Recommendations for Trex Graffiti Removal

As a graffiti remover you may use mineral spirits or a prepared graffiti remover. I found that the graffiti remover was quicker and performed a little better. I used a product called Klean-Strip Graffiti Remover. It is a spray can product available at Home Depot, Lowes or Walmart for around $8 per can. There are other products available at various paint stores that should perform as well.

When using the Klean strip, I found that spraying it on the graffiti and then waiting about 5 minutes works best. The product says to leave on about 30 minutes, but prolonged contact removes the pigment in the trex as well. So after 5 minutes, use a plastic scraper or a piece of heavy cardboard to scrape off the loosened paint. Follow up with a wet sponge to clean the rest. Depending on the paint, some trace color will remain in the porous surface.

To help eliminate the problem of the trace colors remaining, I recommend using a sealer to provide a sacrificial layer. This fills the pores and helps to prevent color getting down into the pores. The graffiti remover will remove the sealer also so just reapply the sealer after cleaning.

The product we have tested is Sealcrete Waterproofing Sealer which can be  found at Jones Paint for around $14-$15 per gallon, depending on volume purchased. Coverage is approx 175sq ft per gallon. A 2nd coat would get around 260 sq ft per gallon.

 

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Using Existing Posts

Throughout the years, we have encountered some fence projects that already have chain link posts cemented into a retaining wall. To save some money in the fence installation project, an option for this situation is to use box posts to sleeve over the existing chain link posts. Although CFC cannot warranty the chain link posts, it is a very viable option. It not only saves money, but it also saves time and resources.

If there is a project that is going to be putting the fence on top of a retaining wall, the most commonly used practice is to have a concrete cutting company cut circular holes into the cement. These companies use a diamond tipped blade to cut the cleanest cut in the cement. These are also pretty spendy. So if there is any chance to save money (if this is necessary for you), using box posts to sleeve over existing posts is an option.

When any projects needs box posts, we create a post with a hole in the middle so the box post slides over the top of the chain link post. The crew then uses a special fastener (screw) to secure the post onto the chain link post.

You may think this won’t be as aesthetically pleasing, but it’s actually very hard to tell the difference between a fence that uses box posts and a fence that uses regular solid 6×6 or 4×4 posts.

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Anatomy of A Cedar Fence

After 25+ years of specialized fence building experience CFC Fences and Decks realizes that we have a tendency to speak almost a foreign language to customer exploring various fence styles and products. So in an effort to improve communication with our customers please allow us to clarify each individual piece and part of a typical fence as we reference them.

Post: This is the vertical piece of lumber that is cemented in the ground

Box Post: a hollow wood post constructed out of 2x material typically used to sleeve over chain link posts. (These posts have seams running the length of the posts )

Post Top: the upper end of a post often cut for decorative purposes (depending on the style)

Post Cap: a separate decorative piece that slips over the upper end of the post

Rail: a horizontal structural member typically a 2x material (1.5” thick). Rails are connected to the posts and slats are nailed to the rails.

Mid-Rail: also called center rail is placed as suggested by the name horizontally in the center, middle or any location between the top and bottom rail. These horizontal rails are typically the same thickness and use the same connection method as other rails.

Fascia: a piece of 1x material typically applied to match the aesthetics of the opposite side of the fence for certain neighbor friendly styles. While Fascia pieces are not as thick as rails, they are typically the same width as a 2x rail on the opposite side of the fence. Use of Fascia pieces allows for fencing that looks the same on both sides but is more cost effective.

Top Cap: This is a piece of lumber that sits flat on top of the fence, typically a piece of 2x material.

Slats/Pickets: this is a piece of lumber attached to the rails typically running vertical. While ¾” and 7/8” thick material is available, most slats are 5/8” thick, are 6’ long, and 3 ½” wide or 5 ½” wide

Butted Slats: a method of installing slats edge to edge (as the lumber dries space between slats naturally appears)

Overlapped Slats: a method of installing slats in a double layer where the edge of one slat overlaps the edge of another slat, some refer to this as a board on board style.

Section: this is the portion of fence between posts, also called a Fence Panel

Fence Line: this is a run of fence between two points

Lattice Top: a fence style with a window at the top portion of the fence section that contains thinner material that over laps in a square or diamond pattern

Spindle Top: a fence style with a window at the top portion of the fence section that contains only vertical pieces.

