Add Curb Appeal to Your Home with a Picket Fence

Picket Fence Summerville is a traditional style that’s made up of pointed sticks or pales nailed to horizontal stringers between upright posts. 

Picket Fence

Over time, the white picket fence became a symbol of an idealized vision of middle class family life. Adding this classic style to your property has its own unique benefits.

When you add a picket fence to your property, it enhances the curb appeal of your home. This is a great way to create a welcoming first impression for guests and passersby, and it can lead to increased property value in the long run. Picket fences also offer a sense of continuity that ties together the architectural features of your house and its surroundings. In addition, they can be painted in a variety of colors that complement the exterior design and architecture of your house.

Traditional wood and low-maintenance PVC are two popular material choices for picket fences, and both are attractive in their own right. However, if you want to get the most bang for your buck, we suggest going with vinyl. This material is more durable than wood and resists rot, blistering, peeling, and warping. Plus, it can be made to look like wood, allowing you to enjoy the classic look of a picket fence without the high-maintenance costs.

A well-maintained picket fence offers many benefits to your family and your neighbors. In addition to providing a sense of security, it clearly defines your boundaries and helps keep children and pets safe while creating a pristine environment for outdoor activities. Additionally, a picket fence can help you achieve privacy without blocking out sunlight and a view of your landscaping.

Whether your yard is large or small, adding a picket fence will give it a more finished and organized look. The classic style of a picket fence is ideal for a garden or lawn and can be used to highlight other landscaping elements in your yard, such as flowers, trees, shrubs, and other plants. You can also add a pathway to your front door to create a warm and inviting welcome for visitors.

Before choosing the perfect fence for your home, check with your homeowners association to see if there are any restrictions on materials or heights. Also, be sure to consult with your landscapers and architects to ensure that your new fence fits seamlessly into the existing design of your home.

Adds Privacy

When most people think of a picket fence, they imagine a white, wood-slatted fence that creates a clean, welcoming boundary around a home. These simple, clean lines create a classic look that accentuates the beauty of any yard, adding curb appeal and creating an inviting welcome for guests and neighbors alike. Picket fences also serve a functional purpose by clearly marking property lines without obstructing views from your yard or from the street.

Because picket fences can be tailored to meet a variety of personal preferences and aesthetic concerns, they’re an ideal choice for homeowners who want to add a bit of style to their property while keeping children, pets, and unwanted visitors from entering or exiting the yard. The versatility of these fences makes them an excellent option for a range of architectural aesthetics, including traditional, colonial, and contemporary homes.

In addition to offering a classic, timeless look, picket fences can be customized with a wide range of materials and colors. From the quintessential white that invokes a sense of purity and simplicity to more vibrant hues that make a bold statement, these options allow you to create a fence that’s uniquely your own.

The basic anatomy of a picket fence hasn’t changed much over time, with posts that support the structure and fence panels running between each post. These panels contain rows of evenly spaced wooden slats, held together with rails. The height, width, and design of these slats vary according to the style of the fence, but they typically feature a rounded or scalloped top. While some people may prefer to keep their picket fences a uniform color, others choose to accent them with stain or paint, which can help to bring out the natural beauty of the wood.

Stain is a popular choice for picket fences because it provides a beautiful, organic finish that highlights the unique grain of the wood. The longevity of stain is another benefit, as two coats can last up to 10 years and are easily reapplied when needed. In addition to enhancing the look of your fence, stain also helps to protect it from damage and decay over time.

Keeps Pets and Children in

A picket fence creates a physical barrier that prevents children and pets from leaving the yard, helping to ensure their safety. This can be a lifesaver for families with young children or pets who live near busy roads, wooded areas, or bodies of water where the risk of wandering off the property is high.

A fenced-in yard is also an important selling point for many home buyers. If you are considering adding a fence to your home, a classic wooden picket fence is a timeless and beautiful option that will not only increase curb appeal but will also help keep your family safe and secure.

When it comes to choosing a fence for your home, there are a lot of factors to consider, from privacy and cost to durability and safety. A picket fence is a stylish and affordable choice that can add a great deal of value to your home. It is also a good choice for homeowners who want to keep their pets and children safe without blocking their view of the surrounding landscape.

