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Mae Fence

Why You Should Hire Mae Fence Company for Your Summer Fence Installation

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Installing a new fence can significantly enhance your property’s privacy, security, and aesthetic appeal. While the idea of a DIY fence project might be tempting, hiring a professional like Mae Fence Company can save you time, effort, and potential headaches. Here’s why entrusting your fence installation to Mae Fence Company is a wise decision. 1. Expertise and Experience Mae Fence Company brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every project. Their team understands the nuances of different fencing materials, designs, and installation techniques. Their expertise ensures that your fence is installed correctly and efficiently, reducing the risk of mistakes that can lead to costly repairs down the line. 2. Quality Workmanship A fence installed by Mae Fence Company is guaranteed to be durable and aesthetically pleasing. Their professionals have the tools and skills necessary to ensure precise measurements, straight lines, and secure fittings. This level of craftsmanship not only enhances the look of your fence but also its longevity. 3. Time and Effort Savings Fence installation is a labor-intensive process that can take several days to complete, especially for those without experience. By hiring Mae Fence Company, you can save valuable time and avoid the physical strain of digging post holes, mixing concrete, and handling heavy materials. This allows you to enjoy your summer while the experts handle the hard work. 4. Access to High-Quality Materials Mae Fence Company has access to a wide range of high-quality fencing materials at competitive prices. They can recommend the best options for your specific needs and budget, whether you’re looking for wood, vinyl, metal, or composite fences. This access ensures that your fence is not only beautiful but also built to last. 5. Compliance with Regulations Navigating local building codes and regulations can be tricky. Mae Fence Company is familiar with these rules and can ensure that your fence meets all legal requirements. They handle the necessary permits and inspections, saving you the hassle and ensuring your project is compliant from start to finish. 6. Customization Options Mae Fence Company can help you design a fence that perfectly matches your vision and needs. They offer customization options, including unique designs, heights, and finishes. Whether you want a traditional picket fence or a modern privacy barrier, they can bring your ideas to life with precision and style. 7. Efficient Problem-Solving Unexpected issues can arise during fence installation, such as uneven terrain, underground utility lines, or difficult soil conditions. Mae Fence Company is equipped to handle these challenges efficiently. Their problem-solving skills ensure that the project stays on track and within budget. 8. Warranties and Guarantees Mae Fence Company offers warranties on their work and the materials they use. This provides peace of mind knowing that any issues that arise post-installation will be addressed promptly. A warranty is a testament to their confidence in their workmanship and the quality of their materials. 9. Enhanced Property Value A professionally installed fence by Mae Fence Company can significantly enhance your property’s curb appeal and value. Quality fencing adds to the overall aesthetics of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. It’s an investment that pays off in terms of both functionality and property value. 10. Safety Considerations Fence installation involves heavy lifting, digging, and the use of power tools. Without proper training and equipment, these tasks can pose safety risks. Mae Fence Company follows strict safety protocols to protect their workers and your property. Hiring professionals minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures a safer installation process. Conclusion While a DIY fence project might seem like a cost-effective option, hiring Mae Fence Company offers numerous benefits that far outweigh the initial expense. Their expertise, quality workmanship, and ability to navigate potential challenges ensure a smooth, efficient, and beautiful fence installation. This summer, consider leaving the hard work to Mae Fence Company and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a professionally installed fence.