Footing: concrete encapsulating a post extending into the ground (below grade)

Fence Bracket: (Not typically used by CFC, unless requested prior to installation) usually a Simpson brand FB24. This is a bracket made of sheet metal bent to receive 2x rails and attach to a post.

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Tuxedo Coating

Fortress Titan Tuxedo Coating

You’ve probably seen the gloss finish on most ornamental fencing. It’s typically in black to provide a traditional look. But you probably didn’t know that Fortress has created an alternative surfacing that is markedly different than anything you’ve seen before.

The TITAN industrial product line offers the alternative of a textured surfacing called the “Tuxedo Finish.” It’s the same product with a whole new look! With a matte-surface it’s the perfect choice to make your fence stand out uniquely if you prefer an alternative to the traditional gloss black. And, like the traditional look, the product base is galvanized steel with several layers of industrial grade protective coatings, and it carries the 20 year FortressArmour™ finish.

Additional details regarding Fortress TITAN ornamental fencing

In addition to the texturing, Fortress offers several styles to meet your particular need. They are offered in 2- or 3-rail options and standard heights are 4’, 6’, and 8’ tall. Other custom sizes and colors are also available.

Fence Styles:

         Flat Top

         Extended Picket

         Spear Top

         Staggered Picket (for both Extended Picket and Spear Top designs)

         High Security Curved Top

Additionally, the TITAN product comes in three grades: Commercial, Light Industrial, and Industrial. Picket dimensions range from ¾” to a full 1”. Standard Post dimensions range from 2.5” to 6” square.

         Gates include: Swing (single or double) gates, Cantilever gates, and V-Track Roll gates

         Accessories include: wrap around brackets

         Decorative post caps

         Decorative picket tops and rail rings

The product is also available in flat bottom (the bottom rail to go all the way down to the bottom of the panel). This style meets requirements for pool enclosures.

CFC has technical drawings and specifications available. Please contact us to acquire them.

 

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Fence Market Rebound

Rebound in the fencing market is predicted for the next few years until 2016 and what are the top fences that consumers will be seeking? Consumers will be requesting high-value fencing materials like ornamental, plastic, and composite fence. Yes, composite fences like Trex fencing (www.TrexFencingFDS.com) which is the leading composite fence system on the market produced by Trex Company Incorporated.

What is a Trex composite fence? Composite fence materials are made from reclaimed wood fibers and plastic materials. These two ingredients provide the best fence product in the fence market. Composite fences acquire the best of a wood fence with strength and appearance (natural feel) and the best of vinyl fence with the low-maintenance aspect. A Trex composite fence is very durable, wood-like, low-maintenance: no painting or staining, engineered, proven, tested, and backed by a 25-year residential warranty. 

Read the report on the US Fencing Market below published by www.Reportlinker.com.

NEW YORK, July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

US Fencing Market

US demand to rise 7.1% annually through 2016

Demand for fencing in the US is forecast to expand 7.1 percent per year to $8.3 billion in 2016, totaling 835 million linear feet. Growth will be driven by an expected rebound in building construction from a depressed 2011 base. In addition, advances will be supported by rising use of high-value fencing materials, such as ornamental metal and plastic and composite lumber. Consumers will opt for these materials because of their favorable aesthetic qualities and performance properties.

Residential fencing market to outpace nonresidential

The residential market accounted for the largest share of fencing demand in 2011 and will remain the market leader in 2016. Demand for fencing in residential building construction applications is forecast to increase at an above-average pace through 2016, fueled by a rebound in housing completions. Further growth will be supported by the large residential replacement segment, which will benefit from a recovery in improvement and repair spending. Nonresidential fencing demand will see strong gains through 2016. Increasing nonresidential building construction — particularly in the office and commercial segment — will stimulate demand. Fences are often installed around nonresidential structures to provide security barriers and to demarcate property lines. Fencing demand in the non building and agricultural markets will rise modestly through 2016. Gains will be moderated by the prevalence of low-cost materials, such as wood and metal wire, in these markets.

