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Think Like a Horse When Ordering Horse Fencing

By lisa@sjfence.com • March 12, 2018
There's a good reason why your fencing contractor recommends horse fencing made of durable and highquality materials. Because of the unique accident-prone nature of horses, containment systems for horses must have dimensions and safety features that other livestock fencing doesn't require.

Whether you're setting up your first horse pasture or updating old fencing, think like a horse when you plan the dimensions and materials. Here's how to think about fencing like a horse.

Horses Are Grazing Herd Animals
In the wild, horses roam in herds. The herds constantly move to graze on foliage and grasses. Unless horse herds come upon particularly lush meadows, they never stay in one place too long. Lone horses in the wild seek out a herd or another single horse for grazing travels.

Your fencing must be strong enough to withstand the natural inclination of the horse to wander in search of greener pastures and other herd mates. Wooden fencing is the preferred method of containment for professional horse operations. It's strong and looks great. If you nail the boards to the inside of wooden posts, horses can't pop boards out by pushing their weight against the fence.

Have your contractor install a fence that's at least five feet tall next to roads to reduce the possibility that a horse will jump over the fence or stick its head over the fence. Interior pasture or paddock fencing inside your property boundaries should be a minimum of four feet in height for standard horses.

Horses Are Social and Curious
If trees are growing near the fence line or the neighbor has horses across the road, your horse will try to lean over the fence to snag some juicy leaves or visit with the other horses. If grass grows under your fence, a horse may stick its head under the fence to snatch a few mouthfuls. Electric fencing helps keep horses away from the fence altogether.

An electric wire can be run along a wooden board fence or used on its own. Electric wire comes in single strands or webbing. Single strand electric wire can be strung on metal t-posts, wood posts, and other types of posts when you use proper insulators.

Electric fence webbing comes in several designs, including a black tape that resembles wood board. This type of webbing can be installed on several types of posts but looks best on wooden posts.

If you use an electric fence, choose a solar main or backup charger, so your fence will work during power outages. Some chargers alert you when there is a break in the circuit, which is helpful on large ranches.

Horses Have Monocular Vision
Horses see out of each eye separately. They can see things from the side fairly well, but objects directly ahead are not so clear. Being herd animals, horses tend to bolt or spook when they see sudden movement. They can easily run into low-visibility fencing like high-tensile lines that do not have some kind of colored coating.

For this reason, an easy-to-see woven wire fence is a good choice when you can't use wood boards. Companies make special no-climb welded wire fencing so that horses can't stick their hooves in the spaces between metal wires. If your contractor installs this fencing on wooden posts with a wood board running along the top, it's secure and visible.

Pipe fencing is another visible fence option, and it has the added benefit of being fireproof. Vinyl fencing, unless it's reinforced or backed up with electrical fencing, is not considered strong enough for horses on its own merits, but it is  easy for horses to see.

Contact the fencing experts at San Joaquin Fence  to learn more about the best fencing options for your property in the Bakersfield region. We work with you to create equine paddocks, round pens, and pastures that are safe and durable.

4 Main Types of Residential Fencing

By dean@sjfence.com (Admin) • January 9, 2018

Residential fencing performs a variety of different functions, ranging from being a decorative boundary marker that keeps children and pets contained to a security or privacy barrier designed to give you a sense of safety in your backyard. No matter what purpose you want your fence to perform, you will have four main types of fencing material to choose from.

While all types of fencing can perform the same functions, each type of fencing material possesses its own distinct set of pros and cons. Understanding what each type of fencing material has to offer can help you choose the material that is the best fit for your needs.

WOOD

Wood is a common fencing material that comes in many different variants. Pine and cedar are two of the most common types of wood used in fencing, largely due to their high durability and low price, but several other types of wood are available. For example, redwood, although more expensive, provides a natural resistance to mold, pests, and water damage.

However, wood fences are susceptible to water and weather-related damage. Mold growth, pest infestations (carpenter ants and termites are just two examples), and simple warping and cracking can all occur over time as your fence experiences wear.

In order to prevent such damage from occurring, you will need to consistently maintain your wooden fence by applying stain at once a year (perhaps more often, depending on the climate).