A Breakdown of Your Custom Drive Gate Options

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A residential driveway gate says a lot about your property. With one glance, every passerby will appreciate the elegant, beautiful, private, and secure place you call home.  And the best part about drive gates? You can customize them to fit your needs and wishes exactly. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about these luxury features. What to Expect from the Design Process When it comes to custom home upgrades, drive gates are second to none. They boost a home’s curb appeal, functionality, and security. So if you’re looking to customize your home’s exterior and want the most bang for your buck, drive gates should be at the top of your list. But with so many options before you, how do you go about designing the perfect custom drive gate? First, consider the following: With the answers to these questions in hand, you’re now prepared to weigh the options and conquer the design of your new gate. And if you bring your project to Mae Fence, you’ll gain access to all our many resources. We weld our gates in-house to ensure we meet the design visions of our clients. From aluminum to cedar and vinyl, you can create a drive gate from any one of our favorite materials. But before we meet to talk more about your project, get familiar with the various gate types. Here are the five most popular options to consider.  Option #1: Swing Gates A swing gate is one that swings into or out of your property. They’re beautiful and easy to use. Even better, they are one of the more affordable options on this list. You can have one made of vinyl, cedar, or aluminum and they come in a wide range of designs.  But before you sign off on a swing gate, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. For starters, swing gates require a fair amount of room to operate. If your driveway is not long enough for a large gate to swing open and close, this option may not be the right fit.  If you do have the space, keep in mind that you can install a swing gate now and automate it later. Whether you opt for manual or automatic, these gates are super easy and intuitive to use.  Option #2: Bi-fold Gates Bi-fold gates are similar to swing gates in their operation, but they are a little more complex. They are made up of two leaves that collapse against each other before the gate swings open or closed. If you like the idea of a swing gate but have limited space, this may be the perfect solution. Some bi-fold gates operate on a track, but this doesn’t have to be the case. They also can work manually, if you don’t have room in your budget for automation. Another benefit? Because they require less space for operation, they are also quicker to get open and closed.  One downside to installing a bi-fold gate is that it requires a little more maintenance than a standard swing gate. All of the moving parts require cleaning and checking from time to time.  Option #3: Sliding Gates Why did the chicken cross the gate?To get to the other slide.  We promise sliding gates are nowhere near as terrible as that joke is. And if security is one of your top concerns, this gate type should be a serious contender. Sliding gates run along fixed tracks and are therefore harder to force open. Naturally, this makes a greater deterrent to potential trespassers. Another great feature of sliding gates is that they require much less room to operate. They slide sideways, rather than inwards or outwards, so they don’t require any extra space to open or close. However, because they operate via tracks and wheels, they are generally more expensive. They also need more long-term maintenance than swing gates. Still, sliding gates are super easy to use and can easily be automated down the road. They’re also versatile in design and can be made of vinyl, aluminum, or cedar. We think slide gates are an excellent choice for anyone with extra room in their budget.  Option #4: Curved Sliding Gates Curved sliding gates are exactly like sliding gates. Except curved. (You may have guessed that from the name, but we thought it was a point worth clarifying.) Curved sliding gates are great because they accommodate limited space and/or the unique geography of a property. Like standard sliding gates, these fixtures operate via track and wheels and can also be automated. Sliding gates are also just as durable and secure as their standard versions, although they can cost a bit more money to install.  If you’re trying to install a drive gate in a narrow or unique location, be sure to keep this type in mind. They’re less common than some of the other options on our list, but they work just as well.  Option #5: Lift Gates If you have limited space but envision something grander than a traditional swing gate, consider a vertical lift gate. These fixtures are quite a bit more expensive than the other options on this list because they can only be installed with automated operation.  That said, this can be an appealing option for homeowners with a bigger budget. Lift gates are very secure, have a lot of design potential, and are pretty easy to use. They’re also one of the fastest options on this list because they need only pop up and down to allow or bar access to a property. Most lift drive gates can open and close in under eight seconds! Ask Mae Fence About Our Custom Drive Gates At this time, Mae Fence manufactures and installs swing gates, bi-fold gates, sliding gates, and curved sliding gates. And we’re happy to install these gates in a way that allows you to automate them later on. Just let us know if that’s your preference.  If you are interested in any of the options we’ve listed

