Frequently Asked Questions
Jerith Ornamental Aluminium FAQ's
Why is Jerith Aluminum Fence better than other aluminum fences on the market?
Here is a quick list of what sets a Jerith Fence apart from the competition:
● FencCoat Finish - withstands 3,000 hours of salt spray testing
and 5 years of exposure in Florida versus 1,000 hours and 1
year for others;
twice the thickness and hardness of wet
paints; environmentally
friendly.
● HS-35 Alloy - used in all of our components (even the
pickets)
for added
strength.
● Gates - have a welded frame that allows them to support
250 lbs.; come with a standard magnetic handle latch that
works every time.
● Alloy used for castings (caps, wall mounts, finials, etc.) -
more
corrosion-resistant than the cheaper, more common
alloys
that others use.
● Screws - have an adhesive patch to help keep them tight;
square drive
for added security.
● Jerith - oldest and largest aluminum fence manufacturer;
45 years experience; third generation family business;
products made in USA; most orders ship within 2 weeks.
● Lifetime Warranty - backed by an established company that
is a leader in the industry.
How is the fence installed?
Jerith Aluminum Fences are installed by setting a post in concrete and sliding the horizontal rails of a section into the pre-punched holes in the post. A second post is then set at the other end of the section. A second section slides into the second post, and so on. If you need less than a full section, we simply cut the rails to the size you need with a saw.
Can the fence curve?
If your fence line bends, the sections can easily be angled in the posts to follow most curves. For a very tight curve, just cut the sections in half and put another post between the two sections. The sections themselves can not be bent without ruining their structural integrity however.
Can the fence follow a downhill slope?
Most of our standard aluminum fence sections can follow the contour of the ground. This is called either raking or racking. The fences drop about one foot over the 6' length of a section. If a greater slope is needed, sections can be specially fabricated as "double-punched sections" to traverse a 45 degree angle. Patriot Fence and Regency "Plus" styles can not rake at all, while Concord, and 400 Series fence can only rake about 6 inches over their length.
What is the post spacing?
For Ovation, Encore, Regency, and Patriot, the posts should be spaced 72" on-center. Industrial fence posts need a 71-1/2" spacing on-center, while Residential fences have a 72-1/2" post spacing.
What are the standard colors?
Patriot Fence is only available in black, while our aluminum fences come in a black, white or bronze finish. Finials, ball caps and scrolls are also available in a gold finish, as well as black, white or bronze.
Are custom colors available?
Yes, but there are two conditions that must be met. We can only coat custom colors from October to March (our slow season) and the job must have at least 1,000 feet of fence. Also, since custom colors can not undergo the same testing that our standard colors have passed, we can only guarantee the finish for 5 years.
What heights are available?
| Fence Description |
36" |
42" |
48" |
52" |
54" |
57" |
60" |
72" |
96" |
| Ovation Fence |
|
|
x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Encore Railing |
x |
x |
x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Concord |
x |
|
x |
|
|
x |
x |
x |
|
| 100 Series Residential |
x |
|
x |
|
|
x |
x |
x |
|
| 200 Series Residential |
x |
|
x |
|
x |
|
x |
x |
|
| 400 Series Residential |
x |
|
x |
|
|
|
x |
x |
|
| 100 Series Industrial |
|
|
x |
|
|
|
x |
x |
x |
| 200 Series Industrial |
|
|
x |
|
|
|
x |
x |
x |
| Regency Fence |
|
|
x |
|
|
|
x |
x |
|
| Windsor / Windsor Plus |
|
|
x |
|
x |
|
x |
x |
|
| Patriot Fence |
|
|
x |
|
|
|
x |
x |
|
| Bravo & Symphony |
|
|
|
x |
|
|
|
|
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What fences meet the IRC/ICC/BOCA code for swimming pool enclosures?