VINYL

Vinyl fencing is one of the most common types of fencing material largely because of its relatively low price point and its immunity to a wide range of damages. Vinyl is non-absorbent, and so won't be subjected to water damage, mold growth, and warping like wood can be.

Further, because vinyl is a type of plastic, vinyl fences come in a massive range of different designs, patterns, and colors, which means that you're able to customize the appearance of your fence to your exact specifications. In addition, the light weight of vinyl as a building material makes the installation and repair processes of your fence easier, saving you both time and money.

However, vinyl does come with a few downsides. The most notable is that vinyl's light weight makes it particularly susceptible to physical damage, and falling debris can crack or knock over your fence. This also means that vinyl is not a great choice for security fencing because it can be easily broken through.

CHAIN LINK

Chain link fences are an affordable residential fencing option that come in large rolls of metal mesh, which is unrolled and attached to metal fence posts. This makes chain link fencing ideal for large yards, as it can be quickly and easily installed, reducing installation costs.

Because the metal mesh of chain link is often coated in a plastic film, chain link fencing is highly resistant to developing rust and does not require the constant maintenance that wooden fences will. However, chain link fences are not ideal privacy or security fences as they are mostly transparent boundaries and can also be easily climbed over.

WROUGHT IRON

Wrought iron, unlike aluminum, is a heavyweight fencing material that can withstand a huge amount of physical pressure without breaking or bending. This makes wrought iron an ideal choice for a security fence, as wrought iron can also be shaped into intricate designs (including pointed tops to dissuade people from climbing over your fence).

However, wrought iron fencing is susceptible to rust. This means that wrought iron will require consistent maintenance to keep rust from eating away at the structure, and these fences aren't ideal for homes near coastal areas. Beyond rust, wrought iron is also an extremely expensive material, which can make it the less than ideal choice for homeowners who are operating under a budget.

For any questions that you may have about your fencing needs, feel free to contact us  at San Joaquin Fence. Our team of experienced fencing contractors will be happy to answer any fencing related questions that you may have.

4 Important Considerations When Installing a Security Fence

By dean@sjfence.com (Admin) • November 13, 2017
Security is a paramount concern for many businesses and other organizations, and a fence can play an important role in preserving a safe environment. When it comes to selecting fence options and security enhancements, it is helpful to understand what options are available.
One of the keys to making your fence work for your organization is advance planning and preparation. With that in mind, below are four considerations that will help you strengthen your organization's security through a well-planned fence installation.

1. FENCE TYPES
A prime security consideration when looking at fence options is the type of fence to be installed. Some fence types may seem inherently better than others when it comes to securing property, but the factors involved are often more complex than initial impressions allow. That's why it's helpful to take a closer look at the variables to gauge whether a given fence type is the best option from a security standpoint.

Some of the important variables to be considered in this context include fence height, material composition, resistance to scaling, auxiliary security features and visibility. For example, a chain link fence can be more easily scaled than a comparable wooden privacy fence, but a chain link fence offers superior visibility due to its open construction.

As a result, making decisions about fence types is not necessarily an open-and-shut matter, and each situation demands that decision makers consider all the angles. A one-size-fits-all approach could leave significant security gaps to be exploited by intruders.

2. LIGHTING NEEDS
Another consideration when it comes to security fence installation is the necessity of integrating lighting into the overall plan. Lighting can make or break a fence installation, as poorly planned lighting can neutralize the benefits of a security fence or even make the situation worse.
Effective lighting enhances a security fence by promoting visibility and by serving as a deterrent. In addition, carefully planned lighting in conjunction with the right fence can simultaneously improve security and add to the overall visual appeal of the setting.

3. ACCESS POINTS PLACEMENT
When taking a look at security fences, one of the critical decision points is knowing how to incorporate access points, such as gates. All fences require at least one access point to permit access to and from enclosures; some may require many more access points, depending on what type of traffic enters the premises.

Poorly located access points are vulnerable to intruders, and they will also require additional security measures to make up for lack of foresight. However, as with other considerations, the placement of access points is not only about satisfying security concerns but also about convenience and efficiency. An access point that makes entry and exit difficult may be secure, but it also creates logistical concerns that are important in their own right.

4. AESTHETIC CONCERNS
While security is a vital concern and a key factor in the fence selection and installation process, it isn't the only consideration for organizations. Aesthetics also play a role in the process and should not be ignored by decision makers. Looks do matter, especially for businesses that greatly depend upon a positive public image for their success.