The Best Fences for Families with Children

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This just in: Fences are a great idea for families with children. Okay . . . so we know that’s not groundbreaking news. But if you’re ready to break some actual ground, why not invest in a new fence? It’s a great way to keep your little ones inside and keep trespassers and animals out.  After all, you’ve already childproofed the interior of your home. Doesn’t it make sense to do the same for your backyard? Of course, there are a lot of considerations when picking the best fence for your family—especially if your brood includes small children. Below, we’ve outlined what to look for in a family-friendly fence. Plus, we’ve named one fence type in particular as the overall winner! Fences That Are Durable Fences are outdoor structures, which means they’re built to take a beating. Weather elements like wind, rain, snow, and hail are just a few of the harsh conditions any given fence might face.  But when a fence is meant to protect children, it needs to be extra durable. Not only are kids known to be hard on just about everything, but they’re also pretty great at spotting potential escape routes. A broken board or rotten post could jeopardize your family’s safety. So when you’re shopping for a child-friendly fence, durability is at the top of the list.  Here are the most durable options in fencing today: CedarCedar is among the most durable fencing materials on the market. Because it is naturally resistant to rotting, moisture, and insects, it’s known to stand strong for 30-40 years. Plus, the boards are typically between 5 – 8” thick, which means even the rowdiest of children won’t be able to make a dent.  AluminumLooking for a fence that is totally indifferent to rain, wind, pests, and whatever else your backyard can throw at it? Let us introduce you to aluminum fencing. Aluminum is durable and classic in appearance, just like wrought iron. But unlike iron, it’s not at all susceptible to rusting or corrosion. (Plus, it’s more affordable!) VinylVinyl fences are also known to last a long time—for several decades, at a minimum. They won’t scratch or break easily, they won’t splinter or rot, and they require virtually no maintenance. We don’t want to say they are totally indestructible, but they’re about as close as it gets.  Fences That Allow for a Secure Gate Including a gate with your fence installation is generally a good idea. Gates make it easy to enter and leave the backyard without having to track through the house. (This is especially helpful if your yard is a hub for neighborhood children!) However, if a gate is not secure, easy access can become a problem. That’s why you want to choose a material that allows for the addition of a secure gate. Here are your options:  Cedar Carefully constructed cedar gates can deter intruders and keep children inside when closed. When you come to Mae Fence for a secure cedar gate, this is exactly what you get. To make your gate even stronger against break-ins or break-outs, consider a cedar gate with a steel frame. Keep in mind that the wider and taller your gate, the more secure.  AluminumWhen most people picture a security gate, they imagine a metal structure. That’s because metal gates, such as aluminum, are sturdy and difficult to break into. Plus, aluminum gates are perfect for adding security features like video cameras or keypad entry systems. VinylWe’ve talked about the overall durability of vinyl fencing. This principle holds true for vinyl gates as well. To make a vinyl fence even more secure, you can add a closed shackle padlock and/or self-closing hinges. You can also ask our technicians to add a cement barrier to the base of the gate to make it a more solid deterrent to pests and trespassers.  Fences That Are Not Easy to Climb We’ve talked about how fences help protect children and assets. But if a fence is easy to scale, how protective can it really be? With that in mind, here are the fence types that are not easy for children to climb. CedarOften, cedar fences are built without any gaps between boards. They can also be made to reach 6’ in height or taller. In these conditions, it’s hard to imagine either a child or adult easily scaling the structure. To make your fence even more difficult to climb, consider adding lattices, caps, and/or trim to the top.  VinylIf you’ve ever touched a vinyl fence, you know the surface of the material is smooth and slick. This makes it nearly impossible to get a good grip for climbing. Just be sure to shoot for at least 6’ in height for maximum protection.  Fences That Are Affordable At the end of the day, there is one more detail that matters in family-friendly fencing: affordability. Most families with small children need a cost-effective solution for securing their backyards. As a family-owned and operated company, Mae Fence knows this better than most. We believe all of our products are affordable solutions, but here are the two we believe to be the easiest on a tight budget: CedarDespite its gorgeous natural appearance and outstanding durability, cedar is surprisingly cost-effective. In fact, it’s cheaper than nearly every other fence material available today. And because Mae Fence prioritizes local production, we’re able to cut costs even further for our clients.  AluminumAluminum fencing is more expensive than cedar. But it’s still a cost-effective solution, especially compared to other metal options. If you like the look of a metal fence but want to preserve your budget, aluminum is usually a good choice. Plus, like cedar, aluminum fencing doesn’t require much (if any) maintenance.  And the Overall Winner Is . . .  If you’ve been keeping track, then you know the clear winner here. Cedar fences stand out as the very best choice for families with children or pets. That said, vinyl and aluminum are both tied for a close second place. If your design vision is

Can Holiday Lights Damage My Fence?

