Stainless Steel: Long Life and Efficiency

In the long run, stainless steel is an economical choice. Seemingly more expensive at the outset; however, its longevity makes it an excellent buy.

The Benefits of Stainless Steel:

Environmental: stainless steel is 100% recyclable.

Aesthetic: it features an attractive, bright appearance.

Temperature: from high to subzero, stainless steel maintains its properties, strength, and effectiveness.

Safe: Stainless steel is not hazardous to health.

Hygienic: it's easy to clean and sterilize.

Economic: requires less maintenance and replacement.

And doesn't need a potentially polluting surface coating. 

What is it made of?

• Iron
• Chromium
• Manganese
• Carbon
• and in some cases nickel and molybdenum.

Chromium is key in bonding with these to create a protective surface film. 10.5% chromium is required to be considered stainless steel. The surface barrier created blocks water and oxygen from getting underneath, which in turn facilitates the protection of its iron  foundation and enables its notable stain resistance. A few atomic layers of this barrier is enough to maintain the whole--we're talkin' a wavelength of light in thickness--so really thin and visually undetectable without significant magnification.

Commonly, there are two main classifications.

Type 304--most common, with great corrosion resistance; affordable, appropriate to household appliances and forms well. 304 has more chromium than 316. 

Type 316--the presence of molybdenum increases anti-corrosion capacity and high heat stability. This takes things up a notch and is crucial for marine environments, refineries, and medical devices. It is used in situations where extreme hardness is required. Fence or mesh used in a coastal or saltwater environment requires 316, also in areas of air pollution, deicing salt, and volcanic activity. 316 also contains more nickel than 304.

• The difference between 304 and 316 is not detectable with the naked eye.                                                                                         
• A material test report is something to look for when buying and questioning the grade of stainless steel. 

Stainless and Fencing

When thinking about a fence, the main reason to go stainless is for long life. It repels corrosion and the toughness of stainless steel offsets the initial cost promising less repair and replacement. Unsightly rust is eliminated or delayed. Its properties are indispensable in keeping a business or residence looking sharp and its longevity doesn't waste resources.

Stabilize and Restore Your Beach

Here's a helpful video from the folks at The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation.

Sand dunes create an important buffer between sea and land, maintaining the dunes is central to counteracting coastal erosion. Not only do properly placed sand fences protect the dunes, but they can also redirect pedestrians away from beneficial dune-preserving plants such as cape beachgrass. 

Louis Page has a wonderful catalog that includes our state of the art sand fence. Check out our sand fence blog, too.

Around the Perimeter

Be it privacy, safety, establishing property lines, or even decoration, the addition of a security fence to your property requires some research and planning. Providing a perimeter barrier that creates an obstacle for intruders while protecting property, assets or facility can prevent some major headaches while offering significant peace of mind.

Hurdles 

A security fence worth its salt should discourage climbing over, without handholds and footholds, with a gauge small enough that deters this; and topped with spikes or barbs.  There should be no convenient or exposed screws or easily undone fasteners, and the fence steel should be strong enough to resist cutting. For public lands and properties, it means a distinct clarity of boundary line for potential trespassers--innocent or intentional. While the spacing of the mesh resists scaling, it allows visibility so the intruder is easily seen.

At Home

For a private dwelling it creates clear lines for boundaries (for your present neighbors, but also the future neighbors) and for maintenance, such as removing leaves, lawn debris or snow. Inside the lines, you will benefit from the safety of children and pets, particularly if you're concerned about a busy street. If your area is more vulnerable to wild animals, your fence adds important protections.

• Of course, a fence is mandatory if you own a pool and town ordinances must be strictly followed. 

The Height of Your Fence

Local building codes vary--it is necessary to check with town authorities before proceeding. Sometimes, a lower fence is required for the front of a property, with taller allowances for the back.

• For residential, 4 feet in the front of a property and 6 feet in the back and sides is a general rule. You are outlining a legal boundary and as such, there are limitations based on established covenants and conditions. Even natural fences comprised of trees or bushes can be subject to height restrictions--often between 5 and 8 feet. If the property is a landmark, borders a landmark or is in a historic district, the design plans will most likely require zoning permits.                                                                 
• In commercial or industrial areas, height limits may be 6 to 8 feet, and barbed wire only above 7 feet. In some areas, industrial fences may reach a maximum of 10 feet. Still, local ordinances must be consulted. Two exceptions: applications for a one-time variance and fences that pre-date the current laws.                                                                                                                                                                                                            
• Along with the fence, a gate as tall as the fence is needed. Thinking about access: consider locks, lighting, an intercom system, fingerprint or an iris detection system.                                                                                                                                                      
• One happy by-product here is that your new fence may positively affect insurance premiums.

Looks Matter

A fence may be there to ward off intruders but it should be welcoming and inviting to you. Good-looking fences are definitely available and your neighborhood is going to thank you for an appealing fence as well. When it comes time to sell, it will add value to your home as an attractive fence is an excellent investment.

A security fence provides a physical as well as psychological deterrent and creates privacy. Though attractive, the fence should be imposing from the outside, causing passers-by and intruders to remain external. 

Avoid Chain-link: 

• Footholds make it easy to climb 
• Makes for easy cutting
• Unattractive
• Requires unsightly barbed wire on top to be effective

Various Issues

Coatings are important to the longevity and attractiveness of the fence. Guarding against shabbiness is an important deterrent as well. The environment around the security fencing is part of the equation. Corrosion or deterioration is always a factor with fencing, particularly in a coastal areas. Moisture in general is an issue and drainage also must be assessed.

Some potential roadblocks in obtaining a fence: 

• Expense
• Blocking views
• Maintenance of grounds and plantings around a fence
• Upkeep and wear and tear of the fence
• Agreement or permissions needed of neighbors concerning your fence

A professional is the best bet when considering design criteria. The intention of the fence, type and style of property, along with the neighborhood, terrain, and environmental impacts are all important components in your decision-making. 

Using T Posts

T Post Efficiency 

No digging holes for wooden posts--a huge benefit of T posts is their installation. Pounded right into the ground, most easily done with a post hole driver. Straight and strong, knock em in, and revel in their ability to hold.  And happily, they can be moved, too. Permanent or temporary, you choose. 

T Post Strength

These American made posts are made of 100% recycled rail steel. Think about what freight trains pull. This is that steel. Very tough, durable, and able to bear a generous load. They're a fine choice for hard or rocky ground and can even stand up to livestock.

T Post Economy

Wood or vinyl posts carry a hefty price tag. T posts are a bargain in comparison. Add their ease of installation and longevity, you end up saving considerable time and money. And you can cover a lot of ground. Louis Page also includes five wire fasteners with each post.

Three surface treatments:

• coated with baked enamel
• hot-dipped galvanization
• untreated

Consider purchasing T posts that are galvanized for longer life. Particularly in coastal climates where there is more risk of increased corrosion of steel which is vulnerable to rust. Yet even unfinished T posts are very weather resistant due to the high quality of rail steel.  

Are you thinking that wood might be more appealing? Aesthetics are important; however, T posts are seen mostly in winter whereas in summer the posts are covered in leafy vines. Even treated wood posts are vulnerable to rot, breakage, and taking a beating from the weather. However, if a T post is for some reason damaged, it is easily replaced.

Use them for silt fencing, snow fencing and safety fencing.

Here's an example of T posts holding up grapevines.

 You can also these beauties for sign posts, pens, guide stakes, home gardens, and more.