For example, a tall chain-link fence can provide excellent security, and razor wire at the top further enhances its deterrence capabilities. However, this type of fence arrangement is probably a poor choice for many organizations where image is highly valued, such as churches and professional businesses.

If you have questions about security fencing, it is highly recommended that you consult with the professionals at San Joaquin Fence. Their staff of highly experienced fence experts can assist you in purchasing the right security fence for your organization.

5 Benefits of Enclosing Your Property With Vinyl Fencing

By dean@sjfence.com (Admin) • September 18, 2017
Considering installing a new fence to enclose your property? Vinyl fencing might be just the option to fit your needs. It's attractive, popular and just as viable as any other fencing material that's available on the market. Keep reading to learn more about how enclosing your property with vinyl fencing  can benefit you and your household.

Count on Nontoxicity
One of the best things about vinyl fencing is that it isn't toxic, so you don't have to worry about your children or pets hanging around it. It isn't treated with any harmful chemicals like wood and other types of fences might be.

Vinyl fencing is made up of chlorine (naturally derived from salt) and natural gases, so it can be recycled and reused with no health hazards to worry about. Plants and wildlife can grow and sit on it safely as time goes on, and your dogs can chew on it all they want without getting ill.

Expect Extreme Durability
In addition to its nontoxic properties, vinyl fencing is very durable and will hold up well to extreme weather conditions throughout the year. Rain, heavy winds, snow and sleet are no match for vinyl fencing as it will keep standing tall through storms.

Vinyl fencing can also handle salt water without withering and failing, so it's the perfect solution for property owners who live near the ocean. It can also be used to keep livestock, such as sheep and cows, from escaping your property. Even if you don't have farm animals now, you may decide in the future to keep some chickens around for free eggs throughout the year all you need is a new vinyl fence and some netting.

Rely on Easy Maintenance
Another benefit of installing vinyl fencing along your property line is that it's really easy to take care of, especially compared to other types of fences on the market. Unlike wooden fencing that needs to be sanded and painted regularly to maintain its visual appeal, vinyl fencing needs nothing more than a quick wipe with a rag once in a while and maybe a hose-down once a year or so.

Even tough stains don't require more than a soap, water and elbow grease. Vinyl fencing never fades or loses its color, and there is no need to prime it in order to avoid the development of rust. Termites won't feat on the fence, and you won't have to deal with rot as time goes on.

Enjoy an Affordable Investment
Because vinyl fencing is so easy to install, you can expect to enjoy an affordable initial investment. You won't have to pay anyone to cut boards or haul any heavy materials around the job site because everything comes prefabricated and pre-cut.

Combined with few maintenance requirements and extreme durability, your vinyl fencing investment won't break the bank and will continue to pay for itself in the many years that are to come.

Indulge in Customization Options
When it comes time to choose vinyl fencing for your property, you'll choose from a wide variety of color and design options. In fact, you can even have your vinyl fencing produced with a custom color to complement the rest of your property's decor.

Choose your own custom textures and toppers to ensure that your fencing doesn't look like any other in the neighborhood. Whether you want a modern look with a country touch or a sophisticated feel with modern accents, a vinyl fence can meet all of your needs.

Contact us  to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how vinyl fencing can help transform your property into a safe and convenient sanctuary.  

Tips for Making an Outdoor Dog Run With Fencing

By dean@sjfence.com (Admin) • July 13, 2017
Do you want to let your dog go outside during the day, but don't want to fence off your entire yard to do so? If so, a dog run could be just what you need to build. It will help keep your dog contained on your property while providing the outdoor freedom that a dog should have.
The following tips will help you create the perfect dog run for your home.

BUILD THE DOG RUN AROUND AN EXISTING STRUCTURE
You can construct a fenced-off dog run that is separated from the home, but doing so will require additional materials and labor in order to build it. One way you could save money when building a dog run is to utilize a structure that already exists on your land.

For example, a dog run could be built in a way where one side is shared with a detached garage. The dog run can wrap around the garage as well, so that part of the run is out of sight. If the dog run is built next to a house, you can use a dog door so that your dog can freely roam between the dog run and your house as they please.

