Properly Packed Shipments

A common question that I often hear is how hard is it to ship fencing. My answer to that is with the right packaging and care anything is possible. Trex Seclusions fencing when properly handled can be shipped anywhere. It is amazing to see all the places that we ship our fencing. From the warm tropical waters of Hawaii to the bitter cold snow of Canada we here at CFC Distributors enjoy the challenge of logistics. We pride ourselves in being able to ship anything, everywhere at anytime. While most other companies cut back on the shipping preparation we consider that our greatest strength. Our customers are always amazed at how we are able to ship such large shipments with such little ease. Whether its Fortress Iron fencing or Trex decking and fencing, we are committed to customer service. Which is why we are the preferred fencing distributor in Utah and the Nation.

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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.

Fence and Deck Supply has technical drawings and specifications available fill out the form to the right to contact them.

 

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Anatomy of the Cedar Fence

After 25+ years of specialized fence building experience Fence and Deck Supply 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 Fence and Deck Supply, 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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Neighbor Friendly Fence Designs

As a homeowner and deciding the right fence style for your property lines shared with neighbors, I recommend choosing a neighbor friendly fence design. What is a neighbor friendly fence design? A neighbor friendly fence design provides the same look on both sides without adding additional materials to have the same look. For instance, a dog-eared wood fence usually has 2 or 3 2×4 rails on one side and the pickets (slats) are on the other side. On the property line with this fence style, one property owner is getting the good looking side of the fence which is the picket side and the other property owner is getting the ugly side of the fence with the 2×4 rails which is the rail side. Yes you can alternate the fence sections so each property owner will be getting a good side of the fence every 8’ on center but this does not keep a consistent uniformed neighbor friendly fence design along the property line. See the picture below to know what a typical dog-eared alternating section fence looks like.

Now selecting a neighbor friendly fence design can be sometimes difficult because these fence types typically cost more than a dog-eared wood fence but usually have virtues such as low-maintenance: no painting or staining, product warranty, resistant to insect damage and won’t warp, rot, or splinter. The following fences are known as neighbor friendly fence designs without modifying the original design: Trex fencing a wood composite (www.TrexFencing.com), SimTek Fence a simulated rock wall (www.SimTekFence.com), vinyl fence a poly vinyl chloride, Ornamental fence a manufactured galvanized powder coated product (www.FortressFence.com), or Jerith an aluminum alloy product. (www.Jerith.com), and depending on the style of wood fence there are options for a neighbor friendly fence design.

Not known as neighbor friendly fence designs without modifying the original design: Fiberon Fence, TimberTech Fence, Nature Composites, Moisture Shield, WoodShades, Veranda, cedar wood.

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Trex Fencing Wind Load Testing

When Trex Seclusions® wood composite fencing was first brought into production in 2005, Trex® wanted to make sure that they had a more superior product to the common dog-eared composite fences that were being manufactured. In March of 2009, the Trex Company sent their fence product to York, PA to have it tested for its Miami-Dade wind load capacity.

The setup included a steel fixture to simulate an embedded rigid post. The bottom rail was a standard 2” from the ground. The panels tested were 6’ high by 8’ wide and the posts are 5” x 5”. The fence was assembled by the testing company Architectural Testing at their York, PA campus.

In the test, wind speeds started out at 75mph for 50 seconds, then reduced to zero for one minutes to check for recovery. Recovery is the distance the panel, pickets, posts, and rails move from having the wind blowing against it, to when the wind ceases. Winds speeds were then increased to 110mph for 35 seconds, then reduced to zero for one minute to determine recovery.

In the observations, there was neither separation of fence components nor any visible damage. The Trex Seclusions® fence withstood a maximum sustained wind of 110mph, which is equivalent to a “three-second gust” wind speed of 126mph.

In a separate test, the posts were used to see what kind of support the post could withstand. One end of the post was securely anchored to a horizontal test frame. The load was set 38” from the end of the post frame. The post was then loaded with weights until the post failed. The final load the post could withstand was an astonishing 1737lbs.

Trex is a very rigid and durable fence; one that will outlast the tests of time… and wind. You can learn more at www.trexfencing.com or call Fence and Deck Supply at 1-877-700-8739.

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Trex Fencing Creep Testing

When Trex Seclusions® wood composite fencing was first brought into production in 2005, Trex® wanted to make sure that they had a more superior product to the common dog-eared composite fences that were being manufactured. Between the months of March and June of 2006, the Trex Company sent their fence product to York, PA to have it tested for its “Creep Test”. In a creep test, a product is tested at a specific temperature for a specific length of time. There is also a specific amount of weight added to the product. With these three specifics in place, the product is viewed and any movement in the product, i.e. sag or warping, is recorded.

The two Trex® panels that were tested were both 6’ high by 8’wide Trex Seclusions wood composite fence panels. They were enclosed by an insulated box designed for high temperature conditions. The testing facility added windows to be able to view the dial indicators installed on both the top and bottom rails. The fence panels were then loaded with 100lbs attached to the middle of the rails. Any movements in the fence rails were then recorded.