Picket fences are made from a variety of materials, including wood and vinyl. They can be painted or stained to match the style of your home. Wood picket fences are usually made from cedar, which is naturally resistant to rot and insect damage. However, it will need to be stained and sealed on a regular basis to maintain its appearance and durability. Vinyl is an alternative to wood and offers a similar look but will not need to be repainted or stained.

It is important to choose the right height for a picket fence to keep your pets and children safe. A fence that is too low will not provide a sufficient deterrent and may encourage them to try to jump over it or dig under it. On the other hand, a fence that is too high can be difficult for children and pets to climb or jump over.

A picket fence can also be designed to include gates and other features that can make it more difficult for children and pets to escape. In addition, a gate that can be locked can help prevent unwanted guests from entering your home.

Increases Property Value

A well-built picket fence can do more than simply mark a property’s boundaries. It can also increase the overall value of a home. A traditional white picket fence is often associated with the American dream and evokes images of family-friendly suburban life. These fences can be found in many different styles and materials and are a popular choice for front and back yards. They are typically short and made from evenly-spaced pickets that are attached to rails. If you’re looking for a more stylish look, consider a picket fence with a staggered pattern of alternating shorter and longer pickets.

When it comes to boosting a home’s value, the type of fence you choose is one of the most important factors. The style and design of the fence must align with the architectural style of the house. In addition, the fence must provide a balance between privacy and openness. Lastly, the fence should be constructed with materials that are durable and require low maintenance.

Picket fences are often constructed from wood, but they are also available in less traditional materials like aluminum and vinyl. In addition, some homeowners opt to add wrought iron accents or gate designs to their picket fences to enhance their visual appeal. While a picket fence can be built from scratch, it’s usually more practical to purchase pre-fabricated fencing panels. This way, you can save time and money while still achieving the perfect look for your home.

While there are a variety of ways to boost a home’s value, it’s important to keep in mind that most home improvement projects do not yield a dollar-for-dollar return. Rather, they provide a return on investment that is proportional to the initial cost. This is why it’s essential to make smart choices when it comes to improving your home’s curb appeal, enhancing privacy and security, or adding functionality.

A white picket fence is a classic addition to any yard, and it can be an excellent way to add value to your home. By boosting your home’s curb appeal, increasing privacy and security, and adding functionality, this type of fence can make it easier to sell your home in the future.

Window Replacement Factors That Affect the Cost of Replacement Windows

The best window replacement options meet your vision and home needs without breaking the bank. A variety of factors affect the cost of replacement windows, including style, size, material and installation.

Window Replacement

Investing in professional installation is often worth it. Skilled do-it-yourselfers can save on labor costs, but using a pro also ensures your project is done correctly and offers protection with warranties. Contact Your Home Exterior Solutions for professional help.

The frame of a window is the stationary components that enclose either the sash on an operating window or the glass in a direct-glazed window. This includes the head jamb, side jambs and sill. Window frames are responsible for keeping panes of glass firmly in place, but they also protect a home from the elements and improve energy efficiency. The right window frame will last a long time and add beauty to a home’s aesthetic.

Window frames come in a variety of styles and materials, and each offers its own unique benefits. Wood frames look traditional and offer good insulation. Metal frames are affordable, durable and easy to maintain. Vinyl is a great choice for many homeowners because it’s moisture resistant and won’t warp or require staining or painting. However, it doesn’t insulate well enough to keep your home comfortable year-round.

During a window replacement, the old frame is removed and replaced with a new one that fits your specific needs and style. Window frame replacement requires precision to ensure a tight seal and optimal operation. It’s also important to select a contractor with experience replacing windows, and who uses high-quality products to ensure longevity.

If you have signs of a faulty frame, it’s important to repair it before the damage worsens. Some signs include significant drafts, condensation between double-paned windows or visible rot or water damage. Window framing replacement is typically a simple project for experienced contractors.

Aside from function, the frame also determines how your windows will look. Some frames are plain, while others have a more decorative and intricate appearance that improves a home’s curb appeal. A good window replacement company will have a variety of frame options to help you find the perfect fit for your house and budget.

