Section or Panel:

This is the actual fencing that is suspended between the posts. It consists of the pickets and channels which are screwed together.

Stringers, Rails, or Channels:

The horizontal bars of the fence. The stringers, rails, or channels increase the stability of the fence sections. Generally speaking, the more rails per section, the greater the stability of the fence.

Pickets or Balusters:

The vertical members of the fence.

Aluminum fence Post:

A vertical member usually installed every six to eight feet. Most fence posts are cemented in to the ground. The fence sections are attached to the posts.

Line Post:

This post is found within a “line of fencing”. Line posts have holes punched on opposite sides of the post.

Corner Post:

This post is used on a corner where your fence makes a 90 degree turn. Holes are punched on adjacent sides.

End Post:

This type of post is used where the line of fencing stops. Holes are punched on one side.

Aluminum Gate Post:

This post is punched like an end post, but has twice the thickness to support the hinges and latching forces of the fence gate.

Wall Mount:

A bracket used to attach the aluminum fence panels to a blank post, a house, or to brick columns.

Swivel Mount:

A bracket used to achieve any angle other than 90 degrees.

Deck Mount or Welded Plate:

This type of hardware is attached to the bottom of a aluminum post and is used in situations where a posts must be mounted onto an existing concrete pad or to a wall.

Gravity Latch:

A standard non-lockable latch, not suitable for pool fence applications.

Magna Latch:

A child safety pool latch that is key lockable. Meets all relevant Barrier Codes for pool and child safety.

Locinox Latch:

A decorative latch that is key lockable.

Self-Closing Hinges:

Spring hinges that are standard on most aluminum fences. This type of hardware allows the gate to self-close behind you. Self-closing hardware is required on all fence systems which must meet pool codes.

Adornments:

Decorative accessories used to customize fencing and gates.

Finials:

A type of adornment used to customize the top of a picket.

Scrolls:

A decorative accessory placed between fence pickets used to “dress up” fence sections or gates.

Rings:

Decorative accessories which may be added to the space between the two top horizontal rails of the fence or gate.

Post Caps:

A cap which is added to enclose the top of a post. Standard four sided flat caps and decorative fence ball caps are available.

Grades:

Divisions of strength for aluminum fencing. Higher grades are made with larger and thicker profiles.

Rack or Rake:

The ability for a fence panel to adjust to a slope. Aluminum Fence panels are available to accommodate a 30″ drop over a 6′ span.

U-Frame Gate:

An upgrade to a standard aluminum gate that has a welded frame in the shape of a “U”. This results in a much stronger construction and is recommended for high traffic areas.

Cut Sections:

Aluminum Fence panels that need to be cut to a fit in a desired space.

BOCA, ICBO, SBCCI:

Various organizations which formally consolidated into a single 50,000 + member organization called the ICC (International Code Council).

This organization provides world class service to members and customers and is dedicated to public safety through development of building safety and fire prevention codes. Feel free to visit the ICC site for up to date information and services. www.iccsafe.org.

BOCA (Building Officials and Code Administrators International Inc.) National Building Code:

A nonprofit agency which has members that span the building community to enforce codes. This organization has 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.

By sending in a accurate fence drawing, you can ensure you receive all of the correct materials needed for installation THE FIRST TIME.  This saves you time and money .    Determining a materials list for an aluminum fence installation can be a little more complicated than you may think. There are several components needed for a successful installation.  You will need the fence sections as well as a combination of line, end, corner and gate posts.  The number of each type of aluminum fence post is different for almost every installation based on the layout.

The first step is to measure the area to be fenced.  It is important to measure each individual fence run as opposed to just the total amount of footage needed.  For example, you should have 4 different measurements if the area to be fenced has a  rectangular shape.  If a aluminum gate needs to be in a specific location (like over an existing sidewalk) you should make a note of this on the drawing.  The next step is to draw out your measurements on paper.  It is not important that the measurements be to scale or that they look professionally done.  What is important is that the fence drawing and measurements are clearly marked so there is no confusion regarding the placement and length of the aluminum fencing.  Here is a list of things to be included on the drawing you send:

1.  Your name.
2.  City, State and Zip code for shipping cost purposes.
3.  Daytime phone number.
4.  Height and style of fence.

You can expect an accurate, itemized quote the same day you send in the request–usually within an hour.  So send in a drawing and feel confident the materials you receive will be all that is needed to successfully install your new fence.  Don’t hesitate to contact us to speak with a helpful sales representative if you have any questions.

We look forward to helping you and offering you the best Aluminum fence prices.

