American Fence, Inc. Fencing, Sheds, Gazebos, Pool / Garden Houses, Decking, Railings

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When your fence is used as a barrier around swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, and other hazards, or to prevent unauthorized entry and trespassing, safety and security count. These are some special, very important additional safety features and devices you should consider when fencing; these features are not usually done in regular and standard fence installations, but should be requested if security and safety are of concern:

The fence should be hard-to-climb. Chain link fence with 1 1/4" diamond mesh is very difficult for children or trespassers to climb or cut. Plastic, aluminum, or wood slats on 2" mesh fences discourage climbing.

Picket Fences. Ornamental aluminum, steel, or vinyl picket fences should have a maximum of 4" on-center spacing between the vertical pickets.

All gates should "open out". All access gates should open one way - out and away from swimming pools and other potential hazards, making it difficult for children to open.

High, hidden latches & locks. Latches should be fully lockable and located 48" or more above the ground on the pool side of the fence, out of the reach of children. Latches and locks outside the fence should be a minimum of 54" above the ground.

Properly securing pools and other potential hazards is a must! American Fence, Inc. offers a full range of fences and accessories to secure hazards while adding beauty and privacy to your property.

Every year, over 4,600 drownings and near-drownings occur in home pools. A properly constructed and installed fence is one way to reduce the risk of accidental drowning or injury in residential swimming pools. While nothing can replace parental supervision, a fence that complies with safety standards is important for the protection of our children.

Most localities require a minimum fence height around a swimming pool of 4' and have specific regulations concerning gates and fence materials. It is best to check with your local zoning/permit office concerning local ordinances regarding height and other requirements.

Ornamental Fence, made of steel, aluminum, and vinyl (PVC) have become very popular because of their aesthetic and maintenance-free properties. The steel and aluminum fences generally have vertical pickets 5/8" to 1" in width. There are generally two or more horizontal members which hold the vertical pickets in place. When the horizontal members are 45" or less apart, the spacing between the vertical pickets should be no more than 1 3/4" wide. When the distance between the top and bottom horizontal members are over 45", the vertical pickets should be spaced so that a 4" ball cannot be passed between the pickets.

Privacy and Spaced Picket Wooden Fence is usually constructed with a 2" x 4" support "stringers" on one side. When a solid board privacy fence is used, it is advisable that the fence be constructed and installed with these support stringers facing the pool, eliminating the use of these stringers as a ladder. The finished side of the fence should be to the outside of the fence, facing the neighbor. On spaced picket fences, when the distance between the support stringers is 45" or less, the spacing between the vertical boards should not be more than 1 3/4" wide. When the stringers on a spaced picket fence are more than 45" apart, the spacing between the vertical picket boards should be spaced so that a 4" ball cannot be passed between the pickets. When using a lattice or other type fence with a diagonal members, the largest opening formed by the crossed diagonal members should not be more than 1 3/4" wide. There should be no more than 2" clearance between the fence and the ground, wall, or deck surface.

Chain Link Fence is the most functional and economical. The diamond mesh size of the chain link fence should not be larger than 1 1/4" to prevent small children from climbing it. When larger mesh chain link material is used, slats of wood, plastic, or aluminum should be installed to reduce the size of the openings to less than 1 3/4". If slats are to be used, check to make certain that the framework is strong enough to withstand the additional wind load on the fence.

Gates should be installed to open outward, away from the pool, and always be equipped with self-locking latches and self-closing hinges and springs. If the fence is 4" tall, the latch should be installed on the pool side of the gate, at least 3" from the top. This would make it necessary to reach over the top of the gate to open it. If the latch must be mounted on the outside of the gate, it should be placed higher than 54". If the fence is 5' tall or higher, the latch should be installed at least 54" from the bottom of the gate. All gates should have self-latching mechanisms and be able to accept a locking device, such as a padlock, and be kept locked when not in use.

Serving Lehigh Valley PA for over 25 Years

American Fence, Inc. (610) 437-1944 2738 Eberhart Road Whitehall, PA 18052
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