N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 0
w w w. f e n c e n ew s . c o m
Security Grade Chain Link Fencing
E S S E N T I A L TO
A M E R I C A’S
S A F E T Y
In This Issue Stopping Rot Before It Starts 8 Types of Fencing Railing vs Fence
FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
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EVERYTHING
Share Your Good News! Fence News delivers the latest news from the fence industry and related fields to decision makers across the country at retailers, wholesalers, contractors, manufacturers and more. Submit your news about product announcements, expansions, accomplishments, promotions and other business updates to: edit@fencenews.com Put your Ad in Front of your Target Audience Contact our sales team for information on advertising in Fence News. Frequency discounts available. Email sales@fencenews.com or call 337-312-0975. Follow Fence News Online www.fencenews.com
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For the past 21 years we have installed thousands of Shut It® hinges and there is not a hinge that comes close to Shut Its performance. I don’t care if it is a 4x10 chain link gate that weighs 50 lb or a 12’ tall 1,500 lb gate that we have to get a crane to hang, if it has access control of any kind, it gets Shut It® hinges.
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The quality of other hinges just does not measure up to Shut It®. Knowing you won’t have a callback with Shut It® hinges is priceless in this business. There is no other hinge on the planet that can take the punishment a Shut It® hinge can take and still keep on working.
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FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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Contents Cover Story
Business Management
12 Security Grade Chain Link Fencing: Essential to America’s Safety
Industry News
28 Bosses: Boost Productivity through Positivity 29 Building Wealth: Advice for New Investors 30 Many Hands Make the Workload Lighter
10 Stopping Rot Before it Starts 14 Layers of Protection to Prevent Drowning 18 Pro Access Systems Inc.: Innovator of Unique Gate Systems for Unique Requirements 20 Top of the Chain with David Calabria, CEO of D&D Technologies 22 Spotlight: SafeFence Substation Perimeter Barrier Project 26 Across the Board: The History of Wrought Iron Fencing 35 New Look for Code-Operated KitLock by CODELOCKS 36 8 Types of Fences 40 U.S. Fencing Market Growth to Hold Strong Beyond the COVID Crisis 42 Global Fencing Hardware Market Experiencing Strong Growth 46 Railing vs. Fence: Nailing Down the Difference 50 Repair or Replace Your Drill? 54 A Year of Disasters Impacts the Fence Industry 57 What’s in Your Toolbox? Hidden Features of Measuring Tape 59 Air Traffic Control for the Birds 60 National Vinyl Opens Fencing Plant in Dover 62 Call to Membership: Western Access Systems Association (WASA)
Training
19 Inaugural CGA Conference & Expo Details Announced 58 AFA University Gate Automation Designer School (GADs) 58 NAFCA Fence Training School
Editorial 48 Recipe Round Up
62 Classifieds
46
Fence Brokers, 35 Garden State AFA Jackpot Trade Show, 62 Gregory Fence, 23 Hampden Fence Supply, 23 Homeland Vinyl Products, 63 International Gate Devices, 60 Interstate Wholesale Fence, 43 Iron World, front cover Jerith, 15
4845 Ihles Rd., Lake Charles, LA 70605 337. 312.0975 Publisher: River Road Publishing, LLC Managing Editors: Kristy Armand & Christine Fisher General Manager: Mary Hummon Sales Manager: Katie Stevenson Creative: Shonda Manuel & Barbara VanGossen
sales@fencenews.com | fencenews.com
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36
Employment
Advertiser Index Ameristar, 11 Ball Fabrics, 4 BD Loops, 29 Codelocks, 47 D&D Technologies, 5 Dandy Digger, 52 DYNA-Bignell, 39 Eagle Fence Distributing, 44 Eastern Fence, 32-33 Fence Armor, 52
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Keener-Dupont Wire, 39 Little Beaver, 31 Locinox, 8-9 Lockey USA, 45 LP Elements, 17 Merchants Metals, 7 Nationwide Industries, 64 National Metal Industries, 61 National Vinyl Products, 41 Nationwide Industries, 3 & back cover
Nebraska Plastics/Country Estate Vinyl Products, 49 Pexco, 19 PrivacyLink/Slat Source, 35 Pro Access, 38, 42 SECO-LARM, 25 Southwest Automated Security, 55 Southwestern Wire, 44 Wheatland, 2 Wood Defender, 56
PUBLISHER’S PROTECTIVE CLAUSE In consideration of publication of an advertisement, by submitting an advertisement for publication by River Road Publishing, LLC d/b/a “Fences News USA”, the advertiser and the agency, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless River Road Publishing, LLC and Healthy Image Marketing, (collectively “Publisher”) and their respective managers, its officers, agents and employees against all expenses, including attorney’s fees, damages and losses resulting from the publication of the advertisement, including but not limited to claims or suits for libel, violation of the right of privacy, copyright or patent infringement, and use of the product or services advertised, either proper or improper. All advertisements are accepted and published based on the representation by the agency and advertiser that both are authorized to publish the entire contents of the material provided to the Publisher in the manner selected by the advertiser, be it print or electronic media. Advertisements and product information do not constitute an endorsement nor a position by the Publisher concerning their suitability. The Publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising in “Fence News USA”, the Publisher’s website or e-newsletter. The Publisher makes every effort to ensure suitable placement of advertising but assumes no responsibility in this regard. All advertisements, including online advertisements, placed in “Fence News USA” must be accompanied by a valid insertion order specifying gross advertising rate, size, color, position and information sufficient for proper identification of the advertisement by the Publisher production personnel. Requested positions are not guaranteed unless stated as a paid position. Contracts for multiple frequency discounts must be in place prior to the first insertion. Publisher will not be bound by any terms and conditions printed on advertising agency or advertiser insertion orders or copy instructions when those rates and conditions conflict with the Publisher’s rate card. While Publisher will make every effort to correct inaccurate artwork, the Publisher is not liable for faulty materials provided by the agency or the advertiser. Such advertisements will be billed as run. The Publisher does not guarantee changes or corrections after the closing date. Publisher is not liable for delays in delivery and/or nondelivery of its publications in the event of any conditions beyond the control of the Publisher that may affect production or shipping of “Fence News USA”. Advertisers may not include product/service pricing or discount copy in advertisements in the Publisher, electronic media.
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Before
Stopping Rot For centuries, wood has been the material of choice for fence posts, with one irritating downside – the rot which attacks the ground line section. Postsaver ground line barrier sleeves were developed to address this problem by dramatically extending the lifespan of fence and gate posts. The company, based in Gloucestershire, England, celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, and since its launch, the innovative sleeve has grown in popularity. It is now available in 40 countries worldwide with an estimated 8 million sleeves in service. Al Martins, director/co-owner of Fence Armor, the exclusive North American Distributor of Postsaver, says the sleeve does a remarkable job of protecting wood from the elements that cause rot. “This product was a good fit for our business model. We work to protect fences and the environment by providing products to help fence posts last as long – or longer – than intended. Postsaver and Fence Armor have a natural synergy toward this goal. The Postsaver sleeve protects posts below the ground and Fence Armor guards against damage caused by trimmers, and other lawn maintenance. Combine both and you’ve got extremely effective protection above and below for your posts.” All rot and decay take place in the upper 6” portion of the post at the ground line, where
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NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
it Starts
conditions for oxygen, fungi and moisture are ideal for decay. Postsaver’s shrinkable, thermoplastic sleeve is lined with a bituminous sealant that creates long-lasting air- and watertight protection at the ground line. Placement of the 14-inch long sleeve can be adjusted based on climate to allow for customized protection. “When installing a fence, gate post or a utility pole, the historical weakness from the moment it’s put in the ground is the inevitability of ground line decay, even with treated wood” says Martins. “Postsaver sleeves provide full barrier protection from the elements that cause rot, saving the time and money of repeated replacement.” Postsaver sleeves are quick and easy to apply using a blow torch. Simply heat shrink the sleeve onto the post prior to post installation. Postsaver sleeves come with a 20-year in-field tested guarantee that your posts are protected from termites and ground rot. Martins says Postsaver is environmentally friendly, another factor that attracted his company to the product. “Not only does its use result in longer lasting posts, leading to less demand for replacement and fewer posts discarded as waste, but if applied to treated wood, it prevents the chemicals used in treatment from leaching into the soil. This holds great appeal for farmers, particularly organic
farmers because Postsaver is certified for use in the organic industry.” Independent studies have shown that the use of Postsaver doubles the life of the post. The projected lifespan of the outer sleeve in the worst ground conditions is over 200 years. For more information about Postsaver, visit www.fencearmor.com.
Our on-site training is now being offered online. Our training experts have worked hard to make sure classes are just as engaging, personalized, and valuable as in-person trainings. We’re here for you, no matter the circumstances.
Call your Ameristar Team to register today!
AMERISTARFENCE.COM
| 888-333-3422 FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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Security Grade Chain Link Fencing: ESSENTIAL TO AMERICA’S SAFETY
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When the coronavirus crisis hit the United States last March, no one knew what each new day was going to bring on a personal or business basis. Who was going to be allowed to go to work? What companies would be designated as “essential” and allowed to continue business as normal (within guidelines, of course). The chain link fence industry has (so far) been fortunate, in that it was among the constructionrelated industries that were classified as essential from the beginning. But that didn’t happen by accident. The leadership the industry’s trade association, the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute (CLFMI), made a conscious decision in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks to revise CLFMI’s
able to provide documentation, and develop guidelines, that showed how high security chain link, manufactured and installed using ASTM guidelines, could provide NERC-compliant security levels. In addition, the cost savings provided by chain link systems allowed precious financial resources to be used for cyber and other security needs. Another example is the continued upgrading and maintenance at U.S. military bases. The appropriations for construction on bases and for military housing average more than $10 billion a year. These are long-term projects, some being rolled out over seven or eight years, so they are already funded and underway. CLFMI has been diligent in exposing key military decision-makers
THERE HAVE BEEN FOUR KEYS TO CHAIN LINK’S ABILITY TO HOLD ITS OWN IN 2020:
1
INDUSTRY CAPACITY
There are chain link manufacturing and distribution facilities across North America, which mitigated the problems caused by travel restrictions that were implemented domestically and internationally.
2
ESSENTIAL INDUSTRY STATUS
As mentioned earlier, the industry was not subjected to mass shut downs, although some companies did experience a reduction in their staffs due to various COVIDrelated guidelines.
3
DEMAND
Many high security projects were already underway or preauthorized and funded, even though there was a slowdown in other types of construction.
4
CREDIBILITY
In part because of CLFMI’s 60-year history of establishing product guidelines for all levels of chain link production and usage, there is a built-in acceptance of the industry’s standards.