When purchasing a fence system with punched posts you need to be sure to order the proper number of each type of post.  This involves some simple planning before placing an order.  A very simple way of ensuring that you receive the correct items for installation is to send in a drawing with dimensions.  This will allow one of our knowlegdable sales reps to determine the material list for you.  You can be confident that you’ll receive all of the items needed for a successful installation.

While you are in the planning stages of your project, visit our installation manual page for an easy to follow guide on how to plan for a hassle free experience installing your fence.  This can be an excellent tool in the pre-purchase stage of your project.  There are pictures and descriptions of the stages of installation.  Along with some description about “special situations”.  By looking over this page of the website, you can have a good feel for the materials needed for your specific project.

Aluminum pool fence is the best choice for protecting your home and loved ones.

The most simple pool fence design is the 48″ high, 2 rail Derby BOCA. The spacing between pickets is 3.75″ and the flush top and bottom rail design means that the spacing between horizontal rails is greater than 45″.  This spacing is important so the rails cannot be used as a step by a child.  The Magna Latch can be used to meet latch requirements.

The most commonly used pool fence design is the 54″, 3 rail Storrs BOCA.  The spacing between the pickets is 3.75″.  The spacing between the bottom horizontal rail and the middle horizontal rail is greater than 45″.  The reason for this spacing is, again, so a child cannot use the rails as a step.  The Magna Latch is used to meet latch requirements.

There are two styles of aluminum pool fence available from Specrail that do not have the 45″ of spacing between the horizontal rails but will still meet the strict pool fence regulations present in many areas of the country.  These styles are the Horizon and Falcon.  These designs in the 48″ high, 3 rail sections meet pool fence code because of the narrow spacing between the vertical pickets.  The spacing between the pickets on these styles is 1.56″.  It is generally assumed that a child cannot put a foot between that narrow of an opening so the horizontal rails cannot be used as a step regardless of how close together they are.  The Magna Latch would also need to be used with these styles to meet latch requirements.

These few styles of aluminum fencing are the most commonly used styles for pool fence.  Specrail offers several other styles of aluminum fencing that can be customized to meet your specific regulations.  Please browse our site to view our Pool Fence selections or give us a call and one of our knowledgeable sales representatives can help you design your “pool fence”.

Aluminum Fence
There are three different methods of installing an aluminum fence on top of a wall.

1.  Core-Drill:  We recommend core-drilling over all other methods.  It is easily the most stable and strongest way to install a fence on top of a wall.  If safety and security are the reason for the fence, this method should strongly be considered.  The depth of the hole should be as deep as possible but at least 4 inches.  Grout (not concrete) should be used to install posts on top of a wall.  A core drill can be rented at your local tool rental store.

2.  Post with a Welded Plate :  This is the 2nd best method of installing on top of a wall.  A square plate with holes at the corners is welded to the bottom of the post to create a stable connection between the post and plate.  You would then use concrete/masonry anchors to bolt the post down into the wall.

3.  Mechanical Deck Mount:  This is the least expensive but also the least stable method of attaching a post on top of a wall.  This mounting method is best for applications where safety is not a major concern.  You use concrete/masonry anchors to bolt the post down into the wall.

Wrought Iron Fence
There are two different ways to install a wrought iron fence on top of a wall.

1.  Core Drill:  Once again, this is the recommended and most secure method.  Use the core drill to bore out a hole at least a little larger than the diameter of the post.  The depth of the hole should be at least 4″.  Quick drying grout(not standard concrete) should be used when installing posts on top of a wall.

2.  Post with Welded Plate attached:  This type of post can be purchased from Fence-Depot along with your fence.  This method is less labor intensive but not as sturdy.  Set the post on a level surface and bolt down with concrete/masonry anchors.  Then attach fence sections.

Vinyl Fence
There are three different ways to install a vinyl fence on top of a wall.

1.  Core Drill:  This is the most sturdy method.  You don’t drop the entire 4″x4″ or 5″x5″ post into the wall with this method.  You take a 2″ steel post and sink it into the wall.  Then you attach an accessory called an EZ Bracket to the top and the bottom of the steel post.  After this is done, you can slide the vinyl post over top of the steel post with the brackets attached.  These brackets are either 4″ or 5″ wide so the vinyl post will barely slide over.

2.  Steel Post with a Welded Plate:  Purchase 2″ steel posts that already have a square plate welded to the bottom.  Bolt down the post with concrete/masonry anchors and repeat the procedure from above with the EZ Brackets.

(Note:  The above methods require materials that are not sold by Fence-Depot.com.  They would need to be purchased locally)

3.  Structural Metal Post Insert:  This post insert can be purchased from Fence-Depot because it is provided by the manufacturer of the fence itself.  It is a round metal post with a plastic square coating that has a plate welded to the bottom.  This post mount comes with a leveling plate in case the wall you are installing on top of is not level.  Bolt down the post mount using concrete/masonry anchors.  Then slide the vinyl post over the top of the post mount.

