Inspect your fences and gates to ensure safety and security

(ARA) - Fencing around the home is vulnerable to weather-related, accidental or intentional damage. Rain hastens rust, and ground freezing and thawing or high winds can affect gate alignment. Children swinging on gates and animals trying to get through the fence also take a toll.

Now's the time to inspect fencing, gates and gate hardware around your property to ensure all are in good working condition. Rusty metal hinges and latches or gate misalignment can lead to gates that no longer close securely. These conditions can be dangerous or even deadly if ignored.

Fences with gates in good working order -- especially those that are self-closing and self-latching -- can protect your home and property from unwanted intruders. Fences protect children from danger -- whether they're designed to keep toddlers out of swimming pools or to keep them in the yard, away from busy traffic. Fences can help keep your own pets in your yard, and other animals out. They can also reduce homeowners' liability.

Even if your fence has been erected primarily to define your property line, it's ineffective if access gates don't close or latch properly after opening. When was the last time you checked each gate around your property?

Selecting the right gate hardware can easily correct most gate closure problems. Innovative gate hinges and latches by D%26D Technologies are made of super strong engineering polymers that will not rust, are adjustable, self-lubricating and include high-grade stainless steel mounting hardware. They require little or no maintenance over the years and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Updating your gates so that they are self-closing and self-latching, improving their security and overall look, can be done in just a few minutes with these unique products. Most D%26D latches feature built-in key locks, which eliminate the hassles and extra cost of a separate padlock or pull-string. The company's TruClose hinges have a built-in self-closing spring that is tension adjustable for different gate weights with a twist of a screwdriver and eliminates those dangerous and unsightly external springs.

"In our research, we found that when homeowners consider their fencing needs, rusty metal gate hardware that no longer functions properly was their No. 1 concern," says D%26D Technologies' Senior Vice President Jim Paterson. "Most homeowners are not aware that rust-free and adjustable gate hardware, such as the hinges and latches we offer, are available."

If you have a pool, spa or want to prevent children from opening any gate, the MagnaLatch is specifically designed for these situations. First sold in the U.S. in 1994, MagnaLatch is the No. 1 selling child safety gate latch in the world, having sold more than 1 million latches worldwide. It meets most pool barrier codes and is endorsed by many safety experts.

"An important fall home improvement project should be ensuring that your fences and gates are functioning properly and are protected from rust, a destructive force that can render gate hardware useless," says Paterson. "Common gravity latches are inexpensive and function fine when new. However, as soon as rust sets in, these latches no longer close without manual assistance."

Paterson notes that rust-free gate hardware by D%26D Technologies is now available under the Stanley or National Hardware brand through select Lowe's stores or on-line at www.lowes.com, and through other hardware retailers. The hinges and latches are simple to install and most models offer vertical and horizontal adjustment to correct gate misalignment caused by ground movement, children swinging on gates, or other factors.

"For the fencing itself, rust can present greater challenges," Paterson says. "Steel fences and gates, if not protected with an effective sealant such as powder coating, must be periodically repainted with rust-resistant paint to prevent weather-related damage. Be sure to remove existing rust before painting, and use a rust-preventive primer. For wood fences, use paint specifically designed for fencing.

"Aluminum, vinyl or wood fencing can protect against rust on the fence itself," Paterson continues, "but the hardware must still be rust-free and adjustable to ensure the gate will be in working order. A quick inspection, and if needed, the minutes spent installing new gate hardware, can help protect your family and property, increasing security and decreasing liability."

See www.ddtechglobal.com, e-mail info@ddtechusa.com or call (800) 716-0888, ext. 292 for details.

Courtesy of ARAcontent