INSTALL SUN PROTECTION
You'll want to plan to give your dog some shade during the day to protect them from the harsh rays of the sun. Protecting them from the sun will prevent health problems caused by overexposure to sunlight and overheating.

The easiest way to add sun protection is with an awning. The awning doesn't need to extend over the entire dog run, but it should be installed over part of it so that your dog can get some relief from the heat.

You could also install the dog run so that the structure it is wrapped around blocks the sun for part of the day. Pay attention to how the sun travels across your yard during the day and make sure there will be shade at all times. Some people prefer to use tarps so that they can add shade as needed.

PLAN FOR A DOG HOUSE
A dog house is not only a nice place for a dog to sleep during the day, but it can also help you save money on fencing material. If you plan for a dog house across the rear of the dog run, then that is one less side that needs to be fenced off.

While you could add the dog house to the dog run after the fencing has been installed, it might mean that you have to get rid of some of that brand new fencing, causing you to waste materials and money.

CREATE THE DOG RUN WITH EASY ACCESS IN MIND
The dog run is supposed to be created for your dog, but you will also need to enter the space from time to time. Make sure that the gate you use to enter the dog run is big enough for a dog and an adult, and that the height of the dog run can accommodate an adult walking through it. You'll be thankful that you made these adjustments when the time comes to clean it out.

CREATE SPACE FOR PLAY
A dog run that is narrow and long will not be much fun. Plan to make the dog run a wide in places where they can have fun playing. Running back and forth will only keep a dog so busy so for so long, and they'll appreciate some more open areas for different types of movement.
Contact San Joaquin Fence for help constructing a dog run  for your backyard.

Types of Fencing

By dean@sjfence.com (Admin) • May 16, 2017
Fencing serves a need to protect, contain, or separate. Since fencing serves such a wide set of needs over a host of industries, it makes sense to have various types of fencing. Let us examine some of the fencing categories  and their intended purpose.

Chain link  This is one of the most common fences, usually found around residences or the perimeter along a property line.

Wrought iron  This beautiful fencing lends an old-world charm by utilizing scrolls or points as a more ornamental way to separate yards.
Pools- Pools require fencing for insurance and safety purposes. These fences will be tall and are usually chain link.

Tennis courts  Fencing used to contain the tennis area so that the tennis balls are not lost in the woods or bounce into the parking lot. Again, this fencing is usually chain link.

Dog runs  For the hunter who utilizes dogs, or perhaps a breeder of dogs, this fencing allows multiple dogs to interact but from within their own lane. Vets use dog runs in the boarding area of their shop.

Razor Ribbon  High-security fencing option to contain sensitive equipment or people and to prevent entry or exit with a highly dangerous deterrent.

San Joaquin Fence can serve any fencing need you have, give us a call today !

How to Choose the Right Fence for Livestock

By dean@sjfence.com (Admin) • March 11, 2017
If you raise livestock, then you need to make sure they all stay on your property. A fence can help greatly, but when you are trying to pick out the best one, there are a few considerations to be made.

RIGHT HEIGHT

First, you need to be certain your livestock will be unable to get over the fence. You probably do not have to worry too much about pigs being able to jump over a fence, but goats could reasonably do it.

DURABILITY

Once you find a fence that is the right height, you need to be sure it is durable. This means it is strong enough to withstand animals occasionally running into it. It also means you want to make sure it will be able to withstand the elements.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

For farmers who do not want to deal with animals breaking the fence, you should look into extra features to keep animals away from it. A common tactic is to get an electrified fence, so all your animals and any wild animals will stay away.

If you depend on your livestock to make a living, then you cannot afford to let them get out. Luckily, some great farm fences  are available, and San Joaquin Fence is here to provide you with a variety of options.

Think Like a Horse When Ordering Horse Fencing

By lisa@sjfence.com • March 12, 2018
There's a good reason why your fencing contractor recommends horse fencing made of durable and highquality materials. Because of the unique accident-prone nature of horses, containment systems for horses must have dimensions and safety features that other livestock fencing doesn't require.

Whether you're setting up your first horse pasture or updating old fencing, think like a horse when you plan the dimensions and materials. Here's how to think about fencing like a horse.