Strategic Plan to emphasize the development of high security chain link systems. This was done specifically to support the efforts of the U.S. government to heighten security at all levels. Over the past 20 years, a concerted effort has put chain link on the list of recognized problemsolvers for the perimeter security needs of private, public, military, and institutional projects. For example, CLFMI invested heavily in the NERC (North American Reliability Corporation) 2020 program instituted by the utility industry to upgrade the overall security of the North American Electrical Grid. This program mandated certain levels of protection in both physical and cyber security for the more than 1,400 facilities covered. One of the highest priorities in this program was perimeter security, and CLFMI and its members worked to develop and test chain link systems that could help facilities meet these NERC-imposed standards. While chain link was always the product of choice for most utility installations, CLFMI was
to the capabilities of security grade chain link fence systems for external, perimeter and internal uses. All of this activity has created a higher acceptance level for chain link, and new opportunities even in the COVID-19 world of 2020. As we head into the end of what could have been a disastrous year for any industry, chain link has maintained its predominance in the perimeter security field.
As the industry looks to 2021 and beyond, there is, of course, an understandable sense of uncertainty for the near future. The coronavirus crisis has already lasted longer than expected, and no one can predict when it will end and which of the changes that it has brought will become permanent. The impact on the chain link industry appears to be more likely in the residential and commercial markets than in the high security sector, but even that is not guaranteed. If there is a change in administrations in the U.S. Federal government, there may be a new course in infrastructure, military, energy, and other high security construction markets. Whatever the new marketplace looks like, chain link will definitely have a major role in it.
FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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Layers of Protection to Prevent Drowning
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for children 1-4 years, the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for children 1-14 years, and is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for all ages in the United States. Water-related injuries also affect a significant number of American children. An estimated 20 percent of drowning victims suffer severe, permanent neurological disability. Continued on p16
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Jerith Aero
1” x 5/8” Picket | Rounded Edges
Jerith Legacy
Jerith Liberty
5/8” Picket | Hidden Fasteners
5/8” Picket | Economical
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3/4” Picket | Residential or Lite Commercial
1” Picket | Heavy Duty
Introducing our new product branding! All products have distinct names and unique brand colors for faster identification, and the style numbers are now consistent across all product lines. We also provided clearer descriptions of the products, so you can feel confident in your product recommendations for your customers!
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800-344-2242 FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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Layers of Protection to Prevent Drowning, continued from p14
When selecting a swimming class for your child, ensure it includes water safety and survival education at the appropriate developmental level.
Drowning is, however, preventable and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, or NDPA, recognizes that multiple strategies are necessary in order to do so. The term “layers of protection” is a one used to classify the majority of strategies directly affecting aquatic environments. Parents, caregivers, aquatic facility owners, managers and operators should use layers of protection to provide a system of increased security to prevent unauthorized access to bodies of water, especially important for children. This means that multiple strategies or devices are used constantly and simultaneously. Layers of protection include: SUPERVISION Parents, adults and caregivers must actively supervise children at all times when in or near the water and be fully aware of potential dangers in all environments, such as when visiting other homes, while on vacation, or at public/community pools. Unfortunately, many drowning incidents have occurred when people are solely engaged in swimming or other water play, and adults know children are in the water and those adults are nearby. Active supervision is the first and most important layer of protection needed to prevent drowning accidents. Always assign a water watcher when kids are in the water who will watch them at all times without any distractions. PHYSICAL LAYERS Fences are the first physical line of defense that restrict access to the pool. Physical layers may also be considered as barriers and constitute the first line of physical defense that restrict unauthorized access to the pool or spa area in its entirety or prevent unauthorized access to the water in the pool or spa. Bear in mind that barriers are not child proof, but they do provide layers of protection for a child when there is a lapse in adult supervision. Barriers give parents additional time to find a child before the unexpected can occur. Physical layers that limit access to the pool or spa area include: • Fences • Gates • Latches • House doors Physical layers that restrict access to the water include: • Pool and spa safety covers (power-operated, semi-automatic or manual) • Pool safety nets • Winter safety covers LEARN TO SWIM Swimming lessons should be considered an additional layer of protection needed to prevent drowning accidents. Surviving in the water becomes increasingly difficult without this life-saving skill. According to the CDC, formal swimming lessons can reduce the chances of drowning by 88 percent. 16
NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
ALARMS Alarms are an important addition to creating a safer environment. They can be added to windows, doors, gates and the pool to alert an adult when a barrier has been breached. While the primary goal of layers of protection is to prevent unauthorized access to the water, alarms are important to alert adults if access to the water has been made. Alarms can be your last line of defense and allow adults to respond to an emergency quicker. Other than the layers listed above, there are additional layers needed in case an emergency should occur that include learning CPR, first aid and rescue knowledge. Active adult supervision and pool barriers are two key layers of protection against child drowning and must always be present, but be aware that not even the most diligent parent or caregiver can actively supervise a child 24/7. Barriers can be breached which is why the NDPA urges using multiple strategies and devices simultaneously to help prevent injuries and deaths from drowning. Each additional layer or strategy beyond the first could be the one that saves a life, so be sure to use as many as possible at all times. Source: National Drowning Prevention Alliance
Save the Date! NATIONAL WATER SAFETY CONFERENCE The 2021 National Water Safety Conference presented by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance will take place from March 29 – April 1, 2021 in San Diego, CA, and online. Save the date on your calendars and prepare to expand your water safety knowledge and networks thanks to 60+ amazing speakers, live sessions, trainings, workshops, town-hall events and live Q&A interactions with real experts. For more information, visit www.watersafetyconference.com.
THINK INSIDE THE FENCE
Think Engineered Wood All LP Elements® Performance Fencing is made with engineered wood to stand stronger and last longer than typical softwood alternatives. Tested to perform in even the harshest of conditions, this durable solution won’t twist, crack or warp—making your hard work well worth it. So stop worrying about the weather outside and start thinking inside the fence with LP Elements fencing. DURABLE FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Unique zinc borate treatments
Industrialgrade adhesive resins
Waterresistant waxes
Treated wood strands
Visit LPCorp.com/Fence to take a look inside. WARNING: Drilling, sawing, sanding or machining wood products can expose you to wood dust, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer. Avoid inhaling wood dust or use a dust mask or other safeguards for personal protection. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/wood. © 2020 Louisiana-Pacific Corporation. All rights reserved.
All trademarks are owned by the Louisiana-Pacific Corporation.
FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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Pro Access Systems Inc: INNOVATOR OF UNIQUE GATE SYSTEMS FOR UNIQUE REQUIREMENTS Since 1991, Pro Access Systems Inc. (formerly Edko, Inc.) has been manufacturing aluminum slide gates and related gate hardware systems and providing a completely integrated gate solution. In the meantime, they have innovated and fabricated unique gate systems for industrial, commercial or critical infrastructure applications including commercial/industrial, energy distribution, data centers, transportation, municipal facilities and residential properties. With two full-time draftsmen at their disposal, they can work closely with fence contractors and their respective customers to develop gate solutions to meet their unique requirements or specifications. Pro Access fabricates aluminum cantilever gate systems from 10 feet to 80 feet foot openings in length in addition to swing gates up to 28 feet, and pedestrian swing gates and turnstiles to accompany those gates. Where Pro Access Systems Inc. really shines, though, is in manufacturing solutions to be used in unique or custom gate systems. Here are some recent gate projects they have completed that shine a light on their custom capabilities for unique applications.
ProAccess Systems Inc. was tasked with designing and fabricating two gates to be installed at a large international airport. These gates needed to create a barrier to secure active aircraft taxiways, runways, and maintenance facilities. Their solution:
Gate size: 160 foot opening 4 feet high comprised of 2 bi-parting sections of 80 feet each. Gate Types: Engineered Macro Box Rolling Gate Operator: Doorking 9575-380
Another unique assignment was for gates to secure a large metropolitan stadium. They created: Gate Sizes: Cantilever Micro Box with 48-foot opening at 12 feet high. Vertical lifts 49- to 52 foot openings at 10 feet high, including one with a 30-degree bias Gate Types: 1 Micro Box Cantilever Slide Gate and 3 Vertical lift Gates Operators: HY Security Hydro Lifts, Hy Security SD 40 Slide Driver
And for gates to secure a data center: Gate Sizes: 67-foot opening at 8 feet high Gate Types: Macro Box Cantilever Slide Gate Operator: Hy Security SD 40
For gates that were to secure multiple electrical utility transmission facilities, engineered for a wind load rating of 90 MPH, they created the following: Gate Sizes: 20-foot opening at 12 feet high and a 20-foot opening at 16 feet high Gate Types: Macro Box Cantilever Slide Gate Operator: Nortek VS-GSLG-743 To learn more about Pro Access Systems products and capabilities you can reach Pro Access at www.G8Pro.com.
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Inaugural CGA Conference & Expo Details Announced REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
VISIT WWW.CGACONFERENCE.COM FOR THE LATEST UPDATES AND REGISTRATION INFORMATION Common Ground Alliance (CGA) is launching the damage prevention industry’s official Conference & Expo in Orlando on March 2 – 5, 2021. CGA is the national association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them, and their communities. The event is designed to focus on meaningful crossindustry, multi-stakeholder collaboration to develop concrete actions to address the challenge of increasing damages to buried infrastructure. The 2021CGA Conference & Expo will bring together North America’s foremost industry leaders and decision-makers for high-level educational seminars, guided discussions, expo floor interactions and unique networking opportunities that will culminate in actionable
plans and partnerships to dramatically reduce damages to underground utilities. In addition to CGA committee meetings, the event will feature forward-looking roundtables and facilitated discussions on resolving persistent obstacles in the safe digging process, an expo floor spotlighting technologies that address gaps in damage prevention, and VIP networking opportunities designed for executive, management and board-level attendees. Attendee registration for the 2021 CGA Conference & Expo is now open, and features a discounted group rate for organizations that plan to send 10 or more employees.
ABOUT CGA CGA is a member-driven association of more than 1,700 individuals, organizations and sponsors in every facet of the underground utility industry. Established in 2000, CGA is committed to saving lives and preventing damage to North American underground infrastructure by promoting effective damage prevention practices. CGA has established itself as the leading organization in an effort to reduce damages to underground facilities in North America through shared responsibility among all stakeholders. For more information, visit CGA on the web at www.commongroundalliance.com.
