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Entry Designs, LLC > Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some answers to the most common questions we receive.  If you have a question that is not addressed here, please feel free to contact us.

When was Entry Designs, LLC established?

Entry Designs was established in 2007; its employees have more than 10 years of experience in the industry.

How long will the installation take?

Once an order is placed and a deposit has been received, installation will occur approximately 2-4 weeks from that point.  Factors such as change of design, masonry work, H.O.A. approval, or construction may extend delivery date.

Does powder coating prevent rust?

Powder coating is the best product available on the market to deter rust. However, there is no way to completely prevent rust with exposure to the elements. In welded joints and layered areas, rust is more likely to occur first.

Do you fix or alter existing gates or fencing?

No, we do not service or alter gates/fencing we did not manufacture.  We do offer a warranty and continued service on gates/fencing we did fabricate.

Why install an RV Gate?

Many homeowners in Arizona lead active lives that include travel, camping and recreational vehicles. Whether you spend time traveling in your RV, boating on nearby lakes, or flying over desert dunes on your ATV's, at the end of the day you need a place to store your RV, trailer or toys.

Storing boats and motor homes at a facility can be costly and require extra time when planning a trip or outing. Having a custom RV gate at home is a great solution to your larger storage needs. An RV gate provides easy access to parking your vehicle or trailer at home, where you know they are secure on your own property.

A custom RV gate can also add value and a positive visual impact to your property, while allowing you to comply with HOA parking restrictions. You can match a custom RV gate to your existing fencing and gates, or create a new design that reflects your style. Look for an RV gate with a steel frame for strength, and then you can get creative. With a variety of woods and wood finishes, varying shapes and decorative wrought iron accents, your RV gate can be as beautiful as it is functional.

There are a wide variety of styles and varying degrees of quality when it comes to RV gates. Clearly, a large RV gate needs to be well constructed and hung properly to be effective and safe.

Consider a custom RV gate to compliment your active lifestyle and enhance your property value.

I need a fence design for privacy and prefer wood fences.  What are my options?

A popular alternative to picket fencing is the new tongue and groove style.  Iit adds more privacy without sacrificing visual impact, and also adds a sturdier frame.   

What's the big deal about setting fence posts?

Fence posts must be set so that they are at the right depth and have the right shape hole, they must be plumb and evenly spaced. Even digging holes and filling them with concrete is fraught with difficulties. They must be 18-24 inches deep.  The concrete needs to stop just below ground level and have a slight crown to help keep water out of the crack around the post to avoid rusting the post.  The posts also must line up along the tops even though the ground may not be level.

The problems begins with poorly shaped holes. The top of a poorly dug hole is wider at the top than the bottom, since there is easier access to the top portion and a shovel is usually used instead of a post hole digger. The result is a V-shaped hole. Novices set fence posts in such holes, then fill the holes up with concrete and get V-shaped concrete. These posts tip over easily from pressure from dogs, horses and high winds. Posts that don't line up on top look unsightly.

What are the advantages of vinyl vs. wood fencing?

Fences tell us many things. They can inform us of territory, including where property lines are. Fences can define an area where people are forbidden to cross without permission, or where possessions, children, and animals are trying to be contained. Fences can also be used to point out beauty in our yards. For example, flowerbeds may stand out more if accented with a short fence. There are several types of fencing material available to a homeowner in today's market. Which would be more advantageous to use in your yard, vinyl or wood fencing?

Vinyl has several advantages over wood fencing. It is easy to assemble and durable. Vinyl fencing will not crack, rot, or mold, and is weather resistant. A little soap and a hard spray of water will keep this fencing clean. Paint will not chip off of vinyl fencing. Vinyl fencing is less expensive to buy over the long run than wood, and may also come with a warranty.

Are you getting ready to run out and purchase vinyl fencing? Hold on, wood fencing can be a good deal as well. Wood fencing tends to blend in with flowers, grasses, trees and other natural surroundings a little better than vinyl fencing, particularly if you do not paint or stain the wood. Wood fencing is easier to make at home using common garage tools than vinyl fencing. Wood fencing costs less than vinyl fencing up front and wood fencing, unlike vinyl fencing, is biodegradable. If worse comes to worse, you can chop up your fence and use it for firewood or for mulch in your garden.

Here are some questions that you should ask yourself before purchasing wood or vinyl fencing.

1. Do you want custom or pre-made fencing? If you want custom fencing, wood is the way to go. Wood is much easier to cut to unusual sizes or shapes than vinyl fencing, particularly if you are a "do-it-yourself-er.” It is also much easier to purchase planks of wood than planks of vinyl that are suitable for custom fencing.
2. How long before you plan on landscaping your yard again? If you do not plan on changing your fencing soon, as in the next five to ten years, vinyl fencing might be less expensive than wood over the long run. Wood fencing will rot long before vinyl fencing deteriorates.
3. What kind of look do you want in your yard? If the look is “natural,” or “rustic,” wood fencing might be the better option. Vinyl fencing has not perfected the “wood” or brown color yet. And, from a distance, vinyl seems to have the same texture as wood, but with close inspection, wood feels different to the touch.
4. Do you want to put up your fence quickly? Vinyl fencing is the way to go, particularly if you want to have a painted fence. Vinyl fencing comes “pre-painted.” As an additional benefit, vinyl fencing is less likely to show scratches than wood fencing because color is impregnated into the vinyl material. Consequently, vinyl fencing will not need to be touched up, unlike fencing made of wood.
5. Do you have concerns regarding the environment? Ultimately, wood fencing is the best option if the environment is an overriding concern for you. You can buy vinyl fencing that contains recycled materials, and you can take vinyl fencing to a recycling center if you chose to change styles or colors. However, wood can not only be recycled, it is biodegradable.

Choosing the right type of fencing is an important decision for any homeowner. A good fence can make or break the appearance of not only your yard, but your home. Whether you choose vinyl or wood for you fence, make sure that you measure correctly and follow any installation instructions carefully. Enjoy your new fence!

How do I choose an entry gate?

Choosing a gate may seem rather simple, but once you make it to the store and see all the choices it can be overwhelming. What makes one gate different from another can be a number of things. You really have to understand each gate type and your personal needs in order to choose the gate that is right for you.

Your Needs Assessment

Consider the following things before you finalize your list of needs:

  • Do you need a gate that locks?
  • Do you need to keep someone or something in or out?
  • Do you need a gate that is easy to get or out of?
  • Do you need a gate that can to bee seen through?

Here are a few other factors to consider:

  • Do you want a gate that has a lock or combination or code access?
  • Do you need a gate that automatically opens and closes?
  • Do you need a special design of gate to match your fence or home style?
  • Do you have limited space around the gate area for it to open?

Types of Gates

Here is a run down of the two common gate styles available to you:

Swing Gates: These are gates which open in two pieces - one on the left and one on the right. Smaller sized swing gates only have one piece that swings open.

Some considerations:

  • Can be equipped with automatic opener.
  • Needs room enough to swing open in front and back of gate area.
  • Can be easily locked or armed with a code pad.

Rolling Gates: These gates roll open or slide to open.

Some considerations:

  • Can be equipped with an automatic opener.
  • Compact opening so no extra room needed in front or behind gate.
  • Can be locked or armed with a code pad.
  • Easy one person opening.

Besides the basic style of gate, you will find an array of material choices, colors and sizes. There are numerous types of gates out there and you are sure to be able to easily find one to meet your needs.

You will need to look at your needs and compare them with the style of gate available to you. Make sure to choose carefully and that the gate meets all your needs.

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