Horses Are Grazing Herd Animals
In the wild, horses roam in herds. The herds constantly move to graze on foliage and grasses. Unless horse herds come upon particularly lush meadows, they never stay in one place too long. Lone horses in the wild seek out a herd or another single horse for grazing travels.

Your fencing must be strong enough to withstand the natural inclination of the horse to wander in search of greener pastures and other herd mates. Wooden fencing is the preferred method of containment for professional horse operations. It's strong and looks great. If you nail the boards to the inside of wooden posts, horses can't pop boards out by pushing their weight against the fence.

Have your contractor install a fence that's at least five feet tall next to roads to reduce the possibility that a horse will jump over the fence or stick its head over the fence. Interior pasture or paddock fencing inside your property boundaries should be a minimum of four feet in height for standard horses.

Horses Are Social and Curious
If trees are growing near the fence line or the neighbor has horses across the road, your horse will try to lean over the fence to snag some juicy leaves or visit with the other horses. If grass grows under your fence, a horse may stick its head under the fence to snatch a few mouthfuls. Electric fencing helps keep horses away from the fence altogether.

An electric wire can be run along a wooden board fence or used on its own. Electric wire comes in single strands or webbing. Single strand electric wire can be strung on metal t-posts, wood posts, and other types of posts when you use proper insulators.

Electric fence webbing comes in several designs, including a black tape that resembles wood board. This type of webbing can be installed on several types of posts but looks best on wooden posts.

If you use an electric fence, choose a solar main or backup charger, so your fence will work during power outages. Some chargers alert you when there is a break in the circuit, which is helpful on large ranches.

Horses Have Monocular Vision
Horses see out of each eye separately. They can see things from the side fairly well, but objects directly ahead are not so clear. Being herd animals, horses tend to bolt or spook when they see sudden movement. They can easily run into low-visibility fencing like high-tensile lines that do not have some kind of colored coating.

For this reason, an easy-to-see woven wire fence is a good choice when you can't use wood boards. Companies make special no-climb welded wire fencing so that horses can't stick their hooves in the spaces between metal wires. If your contractor installs this fencing on wooden posts with a wood board running along the top, it's secure and visible.

Pipe fencing is another visible fence option, and it has the added benefit of being fireproof. Vinyl fencing, unless it's reinforced or backed up with electrical fencing, is not considered strong enough for horses on its own merits, but it is  easy for horses to see.

Contact the fencing experts at San Joaquin Fence  to learn more about the best fencing options for your property in the Bakersfield region. We work with you to create equine paddocks, round pens, and pastures that are safe and durable.

4 Main Types of Residential Fencing

By dean@sjfence.com (Admin) • January 9, 2018

Residential fencing performs a variety of different functions, ranging from being a decorative boundary marker that keeps children and pets contained to a security or privacy barrier designed to give you a sense of safety in your backyard. No matter what purpose you want your fence to perform, you will have four main types of fencing material to choose from.

While all types of fencing can perform the same functions, each type of fencing material possesses its own distinct set of pros and cons. Understanding what each type of fencing material has to offer can help you choose the material that is the best fit for your needs.

WOOD

Wood is a common fencing material that comes in many different variants. Pine and cedar are two of the most common types of wood used in fencing, largely due to their high durability and low price, but several other types of wood are available. For example, redwood, although more expensive, provides a natural resistance to mold, pests, and water damage.

However, wood fences are susceptible to water and weather-related damage. Mold growth, pest infestations (carpenter ants and termites are just two examples), and simple warping and cracking can all occur over time as your fence experiences wear.

In order to prevent such damage from occurring, you will need to consistently maintain your wooden fence by applying stain at once a year (perhaps more often, depending on the climate).

VINYL

Vinyl fencing is one of the most common types of fencing material largely because of its relatively low price point and its immunity to a wide range of damages. Vinyl is non-absorbent, and so won't be subjected to water damage, mold growth, and warping like wood can be.

Further, because vinyl is a type of plastic, vinyl fences come in a massive range of different designs, patterns, and colors, which means that you're able to customize the appearance of your fence to your exact specifications. In addition, the light weight of vinyl as a building material makes the installation and repair processes of your fence easier, saving you both time and money.

However, vinyl does come with a few downsides. The most notable is that vinyl's light weight makes it particularly susceptible to physical damage, and falling debris can crack or knock over your fence. This also means that vinyl is not a great choice for security fencing because it can be easily broken through.