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FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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Top of the
CHAIN with
David Calabria
CEO of D&D Technologies
When a company finds a lifesaving solution, it’s a win-win in every way. Fence News welcomes D&D Technologies for this month’s Top of the Chain feature, to share how their company began their many innovations, and how they continue their mission across the world. D&D TECHNOLOGIES BEGAN IN AUSTRALIA there upon commercialization. The products WITH MARKETS IN THE U.S., CANADA, SOUTH were introduced to the US market at Fencetech AMERICA, THE U.K. AND EUROPE. WHAT LED in Dallas Fort Worth in 1990. The products caught TO YOUR EXPANSION IN THESE AREAS? on rapidly as the major fence manufacturers and Australian design and manufacturing company, installers realized the significant improvement D&D D&D Technologies, invented magnetic gate products would make to their pool fencing safety latches and polymer gate hinges, latches and and the associated reduction in risk and liability. accessories in 1990. Magnetic gate latches and adjustable D&D Technologies began life as a high-quality tension gate hinges manufactured from strong, swimming pool fence and balustrade company, non-corrosive polymers and stainless steel – D&D Aluminum Balustrading (Railsafe®), in the MagnaLatch® and TruClose® Hinges – quite 1980s in Sydney, Australia. The founders, David literally revolutionized gate hardware and Doyle and Neil Dunne (thus the the safety of gates around swimming pool, “D&D”), became concerned homes, childcare centers, hotels, resorts, and frustrated with the condominiums etc., so a new constant hassles and company, D&D Technologies, call-backs of the poorwas born out of these two quality or ineffective products. The innovation did gate latches and not stop there, and D&D’s first hinges used on such two products were merely a critical applications precursor to a host of novel as pool fencing. This and highly effective gate frustration, plus new latches, locks, hinges and TruClose self-closing pool Australian Standards accessories such as LokkLatch®, and child safety for residential swimming KwikFit®, SureClose® and LokkBolt® gate hinge pool fencing resulted in the to name a few. most innovative change to gate So not only did D&D feel compelled and hardware in centuries, MagnaLatch® motivated to sell its child safety gate latches magnetic pool gate latches and Truclose® selfand hinges into the North American market, but closing polymer hinges, and created a giant leap the momentum slowly grew around industry forward in child safety around swimming pools. feedback and a range of gate latch and closing Knowing that the USA, the largest swimming solutions that today are exported to North and pool market in the world, also had a significant South America, New Zealand, Europe, Japan, toddler drowning problem in backyard swimming Middle East and various Pacific nations. pools, D&D made plans to launch the products
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NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
AUSTRALIAN MADE IS A PASSION FOR YOU. EXPLAIN WHY THIS IS A VITAL PART OF YOUR FOCUS. Toddler drownings in backyard pools is still a leading cause of accidental death in children under five years in developed countries. Apart from the immense satisfaction D&D Technologies and its stakeholders derive from saving toddlers’ lives, it makes us equally proud that these technologies were devised, developed and still manufactured in Australia. As a result of this manufacturing exodus, the number of home-grown design and manufacturing entities in places like Australia and the US have become fewer and fewer. Over time this has created a renewed groundswell of interest in home-grown product and produce, and Australians feel this as much as anyone. In fact, there’s been a push from semi-government organizations to promote awareness of ‘Australian Made’ product across Australia, and I know similar thoughts are felt regarding US-manufactured product. With child safety products like ours that require great attention to quality, consistency and detail, it’s simply not possible to sustain the standards required without D&D’s full control. It’s the same with all our other general-purpose and security and privacy gate hardware; you can’t have it both ways. You can’t have products stamped out on cheap assembly lines in foreign countries and expect to maintain high-quality and morally acceptable standards that contractors and customers have come to expect. Many of our trade customers have told us over
Success of MagnaLatch can be measured in lives saved, units sold and design awards.
the years that they’re prepared to pay a bit more to purchase quality products that they know will not let them down, which offer a lifetime warranty, and which mean they rarely, if ever, have to go back to an installation to replace faulty product. Gate hardware represents less than 1% of the cost of a fence installation, but it’s the main reason for product failures and call-backs, so doing it once and doing it right is what D&D Technologies is all about. That’s why our tagline is “The world’s most trusted gate hardware.” It’s something we’ve earned over 30 years and not just dreamt up. In 2016 D&D acquired Shut It® Gate Hardware, a Tucson, Arizona-based hardware manufacturer with a similar pedigree to D&D Technologies. Innovative in design, high quality Shut It® products, Bad Ass® hinges and Hardcore® gate wheels, removed the frustrations with poor quality hardware for access control gates. For the same reasons as we continue manufacturing in Australia, D&D continues development and assembly of the Shut It® range in USA. D&D now employs 35 people in the US, many are located in our Huntington Beach facility but others are based in Boise, Chicago, Cleveland, Boston, Dallas, Greenville SC, Washington, Sacramento, Florida, and Seattle. We have expanded our US product management team and have big plans for USA operational expansion in the coming years.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND SAFETY GROUPS. D&D’s dedication to drowning prevention has been a significant source of pride and motivation for its employees, customers and other stakeholders and is cemented in the D&D culture. As our market within the swimming pool fence industry in Australia and New Zealand grew in the early days, our founder, David Doyle, felt a moral obligation to become involved in community awareness of the child drowning issue, which in those days was literally out of control, with so many toddlers dying needlessly in pools that had faulty, inadequate or non-existent gates. He involved the company with moral and financial support of lifesaving organisations in Australia as well as Laurie Lawrence, who had a very high profile from his success as an Australian Olympic Swimming Coach.
As far back as 1997 in the USA, D&D Technologies also started working with many US drowning-prevention groups and advocates across the country as well as representatives of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission which lead, ultimately, to its inaugural sponsorship and Co-founding of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, or NDPA. Maureen Williams, a drowning prevention advocate and D&D’s USA Marketing Communications manager was the architect of the NDPA and became its first Chairperson. The NDPA has grown over 17 years from a well-intentioned small body of people and groups to become North America’s most influential organization dedicated to the prevention of child and adult drownings. It now includes many international members and hosts an annual Conference where their drowning prevention goals and ideas are shared. Other critical members include representatives the US Centers for Disease continued on page 24
Broadest range of hi-performance gate hardware for every application
FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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SPOTLIGHT SAFEFENCE SUBSTATION PERIMETER BARRIER PROJECT
The Shakespeare SafeFenceTM substation perimeter fencing system is a non-conductive fiberglasss composite fence providing safety and security around transformer yards and other properties with installed utility assets. The challenges facing a recent Shakespeare customer were that a new road was constructed close to a substation and the chain link fence was too close to the equipment. The only option was to move locations, (which was a costly, impractical solution), or to install an impenetrable and nonconductive fence. These challenges were also coupled with the fact that the site is near a major metro downtown area, so aesthetics were an important concern. Another issue was access to the equipment once the wall was installed. The only way to access the equipment is from the street side of the substation, so it was necessary to be able to remove 20’ sections of the wall to access equipment bays and the wall sections needed to align with the equipment bays. The Shakespeare SafeFence installation solved all of these issues as a non-conductive, impenetrable, attractive and accessible for equipment service. It was not necessary to disrupt substation service at any point during the removal of the old fence and installation of the new wall. The Shakespeare engineering group worked closely with the utility engineering and construction group to develop this unique solution. Visit www.skp-cs.com to learn more about SafeFence non-conductive safety fencing.
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NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
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Top of the Chain continued from p21
YOU’VE HAD MANY SUCCESSFUL could be overcome, all required knowledge INNOVATIONS THROUGHOUT YOUR HISTORY. could be attained and any task could be achieved WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MORE MEMORABLE if you put in your full effort and perseverance. ONES? Being ever curious and having an open mind to The success of MagnaLatch® and TruClose® can be innovation in all disciplines of business and life, Control, the US Coast Guard, Fire and safety measured in lives saved, units sold and recognition they, through their own research, developed organizations, United States Swim School due to winning Australian and international design products or solutions that were very necessary, Association, Michael Phelps Foundation, The awards. Before D&D invented polymer gate easy to install and use at an affordable Fence Group and many others. D&D USA’s Senior hardware most gates relied on latches price, thus creating a perfect value Vice-President of Sales & Marketing, Jim Paterson, and hinges made of press-folded proposition. has been NDPA President for 3 years and a Board metal that would rust, bind David Doyle, often said member for 12 plus years. Various members of D&D and wear quickly as well as “people sometimes don’t have been members of the NDPA advisory council suffer friction and jamming actually know what they over the years. D&D Technologies continues to be a that made them unreliable. need because they are World’s only safety gate latch with major sponsor of the NDPA and works closely with the Some of those basic latch backwards looking and built-in electronic alarms Fencing industry as its primary liaison with the NDPA. designs up to the 1990s can’t see the needs of the D&D has also been actively involved in the were unchanged for the last future” and even though drowning prevention movements in Europe and 200 years. there was resistance to Latin America. Its other individual efforts include Nearly all of our proprietary most changes made to our annual drowning awareness campaigns and products are made from existing products initially, due directly advocating for stronger pool fencing industrial-strength, rust-free to the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix standards and legislation in many countries that polymer housings and non-corrosive it” mentality, D&D always strived to suffer from the same tragedy. metals such as stainless steel that negates continuously improve its products. any chance of rust, binding, sagging, staining, Having confidence in your solutions and being WHY GATE LATCHES? WHAT LED TO deforming, chipping – and they’re UV stabilized. fearless in committing to “market making” through FOUNDING A COMPANY BASED ON GATES? Most importantly, magnetic latches took the “oversized” marketing campaigns was another key As mentioned earlier “Necessity really did become friction and jamming out of the latching process element subscribed to by David Doyle. The phrase the mother of invention.” Our two founders, Doyle and polymer hinges took the rust and binding out “think big, then think bigger” was always heard and Dunne used to design and install up-market, of the closing process. After all, any gate is only as around D&D and is still key in our team’s philosophy custom-made glass pool fences and balcony good as the hinges that close it and the latch that today. balustrades. They were stylish but expensive secures it. These were the base elements of the cultural alternatives to the fences of the day... Although D&D Technologies was founded and management style the current management and again these inventive guys on these two major breakthrough team inherited. In 2001, a professional Board of had pioneered glass fencing latch and hinge concepts for the Directors was established to assist in corporate designs in Australia. child safety industry, we have governance and oversight. This was critical as it They found they were invented many other successful, allowed the existing stockholders to keep informed constantly being called award-winning technologies on the businesses’ progress and confidently back to their jobs to in a host of other gate latching support growth through reinvestment in the Innovator and manufacturer of fix faulty or deficient and closing devices. The most business. premium gate hardware metal gate latches well-known and successful of We blended these policies with new skills and and hinges, which is all which are LokkLatch®, KwikFit®, professional approaches brought to D&D via staff they could use at that SureClose® and LokkBolt® to training and new highly qualified individuals as time. David Doyle set out name a few. Each of these were we navigated our way over the next twenty years to devise gate latches and ground-breaking solutions to from a small family owned business into a global hinges that would complement centuries old problems with gates. entity with five different businesses operating on the standards and safety they were four continents. In 1995 we were all operating out striving for with their gate and fencing systems. The HOW HAVE YOU LED SUCH A SUCCESSFUL of one location in Sydney but ultimately managed, rest is history, and suffice to say, the fencing part of COMPANY FOR 25 YEARS. DO YOU HAVE A FEW through the adoption of the latest technologies D&D’s business was sold many years ago. TIPS TO SHARE FOR OTHER ENTREPRENEURS? including IT and communications, to now have staff Why gates? People talk about the need for pool D&D (Aluminium) Railsafe was founded in 1985, members operating all over the world efficiently fences and obviously pool fences are essential, but but D&D Technologies was founded in 1990. D&D and effectively. we’ve found that not enough discussion is put on Technologies USA was founded in 1996 and our From there we learned another important lesson the gate, because faulty or inadequate gates are the European operation was officially founded in 2003. which was that it is just as important to know what means by which toddlers gain unauthorized access While I worked with D&D as a consultant from 1992, you are not going to do as it is knowing what you to dangerous swimming pools. In fact, statistics I officially joined D&D Technologies as General are going to do. Our sole focus then became our show that up to 80 per cent of toddler drownings Manager in 1995. I became CEO in 2001. niche, singularly, D&D Technologies and premium, can be traced back to gate, latch and hinge issues. Every business starts in a different place and innovative hardware. takes a different journey to success or failure. D&D’s The cornerstone of our business has always journey started with the true entrepreneurial spirit been “Product Leadership.” The pillars that support of its founders who, due to their experience on our business on that cornerstone are “Innovation” in the land, believed that any engineering challenge all areas of business, relentless passion among continued on page 34
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NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
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FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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Across the Board
The History of
Wrought Iron Fencing Wrought iron is one of the oldest materials for fencing. Traditional wrought iron fencing is still found in many homes and public spaces around the United States. It’s considered an upscale fending option even for modern homes and businesses.
