Tag Archive for: Fortress Ornamental Fence

Steel vs. Aluminum Ornamental Fencing

Ornamental metal fencing has evolved over time due to the advances in technology and availability of raw materials. This type of fencing often called Wrought Iron is frequently mispronounced “rod iron fence.” Wrought Iron or “commercial iron” was prevalent in the days before mild steel came into production. Wrought meaning worked by hand described how this crude metal with a low carbon content and fibrous inclusions, known slag were manipulated by blacksmiths. While wrought iron is tough, malleable, ductile and easily welded, in reality it is no longer a material used for fencing.

In the 21st century the most common metals used for ornamental fencing are steel and aluminum.

Aluminum

While there are certainly a nice variety of fencing styles the major drawback for this material is strength. Uncoated Aluminum certainly performs better than steel in the category of red rust and resistance to salt spray for fencing in direct contact with the ocean.

Steel

The state of the art coatings on steel ornamental fencing offset the risk of rust and corrosion prevalent in the true wrought iron fencing. And the strength and durability of these panels and gates is far superior to aluminum.

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Form and Function – Trex

There are two purposes for a fence: form and function. If you only want a fence to do its job (keep people, animals, and other stuff out of your yard) then you may as well go with a chain link fence around your front yard. While this may be the most economical way to go, it doesn’t accomplish the second purpose of a fence: the form.

Most people want their fence to not only provide security for their yard and home, but also to make it look good. Your fence is the first thing that people notice about your home, even before your home itself. Why not make it look really good instead of focusing on the industrial chain link look? Consider some of my favorite options for having a fence that not only provides excellent security and strength, but also packages your home in an attractive fence.

Trex Posts with Ornamental Panels

This is my favorite look. By adding the Trex Posts (particularly in Saddle or Woodland Brown) it will make your iron fence more robust and add a new layer of depth to your yard. Plus, after all your landscaping and yard work do you really want to distract from your yard with a privacy fence?

Trex Composite Fencing

So maybe you want to cover up your yard or are not comfortable with having everyone see your house. Trex Composite Fencing alone provides the best look for a yard. I recommend using a two toned look with Saddle Posts, Top and Bottom Rail and Woodland Brown Pickets (seen below). This adds a new dimension to your fence line while not increasing the cost for materials at all.

Not set on either of these designs? Also look into Bufftech Faux Rock Fencing for an attractive option.

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Powder Coating

The Fortress Iron fencing and railing we sell and install comes in a black color. Most customers like the black color for the fencing and railing, because it is a basic color and accents most colors well. Although, some customers may already have an iron fence or rail and they need something to match the existing materials. If this is the case, all is not lost. Powder coating is a great option, and there are many colors available to match most any existing iron projects.

Powder coating is a method of applying a “decorative and protective finish to a wide range of materials and products” (http://www.accentornamentaliron.com/our-work/powder-coating/). It is applied by grinding particles of pigment and resin and spraying it onto the desired surface. The powder adheres to the surface by using electricity. After the coating is sprayed onto the surface, it is cured in an oven.

Although Fortress Iron fencing is specifically designed to be protected (with a 20 year warranty) and doesn’t necessarily need the extra protection from the coating, it will allow you to get the specific color you may need to match to another existing material. (For additional information on Fortress fencing, visit their website at www.thefortresscompany.com.)

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Fortress Ornamental Iron vs. Ameristar Ornamental Iron

A Comparison of Fortress Ornamental and Ameristar Ornamental Fencing

In our 25+ years of experience in the fencing industry we have seen a lot of fencing products come and go. Just like our customers CFC Fences & Decks does a significant amount of research before we purchase, stock, and offer any product. The strict criteria we use not only evaluates the product but the financial stability of the manufacturer and the strength of their warranty. In the category of ornamental fencing often referred to as “Ornamental Iron” or “Wrought Iron” we can confidently offer you Fortress Ornamental Fencing.

The premium quality of Fortress Ornamental Fencing offers the most durable, warranty coated, yet cost effective system capable of handling the most aggressive grade changes.

While the popular Fortress Versai® residential line is an improvement to our competitors Ameristar Montage® fencing the 3 panel styles, optional picket finials, and post caps are essentially the same. The same is true with the Commercial grade Fortress Versai 2 ® that we offer instead of the Ameristar Montage Plus® available elsewhere.

While the Fortress Shield warranty backed coating in our experience is equal to the Ameristar E-Coat warranty, Fortress has superior UV Resistance. Fortress Versai ®also has a superior rail to picket connection with a hidden pin hinge instead of a spot welded L tab. This also allows Fortress panels to rack (follow the slope) 18” beyond the Ameristar limit of 30”. While both products are made out of G-60 Steel Fortress Versai boasts 14% more steel in the rail, and 10% more steel in its 5/8” sq. picket. Fortress also has a 15% advantage in corrosion resistance in salt spray tests a deciding factor for fencing along a roadway.

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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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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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