Nov 29 2007
Protect Your Home with Secure Fences and Gates in Good Working Order
(ARA) - A fence is an investment most homeowners make only once or twice in their lives. Fences provide protection, privacy and “curb appeal.” They can define property lines and enhance security, keeping children and pets in and unwelcome intruders out. A good fence, especially an isolation fence around a swimming pool, can also reduce homeowners’ liability.
Protect your investment and the security of your home, children and possessions through regular inspection and maintenance of all fencing, gates and gate hardware around your property.
Gates and gate hardware are the only moveable parts on a fence system, so they’re subject to the most wear and tear. Rust, along with gate misalignment caused by factors such as ground movement, high winds, and children swinging on the gate, are the most common problems which prevent latches from engaging properly. If the gate does not latch each time it’s closed, the entire fence is ineffective.
Selecting the right gate hardware can prevent most of these problems. An investment in quality up-front, or when replacing defective or old hardware, can mean that little or no maintenance needs to be done to the gate. Innovative gate hinges and latches by D&D Technologies are designed to prevent rust and are adjustable during and after installation, to easily correct for gate alignment issues in seconds. D&D’s products are made of super strong engineering polymers and stainless steel that will not rust and are self-lubricating. The company backs all products with a limited Lifetime Warranty.
Updating your gates so they close automatically after opening (self-closing) and the latch engages without manual effort (self-latching), improving the security and overall look of your fence, can be done in just a few minutes with these unique products. D&D latches feature built-in key locks, which eliminate the hassles and extra cost of a separate padlock or pull-string. The company’s hinges have a built-in self-closing spring that is tension adjustable for different gate weights with a twist of a screwdriver… no more dangerous and unsightly external springs.
“In our research, we found that when homeowners consider their fencing needs, rusty metal gate hardware that no longer functions properly was their number one concern. Most homeowners are not aware that rust-free and adjustable gate hinges and latches like D&D’s products are available,” says D&D Technologies’ senior vice president Jim Paterson.
If you have a pool, spa or want to prevent children from opening any gate, D&D’s Magna-Latch is specifically designed for these situations. Magna-Latch is the number one selling child safety gate latch in the world. It is self-latching, meets pool barrier codes and is endorsed by many safety experts.
Paterson recommends, “Ensure that your fences and gates are functioning properly and are protected from rust, a destructive force that can render gate hardware useless. Inexpensive gravity latches function fine when new. However, as soon as rust sets in or gates fall out of alignment, these latches no longer close without manual assistance.”
He notes that rust free gate hardware by D&D Technologies is now available through fencing contractors, pool supply retailers, hardware stores and online. The tension-adjustable hinges and self-latching latches are simple to install and many models offer both vertical and horizontal adjustment.
“For the fencing itself, rot and rust can present challenges,” Paterson notes. “Check wooden fences for peeling, splintering, mold, or rot.” Rot problems on wooden fence rails can be remedied by saturating the affected area with a preservative and mending it. Steel fences and gates must be periodically repainted with rust-resistant paint to prevent weather-related damage. Remove existing rust before painting, and use a rust-preventive primer.
“Aluminum, vinyl or wood fencing can protect against rust on the fence itself,” Paterson remarks, “but the hardware must still be rust-free and adjustable to ensure the gate will be in working order. A quick inspection, and if needed, the minutes spent installing new gate hardware, can help protect your family and property, increasing security and decreasing liability.”
See www.ddtechglobal.com, e-mail info@ddtechusa.com or call (800) 716-0888, ext. 292 for details.
Courtesy of ARAcontent