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Origins The manufacture of wrought iron dates very far back indeed, even to primitive times. However, early manufacture of iron was for very basic purposes. Manufacturing wrought iron, especially for fencing, dates back to the 12th century. Improvements in the smelting processes, which extract metal from ore, led to blacksmiths being able to utilize more of the metal.
The more sophisticated smelting process, combined in improvements in the forging processes, led to blacksmiths creating more involved shapes with the iron. The word “wrought” comes from an old form of the past tense of work — the smiths were producing worked pieces of iron. Early examples of this wrought iron were still rustic by today’s standards. Since
the smiths were working the iron by hand, the finished results showed variations in uniformity. In any case, the wrought iron was used for fencing and other security measures in castles and palaces in Medieval Europe.
Wrought Iron and the Industrial Revolution The 18th-century Industrial Revolution heralded even more changes in both the smelting and forging processes. At that time, manufacturers started using a reverberatory furnace, which utilized coal instead of wood for extracting the ore. They also used an agitation tool called a rabble. The resultant puddling process significantly increased the production of iron ore for fencing.
Buckingham Palace Fence
Forging of wrought iron was still largely done by hand. However, manufacturers developing a process called rolling. The extracted iron ore bars were piled up and reheated. Workers then rolled the iron until it became more uniform rolls, called merchant rolls. Smiths could use these rolls to create fencing.
Wrought Iron Fencing Comes to the New World Wrought iron fencing came to the United States with the Colonists. However, early manufacturing processes still made wrought iron fencing too expensive for any but the wealthiest families. Then, the rise of blacksmithing in the New World led to wrought iron being more commonly used. The Victorian era was the epitome of ornamental wrought iron fencing. Smiths made elaborate and beautiful fences with the scrolls, finials, and other fancy ornaments you now associate with wrought iron fences. Though it was still upscale fencing, wrought iron
turned up around more homes. Southern cities, especially New Orleans, became renowned for their wrought iron fences. That said, one of the most famous wrought iron fences was a bit farther North — in Washington, D.C. In 1833, wrought iron fencing was installed along the stone wall of the North Front of the White House. In 1873, wrought iron fencing was installed on the south side. Unfortunately, the wrought iron fencing was later replaced with steel fencing.
Modern Wrought Iron Fencing There’s a reason the White House fence was replaced with steel fencing — manufacturing steel fencing is cheaper and results in a more uniform product. Indeed, very few modern wrought iron fences are actually wrought anymore. The handmade aspect has been completely supplanted with factory manufacture.
Modern wrought iron fencing typically consists of tubes of steel or iron. Manufacturers use machines to work the tubes into shapes and also to create the ornamentation traditional with wrought iron fencing. The tubes are welded together to create fence panels of sturdy iron fencing. Powder coating technology has also resulted in wrought iron fencing coming in a variety of colors.
Source: AAA Fence LLC
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t n e m e g a n r e a n M or C BOSSES: Boost Productivity through Positivity Millions of people wake up each morning and grumble about the day ahead. They follow through on tasks obligingly but grouchily, all the while counting down the minutes until five o’clock. And even though their tasks may get done, a disgruntled attitude – even a well-behaved, quiet one – benefits no one, especially not the people in charge. If you want a strong bottom line, the bottom line is this: You have to create an atmosphere of positivity, creativity, engagement and well-being in your workplace. Too many supervisors make the mistake of assuming that employees should work to their greatest productivity without any encouragement or inspiration from the top, but that’s just not how it works. People work better when they’re happier and part of the role of a supervisor is to make sure their employees stay motivated, because that’s how everyone benefits. There are some practical aspects of work management that make a job appealing – things like benefits, health insurance, salary, and so on. But then there are the less-tangible aspects of a strong workplace where management can get creative and provide equally competitive benefits. For example: e-Bay encourages its employees to take time to decompress during the day and provides a prayer and meditation room solely for that purpose. At FactSet Research Systems in Connecticut, employees are encouraged to work from home and are also given free lunches. No matter how big or small your business is, there are opportunities to create a positive work environment. The place to begin is open communication, respect and fairness. Your employees are adults and should be treated as such. Surveys have shown that micromanagement is considered one of the most counterproductive traits in a manager. You have to trust and respect
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NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
your employees enough to believe they’re doing a good job without supervisors breathing down their necks. A positive workplace begins with attitudes. Workers should feel safe, appreciated and respected. According to research conducted by the American Psychological Association, nearly twothirds of surveyed American workers said their work lives had a significant impact on their stress levels. One in four had called in sick as a result of that stress, considering it a “mental health day.” Even the most positive of workplaces can be stressful; however, there are ways to manage that stress to benefit the employee, which in turn benefits the company as a whole. Gallup has done extensive research on the dynamics of effective organizations and found substantial proof that business that understand the connections between health and well-being and worker stress have more productivity than companies whose policies don’t reflect such an understanding. The findings indicated that companies operating under an umbrella of positivity have happier employees and consequently, more successful organizations. Experts recommend the following tips for creating a positive work environment for your employees: Praise in public but criticize in private. Publicly ridiculing or correcting someone serves no purpose but to embarrass them and show others that you have little integrity. It only causes more negative feelings Instead, use constructive criticism – and do it in a private meeting. Provide notes of encouragement. Employees who feel recognized and praised are far more likely to do a better job, according to Gallup. Recognize them for their achievements.
Have regularly scheduled meetings that allow everyone to have a voice. One way to make employees feel respected is to let them know their opinion matters. Consider treating the team randomly, but regularly. If you feed them, they will be happy. You don’t have to buy twenty pizzas every day for lunch, but a free lunch or free treats now and then never hurt. Include fun on the schedule. Fun and work do not have to be exclusive concepts. Get together on a Friday afternoon to have a bar-b-que, movie day, play a game or have a silly contest among employees.
BUILDING WEALTH: Advice for New Investors Many people look for a quick, easy way to riches and happiness. While some people do buy winning tickets or a common stock that quadruples in a year, it’s unlikely. In our quest for success, we often overlook the most powerful tools available to us: time and the magic of compounding interest. Investing regularly, avoiding unnecessary financial risk, and letting your money work for you over a period of years and decades is a certain way to grow significant assets. Here’s some advice for getting started: Handle Basics First Before making your first investment, take time to learn the basics about the stock market and the individual securities composing the market. Research the internet or read books to familiarize yourself with terms and definitions, stock selection methods, and the various types of investment accounts prior to your first purchase. Set Long-Term Goals Before investing, know your purpose and when you think you may need the funds. If you are likely to need your investment returned within a few years, consider another something other than the stock market.. With its volatility, the stock market provides no certainty that all your capital will be available when you need it. Knowing how much capital you will need and the future point in time when you will need it, you can calculate how much you should invest and what kind of return on your investment will be needed to achieve your goals. Understand Your Risk Tolerance Your risk tolerance is how you feel about risk and the degree of anxiety you feel when risk is present. In psychological terms, risk tolerance is defined as “the extent to which a person chooses to risk experiencing a less favorable outcome in the pursuit of a more favorable outcome.” All humans vary in their risk tolerance, and there is no “right” balance. By understanding your risk tolerance, you can avoid those investments which are likely to make you anxious. Generally, you should never own an asset which keeps you from sleeping at night. During periods of financial uncertainty, the investor who can remain calm and follow an analytical decision process invariably comes out ahead.
remain even when a stock price has performed as expected: Should I take a profit now before the price falls or keep my position because the price may go higher? These thoughts will flood your mind, especially if you constantly watch the price of a security, eventually building to a point that you will take action. Because emotions are the primary driver of your action, it could potentially be wrong for your long-term strategy. Have a good reason for buying a stock and an expectation of what the price will do if the reason is valid. Then establish the point at which you will liquidate your holdings, especially if your reason is proven invalid or if the stock doesn’t react as expected. Have an exit strategy before you buy the security and execute that strategy unemotionally. Diversify Your Investments The established way to manage risk is to diversify your exposure. Prudent investors own stocks of different companies in different industries, sometimes in different countries, with the expectation that a single bad event will not affect all their holdings. A financial advisor can help ensure your investment portfolio stays diversified and balanced over time. Investing in the stock market is a great opportunity to build large asset value for those who are willing to be consistent savers, make the necessary time and energy investment to gain experience, appropriately manage their risk, and practice patience, allowing the magic of compounding to work for them. The younger you begin investing, the greater the final results.
Management Corner, continued on p30
Control Your Emotions The biggest obstacle to stock market profits is an inability to control your emotions and make logical decisions. In the short-term, the prices of companies reflect the combined emotions of the entire investment community. When most investors worry about a company, its stock price is likely to decline; when a majority feel positive about the company’s future, its stock price tends to rise. Stock prices moving contrary to our expectations create tension and insecurity. Should I sell my position and avoid a loss, keep the stock and hope the price will rebound, or buy more? Questions
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Management Corner
Many Hands Make the Workload Lighter A LESSON FROM THE ANTS
Thomas Luby Business Consultant and Fence Industry Spokesperson
Do you sometimes feel like you are running in ten different directions? If so, you and your company could be victims of a lack of a collective corporate mission. Every successful company must have a coordinated and directed sense of teamwork and must have a corporate mission statement for everyone in the company to understand and follow. Have you ever watched a colony of ants work? Individually, the little guys look so disorganized, scurrying around everywhere, but first observations can be misleading. Many years ago when I was living outside Bogota, Colombia, I visited a natural hot spring spa deep in the jungle. I noticed some ants under my feet, South American Leaf Cutter Ants to be precise; there were millions of them and they were marching neatly in rows of about ten to twenty ants wide, side by side. The line went as far as I could see in both directions. They were marching up one side of a tree and down the other side. The ants climbing up the tree were empty handed, but the ants coming down the other side each had a piece of leaf in their mouth. They then all marched off into the distance.
