We are saddened by the news that our dear friend and business partner Clever Joe has passed away. Joe was the innovator of the no-dig fence concept that WamBam utilizes today. Because of Joe and his clever ideas, thousands upon thousands of hours have been saved installing fence by driving a pipe deep into the ground as opposed to digging holes and pouring cement footings.

We had the privilege of spending time with Joe over the years and always enjoyed our interactions with him. He was more than just a business partner; Joe was a friend. Despite his battles with illness over the past several years, he was always smiling and always optimistic. We will forever remember Joe for his innovation and passion and zest for life. He was a real trailblazer, whether it was creating solar powered ovens for the Cubans or bicycling across the continent. He was a true maverick.

The reality is that without Joe and his ideas, WamBam would more than likely not exist. We will always remember his contribution to fencing, to our business and to our personal lives. Our mascot Clever Joe was inspired by Joe. He got a kick out of the caricatures of himself that are sprinkled through our website, marketing materials, and office. It’s fitting that Clever Joe the mascot will live on to honor his memory.

Our thoughts are with Joe’s wife and two children as we all grieve his loss. Joe, you will be missed by many.

This piece on lengthening the life of your vinyl fence was written by freelance contributor Sally Perkins.

Investing in a good vinyl fence offers a great return on investment if you factor in the low cost of maintenance and longevity. Installing a fence on a quarter acre lot will typically cost between $1,800 and $3,500, according to the Remodeling Costs website. This price will ensure you not only have enough privacy but also enjoy a great curb appeal. However, the price will vary from one fencing material to another and will depend on the fence size you wish to install. The initial cost should not be the only aspect that you pay attention to. For instance, while most vinyl fences might be more expensive to install than wood fences, they are typically cheaper to maintain. With the right maintenance schedule, you can get to enjoy the appeal of your fence for many years. In case you’ve chosen to have a vinyl fence installed in your home, there are a few things you need to know.

Understanding vinyl as a fencing material

There are plenty of aspects that make vinyl the perfect material to use for fencing. First, the materials used in the fence can easily be recycled which is a win for the environment. Vinyl is also resistant to moisture and humidity, unlike wood fences. This means that it will easily survive the winter, and you don’t have to worry about pouring water on it. The fence is also strong, meaning insects cannot eat their way through it. When combined, the above factors make maintaining the fence pretty easy. Now, the key question is: in what ways can you best take care of a vinyl fence?

Clean the fences regularly

71% of home buyers consider the curb appeal as an essential factor when it comes to shopping for the perfect home. Even though you might not be willing to put your home up for sale, the quality of your fence may affect the value of your home significantly. Cleaning your vinyl fence at least once a year is essential to maintain its appeal. For the slightly dusty parts, washing the area with hose water will do the trick. As for the areas that have a little bit tougher stains, use a mild detergent and some warm water to clear them. In case you notice mildew developing on your fence, wash the affected area with a mixture of warm water, detergent and vinegar to reduce the levels of mold infestation.

What about managing the structural integrity?

Inspecting the structural integrity of your fence at least once a year is wise. Pay attention to the state of parts like the metal connectors of the fence. Hidden metallic connectors will typically connect the parts of your vinyl fence. In case these parts become visible, then you should request the installers to take a look at the fence. However, if you notice such inconsistencies within the first few weeks of installation, then filing a complaint against the installers is wise. Additionally, be careful when mowing close to the fence or else you might harm it in the process. For instance, using a weed trimmer that uses a line rather than a blade will prevent any damages that trimming close to the fence could present.

Each aspect of your home contributes to its overall appeal. A vinyl fence is only but a small part of your whole home. However, occasionally maintaining it will accentuate the other areas and save you the cost of replacing it.

This piece on keeping lawns green on vacation was written by freelance contributor Sally Perkins.

Fencing adds value to your property in several ways. It prevents unwanted intruders that will destroy the turf that you have painstakingly nurtured over the years. If you are going on an extended holiday, you are sure that your lawn is protected from heavy foot traffic as well as the intrusion of animals that might stray into your property even if it’s your favorite friendly pooch from the other side of the fence. Fencing your property also improves its curb appeal helping you increase your home value when it’s time to sell. Even though it may be a challenge to trim the grass under the fence, a lawn also benefits from the security fences provide.

Good fences define the boundaries

Installing fences on your property especially around the lawn area screams that they are protecting the periphery. When you fence a lawn in, you reduce heavy foot traffic whether from children trampling on the grass or pets that want to run around and play with the animals next door. Your own pets also know where they can play and chill out. It’s not only flower beds that can be protected from curious and playful animals. Turf areas stand a better chance of establishing themselves well when the area is fenced reducing human foot traffic drastically. Raucous children can also learn to stay off fenced lawns making it easier to keep them green and lush.

When you’re away on vacation

It is difficult to leave for a holiday when you have a garden and lawn. But there are several ways to take care of your lawn even when away without constantly thinking about jumping on the next plane to see if your plants are okay. Remember, the grass doesn’t grow that fast when it is hot and dry such as the summer season. Nonetheless, it helps if you can trim your turf a bit so that it will be growing nicely once you are back. If you are worried about watering, give your grass a good soaking before departure provided there is no water restriction. If your neighbors are going to stick around, you might want to ask them to water your plants or irrigate the lawn. There are several irrigation techniques technologies both mechanical and manual that you can study as well to deliver water at a right time and quantity.

Fences and verdant turf areas go well together. Fencing improves the aesthetics of a home property and secures the grounds. While you are away, your lawn stands a better chance of survival if foot traffic is reduced and destructive animals are kept out by the fences.

This piece on pool fences was written by freelance contributor Sally Perkins.

When it comes to pool ownership, safety is of paramount importance. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows drowning to be the second largest cause of death in children aged 1-14 — and that many of these drownings occur in residential pools. A fence is crucial for optimizing the safety of any pool. It’s a barrier between the water and children, which prevents accidents and drowning. When choosing the best fence for your pool, it should be strong, child-proof, and durable enough to withstand weather.

What makes a pool fence safe?

First and foremost, a pool fence should be high-quality and strong enough to do the job properly. The fence shouldn’t have any footholds or large gaps between the vertical slates. Children may be tempted to climb over or squeeze through, but the fence should be designed to stop them and maintain optimal pool safety. Likewise, the ground clearance should be small enough so no one can crawl under it. A minimum height of 48 inches is recommended, but check if your area has specific regulations.

What material should I choose?

Pool fences are available in many different materials to suit your needs and budget. Glass fences offer a combination of style and practicality. People tend to choose glass for aesthetic purposes (it looks great in the garden). It is, however, expensive. Wood is a more affordable, durable material which comes in a variety of designs. Wood offers a natural look, but requires regular maintenance.

PVC is an affordable, lightweight yet sturdy material particularly resistant to harsh weather. It can even be made into a solid fence for maximum privacy. Alternatively, aluminum is a stronger material and is easy to care for. However, if privacy is a priority, PVC is a better choice.

What style is best?

The best style of fence depends on your preferences. Flat-top is a common design in which vertical bars are fixed to horizontal upper and lower bars. Loop-top fences make use of one long vertical bar which is looped at the top to form two bars. Double-top fences are similar to loop-top ones and use two upper horizontal bars (usually with decorative effect).

Lastly, every pool fence needs a gate in the same material, style, and height as the fence. The gap between the gate and the gateposts should be small (under four inches). For optimal safety, the latch should be positioned on the inside of the gate and high-up so children can’t reach it.