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It’s not Christmas until you’ve hung every last string light you’ve ever owned in an effort to outshine your neighbors. But as you are tacking, stapling, and duct-taping your way to a brighter holiday, you may wonder—could this twinkling frenzy cause damage to your new fence? Keep reading for a comprehensive list of the dos and don’ts to lighting your fence for the holidays. Do: Use Fence Clips When it comes to hanging holiday lights, we’re lucky to live in a modern world and to have modern tools at our disposal. This means that you can find fence clips at your local hardware store for just about every type of string light.  We recommend that you look for products that are sturdy but flexible and that you buy clips specific to the type of light you plan on hanging—whether that be C3-C9, dome, mini, or icicle string lights. (If you happen to have a specialty string light that doesn’t work with one of the above-mentioned clip types, opt for large, 1” binder clips from your office supply store.) As for which types of clips work best for different fence types, here’s a quick guide: Generally, it’s a good idea to play it safe and avoid clips that require the use of screws or nails. Not only do these leave unsightly holes along the length of your fence, but they can lead to rotting, splintering, and/or breaking over time. Don’t: Pull Out the Staple Gun We’ve all done it: pulled out the staple gun or duct tape in a fit of frustration as we struggled to get our lights to hang just right. But we don’t recommend either product for your new fence. Any penetration to the material, be it cedar, aluminum, or vinyl, can provide an entryway for water and/or insect damage. And believe it or not, duct tape has been known to damage finishes and pull up paint as well. What’s more, a staple gun can damage your lights beyond repair. One small puncture in the wrong place could force you to retire an entire strand of lights. With the overhead costs of the holiday season seeming to mount each year, we know you don’t want that. Do: Use Cable Ties Cable ties (or zip ties) will only work on fences with space between each picket. So, we only recommend them for aluminum and/or chain link fencing. Or, if you have a custom-designed cedar or vinyl fence. If you can fit ties around your railings or pickets, this may be the best option available to you. Not only are cable/zip ties pretty affordable and easy to use, but they also don’t pose any risk to the surface of your fence.  Don’t: Forget to Inspect Your Electrical Outlet Don’t get so hung up on the various types of available mounting devices that you forget your basic standard safety precautions. Before you start installing, take a moment to inspect your outdoor electrical outlet—especially if you haven’t used it since this time last year. Keep an eye out for outlet covers that are cracked or chipped. These conditions may seem minor, but they represent a shock and fire hazard. You should also watch for any signs that the outlet is hot or sparking. A quick peek at your outdoor electrical outlets will tell you whether all is clear or if it’s time to call an electrician. Please don’t ever neglect this crucial step in your outdoor lighting process. If you do, a damaged fence may be the least of your worries.  Do: Invest in Permanent Color-changing LED Lighting Does this year find you with some extra room in the holiday budget? Then you might consider putting an end to all future string-light-related woes.  How??  With glorious, beautiful, permanent LED lighting.  Color-changing permanent outdoor lighting has recently gone mainstream. And while the upfront costs might give you pause, we think this solution is worth some consideration if your budget allows it.  The main advantage of this solution is that you won’t have to worry about taking down and putting up your lights every year. Depending on the provider, you may be able to leave this one-time job up to a professional. Naturally, this drastically reduces the risk of fire or other damage to your outdoor structure.  Don’t: Use Indoor Extension Cords Indoor extension cords are not built to withstand exposure to the sun, snow, rain, or whatever other weather conditions Mother Nature throws at us. This is why it’s so important to only use extension cords that are made for the outdoors. These will have special insulation as well as a higher amp rating to allow for a higher electrical current.  One final tip: safely store your outdoor extension cords in the garage, a storage unit, or within your home during the off-season. Extension cords should be used as a temporary measure to your lighting needs, not a permanent one.  Do: Hang Your Lights Before Thanksgiving! We know this is a controversial take. But at Mae Fence, we believe that it’s never too early to start spreading Christmas cheer.  No, we aren’t offended by the sight of tinsel on store shelves in October. Our fridges are lined with eggnog well before Halloween. And you may even catch us caroling before the leaves change color!  So, if you want to hang lights on your fence before Turkey Day, we think you absolutely should. Just be sure to follow the tips we talked about and your fence can look forward to many more Christmases to come.

