the fence on your neighbor's lot, you violated the permit, since no department would knowingly grant you permission to do that.
- Your neighbor has the right to cut limbs off trees that hang onto his property even if it kills your tree. He also can paint anything that is on his lot, including your cedar fence.
- A well-meaning fence expert is not your best source of legal information, although it is cheap. You might need an attorney. If the lawyer won't bid your fence project, I won't practice law.
- Most surveyors charge by the hour. Find one that has worked your area and, if you are lucky, he has just surveyed near you and it will save you a ton because he doesn't have to do any research. He can start from a known location.
- Sometimes you can locate your own property pins with a little detective work. Check your lot size. If you don't know, you can get the information at your county courthouse. While you are there, check the adjacent properties' sizes around your property. The secret is to find a property pin somewhere, even if it is not on your property. Talk to your neighbors. Someone may know where one of their pins are. By measuring across lots from a known accurate property pin, you can get a close approximation of where yours are. Dig with a shovel in that area and you may find it. Once you find one in the front of your lot, you can measure across to locate the other. Repeat the process for rear pins. Hint: front yard pins are located at the right-of-way, usually within a foot or two of your side of the sidewalk. If you have no sidewalks, the pin may be directly behind a utility pole. The poles for the main power lines are just inside the right-of-way.
Good luck with your fence, your neighbor and city hall.
Does a fence really make good neighbors?
Perhaps, if it blocks his rifle sight into your backyard.
My dog jumps the fence at the corner. What can I do?
Question:
I have a problem! My dog keeps jumping my fence at the joining corners. It's a 6 foot fence and I was wondering if you had a solution. I don't think it's right to tie my dog up. I want to modify my fence in a way that it will look nice , yet be affective.
I agree, it would be cruel to tie any dog up with a chain.
You could secure a piece of chain link fabric, cut into a triangular shape and place it near the top, so the dog would be hindered from climbing over. Some dogs can climb by using both sides of the fence. Any small obstruction would stop their progress.
On a wood fence, you could build a flower pot holder or something decorative in the corner in such a way that it extends into the enclosed area.
If you are familiar with some of the funnel shaped guards placed around bird feeder poles to keep squirrels from climbing the post, the principle would be the same.
The Fencer
On which side of the fence do the poles go?
I prefer to call them posts. Generally they go on the inside of the area that is being enclosed. For residential use, they should be on the inside so the neighbor enjoys looking at the better of the two sides. In fact, according to some building codes, this is not optional. You must face the best looking side of a fence towards the road and your neighbor. Check your local code requirements always before buying and erecting a fence.
Even if not required by local building codes, it is more neighborly to keep the posts and rails on the inside of the fence, which is your side. Your property will look better when viewed from the road.
The side without the posts is also harder to climb. This is especially true of wood fences, where most styles with horizontal 2 x 4 rails are also on the same side as the posts. The combination of 2 x 4's and posts create a ladder for someone to climb.
On chain link fences, the posts and rails are on the same side of the chain link fabric. This side is easier to climb as stated earlier. In addition, the fence is weakest on the post side, if pressure was placed pushing outward on the fence. In one case the chain link fabric would be pushed away from the posts and rails and the tie wires could break. In the other case, the chain link fabric would be pushed against the posts with no threat of tearing the tie wires off.
For that reason, dog kennels and prison fences usually have the post side away from the enclosure, because the security is needed within the enclosure. In other words, if you want to keep something confined, put the posts on the outside.
There are some styles of wood and vinyl fences where both sides of the fence are the same. These styles generally cost a little more, but both sides look equally well.
Even if not required by local building codes, it is more neighborly to keep the posts and rails on the inside of the fence, which is your side. Your property will look better when viewed from the road.
The side without the posts is also harder to climb. This is especially true of wood fences, where most styles with horizontal 2 x 4 rails are also on the same side as the posts. The combination of 2 x 4's and posts create a ladder for someone to climb.