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I was mesmerized by the grit and determination of those ants. Nothing stopped them. If working together they could not move the object out of their way, they all found another path around, over or under and in a matter of seconds they were once again busy on their way to completing their task. This is a prime example of TEAMWORK and functional organization, each ant had his or her role to play, they had their mission, and they did it. The moral of the story is working together as a team you and your company can accomplish great things. Functional organization and having a clear mission statement, are critical components to teamwork and accomplishing great things. In the late seventies and early 80’s, IBM was the giant in the computer industry. To accomplish, their mission statement must have read something like this, “At IBM we want to build the biggest, strongest, fastest and most powerful computers in the entire world.” At about that same time a couple of guys named Bill Gates and the late, great Steve Jobs went to IBM with an idea that would have dramatically changed the mission statement of the company. They wanted to build a PC, or personal computing system, for everyone in the world. This would have been a drastic change in IBM’s mission to build bigger and better, it would mean building smaller, but millions of them and mass distribution instead of selective distribution. Needless to say, the boys were turned down.
Even though both companies were in the same business, Apple and Microsoft had a different vision and developed a mission statement that took them in a different direction than IBM. What do you want to achieve? Do you want to be strictly a commercial fencing contractor or do you want to dominate the residential market? Do you want to sell product and/or services at a certain price point? What geographic area do you want to cover?
WHAT IS YOUR MISSION STATEMENT?
As you formulate your mission statement, remember to do what you do best and stick to it. You risk fragmenting the distribution chain and ruining your business and others if you try to reach too far and, for example, be both a distributor of fence product as well as an installer. Who would want to buy directly from their competition? I know I would not. Think about your mission statement, pick a few ideas and work with them. Remember, also, that once you have chosen a mission statement, all of your corporate efforts must be focused on accomplishing that mission. If not, they need to be replaced. Like the little ants in Colombia, teamwork is essential.
WORKING hard and putting in long hours running a fencing operation is one thing that most of you are quite familiar with. However, making a substantial profit and sustaining a quality life style with security and piece of mind is something that far too few fencing companies enjoy. Profit Builders International and their Business Partners in the fencing industry would like to help you get there and beyond. The entire “Roadmap to Success” Program is available on CD, along with “The Close” and “The Roadmap to
Success” user manual by contacting Profit Builders International at the phone or address below: Profit Builders International 3421 10th Lane West Palmetto, Fl. 33221 Website: www.profitbuilder.org Phone: 941-981-3677 cell: 941-807-7666
Potential g Bi Little Beaver
Fence installation professionals demand rugged earth drills they can rely on. Cut costs, reduce labor and drill clean holes – FAST – with Little Beaver. A patented torque tube eliminates kickback for simple one-man drilling. And for added safety, all models feature a centrifugal clutch that slips and stops the auger if you strike a buried object. See our full line of Mechanical and Hydraulic Earth Drills at littlebeaver.com/fencing.
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NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
VINYL ORNAMENTAL CHAIN LINK WOOD RAILING SPECIALTY TOOLS SPECIALIZING IN: WHOLESALE PRICING NEXT-DAY DELIVERY JOB-LOT DELIVERY Give us a call to find out how we can help make your business run smooth and profits run high.
800-339-3362 | www.easternfence.com FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020 33
Eastern Wholesale Fence LLC ©2020 • All Rights Reserved.
Top of the Chain continued from p24
DECORATIVE PRIVACY FENCE stakeholders in pursuit of “Quality and Value” through management guidance and ISO9001-2015 QA accreditation, use of “Advanced Engineering & Materials” in manufacturing, development and systems; and very importantly, “Value-Added Service and Support” to ensure our customers can focus on their business of selling, manufacturing and installing quality fences without any headaches. Having worked in several industries before D&D I appreciate and respect the uniqueness of the fencing industry in all the countries we support. We have learned a lot from this friendly industry filled with entrepreneurs that put everything on the line, year after year and generation after generation. D&D’s unique culture complimented the personality of the industry and each D&D employee is a good cultural fit. We have great longstanding relationships with our customers which is based on providing them with quality, relevant solutions consistently. There is a lot of trust that’s been built on over 30 years and that works both ways. We, at D&D, really enjoy our professional and social times with our customers and I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every day of my working life in this industry. Given that we have an extremely low staff turnover rate I know you will hear the same from our entire team. Part of D&D’s Company culture, which has been built on over many years by many members of the team, is to make employees’ work feel especially valuable and “not just another job”. It is instilled among all employees, right down to the production line, the importance of everything they do in assembling a product that will save lives. They are all led to believe they are “live savers”, knowing that your products have saved countless (and spared families untold anguish). There is huge satisfaction in seeing pool drowning statistics fall dramatically over the years. HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOUR VISION AND FOCUS IN EACH OF YOUR MARKETS? While we have an overall global vision, each market is different due to established industry cultures (e.g. different levels of fencing legislation or quality of standards, varying timing of market acceptance of polymerbased products etc.). The idiosyncrasies of each market must be addressed in different ways. Our Executive Team develops our strategic plan for each market with the Team Managers. They then communicate the goals and strategies down the line and throughout the company. It is an interactive process supported by a performance management system which, so far, has resulted in D&D achieving most of the goals we have aspired to over the years. We have a great, extremely hard-working team, which we are all proud of, and very effective systems and processes in place which have been developed over time. The combination of the two allow us to continually provide our customers, all over the world, with reliable, consistent product and services.
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New Look for Code-Operated KitLock by CODELOCKS A new slimline front panel gives the KL1100 KeyPad style as well as functionality. Codelocks unveils the latest addition to its KitLock by Codelocks locker range – the K1100 KeyPad. The KL1100 KeyPad joins the card operated KL1100 RFID in offering a sleek new look to accompany the versatility and flexibility already offered by Codelocks’ locks. Featuring a sleek, slimline front design, the KL1100 KeyPad is available in a Metallic Silver or Gloss Black finish that is easy to wipe clean and sanitize. It is ideal for leisure centers, universities and offices looking to enhance or upgrade facilities. “Like the recently released KL1100 RFID, the KL1100 KeyPad features a powered latch, enabling the user to close the locker door with a gentle push,” said Colin Campbell, Managing Director at Codelocks. “And as the latch unit now houses the battery, we were also able to design a slimmer front plate and really home in on aesthetics as
well as functionality. This KeyPad brings a new level of style to our code-operated KitLock by Codelocks range.” The KL1100 KeyPad can operate in two functions. In “private function” (the default mode), a user is allocated a code that gives them repeated access to a locker. This is ideal for private lockers – for example, if an employee has a personal locker that they use regularly. In “public function,” a user can simply enter their own chosen code to secure the locker. The same code can then be used to open the locker, leaving it ready for the next user. This is ideal for gyms or other facilities, where users need temporary access to a locker. The ability to set a maximum lock time can help to ensure fair use in shared facilities. Straightforward to install, the KL1100 KeyPad is also simple to retrofit, as it shares the same fixing holes as the popular KitLock KL1000 Classic. The KL1100 KeyPad is easy to manage and packed with useful features.
Learn more at codelocks.us/kl1100-keypad-kitlock-locker-lock.
FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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ALUMINUM
Types of Fences Not all fences are created equal. Do you know the difference between the most popular types of residential fencing? Here are 8 residential fencing types anyone working in the fence or a related home construction industry should know. The type of fence chosen for a project will not only play a key role in a homes’s exterior design, but also provide one of the most important benefits of all to that home - security. A professionally installed fence gives every homeowner that true sense of home whether the material chosen is wood, chain link or wrought iron. Here’s a refresher course on most popular home fence materials and what sets each apart from the others.
ELECTRIC FARM
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NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
BAMBOO
WOOD
WROUGHT IRON
VINYL
CHAIN LINK
ALUMINUM FENCING One of the most attractive fencing types is aluminum. It provides an amount of security many homeowners look for in a fence and is relatively maintenance-free. Generally, the only maintenance is painting if it isn’t powder-coated.
WOOD FENCING Wood is one of the most popular types across America. Not only does it give homeowners a sense of privacy with the height wood fencing provides, but they are also one of the more attractive options on the market. They give homeowners a warm and welcoming feeling. Wood fences can easily last the lifetime of a home. The quality of fence will greatly depend on the type of wood you choose.
WROUGHT IRON FENCING When you see homes with artistic designs on top of their fences, oftentimes, those homeowners chose a wrought iron fence. While wrought iron fences are both strong and beautiful, they do require constant upkeep. If you want to maintain its beauty, wrought iron fences need to be sanded or repainted every two to three years.
VINYL FENCING Some manufacturers claim that vinyl fences are nearly five times stronger and four times more flexible than comparable wood fences. Vinyl fencing is maintenance free and resists paint, allowing easy clean up of graffiti or any other unwanted stains. All that is needed is a hose and soap to make it look as good as new.
CHAIN LINK FENCING Chain link fences perform basic functions of a fence quite well. Homeowners, as well as school administrators (very popular), will be delighted to know that they are economical, durable and need very little maintenance (like many of the other options). Oftentimes, homeowners add a good amount of shrubbery, flowers, vines or even privacy slats on the outside of chain link fence. Not that this would add any more security to your home, but it would add a pinch of privacy.
FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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ELECTRIC FENCING Invisible fences are mainly used to contain dogs through an invisible field of electricity. Typically, the installation involves placing a wire in a trench dug along the boundary the owner wishes to fence off. A wireless transmitter is also set up nearby to activate the wire. The final item in the fencing is a batterypowered collar to receive the signal from the wire. The collar warns the animal when it’s near the boundary with a sound pitched only to the animal’s hearing. If the animal tries to cross the boundary, the collar delivers an electric shock.
BAMBOO FENCING Like hardwood flooring, bamboo fencing is starting to hit its stride in the market. There are three styles for bamboo fencing: live bamboo, bamboo cane and rolled bamboo. Rolled bamboo and bamboo cane use poles linked together that are a bit sturdier than live bamboo.