This has been a summary of some of the ways fencing can be installed on top of a wall.  Over 20 years of experience in the fence installation business has taught us that you almost always have to make adjustments to these methods for each individual application but this should help you get started.  Please call us to talk with one of our fence installation professionals for help with installing your fence on top of a wall.

Specrail offers four different grades of aluminum fencing and is manufactured in the finest fabrication and finishing facilities in the industry.  Each fence grade is available in 11 standard styles with custom fabrication capabilities being an option as well.  The following information is intended to help you determine which grade would be the most appropriate for your particular application.

Specrail Residential grade fencing offers a combination of durability, strength and a clean appearance.  It is maintenance free and will keep its attractive finish over a lifetime.  Matching gates are available for all styles.   The Residential grade aluminum fence system can be applied to a variety of residential uses.  To define residential property lines, enclose a swimming pool or to provide a boundary for a medium or small dog, Specrail Residential aluminum fencing is an excellent choice as it will provide safety, function and beauty for years to come.  The Residential grade aluminum fence panels is available in 6′ wide sections in black, white, bronze, sandstone and green.  Custom color matching is available.

Specrail Residential Wide grade fencing is an innovative design which combines the light weight of residential with the bold appearance of a heavier system.  The result is a fence that enhances the appearance of any estate.  Residential Wide is maintenance free and holds its finish for a lifetime.  Matching gates are available for all styles.  The Residential Wide grade fence system provides a stylish enclosure for estate fencing, swimming pools, golf courses or any residential or light commercial property.  It is available in either 6′ or 8′ wide sections in black, white, bronze, sandstone and green.  Custom color matching is available.

Specrail Commercial grade fencing is an outstanding choice for large estate style homes, apartment complexes, commercial swimming pools, schools, shopping centers, churches or cemeteries and is the perfect complement to almost any landscape. Like all Specrail fencing, the components of this system are constructed of high strength aluminum alloy, 6105-T5 and matching gates are available for all styles.  It is maintenance free and will not rust.  This unique grade of fencing is ideal for areas where you need the strength of a commercial product with the aesthetic appearance of a narrower picket.  Commercial grade is consistently specified by architects, landscape designers and municipalities.  It is available in 6′ or 8′ wide sections in black, white or bronze and custom color matching is also available.

Specrail Industrial grade fencing is most commonly applied to high traffic public areas, industrial complexes and commercial areas.  Other applications include municipal sites, schools, churches or apartment complexes.  Of course, Industrial grade fencing is maintenance free, will not rust and is constructed of the strongest aluminum alloy in the industry, 6105-T5.  Matching gates are always available for all styles.  The Industrial grade fence system combines its heaviest gauge aluminum extrusions for high visibility and substantial appearance, with aesthetic excellence.  The end product beautifies property lines while creating a deterrent to illegal entry. It is available in 6′ or 8′ wide sections in black, white or bronze and custom color matching is also an option.

Specrail manufactures a comprehensive choice of aluminum ornamental picket fence systems to suit all of your needs.  From a residential swimming pool to an industrial complex, we have the right product for any project. With over 48 years of experience in manufacturing and finishing of aluminum construction products, Specrail has become a pioneer in the industry through providing the most styles and grades, while offering function, quality and durability of the highest standard.

For example, you have a run along the front of your property that is 32′ long to the property line.  Six does not divide into thirty two evenly.  The solution is to purchase 6 of the 6′ wide sections and cut down several of them to make the spacing between each post as symmetrical as possible.

Of course, there are scenarios when cutting all of the fence sections down is unnecessary.  An example would be if the area is covered or will be covered with vegetation or shrubbery.  There’s no need to make the fencing look symmetrical because it’s just going to be covered up anyway.

After you’ve made the proper cuts to the fencing and you have the sections trimmed to the width you need, you slide the horizontal rail of the fence into the pre-cut holes in each post so the cutting you’ve done is hidden inside the posts.  This will give your installation a clean and professional look where the post and fence section meet.

Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fencing usually comes unassembled in either 8′ wide or 6′ wide sections.  But all of the same principles of cutting down aluminum fencing apply to vinyl fencing as well.  You can cut down the horizontal rails to the length needed for your application and then slide the rail into the pre-cut hole in the post for final assembly.

Wrought Iron Fence
Our wrought iron fence comes in pre-assembled 8′ wide sections. This type of fence can also be cut down with a hacksaw or reciprocating saw to almost any width needed.  The connection between post and section is different with this fence system than that of the aluminum and vinyl systems.  Where the aluminum and vinyl use pre-routed holes in each post to accept the fence section, the wrought iron fence system uses blank posts (posts without holes) and shoe brackets.  After you have made your cut, you just slide the shoe brackets over each horizontal rail and screw the section to the post.  This hides any cuts you’ve made efficiently and professionally.

