by Signet Fence Team
The steps below are a simple way to estimate the materials when buying a Regis Ornamental Aluminum Fence, but they will also work for any routed fence, including Bufftech Vinyl Fences. If you have a non-standard layout, or if you would like a customer service representatives to look over your material list before you order, please call Signet Fence at 1.877.403.3623.
Note: Regis Aluminum Fences have a panel length of either 6’ (3000 Residential Series) or 8’ (4000 Commercial Series)
- Draw your fence on a sheet of paper and label each run with its length.
- For each run:
- # of panels = [(length of run - length of gates) / panel length]. Note: if the is a remainder, add 1.
- # of line posts = [# of panels - 1]. Also, subtract 1 for each gate "in line" (see illustration below)
- If you plan to cut a panel into 2 or more smaller panels, add 1 line post per additional panel.
- For all gates in your fence, add 2 gate posts. The exception is: if the gate is the end point of your fence, add 1 gate post and 1 blank post.
- For each corner:
- If there is no gate, add a corner post. If there is a gate, the gate post will serve as the corner post.
- For each end point (where your fence stops):
- If there is no gate, add an end post. If there is a gate, then the blank post (from step 3) will serve as the end post.
- For all posts, add a post cap.
- For all gates, add 1 set of hinges and 1 latch
- (Optional) Add any decorative elements available, such as: triad finials, scrolls, etc.
by Signet Fence Team
A Butterfly Latch is a spring-loaded, self-latching gate latch designed for use with for chain link swing gates. They are easy to install and operate, which makes them popular for residential fences, particularly chain link pool fences when used in combination with spring gate closers.
How Does a Butterfly Latch Work?
When the gate makes contact with the latch, the momentum of the gate lifts the angled front end of the latch up, opening it. The gate then hits the back of the latch, which stops its forward momentum. With nothing to hold it open, the springs in the latch quickly close the front end so that the gate cannot swing back out.
by Signet Fence Team
If you've ever built, or planned to build, a fence, then you've probably run across the issue of how long your fence posts should be; particularly if you weren't using a pre-fabricated system. With little to no experience, choosing the right length fence posts can be a confusing issue. Luckily, there is an easy to remember rule of thumb that many professional fence installers use to determine the height of their posts.
Fence Post Length Rule of Thumb
In general, 1/3 - 1/2 the height of your fence should be below ground, with a minimum of 2 ft. What this means in practice is that if you have a 4' high fence, your posts should be 6' with 2' below ground. If your fence is 6', then you should use 8 1/2' - 9' posts with 2 1/2' - 3' below ground.
If you follow the guideline above - for most standard fence systems - your posts should be deep enough to provide strength and stability for your fence. However, if you live in an area of high wind or extreme cold, you may want to opt for a longer post, because it will make your fence less vulnerable to the elements. On the other hand, if you are installing an light ornamental system in a low wind area, then you may be able to get away with shorter posts; although longer posts won't hurt.
Product Note:
If you plan to use a drivable post anchor like Oz-Posts to install your fence, then the Oz-Post is the underground extension of your fence post, so a 6' tall fence should have a 3' Oz-Post and 6' wood, vinyl, aluminum, or steel post.
by Signet Fence Team
A routed fence system is one that uses pre-cut holes in the posts to hold the panels in place, instead of brackets and screws. The holes, which are precisely machine cut into the posts to match each specific fence model, are depedent on the post's function; which means that there are different posts for lines, corners, ends, and gates. The panels usually either snap into place, or are secured using lock rings, depending on the type of fence. Contrast this with a bracketed system, where all of the posts are blank and brackets are screwed into the posts to hold the fence panel in place.
Illustration 1: A series of routed line posts for a 3 rail fence system.
Illustration 2: Routed fence posts with panels inserted.
Why should I choose a routed fence?
Of course, the fence you choose will depend on your specific needs, but in general routed systems offer several benefits that bracketed systems can't, including: no visible screws or brackets, typically a lower cost per foot due to reduced hardware requirements, and ease of assembly.
Buy a Routed Fence System Online
Bufftech Vinyl Fences
Regis Ornamental Aluminum Fences
by Signet Fence Team
One question that we are asked often is whether the Westbury Aluminum Railings that we sell comply with the IRC and IBC building codes. They do, and a newly published Code Compliance Research Report written by Architectural Testing - Certification Services is available to customers who need to get approval from local building officials.
The report includes drawings and specifications for the Westbury Tuscany (C10 & C101) Series, Westbury Riviera (C30R, C31, C32, C33, & C34) Series, and the Westbury Veranda (C70) Glass Railing System.
Click the image to download the report
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