In addition to the main frame structure, you’ll need to choose any necessary hardware or accessories. These can include sash locks and stops, lift handles, sash guides, stop caps, a stool and grilles. Your installation team will help you select the right frame options to complete your new replacement windows.

Glass

As your windows age, they can begin to wear out and require replacement parts. Window parts like latches, hinges, locks and handles should be regularly cleaned to remove rust or debris and lubricated to ensure smooth operation. Window parts like glazing and weatherstripping prevent air and moisture from entering your home, improving energy efficiency. Damaged or worn seals should be promptly replaced to maintain insulation and reduce drafts.

New glass options provide homeowners with the opportunity to increase energy-efficiency, improve a view, or enhance privacy. For instance, you can upgrade your standard single-pane glass to Low emissivity (Low-E) glass that helps reflect heat and keep your home more comfortable and efficient. Other enhancements include argon gas fill that insulates between the panes for increased thermal performance, or a solar control coating to limit unwanted sun penetration and interior heat gain.

Your window replacement specialist will be able to help you select the best glazing option for your home and climate. If you live in a hurricane-prone area, consider impact-resistant windows that can withstand high winds and flying debris, as well as a storm shutter to protect your interior from wind-driven rain. Or, if you want to maximize natural light and views in your home, consider slimline windows that feature narrow sashes for a clean aesthetic.

Other popular choices include double-pane or triple-pane glass, Low-E coating upgrades or combinations, insulated sills and spacers, and laminated glass. The most important thing is to find the right blend of style, functionality and durability to meet your home’s needs.

Many homeowners try to match their replacement hardware with existing hardware throughout the house. However, it’s not always necessary, especially when mixing metal finishes. Choose a main color and use different finishes to create a complementary look, or accent with a few pieces of hardware in different colors for a more subtle look.

Design

When customers are shopping for windows, they may want to consider different styles that can match the architecture of their home. They might also want to choose a style that will make cleaning and maintenance easier. In addition, many homeowners are concerned about energy efficiency and want to know if there are options available.

Window design is one aspect that can impact the overall price of a window and can be affected by materials, glazing type, frame material, glass coatings and seals and other hardware. For example, wood frames are often more expensive than aluminum or vinyl windows. However, the increased cost for wood windows comes with the added benefit of energy-efficient features, including better resistance to weather changes and lower heating and cooling costs.

The casing, or trim, around the edges of the window helps keep the frame and sash together. The window trim can be made of wood, metal or fiberglass. It can be painted or left natural to complement the surrounding décor.

In addition to the frame and sash, some windows include screens or weep holes. Screens, which are typically woven of metal, plastic or fiberglass, provide ventilation while keeping insects out of the house. Weep holes, on the other hand, are individual openings in the window sill that allow water or condensation to escape.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a new window is its ability to open and close easily. This is important not only to ensure that the window will be able to meet a homeowner’s needs but also for safety and security reasons. Windows that are difficult to open and close can become a fire hazard, especially in an emergency situation.

Other hardware, such as a vent limiter or night latch, can help increase the safety and ease of operation of the window. These devices are designed to prevent the sash from closing too far, but they can still be opened for airflow. They can be installed on most single- or double-hung windows, sliding windows and casement and awning windows.

Some windows also feature special coatings that can reduce the amount of radiant heat allowed through the window or even reflect it back into the room. This can significantly improve a home’s energy efficiency. This type of glass is typically called Low-E and has a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) below or equal to 0.25.

Installation

Depending on the size of the window, the window frame can be assembled either in-place or in a separate window opening. The installation process can vary based on the type of frame, materials used in the wall system and whether the window is being installed as a new-construction or replacement window. A skilled professional will be able to help homeowners understand what to expect for the best results.

A high-quality contractor will take precautions to protect the home from debris, dirt and weather during the replacement window installation process. For example, tarps will be placed over any area where construction will occur to minimize damage. They will also keep the work area clean, sweeping and vacuuming continuously to avoid leaving dust and debris behind. They may even offer to move furniture and other decorations if necessary.