OPEN WIDE! When a project calls for a large gate turn to Pro Access Systems and Doorking to meet the specifications. With over a 20 years of gate system design and fabrication expertise, Pro Access has been supplying premium quality gates for critical infrastructure security applications including Commercial / Industrial, Energy Distribution, Transportation, Municipal Facilities and Residential Properties. Pro Access Systems specializes in large systems and is a leading single-source provider of integrated gate hardware, access control solutions with experienced technical support.
Pro Access Systems
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Atlanta (770) 955-4411 / Charlotte (704) 313-0300 / Chicago (630) 426-0022 Denver (303) 288-1700 / Tampa (813) 881-1200
NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
www.G8Pro.com
FARM FENCING Farm fencing certainly doesn’t apply to everyone, but it plays a vital role across America. Just like all non-farm homeowners, you have many options, such as wood, electric, barbed wire, woven or high tensile.
While security and privacy are certainly the top two functions of all home fences, design and creativity should never take a back seat. With all the fencing choices available, no home in America needs to sacrifice looks for security. Source: Improvenet.com
MS600 Swing Style Picket Pointer
The DYNA MS600 Swing Style Picket Pointer is a simple machine to setup and operate for cutting pickets. It is a similar design as the obsolete MAR-SAL picket pointer. Boards and cants up to a total of 6” width can be pointed. Various point styles can be achieved with the MS600 such as french gothic, gothic, stockade and round dog ear. Two air clamps hold the boards securely in place during the cutting process. Dyna-Bignell Products LLC 989-418-5050 545 Industrial Drive www.dynabignell.com Clare, Michigan 48617 bignellproducts@gmail.com
KDTwist Power twist tie Save Money, Save Time, Prevent Installer Fatigue
Available in Galvanized Class B Coating or Less Aluminized Offered as well as Vinyl Coated in Black, Brown and Green! Now Available in Solid Aluminum Available in 11 ga, 9 ga, 7 ga, 6 ga – Sizes for 1-5/8 pipe up to 8-5/8 – 9 ga & 6 ga conform to ASTM F626-96A - Pigtail, Square, T-post KDT available - Special sizes or shapes on request
KEENER-DUPONT WIRE., LLC
K
TIE-WIRES When wire is your only business D LOOK FOR IT AT YOUR LOCAL SUPPLIER! 800-749-7181 | sales@keenerdupontwire.com
FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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FENCE INDUSTRY
U.S. Fencing Market Growth to Hold Strong Beyond the COVID Crisis The U.S. fencing market is seeing a sharp contraction during the COVID-19 pandemic as construction activity is expected to remain at below average levels until 2021. However, demand will quickly recover through 2024 as the pandemic recedes, economies reopen, and construction activity renormalizes, according to research recently released from the Freedonia Group. Four new Freedonia Group studies, Chain Link Fencing, Plastic Fencing, Wood Fencing and Residential Fencing, provide deep-dive analysis of important trends that will affect these market segments through the pandemic and beyond. According to the research, the residential market provides a bright spot for fencing suppliers amid pandemic. Near-term weakness in construction activity due to the pandemic – particularly in the commercial segment – will continue to be offset somewhat by the ongoing surge home renovation activity, especially DIY projects:
• Hardware and home improvement stores, key retailers of fencing for the residential market, are considered “essential” and remain open for business. • Consumers, who have spent more time at home due to stay-at-home orders, restaurant and other business closures, and general concerns about being out in public, have increased spending on DIY home improvement projects. • Homeowners are more likely to pay for exterior upgrades, such as fence installations, that require no or minimal face-to-face interaction with contractors. Early in the pandemic, elevated demand for building materials met short supply, leading to delayed orders, consumer frustration, and missed sales opportunities. This drove major retailers to invest significantly in expanding distribution capacity to get building materials such as fencing to customers faster.
Fence Industry Market Watch, continued on p 42 40
NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
Fresh colors…new textures…and now we are putting the NATIONAL in National Vinyl Products! Manufacturing your vinyl fence materials since 2004
Coast-to-Coast Delivery With our original Utah extrusion plant and now our new 100,000-square-foot plant in Dover, Delaware, we can be even more efficient and quick to respond to your orders!
STANDARD COLORS
Nephi, UT
Dover, DE
Quality Products We use only the highest-grade materials and resins in our fencing products to last a lifetime—exceeding industry standards.
White
Tan
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Made In The USA Our fences are warrantied not to peel, rot, blister, rust, flake, corrode or abnormally change colors.
TIMBERLAND SERIES
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Our industry-leading lifetime warranty gives you long-term confidence and is transferable. And this warranty includes ALL colors and ALL textures—including our Timberland series.
Easy Ordering Textured Tan
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TEXTURED TIMBERLAND SERIES
New Colors and Textures Our NVP Timberland Series features seven color/texture options with wood-like finishes, providing the beauty of wood, but with the easy care and durability of vinyl.
Within 24 hours, we process your order, confirm inventory and send your order for processing.
Quality Service From the smile on our faces to never-ending communication, our team is here to work for you.
www.nvpfence.com Call or Text 435-623-2750
FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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Fence Industry Market Watch, continued from p40
Global Fencing Hardware Market Experiencing FENCE INDUSTRY Strong Growth The global fencing hardware market (connectors, post bases, fasteners, gate hardware, and more) size is estimated to be $2.6 billion in 2020 and projected to reach $3.1 billion by 2025, according to new research from Reportlinker. Growth is driven by the increasing demand for security and safety fencing in various housing communities. Key findings in the report include: • Connectors are the fastestgrowing hardware product in the fencing hardware market, by type of hardware product. This growth is attributed to frequent maintenance/replacement as these products are low-cost and exposed to a variety of weather conditions.
• Connectors and post bases are estimated to have the largest market share by value. This is attributed to less/competitive pricing. • The residential segment is expected to have the largest market share by value. Growth in remodeling projects, as well as new construction, is projected to propel the market over the forecast period. • Privacy fences are gaining more popularity due to the growth in communities with homes closer together.
Gates. Hardware. Turnstiles. Controls. Pro Access Systems is a leading single-source supplier of integrated access control solutions and expert technical support for perimeter security gates and access control. With over 20 years of gate system design and fabrication expertise, Pro Access has been supplying premium quality aluminum gates, gate hardware and access control products to security and fencing contractors for critical infrastructure security applications including Commercial/Industrial, Energy Distribution, Transportation, Municipal Facilities and Residential Properties. ■
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■ ■
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Pro Access Systems
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Atlanta (770) 955-4411 / Charlotte (704) 313-0300 / Chicago (630) 426-0022 Denver (303) 288-1700 / Tampa (813) 881-1200
NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
SafeGlide® Aluminum Gates SafeGlide® Cantilever Slide Gates SafeGlide® Swing Gates SafeGlide® Cantilever Crash Deterrent Gates SafeGlide® Custom Gates for unique applications ASTM-1184, ASTMF-2200 and UL325 Compliant Gates Gate Hardware Enclosed Track Cantilever Hardware Kits Roller Kits for Cantilever Steel Frame Gates Aluminum and Steel Hinges ASTM-1184, ASTMF-2200 and UL325 Compliant Kits Single and Double Turnstiles 3 Year Warranty Galvanized Steel Powder Coated Gate Operators HySecurity All-O-Matic Doorking Liftmaster AutoGate Viking Nortek FAAC EntryPro™ By Pro Access - Access Control Devices Keypads Card Readers Maglocks Magnetic Cards
www.G8Pro.com
If You Can Dream It... We Can Build It. We offer Wood, Virgin PVC Fences, PVC Bends, Welded PVC Gates, Ornamental & Chain Link Fences. Superior quality, service, reliability & variety!
Our “In-Stock” Program guarantees our customers a timely delivery. We pride ourselves on our “Custom Order Turnaround Times.”
Throughout the Northeast, preferred fence contractors and distributors turn to Interstate Wholesale Fence for job lot to truckload orders. With convenience and speed, we will personally deliver our high-quality products directly to your yard or job site within our delivery area, using our fleet of trucks and piggyback moffits. Call today to discover all the advantages Interstate Wholesale Fence has to offer.
631-842-4488 • Toll Free: 1-866-GO-FENCE • www.interstatevisions.com 1084 Sunrise Highway, Amityville, NY, 11701
FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
THE SUMO™ LINE BY LOCKEYUSA SURFACE MOUNT GATE HARDWARE
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FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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Railing
FENCE Nailing Down the Difference
The terms are often used
interchangeably, but when it
RAILING
key differentiating factor.
A railing will always have a defined top rail and bottom rail at a minimum, with additional horizontal rails depending on design. There are a wide variety of railing infill options, from cables, pipes, glass and pickets. Railing can be modified to provide assistance as a handrail on stairs and ramps. Many railings serve as safety barriers to prevent falls from an elevated structure. In this case, a simultaneous vertical loading of 200 pounds per linear foot and horizontal uniform loading of 100 pounds per linear foot has been established throughout most of the country as a minimum requirement for a product used as railing. Consideration also has to be given to the rails’ ability to maintain these code requirements over time. Railing would typically be the choice for a single-family porch or balcony, commercial or educational building, municipality, stairs or ramps and any other place a where areas need to be defined, or safety assistance in navigating levels needs to be provided.
installed around a pasture or
FENCE
comes to choosing the best
option for a project, there are
critical differences in product choices and requirements.
Beginning with terminology,
the dictionary defines a railing as “a structure made of rails that is used as a guard or
barrier or for support.” A fence is defined as “a structure
serving as an enclosure, a barrier or a boundary.”
Based on the definitions,
intent of the product is a
A railing alone wouldn’t be
playground, and a fence would not be appropriate to enclose
a balcony or down the side of a
stairwell. In addition, knowledge of the design criteria for
each type of structure will help determine the best
choice. Because railings are often installed to provide fall protection, additional
engineering and design criteria must be met, and safety and
building codes are applicable.
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NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
A fence will typically contain a minimum of two horizontal lines, with infills such as pickets, panels or wire running past both the top and bottom horizontal lines. Fences are normally constructed at ground level and not as handrail. They are occasionally used in stadium settings on stairs, ramps and perimeters as a barrier. Fencing does not have to meet the more stringent load and engineering criteria required for railing. Regardless of style or material chosen, fencing is typically used as a barrier, to restrict access in or out of an area, and/or to provide privacy. The strength of a product at ground level where access, not strength, is the main requirement is considerably different than at a height where fall prevention is the purpose, as with a rail. Typical applications for fencing include backyards, swimming pools, pastures, farmland, athletic venues, public areas and other places where security is a priority.
FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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Recipe Roundup
Harvest Corn and Pumpkin Chowder
World’s Best Steak Marinade
2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2/3 cup diced white onion 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 large carrots, diced 4 stalks of celery, diced 3 cups diced potatoes 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1: 15-ounce can pumpkin puree 2 cups whole milk 1 cup chicken broth Salt and pepper, to taste Chopped chives, for topping (optional)
1/3 cup soy sauce 1/3 cup lemon juice 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce 1 Tablespoon minced garlic 2 Tablespoons Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt pinch of red pepper 1 1/2 pound steaks I used rib eye, New York is also great 2 tablespoons butter fresh chopped parsley
1. In a heavy-bottom pot over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until translucent. 2. Add potatoes and corn then sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to incorporate. Add the pumpkin puree and stir. 3. Pour whole milk and chicken broth then bring mixture to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper then cover pot and let thicken for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 4. Remove from heat and serve
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, pepper, salt, and a pinch of red pepper. 2. Add steaks to a resealable zip lock bag or large bowl and pour the marinade on top. Marinate for 2 hours or overnight. 3. Grill or cook in cast iron skillet on the stove top.
from tablefortwoblog.com
from therecipecritic.com
u’d like to Got a favorite recipe yo aders? Send share with Fence News re m and s.co it in to edit@fencenew issue. ing look for it in an upcom
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NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
Picket Fencing
Rail Fencing
WE’RE NOT GOOD BECAUSE WE’RE OLD.
Privacy Fencing
PLASTIC SKA S, A R
C. IN
NE B
WE’RE OLD BECAUSE WE’RE GOOD.
Semi-Privacy Fencing
ed in E stablish FA M
I LY OW N E
D Deck & Railing
Country Estate has set the standard for the finest quality fencing and decking solutions in the industry. We safeguard our reputation for excellence through state-of-the-art manufacturing processes and a highly skilled workforce. The result is a broad line of cutting-edge fencing and decking products that are free from traditional maintenance. We are focused on providing our network of Country Estate
Nebraska Plastics, Inc. P.O. Box 45 Cozad, Nebraska 69130 U.S.A. 1-800-445-2887 www.countryestate.com
dealers and installers a full range of products and solutions that exceed homeowner expectations. It’s that commitment and experience that makes a company good at what they do.
MEMBER
FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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Repair or Replace your Drill? THAT IS THE QUESTION
Little Beaver offers factors to consider when repairing or replacing your earth drill.
Nothing ruins productivity like a broken piece of equipment. When it happens, the actions to address the problem is not always clear cut. Depending on the severity of the issue, you may be able to get away with a quick fix or repair, but for larger issues, a full replacement might make more sense. This logic holds true with earth drills just as much as any other piece of equipment in your fleet. There are many working parts to a drill, and while problems aren’t a common occurrence, they certainly can happen. The professionals at Little Beaver Earth Drills and Augers suggest considering the following factors when deciding between repair and replacement of your earth drill. WHAT SEEMS TO BE THE ISSUE? Auger that quits turning or turns when it’s not supposed to. If your auger spins while it’s out of the ground but quits spinning as soon as you start to drill the hole, it’s likely a broken flex shaft. The flex shaft should be cleaned and greased after every 50 hours of operation, but sometimes even routine maintenance can’t prevent breakage. A broken flex shaft can’t be repaired, but in some cases, just replacing the inner core will fix the problem. Gearbox problem. An issue with the gears or the gearbox prevents the drill from spinning altogether. While low motor oil can cause the motor to lock up and cease functioning, there’s also the possibility of a larger issue, such as the gears being stripped. Gearboxes can be repaired but can cost nearly as much as a full replacement. 50
NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
Auger spins at idle. The diagnosis is likely the clutch. The auger shouldn’t spin until you depress the throttle and engage the clutch. If the clutch is overheated during operation, the heat-treated springs will no longer keep the shoes from engaging, causing the auger to stay engaged at all times. Similar to the gearbox, the repair cost nears the full replacement cost. Auger vibrates excessively or “walks” during use. This is likely due to misalignment or wear of the points and blades. Blades should be replaced when worn flush of the auger flighting. If the blades wear into the auger flighting, the auger will need to be repaired or replaced. Points should be replaced when the split or fork in the tip is less than ¼” from the bottom of the split.
WHAT WOULD A REPLACEMENT PART COST? The cost of parts varies among manufacturers. If the replacement parts cost more than 50% of a new drill, it might be best to invest in a new unit. Don’t just look at the sticker price. You should also include the labor and cost of lost production, as well as the age of the equipment. Common replacement parts like the flex shaft and the gearbox can add up to a significant dollar amount. If two or more parts need to be replaced at the same time, you may be better off replacing the entire drill. However, making the repairs and rebuilds yourself can be a more financially feasible option for those with the experience and tools to do so.
MAKING A DECISION If you notice a problem with your drill, address it right away. Ignoring it could lead to more damage. If you decide to purchase a new drill, keep your old one on hand for replacement parts. You may also want to repair the old drill to have as a backup. The decision to repair or replace critical equipment can be challenging. The manufacturer can likely provide advice on your particular situation, so give them a call if you need help with the decision. If the auger spins at idle, the diagnosis is likely the clutch.
CAN YOU FIX IT YOURSELF? Hiring someone to fix your equipment is often a logical choice, however, when you take this route, it’s important to factor in repair costs and time that is outside of your control. The alternative – fixing it yourself – doesn’t have to seem like a daunting undertaking. Many manufacturers have resources to walk you through the process. Little Beaver offers service videos that address common repairs and maintenance questions IN WHAT APPLICATION DO YOU USE THE DRILL? If you’ve got backup drills in your fleet, waiting for a repair might not be an issue. But for contractors who rely on the unit on a daily, or even weekly, basis, being without it could result in lost revenue. Depending on how long you’ve owned the machine and what industry you’re in, the decision to repair or replace might make more sense.
The flex shaft should be cleaned and greased after every 50 hours of operation.
For more information, contact sales@littlebeaver.com or visit www.littlebeaver.com.
Rental. Only drills that operate bring in revenue, so if repairing a drill would take time, replacing it might be a better option. If time is the greatest concern, consider purchasing a second unit as a back-up and additional revenue source until the original drill is fixed. Also, appearance of equipment is a large deciding factor for customers in the rental industry. Replacing a worn-out drill with a shiny new one might make more sense for the fleet. The criteria is different for each business, so make sure the cost and the results make sense for your store. Fencing. It’s important to have a large enough fleet to change out drills if one needs repairs. Fencing contractors likely have more than one drill in their lineup, so taking one out of commission to get it repaired shouldn’t affect productivity. For many contractors, incremental costs broken up monthly are a more feasible option than a single, larger payment, but it’s important to consider the total cost of each of those repairs, along with the overall age of the drill and how many key components could be showing that age. WHAT IS THE AGE AND CONDITION OF THE DRILL? If a drill is maintained well and taken care of, it should last many years. There are no guidelines for age or hours of use regarding when the motor will go out, so it’s important to keep an eye on the machine. When considering repairing or replacing your drill, you’ll want to consider the overall health of the engine. If the engine is older and experiencing issues, replacement might be more logical, however, if the engine is a rebuilt system and virtually like new, repair makes more sense.
FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
After a big storm, prevent additional damage by calling 811 before digging
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR STATE’S SPECIFIC 811 PROCESSES AND LAWS, VISIT WWW.CALL811.COM.
In the aftermath of a devastating storm, the 811 call-beforeyou-dig service plays a critical role in protecting communities from accidentally damaging buried utility lines during an already stressful situation. As the Gulf Coast communities impacted by Hurricane Laura and Delta clean up and begin to rebuild, safety should be the top priority for professional excavators, residents and business owners alike. For clean-up that involves digging or removing trees or fences from the ground, the best way to avoid damaging underground utilities and risking injury or loss of service is to call 811 a few days before digging to learn the approximate location of buried lines in your area. Disturbing a single utility line during hurricane clean up or any other time can lead to personal injury, penalties, repair costs, and expensive and inconvenient outages. Review these important safety reminders: • When piling up storm debris, do not place items in front of, around, or on top of known areas of buried and above ground utilities. Specifically, avoid any above-ground structures such as meters and pedestals that provide gas, power, communication or water capabilities. • During storm debris collection, it is important for all utilities, both underground and overhead, be identified in order to prevent injury. • If digging is required for installation of temporary poles for electrical needs or if any other digging occurs, remember to always call 811 to prevent serious injury. • Because of storm restoration efforts, local utilities are facing stretched resources, which may impact the response time to locate their underground infrastructure. It is strongly encouraged that all nonessential excavation and demolition projects be postponed in areas impacted by the storm. • If you suspect damage of any kind to underground lines, contact your local utility. If there is damage to a gas line or dangerous/hazardous lines, call 911. A gas leak could be occurring if you smell the distinctive natural gas odor, hear a hissing or whistling sound near a gas line, or see dead vegetation or bubbles near a gas line. If this occurs, vacate the area immediately and call 911. • Remember that underground utility line depth varies, and there may be multiple utility lines in one common area. The risk of striking an underground utility line exists even when digging only a few inches, so always call 811 before you dig.
FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
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NATURAL
An Extreme Year of Disasters Impact the Fence Industry
DISASTERS
Natural disasters are a fact of life, whether it’s a flood, tornado, hurricane, wildfire, earthquake, landslide or some other catastrophe that leaves a swath of destruction. With multiple hurricanes and wildfires affecting different regions of the United States over the past few months, the impact on the construction industry is being felt as disaster relief and cleanup efforts turn to repair and rebuilding. The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season was one for the record books. Through mid-October, there have been 26 tropical depressions, of which 25 became tropical storms. Eight became hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. The most recent storm is Delta, the fourth letter of the Greek Alphabet, which is used when the list of names designated for the season is finished. Damage estimates from these storms are over $26 billion and rising as of
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NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
mid-October. In many western areas of North America, every year brings the risk of wildfires, especially between August to November. According to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC), there have been 45,635 wildfires that have burned 8,280,756 acres this year (reported mid-October). This is approximately 2 million more acres burned than the 10-year average. Fence-related businesses – from timber companies to locally owned retailers –respond to these and other disasters to help communities recover. Rebuilding leads to increased demand and productivity, but also to supply and labor shortages. “We quite often see a spike in demand for lumber products,
including fencing, during hurricane season,” says James Danielsen, Specialty Sales Manager with Sierra Pacific Industries, one of the largest U. S. lumber producers, with over 2 million acres of timberland in California and Washington. “We see some product demand increases prior to the storms to help close up and protect buildings from damage, and fencing material continued on p56
FENCENEWS.COM | NOVEMBER 2020
55
Natural Disasters, continued from p54
needs sharply increase after the storms have passed. The high winds and tornados that develop in conjunction with a hurricane are very likely to destroy fences. This, along with extensive rain that softens the soil, allows fences to be easily blown over and damaged beyond repair, usually requiring replacement of everything from wood post and rails to pickets.” For Sierra Pacific, a wildfire poses a double-edged threat, destroying fencing along with everything else in its path, including the timberland. In addition, Danielsen says wildfires create challenges to harvest in a timely manner. “The western United States is a mixed conifer forest and creates challenges to lumber companies’ cut plans. Fires can – and do – change the mix of species cut from the original green log plan. Fires also tend to lower the recovery of grade due to degradation of the logs after they are burned in a fire before harvesting. This results in a lower grade of product, which changes the products available to the market.” Further down the supply line, distributors and retailers work to be proactive and move supplies into position, or plan on procuring supplies, before a storm hits. Based on what they’ve learned from previous weather events, these companies assess the projected impact to make sure they have products and people to respond as quickly as possible to help people rebuild their communities. This year’s disasters also placed a new strain on an industry already suffering from the COVID pandemic. Restrictions related to COVID shut down or slowed processing and
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NOVEMBER 2020 | FENCE NEWS USA
distribution of many lumber products, creating a shortage during a time people were spending more time at home and deciding to tackle projects like decks and fencing, which increased demand. With increased demand comes another problem: a significant shortage of workers at every level. The substantial amount of rebuilding that needs to be done following an extreme hurricane and wildfire season only intensifies the labor problem, adding to the logistical challenges of providing a timely response to communities and customers in need. After a natural disaster, the public turns to contractors, suppliers and the construction industry to help them rebuild their lives. Finding the supplies and manpower to do so, with quality workmanship and materials, will not only accomplish this, but may help minimize damage from the next disaster.