Plastic, composite fencing to be fastest growing

Among fencing materials, plastic and composite lumber is forecast to see the most rapid growth in demand through 2016. Plastic and composite materials often resembles natural wood, but has minimal maintenance needs and has a longer lifespan than wood fencing. Plastic and composite lumber is also seen as being a “green” material because it is often made from recycled materials, such as reclaimed plastics and wood scraps. In 2011, metal fencing accounted for the largest share of the fencing market in both dollar value and linear feet. Chain link fencing is often used to mark boundaries and secure properties, while ornamental metal fencing is erected around houses and businesses to form an aesthetically pleasing barrier. Demand for metal fencing will increase in line with the industry average through 2016, with ornamental fencing fortifying gains. In addition to the rebound in housing activity, some business owners will opt for ornamental fencing to serve as an aesthetically pleasing alternative to chain link and wire fencing. Wood fencing demand will advance at a below-average pace through 2016. This material is most often utilized in the residential market because of its low cost and favorable aesthetics. However, demand for wood fencing will be checked by competition from plastic and composite fencing. Concrete and other fencing materials will see solid gains through 2016. Demand for concrete fences will be supported by strong interest in concrete and other materials for use in privacy fences. Moreover, concrete fencing offers a high degree of protection from damages caused by impacts and explosives.

Study coverage

Details on these and other key findings are contained in the upcoming Fencing. It presents historical demand data (2001, 2006 and 2011) plus forecasts for 2016 and 2021 by material, market and US region. In addition, the study assesses market environment factors, examines the industry structure, evaluates company market share, and profiles 36 competitors in the US industry.

To order this report:

Building Material Industry: US Fencing Market

More  Market Research Report

Check our  Industry Analysis and Insights

Contact Nicolas: nicolasbombourg@reportlinker.com
SOURCE Reportlinker

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-fencing-market-164408526.html

To request more information about Trex composite fencing please contact Trex Company Inc. national fence distributor below.

Trex Fencing – FDS Fence Distributors
National Sales Team
Tel: 877-700-8739
Fax: 877-770-8739
Sales@TrexFencingFDS.com
www.TrexFencingFDS.com

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The Introduction of Composite Fencing

The Introduction of Composite Fencing

In 1989, we started out as Cedar Fence Co. and as the name implies, we installed wood fencing almost exclusively. Other than chain link, at the time there were no other significant alternatives to wood in residential fencing in our market.

As we evolved, we began to provide the installation of decks and other outdoor structures. Gravitating towards deck building was an important move for our company because it later introduced us to composites.

Over the ensuing years, we found that composites have become the preferred decking material in Utah. Last year, our company was acknowledged as the largest purchaser of Trex decking materials in our region and today less than 5% of our decks are built in wood.

Additionally, since the introduction of Trex fencing in 2005, we have seen a shift to composite fencing. We have promoted the product heavily in our area and now build over half of all fences with Trex. The demand is still growing in favor of composite properties, particularly in the new housing market. We’ve found that the composite fence is especially attractive to consumers with larger homes – an interesting trend that relates well to the history of vinyl fencing as you will see in a moment.

Composites have proven to be versatile, attractive, combine well with our wood projects, and our marketplace has readily embraced them as the product of choice for many applications.

This excerpt is taken from a presentation in 2007 to the Composite Association in Baltimore Maryland. As presented by Rick Ashcraft, President of Fence & Deck Supply.

 

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Bufftech Benefits

People are always wondering how to save money; or at least pay for what they get. When it comes to their home, there is no substitute in this viewpoint. The rich do not get rich by paying more than what they get, nor do they get rich by buying on the spot. They know how to research and get exactly what they pay for; nothing less.

When it comes to fencing, people want to know they are getting a fence that will last; one that was built to stand the test of time. There are of course different levels of fence quality. With wood, there are several different woods that can be used to fence your property. Some are cheap and just offer a barrier like Douglas Fir. Some offer striations in the wood and accept stains well like cedar and redwood. Yes, the prices range widely depending on the quality of each wood from $10-15 per foot up to $20-30 per foot.

Plastic fences are no different. With vinyl there are several different qualities of the poly vinyl chloride. All companies will tell you that the vinyl they use is the best, but how can you tell for sure? Most have UV inhibitors to block fading, but that limits the color options you can choose. Some will tell you that their vinyl can withstand hurricane winds; not true. Vinyl can even get brittle in extreme cold temperatures.

SimtTek is the only plastic fence that has the Miami-Dade wind rating to withstand 110mph sustained winds and 130mph gusts. Bufftech will not get brittle in extreme cold temperatures and Bufftech offers colors to please every eye; light, medium, and dark. Bufftech has been installed in residential applications, commercial properties, as well as known places like the Ford Motor Proving Grounds in Michigan and the LDS Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah.