When it comes to determining where you want your fence line to be on your property, you don’t need to worry if the amount of space you have will work out with the dimensions of the fencing that you buy.  With ornamental fence, you can just measure off the area and buy enough fence to cover that particular run.  Then you can cut down a section or sections and be exact as you want to be in relation to the spacing between your posts.

This ability to accommodate slope is called rackability.  The standard rackability for a residential grade specrail fence section is about 8 inches over a 6 foot span.  Fence sections can also be specially made to accommodate a more severe slope if needed by specially punching the horizontal rails of the fence.

Note:  This degree of rackability is only applicable for fence styles that have standard picket spacing (just under 4 inches).  Styles with only 1.5 inch picket spacing cannot rack.  (note should be italicized in different color)

Of course, you can also stair step the fencing if this is the look you are trying to achieve.

Aluminum fence provides you with the elegant look of wrought iron, is maintenance free and has the ability to follow the slope of your property. This makes a very attractive option for your fencing needs.

Vinyl Fence
The vinyl fencing from Vinylgard is also manufactured in a way that allows you to follow a gradual slope without stepping the fence.  It is generally constructed in the same manner as the aluminum fencing.  The same rules apply in regards to picket spacing and rackability (if the picket spacing is tight you won’t be able to follow much slope).  Again, stair stepping the fence is also option if you desire this type of appearance.

Vinyl fence gives you the traditional look of picket or privacy fence without the maintenance of wood with the ability to follow your slope or stair step.

Wrought Iron Fence
Our wrought iron fencing is not able to follow a slope due to its all welded construction.  There is a four point weld at each location where vertical picket meets horizontal rail.  This does not allow for any rackability.  The only way to install the wrought iron fencing on a slope is to stair step the fence.  The strength and durability of wrought iron is the biggest advantage of this type of fencing.  You just have to sacrifice the ability to follow the grade of your property with this style.

Our steel driveway gates are manufactured using heavy duty commercial grade components such as 2″x2″ framing made from 11 gauge steel.  Other manufacturers often use only a 1.5″x1.5″ frame made from 16 gauge steel.  Our estate gates are made with vertical pickets that are 3/4″x3/4″ thick and are made from 16 gauge steel, whereas other manufactures may use 3/4″ pickets but they are only made of 18 gauge steel.

The aluminum driveway gates are also made from commercial grade components like the 2″x2″x.125″ frame, 3/4″x3/4″x.050″ pickets and 2″x1″x.125″ punched channel rails.

The spacing between pickets on our entrance gates is 3.75″. This size opening will allow only the smallest dogs and animals to pass through.  Other gates have spacing between pickets over 5″ which can allow even medium sized animals to enter your property.  We offer 4″ square posts as well as 6″ square posts with our gates.  Some of our competitors use 3.5″ posts.

Purchasing a driveway gate from Fence-Depot.com is very easy.  There are no complicated forms to complete.  The gates are available in just the two styles in specified widths so there are no decisions to be made about the type of gate to choose from.  Knowledgeable sales staff is available during business hours to answer questions regarding installation.  Just call our toll free number with any questions you may have.

Fence-Depot.com is the best solution for your driveway gate needs.  We offer spear point and smooth top traditional styles in several different widths in maintenance free aluminum or heavy duty steel.  Gates are available in 10′ and 12′ single leaves and 12′, 14’, 16’ and 20′ bi-parting sizes.  These gates are sold in three different heights: 4′ arching to 5′, 5′ arching to 6′ and 6′ arching to 7′.

SPECRAIL Deck/Porch railings are available in 8′ wide standard sections and optional 10′ wide sections.  These sections are factory assembled and can easily be cut down to fit the dimensions for your application.  Installation is simple with both stationary and adjustable rail brackets for straight and horizontal turns as well as vertical adjustable brackets to accommodate stairs.

SPECRAIL Deck/Porch railings are constructed of 1″ square vertical pickets, a 2.5″ Breadloaf horizontal top rail and a 1.625″ horizontal bottom rail.  An optional 1.625″ 3rd horizontal rail can be added 7″ below the breadloaf top rail for added support and a decorative touch.  Standard posts are 3″ square and the railing can be attached to existing wood, steel, brick or concrete posts as well using the stationary or adjustable brackets.  The picket spacing is 3.75″ to help meet railing codes.

SPECRAIL Deck/Porch railings are constructed of the highest quality aluminum extrusions and castings and are backed by the manufacturer’s 50 years of experience which results in the finest deck/porch railing system available on the market today.