The process of replacing a window will start by carefully removing the old sash and panels without damaging the wall and frame. A utility knife can be used to cut through any sealant or caulk holding the window in place, allowing the sash to slide free. Once the window is loose, a level can be used to ensure it is plumb and level. If it isn’t, wooden shims can be added to the frame to ensure proper alignment and positioning.

With the window sash removed, the installer will add insulation to the gap between the new frame and the existing wall. Adding insulation helps prevent heat loss and cold air infiltration, saving homeowners money on energy costs. A putty knife is then used to stuff the insulation into any cracks and voids around the window, making sure not to overstuff. Then, exterior caulk is applied to seal the gap and prevent water leaks.

Once the caulk is dry, the installer can add screws along the flange of the window to keep it in place. The screws should be tight, but not so tight that they deform the frame or interfere with the sash operation. The installer will then sand any rough areas on the new frame and finish with paint, if desired.

Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood tugged at audiences’ heartstrings with her small role as a girl who doubted Santa Claus in Miracle on 34th Street. She also received critical acclaim for her roles in Splendor in the Grass and Love with a Proper Stranger.

Natalie Wood

She was a natural for roles that required her to age, from the doubting child to the yearning high school girl in Rebel Without a Cause. She embraced psychoanalysis and even stipulated time off her film contracts for sessions.

Natalie Wood was born in San Francisco on July 20, 1938 to Russian immigrant parents. Her mother, Mary Tatuloff, had unfulfilled dreams of becoming a ballet dancer and transferred those ambitions onto her daughter. She often took Wood to the cinema so that she could study films of Hollywood child stars.

Natalie’s film career started slowly but soon she was in demand for roles in leading and supporting roles. Her breakthrough came with 1955’s Rebel Without a Cause, which was hailed as groundbreaking in its portrayal of teenage rebellion and angst. Wood’s performance earned her an Academy Award nomination.

The film was also a box-office success, which led to her being signed by 20th Century Fox. She was under contract and sometimes had to make movies she didn’t want to, which frustrated her. However, she was able to find her way into adult films such as Inside Daisy Clover and This Property is Condemned, both of which garnered her Oscar nominations.

In her personal life, Wood’s volatile relationships were the source of much controversy. In 1956 she married fellow actor Robert Wagner, despite her mother’s objections. They separated in 1961 and eventually divorced, but remarried in 1972. Wood had a daughter with her second husband, and the two stayed together until her death in 1981.

Despite being only 43 years old, Natalie Wood left behind an indelible mark on the world of film. She was a natural beauty and had a captivating presence on screen. She was well-known for her dark-eyed, doe-eyed stare, which was so mesmerizing that it captivated audiences for generations. Her death off the coast of Southern California’s Catalina Island remains a mystery to this day, but an autopsy showed that she had a high blood alcohol level and was taking pain killers and motion sickness pills at the time of her drowning.

Her parents migrated from Russia

Natalie Wood starred in several small film parts as a child before gaining wider recognition with 1947’s Miracle on 34th Street, in which she tugged at heartstrings as a girl who questions Santa Claus. She continued to win the hearts of audiences with roles that highlighted her doe-eyed beauty and expressive face. She portrayed characters who were sensitive and vulnerable, as well as those who were high-strung and neurotic.

In 1961, Wood cemented her status as a major star with appearances in Splendor in the Grass and West Side Story. In the former, she portrayed a young woman distraught over a love affair; for her performance, she received an Oscar nomination. In the latter, she portrayed a young woman who falls in love with a boy from the “other side of the tracks.”

Although she had many more roles to come, her career was cut short by her untimely death in 1981 at age 43. The cause of her death remains a mystery. There are conflicting accounts from the authorities, boat captain Dennis Davern, and Wood’s sister Lana. In addition, sensational tabloid articles and celebrity TV segments have fueled the debate.

Despite her death, Wood’s legacy lives on. She devoted her life to promoting children’s rights, donating a collection of ancient art to UCLA, and creating a scholarship for college students interested in the arts. Today, her daughter Natasha and granddaughter Courtney continue to carry on her name with a fragrance line and their charitable work. A portion of the proceeds from the Natalie Wood fragrance goes to CoachArt, an organization that teaches art and athletics to chronically ill children. Wood’s spirit and beauty live on in the hearts of her fans.