Once the temperature reached its target of 125°F ± 5°F, the measurements were recorded. The testing lasted for a period of 90 days at the same temperature with the same amount of weight on it. The results were staggering. Most consumers in heat driven areas of the country (like Arizona, Texas, New Mexico and California) know that composite does not do well in high temperatures for long periods of time.

The final test specifics were: actual weight hung from panel – 103.54lbs and steady state temperature – 124.4°F. The top rail in this test only moved a minimal 0.0158 inches and the bottom rail moved a minimal 0.039 inches.

Other composite fences in this test would have sagged or warped in temperatures of 125° for 90 days. Also, with the added weight of 100lbs, one would assume that there would be more movement than what was witnessed. So, the next time you replace your fence and think that you have to settle for a cement, wood, or masonry fence, give CFC Distributors a call at 1-877-700-8739.

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Trex Composite Fence Sound Test

When Trex Seclusions® wood composite fencing was first brought into production in 2005, Trex® wanted to make sure that they had a more superior product to the common dog-eared composite fences that were being manufactured. In December 2006, the Trex Company sent their fence product to York, PA to have it tested for its sound barrier quality. In a sound barrier test, the product is placed inside well insulated walls using three layers of 5/8” gypsum board. The wall cavities are filled with R-13 fiberglass insulation. The perimeter and seams get sealed with acoustical sealant.

A total of five microphones are used and tested before placement behind the fence panel. After the fence panel is in place, the microphones are strategically placed behind the fence panel to catch sound from one end of the panel to the other. Because air temperature and relative humidity affect sound, those tests were also performed and monitored during sound testing.

The test company used a hertz range from 80 on the low end up to 5000 on the high end. By using a wide range of frequencies, this assists in the testing accuracy of its final score. Trex Seclusions® wood composite fencing can block up to 95% of direct sound.

Knowing this, the state of Utah and the Department of Transportation installed over 17,000 linear feet of Trex Seclusions® along a light rail project. In most areas the fencing is 12’ tall. Try doing that with any other wood composite fence product on the market today. In Florida, they are in the works to get Trex Seclusions® approved for their light rail project. In Colorado, there is a 40 mile project going on to fence the perimeter of an HOA. No matter your application, keep the noise out and install Trex Seclusions® wood composite fencing. Call Fence and Deck Supply s at 1-877-700-8739.

Changes in SimTek Fencing 2013

SimTek™ Fencing 2013 Updates

As a dealer of SimTek™ fencing products we have partnered with the manufacturer to help them meet the fast paced growing demand for an alternative to precast concrete fencing, high cost rock walls, and masonry walls.  SimTek™ fence has essentially reinvented the idea of simulated rock walls with the most cost effective alternative that is easy to install with a minimum impact on your existing landscape.

The faux rock wall appearance of SimTek™ comes from their patented design of rotational-molded recycled polyethylene found in the Ecostone panels, and virgin polyethylene materials found in EcoStone Plus panels, posts, post caps, and other accessories.

Recent 2013 Updates to SimTek™

Available Colors

All of the fade resistant 7 colors: White Granite, Grey Granite, Desert Granite, Beige Granite, Black Granite, Brown Granite, and Dark Brown Granite beginning in 2013 are available in both EcoStone(2013) or EcoStone Plus(2013) [formerly known as Proline].

While color formulas have changed the original formula colors of EcoStone (2011-2012) will still be available on a special order basis as an EcoStone Classic color.  This is also the case with the original SimTek™ Proline (2007-2012) fencing which can be special orderd as Proline Classic for existing fence line extensions. 

Reality about SimTek™ colors:

While the manufacturer indicates that there is a slight difference in the color formulation of Ecostone Classic (2011-2012) colors compared to the Proline fence (2007-2012) and the New EcoStone (2013) or EcoStone Plus (2013 ) ALL of these fence product lines very closely approximate the original Proline fence (2007-2012) colors in appearance with the exception of the Ecostone Classic (2011-2012) brown color.

Added Strength

SimTek™ also reports that the new formula blends also result in an even more robust product structurally for EcoStone Plus (2013 ).

New Gate Option:

Now a new Variable –Sized gate with an internal steel frame and SimTek™ shells and uprights, can be built onsite to the width of the opening.  This eliminates the need to wait for a special order sized gate from the factory.