If you are looking for that faux rock wall, simulated rock wall, or upscale look to your home or business property line, give Bufftech a look; you will be pleasantly surprised what plastic can look like. 

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Top Six Reasons to Own a Wood Fence

1. Owning a wood fence improves the look of your property.
Having a wood fence will improve the aesthetic quality of your home or business. For example, Coastal Western Red Cedar’s earthy luster and pleasing aroma is enjoyed by most people and reminds them of the outdoors. If you ever want to put your property up on the real estate market, having an attractive Cedar fence will be a sound investment to make.

2. It shields you from the elements.
While your wood fence won’t keep the rain from falling on your head, it will help protect your property and family from the elements. Wood fencing helps shield your yard, home and gardens from blistering wind driven rain, freezing snow and the baking sun.

3. Having a wood fence brings you privacy and added security.
A wood fence keeps unwanted pets and visitors from wandering on your property, and they also keep the smaller members of your family and furry friends from wandering off! A gate can be easily built into your wood fence that can be locked from the inside; preventing strangers from entering but also letting you enjoy quick access to the outside.

4. You can make your fence fit your personality.
There are many different kinds of Cedar fencing styles to select from including Privacy Fencing, Dog-Eared tops, Estate, Lattice-Topped, Board-on-Board and many others.  You can also choose whether to have your Cedar fence stained. Ultimately, there’s no wrong way to pick or personalize your fence design – it’s entirely up to your own personal preference.

5. It will be around for years to come.
The built-in durability of a wood like Cedar makes it tough to stand up to the elements and changing temperatures. Cedar also exudes natural oils that bugs and fungi don’t like. With occasional maintenance work every 5-7 years, your fence will still look great 20 years or more down the road.

6. Affordability.
There is no other fencing material on the market which looks as appealing, last as long at such an affordable price as wood.

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Composite Fence Benefits

Fences made from composite materials are strong, durable, and they are mostly unaffected by moisture. Composite fencing is also low maintenance. Most of the time all you have to do is hose your fence down and let it dry. Stubborn areas can be taken care of with a pressure washer or cleaning fluids and a scrub brush.

The ease at which composite fencing can be put up is also appealing. The steps to install composite fencing is much the same as with wood fencing; there is usually no call for special tools, which are expensive and a lot of people view as a waste of money because they are only used for one project. Some manufactures make it so that traditional woodworking tools, such as routers and table saws, can be used for construction and customization. The ability to customize your fence and make it unique is much better than with vinyl fencing (another popular alternative to wood fencing).

There are environmental benefits to using composite fencing as well. The people who make composite decking and fencing were “green” before it became popular. Most composite fencing is made from 50 to 100 percent recycled materials. It keeps plastics like shrink wrap and grocery bags out of the landfills, and it creates a use for leftover wood pulp from paper mills that would normally go to waste. Another point in composite fencing’s favor is that it isn’t laced with chemicals like pressure treated wood is. These chemicals can sometimes leech into the surrounding area-especially if the structure or fence is several years old and decaying- and the sawdust from pressure treated wood can be hazardous to your health if ingested or inhaled.

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High Shipping Standards

I have been in the shipping industry for quite a few years. I take pride in being able to ship almost anything. CFC distributors specialize in shipping your custom fence to your doorstep in a safe and efficient way. Sometimes that can pose a problem. While most other companies would walk away from a shipment that is out of the norm CFC Distributors jumps at the challenge. One of those challenges is 16 ft long material. This usually occurs when a customer orders ranch rail.

I started out in logistics on the docks of a national shipping carrier. I always found it comical the way some company’s ship. We as dock workers only had so much time to load and unload freight. Freight was often damaged when it was not packaged correctly. This resulted in an unhappy customer and end user.

Fast forward quite a few years later. Everything that ships out of CFC Distributors location is package to insure safe transit delivery. Our biggest success is shipping large “out of the box” sized items. How do you ship a 16 ft long pallet that weighs 2,000 lbs plus?

The answer is easy. Build it strong from the ground up. Our 16 ft pallets are shipped with heavy duty casters on the bottom of the pallet. Since this kind of pallet cannot be picked up with a forklift the casters allow 1-2 people to easily push around this mammoth of a pallet. No one else in the industry ships like we do. It’s a standard that CFC Distributors holds very high.

If you’re looking for high quality fence and deck materials at job lot quantities then CFC Distributors is your last stop. Unsurpassed customer service and product awareness no one else does it like we do.

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