CHAIN LINK

Chain link fences are an affordable residential fencing option that come in large rolls of metal mesh, which is unrolled and attached to metal fence posts. This makes chain link fencing ideal for large yards, as it can be quickly and easily installed, reducing installation costs.

Because the metal mesh of chain link is often coated in a plastic film, chain link fencing is highly resistant to developing rust and does not require the constant maintenance that wooden fences will. However, chain link fences are not ideal privacy or security fences as they are mostly transparent boundaries and can also be easily climbed over.

WROUGHT IRON

Wrought iron, unlike aluminum, is a heavyweight fencing material that can withstand a huge amount of physical pressure without breaking or bending. This makes wrought iron an ideal choice for a security fence, as wrought iron can also be shaped into intricate designs (including pointed tops to dissuade people from climbing over your fence).

However, wrought iron fencing is susceptible to rust. This means that wrought iron will require consistent maintenance to keep rust from eating away at the structure, and these fences aren't ideal for homes near coastal areas. Beyond rust, wrought iron is also an extremely expensive material, which can make it the less than ideal choice for homeowners who are operating under a budget.

For any questions that you may have about your fencing needs, feel free to contact us  at San Joaquin Fence. Our team of experienced fencing contractors will be happy to answer any fencing related questions that you may have.

4 Important Considerations When Installing a Security Fence

By dean@sjfence.com (Admin) • November 13, 2017
Security is a paramount concern for many businesses and other organizations, and a fence can play an important role in preserving a safe environment. When it comes to selecting fence options and security enhancements, it is helpful to understand what options are available.
One of the keys to making your fence work for your organization is advance planning and preparation. With that in mind, below are four considerations that will help you strengthen your organization's security through a well-planned fence installation.

1. FENCE TYPES
A prime security consideration when looking at fence options is the type of fence to be installed. Some fence types may seem inherently better than others when it comes to securing property, but the factors involved are often more complex than initial impressions allow. That's why it's helpful to take a closer look at the variables to gauge whether a given fence type is the best option from a security standpoint.

Some of the important variables to be considered in this context include fence height, material composition, resistance to scaling, auxiliary security features and visibility. For example, a chain link fence can be more easily scaled than a comparable wooden privacy fence, but a chain link fence offers superior visibility due to its open construction.

As a result, making decisions about fence types is not necessarily an open-and-shut matter, and each situation demands that decision makers consider all the angles. A one-size-fits-all approach could leave significant security gaps to be exploited by intruders.

2. LIGHTING NEEDS
Another consideration when it comes to security fence installation is the necessity of integrating lighting into the overall plan. Lighting can make or break a fence installation, as poorly planned lighting can neutralize the benefits of a security fence or even make the situation worse.
Effective lighting enhances a security fence by promoting visibility and by serving as a deterrent. In addition, carefully planned lighting in conjunction with the right fence can simultaneously improve security and add to the overall visual appeal of the setting.

3. ACCESS POINTS PLACEMENT
When taking a look at security fences, one of the critical decision points is knowing how to incorporate access points, such as gates. All fences require at least one access point to permit access to and from enclosures; some may require many more access points, depending on what type of traffic enters the premises.

Poorly located access points are vulnerable to intruders, and they will also require additional security measures to make up for lack of foresight. However, as with other considerations, the placement of access points is not only about satisfying security concerns but also about convenience and efficiency. An access point that makes entry and exit difficult may be secure, but it also creates logistical concerns that are important in their own right.

4. AESTHETIC CONCERNS
While security is a vital concern and a key factor in the fence selection and installation process, it isn't the only consideration for organizations. Aesthetics also play a role in the process and should not be ignored by decision makers. Looks do matter, especially for businesses that greatly depend upon a positive public image for their success.

For example, a tall chain-link fence can provide excellent security, and razor wire at the top further enhances its deterrence capabilities. However, this type of fence arrangement is probably a poor choice for many organizations where image is highly valued, such as churches and professional businesses.

If you have questions about security fencing, it is highly recommended that you consult with the professionals at San Joaquin Fence. Their staff of highly experienced fence experts can assist you in purchasing the right security fence for your organization.
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