Staying the Same:

  • Gates: Standard width gates 3’, 4’, 5’, 6’ and special order gates for oversized openings are still available.
  • Warranty:
  • EcoStone: 25 year Manufacturer Warranty
  • EcoStone Plus: Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty
  • Superior Wind Rating: certified to constant hurricane force winds up to 110 mph and 130 mph gusts
  • Stability: both durable and stable in temperature extremes( -40° to 140° F)
  • Sound Cancelation: Blocks 98% of direct sound with a sound transmission class (STC) rating of 26
  • Green Solution:  while all SimTek™ fencing is made from recyclable plastic, EcoStone panels are made from 25% recycled  plastic earning a  LEED Certification rating of 3-4 points
  • Graffiti Resistant: the closed molecular structure and chemically inert properties of the polyethylene plastic (same type of plastic used for gasoline containers) allow for a simple pressure washer removal process for most graffiti , and removal with carburetor cleaner  for stubborn paints.
  • Made in the USA
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Next Generation of Fencing Part 4

Market Adoption

Costs for composites are higher than wood or vinyl. The manufacturing process adds a labor and material acquisition element that does not exist with wood and, though pound-for-pound a composite product is more in line with the cost of vinyl, the significantly higher volume of material in a composite means higher cost. However, the cost benefit over time is clear once the lifetime of a fence is considered.

In a recent study by SBI Reports, forecasted demand for alternative fencing will continue to grow with composites growing the fastest. A case study for Highlands Ranch Metro District in the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area was developed to evaluate various materials and design for appearance, life span, structural integrity, costs, and construction logistics. Several conclusions led to the selection of composite fencing as the best overall solution:

  • The posts are as durable as needed and more attractive than masonry.
  • The fence wall has a smaller footprint which was important to reduce utility conflicts.
  • Requirements for long-term maintenance – staining, post replacement, reduced impact from damage such as snow plowing and low-impact situations – are lower overall than other products compared.
  • The analysis indicates that while costs for installation of Trex (the selected brand of composite) are higher at the outset, virtually all of the costs are front-loaded. Comparatively, over the lifespan of fence, the outlay of a wood fence matches Trex at around 10 years and continues to rise while the costs of a Trex product remains constant over its 25-year warranted period. The overall longevity of the fence is anticipated to be 40+ years.

This type of analysis, although perhaps more thorough than an average consumer is likely to perform, creates a growing awareness of the benefits of composite fencing. Consumers expectations of better solutions for low-maintenance fencing will cause the market to continue growing.

The introduction of products creates challenges for fence contractors and their suppliers both in creating a successful sales strategy and becoming acclimated to building with the new product. The economic downturn over the last several years has been disruptive to the traditional business model of standing pat on a core competency. As their consumer base shrinks, the contractors that selectively expand their portfolio of products will have a competitive advantage over those that do not adapt. For the short term, the contractors that make an early entry into composite fencing will be able to differentiate themselves until composites become a more widely accepted commodity as vinyl fencing has become.

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Next Generation of Fencing Part 3

Design and Attributes

As mentioned, while a fence is primarily a functional element, aesthetics matter. In privacy fencing, this is particularly true because of the high visibility of the object. A consumer that is willing to invest in the landscaping of their property is likely to see a fence as an extension of their living space environment. Manufacturers of composites generally have taken one of two approaches with their products: 1) create a design that simulates a wood fence (examples are Timbertech FenceScapes and Fiberon Fencing), or 2) create a distinct design with a premium appearance. In the former, the advantage of a composite is that part of the material is composed of natural material, typically wood or another form of reclaimed organic waste. This gives the product a more wood-like appearance and texture, and is much less reflective than vinyl.  In the latter, a well-designed composite fence takes advantage of the natural attributes of its wood-based elements but because it is a manufactured product, the dimensions and aesthetics of the fence can carry a look of exceptional quality and greater value.

The benefit of a simulated look is that if a proximity to a wood appearance is preferred, composites are the best low-maintenance alternative. Composites tend to hold a richer color value than vinyl, have excellent durability, and perform better in the elements over time. However, cost becomes an issue with this design. The traditional stockade (dog-ear) style fence is more expensive than a similar wood fence, so the low-maintenance benefit may not be enough to overcome the price difference. Adding fascia rails or a top “cap” rail to create a more attractive design increases the cost, further challenging the justification for a higher-cost composite.

System-oriented fencing, on the other hand, can differ considerably in appearance but can keep the costs closer to a stockade style composite fence. Trex in particular has been successful with this design. The picture frame, shadow box (board-on-board) design creates an identical look for both sides of the fence. This is significant, particularly in residential installations where neighbors often share the cost of a fence. The fencing also centers within the post profile making it easy to center the fence on property lines. Despite its durability and strength, no composite is load bearing so the propensity for sagging is quite high. Rather than using treated wood support rails, however, the Trex fence design uses a metal (galvanized steel or aluminum) bottom rail which supports the entire fence. Because the fence is also constructed in components, the number of fasteners required is fewer than traditional wood or other composite fences.

Another unique element of a composite product is that they typically made from at least some recycled content. As sustainable building gains ground in public interest and in building requirements, composites are increasingly included in plan specifications. Timbertech, Fiberon, Terra Fence, and Trex use 51%, 84%, 94% and 95% recycled content respectively. All have green manufacturing processes as well and qualify for U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification points. Partially due to”green” criteria, Trex was selected recently in a Utah for public transportation initiative to run approximately 17,000 along a light rail line. The U.S. Forestry service also selected the product for the Black Hills National Park in South Dakota for similar reasons.