Unlike some treated wood fencing, vinyl is an environmentally safe material with no toxins to pollute the sky or seep into the ground. Vinyl fencing has a smooth surface and there are no nails, sharp edges or splinters.

Yes. It was designed to combine an attractive, durable appearance with virtually no maintenance for the residential homeowner. Special aluminum alloys were used to provide the strength needed to protect the safety and welfare of your family.

Over time, the price of vinyl compares favorably with wood. Through the years, the cost to maintain a wood fence adds up. Vinyl is virtually maintenance free, so you won't spend time and money painting, staining, or repairing a vinyl fence.

Vinyl is virtually maintenance free. There's no need to scrape, paint, or stain a vinyl fence. Pressure washing with a mild detergent and water should keep your vinyl fence looking new. For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleanser and a soft-bristled brush.

It is recommended that you apply a protective finish to the fence after installation. This helps to minimize the effects of weathering and to maximize the lifespan of your fence.

For residential applications, two types of gates are commonly use: single walk and double drive. Single walk gates are generally used for people to pass through, although they can be made up to 12' wide and are the same height as the fence.

In residential areas, local rules commonly restrict artificial (constructed) backyard fences to a height of six feet. In front yards, the limit is often four feet. 

Height restrictions may also apply to natural fences -- fences of bushes or trees -- if they meet the ordinance's general definition of fences. Trees that are planted in a row and grow together to form a barrier are usually considered a fence. When natural fences are specifically mentioned in the laws, the height restrictions commonly range from five to eight feet.

If you're undecided between building fences yourself or having a professional installation, be aware that fence building is not an all-or-nothing proposition.

The most difficult part of building a fence is setting the posts in the ground properly. But you could have the posts erected by a professional, then finish off the project yourself. These units are then trimmed to width and secured between the posts. In some cases, brackets are used that make installing the prefabricated units even easier.

This compromise between building fences yourself and opting for complete professional installation saves you money. It saves you aggravation, too, since you're having the pros handle the most aggravating part of fence building (erecting the posts). [Source: Lawrence Winterburn, GardenStructure.com.]

When using chain-link fencing for security fences, strive for a height of 6’ or greater and a thickness of at least 9-gauge. Avoid solid barriers when erecting security fences. For, while a visual barrier is desirable when erecting privacy walls, it is counterproductive for security fences, affording trespassers a place to hide.

Thus the virtue of chain-link fencing: it is strong, yet see-through. Wrought iron also makes for fine security fences, for the same reasons. But while wrought iron is much more attractive than chain-link fencing, it is also much more expensive.

According to the Illinois state law, the excavator must notify the JULIE (811), not the homeowner for whom the work is being done. If you are a contractor, it is your legal duty to call JULIE; it is not the responsibility of your customer.

A-1 Fencing offers a one-year warranty on materials and labor. 

Our maintenance-free styles are covered by manufacturers' warranties on the materials. In short, the manufacturers' warranties ensure the vinyl, aluminum, or steel fence will not peel, rot, split, flake, blister, corrode, or fade abnormally when exposed to normal weather and use. Neither A-1 Fencing’s one-year warranty nor the manufacturers' limited lifetime warranties cover damage to fences incurred by improper abuse or damage, flood, fire, or other acts of nature.

For more information on our warranties, please contact us at 309-454-3362.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.cpsc.gov) has released a set of pool code guidelines, but individual municipalities have freedom to apply the recommended guidelines more or less stringently. In general, fences around pools should be no less than 48" tall with no less than 45" between horizontal rails. Alternatively, if the horizontal rails are closer than 45" apart, then the fence can be at least 48" tall with no less than 1-3/4" spacing between the pickets. All gates should be self-closing and self-latching.

When choosing your fencing contractor, consider these factors:

Does the contractor use his own employees to install and service this product? If the contractor uses his own employees, he has total control over the complete project, thus insuring that your job will remain on budget and on schedule. Some control is eliminated if the job is "subbed" out to independent contractors.

Will the contractor provide a written estimate and/or contract? A reputable contractor will provide you with a detailed estimate outlining materials and labor costs for your project.

Is the contractor bonded and insured? Ask to see a copy of the contractor's insurance certificate. His liability and worker's compensation will protect you if one of his employees is injured while on your property.

Will the contractor provide you with references? Contact these references, visit their properties if possible. Ask if the contractor has pictures of completed projects or if they have a web site, many companies will have photographs and list a customer satisfaction page on their site. References will give you greater insight with regards to the fencing contractor.

Be aware of advertising promotions that offer unbelievable discounts, you certainly might get a discount on materials, but you might find yourself paying much more for labor or other items. In order to remain a reputable fencing contractor, the business must also make a reasonable profit upon completion of the project.

Your contractor will help you determine your fencing needs and assist you in planning the fence to suit not only your needs, but also your budget.