Meet the Local Programs We Support | Part One

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In both our personal and professional lives, we strive to always leave things better than we found them. With this mantra in mind, we watch for opportunities to benefit the communities we live and work in. Throughout the years, we’ve become involved with several different programs and organizations in Ohio. And we want you to meet the communities that have become so near and dear to us. Looking for ways to give back this holiday season? We encourage you to get to know these worthy organizations and support them in whatever ways you can. Together, we can strengthen our communities and spread the joy of Christmas. The Ambassador Company At Mae Fence, we believe a community is only as strong as its leaders. The Ambassador Company strives to make better leaders of us all by giving businesses the resources needed to get involved.  This organization administers character education programs in local schools. These events are made possible through sponsorship and funding from nearby businesses and community leaders. The Ambassador Company has been around since the late 1930s, which means they are intimately familiar with local educational needs and the best ways to fill them.  Through their tireless efforts, The Ambassador Company benefits communities, families, and sponsors. At their events, schoolchildren receive a gorgeous hardbound book based upon the values of our nation’s founders. Ultimately, children are encouraged to embody character traits that will embolden them for a successful future.  If your business is looking for ways to support its local community, we believe The Ambassador Company is the best place to start. Mae Fence is proud to have supported such an effective and worthwhile cause.  Ashlie’s Embrace In 2015, Erin and Anthony Maroon said goodbye to their firstborn child: Ashlie Cathran, who was stillborn. Amidst their heartbreak and despair, the family had less than one hour to hold their beautiful daughter before she was taken to the hospital’s cold room. They were unable to bathe or change her, or to properly say goodbye to their first and only child. Since then, the Maroons have pushed to gather resources and raise awareness about a device that would have granted them more time with Ashlie. The device is called a CuddleCot™and it enables hospitals to keep stillborn babies cool, preserving the infants’ appearance and dignity. This allows grieving families to spend more time with their loved ones before saying goodbye. A member of the Mae Fence family became a passionate advocate for Ashlie’s Embrace after losing her own baby. When she brought the cause to our attention, we knew immediately that it was an organization we also wanted to support. Every year, we try to attend their annual golf outing to help generate donations, in addition to making regular donations ourselves. If you would like to learn more about Ashlie’s Embrace, located in North Canton, OH, please visit their website. There, you can discover ways to donate, organize a fundraiser, and find other ways to give.  Rubber Boot Mission Rick and Becky Landis have been quietly supporting Cardington-Lincoln local schools for over a decade. Last year, they purchased new shoes for a boy (and his brother) who they noticed was wearing rubber boots to school. This interaction inspired the Landis’ to broaden their impact by hosting a Christmas fundraiser. The first fundraiser was held in December of ‘22 at local bar and restaurant 1836. Rick’s band, Steamtown Road, provided entertainment for the night and the couple hoped to raise around $1000. Instead, they went home with over $5k to support local schools and identify the needs of individual students.  Now named the Rubber Boot Mission, this fundraiser has become an annual event and is supported by a committee of community members, including the Landis’. This year’s event was held on Nov 4th and surpassed its fundraising goal of $10k. Members of the community, along with local businesses, rallied to gather a whopping $17k in support of the Rubber Boot Mission and Cardington-Lincoln schools. Mae Fence was deeply honored to contribute to this fundraising event and to help Rubber Boot Mission further its effort to improve the lives of local students, both in and out of the classroom. Why We Choose to Give We hope you’ll stay tuned for our follow-up to this article. But before you go, we want to leave you with a few thoughts on why we choose to give.  At Mae Fence, we have the privilege of showing up, boots on the ground, in neighborhoods all over Ohio. We’ve seen firsthand how beautiful and ripe with potential the communities of Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and beyond truly are.  Like you, we want to see these neighborhoods meet their potential and continue to thrive. That is why we give, in big ways and small; so we can leave our children and yours with an even better Ohio.garlands, figurines, or ornaments, we hope you’ll follow our advice and do so safely. 