Here are the heights and styles of fence that meet building code requirements for fences that need to have less than 4" between pickets and 45" between rails, or less than 1-3/4" between pickets with any rail spacing:
48" tall - Encore, Ovation, 400 Series Residential, Patriot
6 gauge
52" tall - Bravo, Symphony
54" tall - 200 Series Residential, Windsor, Windsor Plus
57" tall - Style 101 & 111 Residential, Concord
60" tall - All Regency styles, 200/400 Series Residential,
Patriot 6 gauge
72" tall - All Regency styles, 100/200/400 Series Residential,
Patriot 6
gauge, Concord
Can the fence attach to brick columns or the side of my house?
Yes, we have wall mount castings that allow the fence sections to connect to any flat surface. These fit over the ends of the rails and attach to the flat surface with two screws. We also have adjustable wall mounts if you need to come off the flat surface at an angle up to 45 degrees. (See photos at left.)
Can the fence mount on a patio/deck?
To fasten a post onto a concrete slab, we recommend that we core-drill the concrete if at all possible. We do offer deck mount castings, however, they should not be used on fences over 48" tall.
PVC FAQ's
What is Vinyl Fence made of?
Vinyl fence is made from rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), an extremely versatile thermo plastic that is extruded for superior performance, stability, weatherability, low maintenance, and long life.
How popular are vinyl building materials?
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is used in virtually every industry. Because of its low maintenance and durability, vinyl is a popular alternative for products normally constructed of wood-such as fences, gazebos, decks, siding and window frames.
How safe are vinyl fence systems?
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.
Aren't all vinyl fences the same?
No. Vinyl fence system components are available in a wide range of sizes and thickness. To reduce costs, some manufacturers decrease their wall thickness, resulting in reduced strength and ultimately yielding inferior fence systems.
Don't all vinyl fences stand up to wear and tear?
Not necessarily. A light (standard) system may bend easily, even in normal use. Additionally, a weak-fastening system for a post and rail connection can result in poor performance and result in dislodged rails. However, a properly engineered system with a heavier wall thickness and secure rail connection will make a vinyl fence stronger and more durable.
Will vinyl be more expensive than wood?
A wood fence system may initially cost less than vinyl, but wood systems require maintenance. Conversely, vinyl fencing has almost zero maintenance cost, particularly compared to painted wood fences. Unlike wood, vinyl isn't subject to termite infestation, which can increase the likelihood of costly partial or full replacement of a wood fence system. Although your initial investment may be more with vinyl, the cost difference is quickly eliminated when you consider the substantial cost of maintaining a wood fence.
Will a quality fence cost more?
Yes. Good-quality material and workmanship always costs more than sub-standard products, while labor, concrete and building materials cost the same regardless of the chosen material quality. Although a sub-standard product may cost less, the risk of future maintenance and/or replacement cost outweigh any benefits the lower price may seem to offer.
Are all product warranties the same?
No. A warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind it. The fence industry has seen products and/or companies enter the market, only to leave homeowners with a worthless piece of paper as a product warranty. That's why you should check out the reputation of the company offering the warranty, just as you would when choosing the right contractor.
Wood FAQ's
Why do knots fall out of boards, creating holes?
Knots and the surrounding wood have different densities. Since knots are more dense, they expand and contract less than the surrounding wood, loosening the bond. To protect against this, use a Premium or #1 board with both faces graded. The knots will be smaller and intergrown. The cost is slightly more, but your fence will have a longer serviceable life.
What causes wood boards to develop black stains at the nails?
The stain is caused by natural wood extracts interacting with metal in the fastener. Moist wood increases the likelihood of this interaction. For Cedar, Redwood and Cypress, you should use double-dipped galvanized, stainless steel or aluminum fasteners.
Can the stained wood be cleaned off?
Yes. If the stain is has a brown tint to it, use a solution with Trisodium Phosphate (TSP), which is available at local retail hardware stores.
If the stain is black, use a solution with Oxalic Acid to clean the boards. This material is also available at retail hardware stores.
Commercial cleaners are available as well. Identify the cause of the stain to ensure you choose the correct product. Certain concrete cleaners are specifically formulated to clean wood extracts from patios, sidewalks, or other concrete structures.
What about using bleach and water?
