Christopher Thompson

Kitchen Manager/ELL/ Social Science Teacher, Bartender, Music Enthusiast, Traveler

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

When installing a tension band in the construction of a fence, proper location is important. The long flat surface of the tension band should always face toward the outside of the fence (and the same goes for rail end bands).

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

Do you need to add privacy to an existing chainlink fence? Chainlink fences can have inexpensive plastic privacy slats inserted to obstruct the view through the fence.

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

Have you ever found strangers or neighbors peeping in your driveway, compromising your privacy? Certain driveway gates also restrict visual access to your property. So, you don’t have to worry about who’s looking in.

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

Aluminum is a popular material choice when it comes to fence fittings for several different reasons. Not only does it not corrode easily like iron does, but aluminum needs very little maintenance and can standup to a wide range of weather conditions.

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

One of the most important things you can get to complement the security and convenience your automatic gate provides is a high-quality CCTV system. Much like a door's peephole, a properly positioned camera will let you see who's outside so you can decide whether or not to let...

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

Fun fence fact: The longest fence in the world is the Dingo Fence of south-east Australia at 5,600 km, or 3479.679 miles. It's three times longer than the Great Wall of China!

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

In fence construction, tension bars are used in conjunction with tension bands or other post connectors in order to secure the fabric to a terminal post. The bar is slid down into the very last fabric lace, closest to the terminal post.

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

A fence also acts as a sound barrier. So, if you have noisy neighbors or if just want to reduce street noise, you can install fencing and keep unwanted sounds outside. Fencing allows you to relax peacefully in your backyard!

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

One type of traditional fence post cap design is the ball cap, often used in entry ways or gates. This type of cap has a large ball on the top of the fence post and thus make a good transition from one part of the fence to another.

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

Wood fences should never be exposed to excess water. Although you can’t do anything about rain, you should keep the sprinklers and spray systems away from the fences to protect them from rotting.

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

Trash cans and waste disposal areas are unsightly and don’t add to the appeal of your home. One of the things you can do to conceal these from view is by adding a fence around the waste disposal area.

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

Don't cut corners on the gate for your new vinyl fence. A well-made gate is designed and constructed specifically for its purpose, and is not simply a cut down section of panel with hinges installed and a latch attached.

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

Do you know that you can also expect a 65% return on investment by fencing your home? Since fencing enhances your home’s curb appeal, you can expect an increase in its market value.

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

If your property has a large and heavy swinging gate, it wouldn't be wise to leave it hanging just by its hinges. Instead, you're going to want to install a gate wheel at the free end that is strong enough to share the load.

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

While you can use a pair of slip joint or needle nose pliers to close hog ties when attaching tension wires to fencing, there is a special tool available that works better and faster, especially when attaching a large number.

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

Latch wing gate closures mean easy entry and access through the gate. The terminal post fits between each wing of the latch, holding the gate firmly in place. Simply push down on one of two flanges to lift and open.

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

The length and purpose of a fence will play a role in determining if you want to install horizontal rails along the top or bottom, or both. They make a fence sturdier and resistant to movement and sway from the wind or pressure.

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

Fork latches complement post hinge assemblies to lock a gate in place. The fork pivots on a spindle for easy lifting, while a hole in the flange can take a lock to secure it to prevent unauthorized entry.

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

Tubular metal fence posts have other applications. For example, they can be used as the corners for a small greenhouse in your back yard.

[Christopher Thompson @TheTraveler2012]

Did you know that in chain link fence construction, the correct fabric tension will allow a slight amount of give when squeezed by hand? A properly placed tension bar will help you achieve and maintain the optimal tension.