Her first film was Miracle on 34th Street

The young Natalie Wood landed her first big role in the 1947 Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street. She plays a precocious girl who suspects that the department store Santa Claus is real. The movie is still seen every holiday season on television and has inspired countless remakes. It starred Fred MacMurray, Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, and Edmund Gwenn. Wood received her second Oscar nomination for this film, which is considered her breakout role.

Natalie Wood’s acting career continued to blossom throughout the 1950s. She had a number of notable movies, including the 1955 drama Rebel Without a Cause, where she acted alongside James Dean. She also appeared in several romantic melodramas, including Splendor in the Grass and Love with a Proper Stranger.

In 1961, Wood began to take on more adult roles. She portrayed a woman distraught over a broken romance in the movie Love with a Proper Stranger, which earned her another Best Actress nomination. The same year, she appeared in the hit musical West Side Story. She would have gone on to play more matriarchal roles had she not drowned on the island of Catalina in 1981.

After her success with Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Wood starred in a number of television films. In 1976, she appeared in the TV version of Tennessee Williams’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, which garnered her positive reviews. She also starred in the 1980 comedy The Last Married Couple in America and a sci-fi thriller, Brainstorm, starring Christopher Walken. However, these films did not receive much commercial or critical success. In addition, she suffered from health problems in her later years.

Her breakout role was in Rebel Without a Cause

Natalie Wood became one of the biggest movie stars of her time. She was nominated for three Oscars and starred in dozens of films. She began her career as a child actress in 1947’s Miracle on 34th Street and gained renown as a teenager in Rebel Without a Cause and 1956’s The Searchers. She later starred in musicals such as West Side Story and Gypsy Rose Lee. She was also a successful television actress, appearing in numerous miniseries and shows including Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice.

Wood’s breakthrough role came at the age of sixteen in 1955’s Rebel Without a Cause. The film was a groundbreaking portrayal of teenage rebellion, and it made Natalie a star. She co-starred with James Dean and Sal Mineo, and her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination.

Following Rebel, Wood starred in All the Fine Young Cannibals and The Yearling, both of which received mixed reviews. Then she starred in a western called The Searchers, which was a box office hit and received critical acclaim. Despite this success, Wood’s mother continued to push her into projects she didn’t want to do. She felt she was miscast in her role as a white girl who is abducted and raised by Native Americans. This led to a strain on her marriage with actor Robert Wagner, and she suffered from depression.

In 1970, Wood married British producer Richard Gregson and had a daughter, Natasha. She then took on fewer roles and focused more on her personal life, but she remained popular with audiences. She received positive reviews for her performances in a televised version of Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and the 1979 television miniseries From Here to Eternity.

Her most memorable role was in The Searchers

The Searchers is a classic western that was well-received both critically and commercially. It features a young Natalie Wood in one of her most important roles to date. Her performance is memorable because of her range, as well as the complexity of her character. The film follows Ethan Edwards, who returns home to Texas after the Civil War and finds that Comanches killed his brother’s family and kidnapped his nieces. He sets out on a perilous journey to find his nieces and avenge his family’s loss.

The film is a dark and gritty Western that deviates from the typical wholesome, uplifting icons found in most American movies. It explores themes of racial hatred, fear, and the struggle for belonging and family. The Searchers is also a visual treat, with its use of bold colors and wide-screen VistaVision Technicolor photography. The scenery of the Southwest, complete with sandstone buttes and giant rock formations, is eye-filling and awe-inspiring.

After the success of Rebel Without a Cause, Natalie Wood received many offers for new films. She starred in several films, including a number of comedies and melodramas. She paired with teen heartthrob Tab Hunter for some of these films. Unfortunately, the pairing did not produce any significant box office results.

In 1961, Wood starred in West Side Story, a modern retelling of Romeo and Juliet. Her role of Maria, a restless Puerto Rican girl, was an important part of the movie’s success. It was a major breakthrough for Wood, demonstrating her emotional range and complex characterization.

In her later years, Wood struggled with erratic personal and professional choices. She divorced twice and married actor Robert Wagner in 1972. He was also her costar in the sci-fi thriller Brainstorm, which she was shooting at the time of her death.