Chlorine-based or Oxygen-type bleach is effective against mildew and fungi. Oxygen-type bleach contains sodium percarbonate, which when added to water forms hydrogen peroxide, an effective agent in removing mildew stains, dirt and weathered gray residue from wood that has ultraviolet (sunlight) degradation. Unlike chlorine-based bleach, once the wood is treated with the oxygen-type bleach, it will return to its original natural appearance.
Some species of wood contain tannins, a natural resin. Water can extract these resins from wood leaving brown or black discolorations on the surface. Blue-black stains can result from a reaction of tannins to the iron in nails or fasteners. Neither chlorine nor oxygen bleaches are effective against tannin or iron stains, but the use of an oxalic acid-based product mentioned previously will render the stains colorless.
Why do boards split when fastened with nails?
Correct nails and nailing practices are essential for successful installation. Choosing a needle point nail is a common mistake. While the most commonly used nail is a diamond point, a blunt point will reduce splitting also. Overdriving nails is another problem that distorts wood and causes excessive splitting. Predrilling will help reduce any splitting that can occur.
The boards at the top of my fence are warping. Why?
The backrails should be no more than 8" from the fence board tops and bottoms. Fence boards 6' high should have three back rails. Spacing your rails this way will help control the wood's natural tendency to warp, due to expansion and contraction.
What can be done to eliminate the effects of weathering and keep that "new fence" look?
While there's no way to eliminate the weathering of wood, it's relatively easy to minimize the effects:
● Use three back rails (6' fence), two backrails (4', 5' fence),
or 4 backrails
(8' fence) for more hold-down points.
● Use only hot-dipped galvanized, or stainless steel fasteners
with a ring or
spiral shank to minimize warp and rust
stains.
● Treat the surfaces of fence boards with a water-repellant
solution to
reduce the rate that moisture is absorbed and
released. This solution
should also have a good UV inhibitor
if you don't want the fence to gray.
● Follow a regular maintenance program of cleaning and
refinishing every
few years with a "clear" or "toner" water
repellant containing UV
inhibitors. This will revitalize a dingy
appearance caused by dirt, mildew
or graying. It's like
washing and waxing your car. Opinions differ on how
necessary it is to perform regular maintenance, but most
agree your
fence will look much better for the effort.
Where does Redwood come from?
It's unique to the Northern California coast and adjacent regions. Redwood is harvested in commercial forests from San Francisco to Southern Oregon in a strip along the Pacific Ocean.
Where does Northern White Cedar come from?
It's unique to the Northeast region of North America. Northern White Cedar grows from upper Michigan along the Canadian-United States border to New Brunswick. It's a slow-growing tree found mainly in swampy areas.
What's pressure-treated wood?
It's wood that has been pressure-impregnated with an effective preservative. This treatment helps wood resist attacks by termites and decay-causing fungi.
What are some of the advantages of pressure-treated wood?
It's economical; works easily with common tools; is naturally attractive; durable; strong for its weight; and is readily available in a wide variety of sizes and styles.
What about any cracking, warping, and graying that may show up over time?
Even though pressure-treated wood is protected from termites and fungal decay, it is still a porous, natural material. Wood swells when it absorbs moisture and shrinks when it dries out. The drying process creates stresses in the wood, which contributes to cracking and warping. The sun's ultra-violet (UV) rays cause the wood to turn gray. Pressure-treated wood is subject to these effects, just like other lumber.
What are Whitewoods and where do they grow?
The species Spruce, Pine and Fir make up the grouping known as Whitewoods. Fence board cut from these species have a white appearance when first installed. While these species are prevalent throughout North America, Whitewood fencing products are produced primarily in a belt ranging from Eastern to Western Canada.
What are the black spots on my boards?
Small, sooty-looking circular spots are caused by mold or mildew. Mildew occurs when there's low air circulation, moisture, temperature and food source (wood). Installing your fence will expose the wood to airflow and stop mold.
Can the mold or mildew be cleaned off my boards?
Yes, you can choose from a number of readily available commercial products. Read the directions closely. They'll describe various wood-cleaning problems and recommend the proper cleaning solution.