Meet the Local Programs We Support | Part Two

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Hello again—and welcome to Part Two of our series introducing the local programs we support. Here we’ll give an overview of a few other local organizations we think you should get to know. And if you’d like to learn more about getting involved yourself, stick around. We’ll finish up with some tips for doing just that! Local Sports Organizations At Mae Fence, we’ve seen for ourselves the kind of impact local sports organizations can have on children, families, and communities. And we’re not alone. In addition to the obvious benefits—like providing kids with a positive outlet, increasing their physical activity, and teaching them life skills—sports have also been proven to: For these reasons, and many others, we strive to support local sports organizations whenever and however we can. In addition to coaching our own kids’ little league teams (and serving orange slices and Gatorades after games), we’ve been able to help sponsor the following programs. Big Walnut Youth Basketball Association Cardington Tornadoes Youth Softball Team Local 4-H and FFA Clubs The 4-H and FFA organizations are designed to help kids build life skills, gain confidence, and become better prepared for a bright future. Kids who participate in programs like 4-H and FFA are more likely to make healthy choices, give back to their communities, and participate in STEM activities.  Over the years, we’ve sought out opportunities to support these programs on a local level. We appreciate how impactful these agricultural clubs are for families and communities. And we also think they’re just a lot of fun.  Horse and Pony Program Because of our sponsorship, and the sponsorships of other community members, the Horse and Pony Program of Morrow County was able to allow 70 exhibitors the chance to participate in their 2022 show. We were proud to again provide sponsorship for their 2023 show. It’s always an honor to take part in this worthwhile cause!  Triple R Bar 4-H Club 4-H is a program that benefits nearly 6 million young people! We are always happy to support the local Triple R Bar club and provide sponsorship for their events. How To Get Involved We’ve shared a few of the ways the Mae Fence family stays involved in the community. If you are interested in giving back, we believe there is no better way to invest your time, energy, and/or money than through community service and outreach.  In addition to benefiting the people around you, giving can also enrich your own life. In fact, volunteering is a proven way to strengthen your family, increase your self-confidence, combat depression, and stay physically healthy as well.  At first, giving back to your community may feel a little outside of your comfort zone. Here are some tips we believe will help with that:  Find Causes That Speak to You It’s both easier and more fun to participate in organizations you feel passionate about. It could be a program you were involved in as a child or something that has more recently become near and dear to your heart. Either way, the more personally invested you feel, the better. Be Willing to Do Something Uncomfortable Volunteering when you feel passionate about a cause is worthwhile. But that doesn’t mean it will be easy. If you are willing to do something uncomfortable or outside of your comfort limits, you will be better prepared to step in when and where you’re needed most. Look For Ways to Provide Hands-on Help Sometimes, a financial donation is the best way to help. But if you really want to get involved and support the members of your community, you should also look for opportunities to help in a more hands-on way. Put together a food, clothing, or toy drive. Sponsor a child for Christmas. Or, look for other ways to go above and beyond for your community. Follow Mae Fence’s Social Channels If any of the organizations we’ve written about in this series speak to you, we encourage you to visit their websites or do a Google search for more info. Or, you can follow the Mae Fence social channels. When there are opportunities to donate to or support our favorite charities, we’ll be sure to let you know about them.  Thanks for keeping up with us throughout this series on giving back. The Mae Fence family is grateful for you and yours. And we can’t wait to continue working together to support and strengthen our communities.