What’s In Your Toolbox
Hidden Features of Measuring Tape ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TAPE MEASURE? That might seem like a silly question. After all, a measuring tape is a simple device with a simple – although important – purpose: to measure things. But there’s more to this tool than meets the eye. Here are a few hidden features you will find within your tape measure.
Source: U.S. Tape
THE BLACK DIAMONDS The black diamonds which appear every 19 3/16” on metal tape measures are for spacing I-beam “timbers”. Several wood-product manufacturers offer I-beam “timbers” as a substitute for solid lumber floor joists. The diamond marks on tape rule blades are for spacing these engineered floor joists in new construction. Because these beams can support more weight than their dimensional lumber counterpart, they often have different spacing requirements.
THE NAIL GRAB On nearly every measuring tape, you’ll find a small slot on the end hook. It’s there to grab onto the end of a nail or screw. This way, if you’re measuring a flat surface and don’t have anyone to hold the other end of the tape, you just need to hammer in a nail or insert a screw and hook the end of the tape onto it to get a clear and accurate measurement.
THE SCRIBING TOOL Did you ever notice that the bottom of the end hook of your measuring tape has a serrated edge? There’s a good reason for that. If you’re measuring something and don’t have a marking tool handy, you can use this serrated edge to make a mark by running it back and forth on whatever you’re measuring.
THE CURVE Have you wondered why the blade on a tape measure is curved? The concave design helps keep the blade rigid when extended. This curve allows the blade to “stand out” while measuring, helping you read the measurement.
THE ADJUSTABLE END The metal tip at the end of your tape measure is a little bit loose for a reason. The first inch of the tape is short by 1/16 of an inch. This isn’t an error: it’s meant to provide you with accurate readings whether you’re measuring the inside or outside edge of a surface. This feature is known as “true zero”. The metal tip is exactly 1/16 of an inch thick. If you’re measuring the outside of a surface and hook your metal end on the edge, that metal piece will shift out and create a gap, so that you aren’t counting it in your measurement. And, if you need to measure the inside of a surface, such as in a window frame, you want to count the thickness of the metal piece in your calculations. Thus, the metal piece will shift back to fill the gap. Always take care to pull or push your tape so that it’s taut to take advantage of the true zero feature.
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FENCE SCHOOL AFA University Gate Automation Designer School (GADs) NOVEMBER 17 - 19 The American Fence Association (AFA) is offering their Gate Automation Designer School (GADS) online to encourage safe, remote continuing education for the fence and security industry. Automated gates are a popular form of convenience and security for homeowners, businesses and property managers throughout the United States. Especially today, with an elevated concern for safety and security, many seek the added protection of limiting access to property while enabling residents, employee and other authorized individuals to easily enter and leave the property without delay. This school is for individuals who design automated vehicular gate systems for either residential or commercial customers. It is also recommended for sales professionals in the
automated gate industry. Anyone who designs automated vehicular gates is encouraged to attend this two-day school, which covers: • UL 325 for automated gate systems • ASTM F2200 and an Introduction to M.U.T.C.D. – Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices • Types of Gates • Types of Gate Operators • Introduction to Electrical Wiring • Access Control Devices • Vehicular Detection Systems • Failure Options • High Security Applications • Site Considerations
NAFCA Fence Training School FEBRUARY 7-10, 2021 The annual Fence Training School offered by the North American Fence Contractors Association is scheduled for February 7-10, 2021, pending COVID restrictions. This 3-day event takes place in Sebring, Florida. Participants receive fence installation instruction from qualified, knowledgeable trainers with over 250 years of combined experience in the industry. This team of instructors offer training and insight into the most innovative techniques in the field. Instruction on a wide variety of topics included, such as access controls, chain-link, farm and ranch, HTP rail and strand, ornamental, vinyl, wood, welding, tools and equipment and safety. 58
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At the conclusion of this school, attendees have the optional opportunity to sit for the Certified Gate Automation Designer (CGAD) certification examination administered by the Accreditation & Certification Institute (ACI). This requires a separate registration and fee. This application is available at www.acieducation.org.
Register by November 9:
www.americanfenceassociation.com/afa-university/ Email memberservicesamericanfenceassociation.com for additional information.
3-day event:
Visit www.4nafca.com for updates.
Air Traffic Control
for The Birds
This Bird’s Comeback Will Be Traced Back to The Ground and Quite Possibly Fence Markers With its trademark mating dance and distinctive call, the Sage Grouse was once a regular fixture on the plains of the American and Canadian west. Plump, spotted in patches, and slightly smaller than a Wild Turkey, the Sage Grouse lek population has been on the decline since 1965. It’s now down 66%, which threatens to place this bird on the endangered species list here in the United States. Its declines have been driven by factors such as loss of habitat, power lines and Barbed Wire fences. Organizations such as the Sage Grouse Initiative are working with ranchers and conservationists to help preserve over 7 million acres across 11 western states and Canadian provinces. Those partnerships are a testament to cooperation, and the power of sustainable ranching. In addition to these efforts, the Sage Grouse Initiative works with ranchers to tag barbed wire fences with Sage Grouse fence markers. Fencing protects wetlands and habitat, but it can also be a hazard for the Sage Grouse. The simple act of fence tagging can have an incredibly large, positive, impact on the Sage Grouse population. Because the Sage Grouse is a low flying bird that doesn’t pay particularly close attention to what is in front of it, the deployment of small reflective fence markers can reduce Sage Grouse fatal fence strikes or injuries by up to 83%. The fence markers need to be placed roughly every three feet and are designed to wobble in the wind. When this motion is combined with a small reflective marker strip, it produces
an effective warning that encourages the Sage Grouse to fly higher, thus avoiding a potentially deadly hazard – a barbed wire fence. Think of it as air traffic control for this class of bird. Pexco’s Sage Grouse Fence Visibility Markers are inexpensive, small plastic tabs, which can be deployed by ranchers or volunteers in order to make an effective deterrent for the Sage Grouse. Many community organizations have found affixing fence markers to existing fencing is a particularly good project for young teens. It encourages them to spend quality time outdoors with their peers, while providing them with an opportunity to make a contribution to Sage Grouse conservation efforts in their local community. Fence marking is no less rewarding for healthy adults who want to spend some quality time outdoors hiking through the plains helping to preserve the life of a grassland icon.
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National Vinyl Opens Fencing Plant in Dover
National Vinyl Products, a domestic producer of vinyl fence and rail profiles, opened a new manufacturing facility in Dover that will create more than 100 jobs and double the company’s North American production capacity. The company remodeled space that had been occupied by a PPG paint and finishes plant. The new $20 million PVC extrusion facility will manufacture vinyl fence and rail products in a 100,000 square foot production area, along with several acres designated for product storage and a rail spur with a loading dock. While the new Dover plant will be initially set up to manufacture and package fencing products, it will also serve as a warehousing and docking location connecting NVP’s production network. “We’re very pleased to announce the opening of a new location in Dover, Delaware,” said John David Hadfield, president of National Vinyl Products. “This is not only an opportunity to bring more jobs to the area, it offers access to resources, ideal transportation lines and allows us to further expand our manufacturing capabilities and meet the needs of the growing North American market.” “This new location allows us to better meet and exceed future customers’ demand in a rapidly growing marketplace which is currently backlogged due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Zack Clark, COO of National Vinyl Products. “Through a strategic
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manufacturing plan like this in Delaware, NVP can remain at the forefront of the national fencing industry by providing outstanding customer service for both current and prospective partners across North America,” he added. In 2001, National Vinyl Products was formed as a distributor of vinyl fencing and related items, focused on serving vinyl fence fabricators and retailers across the western United States. NVP’s next phase of growth came in 2004 when it opened an extrusion facility in Nephi, Utah to manufacture high quality vinyl fence and rail profiles. Since that time, this facility has continued to expand in production capacity and product offerings. NVP currently sells fence and rail profiles to distributors and contractors across North America.
Available from National Metal Industries, Forevergreen-Hedge transforms open-space chain link fence into a beautiful, private, protective enclosure. Get the natural appearance of a ďŹ nely groomed hedge without the maintenance, water or trimming. Forevergreen-Hedge blends well into any landscape and provides about 95% privacy. Proudly manufactured in our New York warehouse.
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Garden State AFA Jackpot Trade Show Jan 22-23, 2021 Harrah’s Resort and Casino Atlantic City, NJ For more information email jackpot@gsafa.org
Are You Willing to Serve?
The Western Access Systems Association, or WASA, has a call to membership for new board of directors positions. You are encouraged to nominate either yourself, a coworkers, or colleague. The WASA board of directors makes decisions on what the association should do next and how it should grow and better serve its membership. Including venue locations for its annual trade show, additional membership benefits, and better ways to serve its membership. In 2020, WASA had a group of 12 directors who led the association to new heights. In 2021, six of those board member terms are coming to an end. Serving on the board of directors is easy with little commitment and is a great way to give back to your industry and help shape what it can become in the future. Simply email your name, company, phone and email to: Admin@WasaOnline.org.
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BUILDERS FENCE COMPANY, INC., a 60-year-old manufacturer, importer and fullline wholesale distributor to the fence trade, seeks experienced candidates for various positions at each of its five locations: Tacoma, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Fontana and El Cajon. Send resumes to: stevef@buildersfence.com.
Trumpet Vine
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FENCE PRO’S #1 CHOICE FOR FENCE AND RAILING HARDWARE
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We are the leading industry resource with over 2,000 SKUs
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Phone: (813) 988-2628
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www.nationwideindustries.com