How long can I expect my Whitewood fence boards to last?
Untreated, unpainted Whitewoods will last 3 to 7 years, depending on local environment conditions. (Source: USDA Forestry Book.)
Chain Link FAQ's
What is Chain Link Fabric?
Fabric comes in a variety of gauges. Gauge is the diameter of the wire; the higher the gauge number the smaller the wire diameter. Standard mill diameter tolerance is + or - .005". Common gauges and diameters are as follows:
● 6 gauge=.192"
● 9 gauge=.148"
● 11 gauge=.120"
● 11 ½ gauge=.113"
● 12 gauge=.106"
● 12 ½ gauge=.099
Chain link fabric is available in heights of 36", 42", 48", 60", 72", 84", 96", 120", and 144". The fabric is formed by weaving a series of spirals together. How the top and bottom of fence is finished is referred to as the selvage. Fences less than 72" must knuckle both ends by industry standard (KK). Heights of 72" and higher, are generally twisted or barbed at one end and knuckled (BK) on the other. For high security enclosures, chain link can be obtained with both ends twisted or barbed (BB).
Zinc coatings may also differ. There are two different processes for applying zinc to wire. Galvanized after weaving (G.A.W.) is a process in which wire rod is drawn to the finished gauge, and then woven into chain link fabric. The fabric is then pulled through a pot of molten zinc. This process applies 1.2 ounces of zinc coating per square foot of fabric and conforms to ASTM standards.
The other process for applying zinc coating to chain link is called galvanized before weaving (G.B.W.). In this process the wire rod is drawn to gauge, and the strand wire is then pulled through a pot of molten zinc. The wire is then woven into chain link fabric. Generally chain link fabric made using this process carries a zinc weight of .8 ounces per square foot or less.
The distance between two parallel wires in the fabric is referred to as the mesh size. The most common mesh sizes are 2" or 2 ¼", but smaller meshes of 3/8", 5/8", 1", 1 ¼", 1 ½" and 1 ¾" are available for projects that require a higher degree of security.
The quality of chain link fence fabric is determined by both the gauge of the wire and the weight of the zinc coating applied to the wire. The American Society for testing material has established standards for residential and commercial chain link fence fabric under designation A 392-96.
What is Frame Work?
Frame work is the tubular steel frame that chain link fabric is attached to. The frame work is comprised of three components; top rail, line posts, and terminal posts. Terminal posts are set in concrete and are end, corner, and gate posts. Line posts are smaller in diameter than terminal posts and are the intermediate posts between terminal posts. These should also be set in concrete. The top rail is attached to the terminal posts and passes through fittings which are attached to line posts. This provides a horizontal frame that supports that fabric.
The chain link fence frame work is also zinc coated to provide protection against corrosion. There are two methods of coating tubular products. In the first method, coils of steel are slit to the proper width, and then formed into pipe and the seam is welded. After the pipe is formed, the pipe is then taken to a pot of molten zinc and submersed. Both the interior and exterior of the pipe are zinc coated. This method is referred to as the hot dip process.
In the second method, the slit to width coil of steel is formed into pipe and then seam welded. The pipe then passes through an in line vat of molten zinc, which coats the exterior with zinc. A clear organic coating is applied over the zinc, providing additional protection from corrosion. The interior of the tubing is coated with a zinc rich paint. This method is referred to as in line, flow coat galvanizing.
Both methods of manufacturing conform to ASTM F669-92. The quality of tubular products is relative to the thickness of steel, as well as the zinc coating. Please refer to chart one for further information on tubular products and typical applications.
What are fittings and how are they used?
To assemble a chain link fence systems several types of fittings are required. Fittings can be classified into three types; those used in the line of fence, those used on terminal posts, and those used in conjunction with gates. All residential fittings are made from a die cast aluminum or steel that has been galvanized. Industrial and commercial fittings are made from galvanized steel, cast iron, or malleable steel. Fittings are an integral part of the fence, as they secure the components of the fence system. Gate fittings are especially important. The gate is the only part of the fence that moves and that people come into contact with on a regular basis. It is very important that they fit and do not move on the gate post once installed. This will keep the gate from sagging. For security, barbed wire can be added to all types of commercial projects. Fittings should conform to ASTM F 626-96.