On chain link fences, the posts and rails are on the same side of the chain link fabric. This side is easier to climb as stated earlier. In addition, the fence is weakest on the post side, if pressure was placed pushing outward on the fence. In one case the chain link fabric would be pushed away from the posts and rails and the tie wires could break. In the other case, the chain link fabric would be pushed against the posts with no threat of tearing the tie wires off.
For that reason, dog kennels and prison fences usually have the post side away from the enclosure, because the security is needed within the enclosure. In other words, if you want to keep something confined, put the posts on the outside.
There are some styles of wood and vinyl fences where both sides of the fence are the same. These styles generally cost a little more, but both sides look equally well.
Do I have to mix pre-mix concrete for fence posts or can I just dump the pre-mix in dry?
Question:
Can I dump my pre-mix concrete in post hole or must I mix it first? Customer Question: My question deals with setting 4x4 pressure treated fence posts with concrete. I was wondering how important it is to mix the "pre-mix " concrete before I set my posts. I would like to take the easy way out and just add about 80 pounds of pre-mix without mixing it. Does that sound acceptable? I'm planning a 6' wood fence in a mountainous environment 8200' elevation with typical wind loads for that elevation. Please let me know what you think.
It is preferred to mix the concrete mix with water prior to pouring it in the fence post holes, however many people including professionals do not. The dry mix will absorb moisture from the surrounding ground and cure eventually. The problem with using the mix without using water is that the concrete closest to the post may not ever get wet or cure properly. 'Air pockets' and some spots inside may not cure properly and cause premature footer failure. If you simply use dry mix, pour water in the hole before and after the dry mix as a compromise.
Do you sell wrought iron fence?
We do not sell wrought iron fencing. True wrought iron fencing is a dying art that is difficult to find and expensive to purchase. Most of the fence industry has made the transition to ornamental aluminum fencing which does not have the high costs of labor and material associated with true wrought iron. Aluminum fences also do not have the high maintenance problems of wrought iron. Please feel free to review our Ornamental Fence Catalog.
We do not carry full lengths of tubing or square stock as these can be difficult to ship, especially in small quantities, however you will find many finials , post caps, and flanges that may compliment your existing fence.
We do not carry full lengths of tubing or square stock as these can be difficult to ship, especially in small quantities, however you will find many finials , post caps, and flanges that may compliment your existing fence.
I would like to fence off 6-7 acres for a pasture using chain-link. How many feet of fencing would it take to accomplish this?
This is a question we get asked a lot. Use the information below to help determine the amount of fence needed for your enclosure.
Since one acre of land comprises 43,560 sq. ft., we can take the square root of 43,560 and find out that a square with 4 equal sides, each side measuring 209' would enclose that acre. If you want to figure multiple acres, multiply 43,560 times the number of acres, then take the square root of that product, and multiply it times 4, that would give you the amount of fence required.
Example figuring amount to enclose 6 acres:
1) One acre = 43,560 sq. ft.
2) Six acres = 261,359 sq. ft. (43,560 x 6)
3) Square root of 261,359 = 511 (this is the length in feet of each side)
4) 511 x 4 = 2044 linear feet of fence to enclose 6 acres
This formula works great for figuring fence required for enclosing acres of land. For actual materials needed for your particular situation, feel free to fax or email us a drawing so our sales staff can give you an accurate material list with prices.
Since one acre of land comprises 43,560 sq. ft., we can take the square root of 43,560 and find out that a square with 4 equal sides, each side measuring 209' would enclose that acre. If you want to figure multiple acres, multiply 43,560 times the number of acres, then take the square root of that product, and multiply it times 4, that would give you the amount of fence required.
Example figuring amount to enclose 6 acres:
1) One acre = 43,560 sq. ft.
2) Six acres = 261,359 sq. ft. (43,560 x 6)
3) Square root of 261,359 = 511 (this is the length in feet of each side)
4) 511 x 4 = 2044 linear feet of fence to enclose 6 acres
This formula works great for figuring fence required for enclosing acres of land. For actual materials needed for your particular situation, feel free to fax or email us a drawing so our sales staff can give you an accurate material list with prices.