What types of residential gates are available?
For residential applications two types of gates are commonly used; 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 always the same height as the fence. It is a single panel that is hinged from one terminal post and latched to another. Double drive gates consist of two panels that latch in the middle of the opening. Both single walk and double drive gates for residential enclosures are made from 1 3/8" diameter tubing. The quality of the chain link and frame work used should match the rest of the fence. Automatic closing mechanisms are available to shut and latch the single walk gate after passage.
Are there different types of gates for commercial projects?
In addition to single walk and double drive gates, several types of sliding gates are available for commercial and high security applications. Sliding gates are used where there is no room to swing the panel of a single or double gate. In areas where snow and ice are not a problem rolling gates are not recommended. Rolling gates roll on a pipe track that is attached by track brackets to the gate post and line posts and is on a ground carrier that is attached to the front of the gate. Sliding gates are made from 1 5/8" or 2" diameter frame work. For security, barbed wire or razor ribbon can be added to all types of gates.
In area where snow and ice are a problem cantilever gates a generally used. A cantilever gate is 1.5 times the length of the gate opening and is suspended by four malleable rollers, which are attached to two posts. Rollers are attached to the gate and first line post, one at the top and one at the bottom of each post; this allows the gate frame to slide between the rollers. Cantilever gates are very heavy and are usually installed on 4" diameter posts and constructed from a 2-3/8" diameter top and bottom rail.
Are chain link fence systems available in Colors?
We offer three different types of color systems, forest green, midnight black, and sierra brown. Interstate provides chain-link fabric with a tough polyvinyl over a galvanized steel core wire. The wire has a.15 ounce per square foot zinc coating, which is then coated with 20 mils of polyvinyl.
The framework is a galvanized framework that has a 3 mil polyester powder coating on it, giving double protection from the elements and corrosion. The framework is prepared for coating by going through a six stage chemical conversion process. It is then electrostatically powder coated and thermally bonded at 450 degrees to provide a superior color coating.
Pool Code FAQ's
Check local pool & fence codes.
Call or pay a visit to your local building department to get up to date information on your local city, township, or village codes. Codes are regulations or rules which govern specific situations. In this case ask specifically for the codes required for pool fence installations.
Obtain a property survey.
Obtain a recent survey of your property so that you have knowledge of the exact property and lot lines. If a survey is not within your budget, then look for city records of your property or review the papers that accompany your mortgage loan to locate your plat map. Keep in mind that there are disclaimers on most plat maps that the measurements referenced may be plus or minus footage.
Coordinate, develop, and design your plans with the pool, fence, and landscape professionals to accommodate your codes, your vision, and current safety regulations.
Work side-by-side with the contractors you hire to develop your pool, landscape, and fence plan. For this portion of your project you will utilize the survey and code information you have obtained. For those of you who live in a development, check to see if your homeowner's association has any other codes or guidelines which you will need to follow. Remember to check and see if you need their approval prior to moving forward with your project. When laying-out your landscape plan pay close attention to any setback rules which your city may recommend. The distance from your property lines to the placement of your pool or fence structures is usually referred to as the "setback".
BOCA National Building Code (Building Officials and Code Administrators International Inc.)
This nonprofit agency has members who span the building community from code enforcement officials to materials manufacturers. These officials have developed strict guidelines for safety of outdoor, indoor, private, and public pool, hot tub, and spa settings. They have set the standard for model codes in the aforementioned areas. Refer to section 421.10 for enclosures for private swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.
www.bocai.org
Search for fences which are specifically designed to accommodate pool safety codes and regulations.
Select the appropriate gate closures to meet code.
To meet pool codes, all gates must have self-closing, self-latching hardware. When installed properly, this hardware will enable the gate to automatically close behind those entering or exiting the pool area.
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