o Answer: We at BULLHEAD feel that customers should be
given credit for having common sense when it comes to selecting the best value
from a wide assortment of similar products, especially where quality and long
life of the product are a major consideration.
We believe that fencing should be included among those products. Anyone willing to invest a significant amount
of money in such an important enhancement of property improvement needs to
know certain facts about marketing ploys currently prevalent throughout the
industry.
§
FACT ONE:
· Not all
metal fencing is nor should it be labeled as, “Wrought Iron”.
o Wrought
iron (or steel) is historically known to be hand or machine forged products.
o Made
from solid rods, bars, or other structural shaped iron(steel) or cast products
of the same genre.
o These
products are normally decorative, functional, and long lasting.
o Many
outstanding examples can be found throughout the USA
and Europe which have been around for hundreds of years.
§
FACT TWO:
·
Most of
what is called “Wrought Iron” fence is simply very thin light weight sheet
metal that has been slit, roll formed and machine welded into hollow tubular
shapes.
o Some
of this fencing may sport “Cast Iron” finials and other “Wrough Iron”
decorative embellishments.
o Such
products typically deteriorate over time from the inside out, due to moisture
assisted oxidation inside the hollow space.
o Compared
to solid iron products tubular fencing is short lived.
§
FACT THREE:
·
Many
so-called “Wrought Iron” tubular fence products are dependent upon their finish
for longevity.
o Powder
coated paint finishes are not the “end all” for paint finished products. If powder coating were as good as many claim,
industries such as the automobile industry would surely be using them.
o Powder
coat paint finishes are subject to deterioration as are all known paint
finishes. Their expected life in outdoor
use is only as good as the underlying material surface and fabrication
techniques allow.
o Any
small crack or void in joinery of parts will permit deterioration to set in and
flaking of the paint is sure to take place.
o Refinishing
becomes an expensive and arduous chore requiring removal of old paint by
sandblasting or dangerous chemical means before new paint can be effectively
applied.
Back to TOP
·
What makes this a 100 year fence?
o Answer: All the fencing sold by Bullhead is 100%
solid steel which has been manufactured and formulated as it has been done for
well over 100 years. This fencing is
found in place around the finest homes and businesses throughout the US. It is very popular for enclosing churches and
cemeteries. The original way of
installing this fence was uncoated. This
fence can be found in the most demanding locations which includes very low
temperatures with lots of snow and ice as well as the sea shore with its high
salt content. Even in the harshest
conditions solid iron fence has stood the test of time.
Back
to TOP
·
Is this fence powder coated?
o Answer: The use of powder coating on the iron fence
has been evaluated many times, but it did not provide the life expectancy
required for the following reasons:
§
Being a fence, the product is very susceptible
to being scratched by either animals who are being kept in the fenced in area
or by people outside the fence. When the
powder coat was scratched it was found that making repairs to the damaged
powder coat was very difficult and even when repaired it will tend to flake off
starting at the point of the damage.
§
The second problem uncovered was an inability to
adequately apply a new coating after a period of time. Since the fence is designed for a life span
in excess of 100 years, it is assumed that even though the fence can survive
very well with no coating, and that most
fence owners will repaint it at least every 20 years. It was found that the material that was
powder coated required extensive work to remove the old powder coat so as to make
it ready for repainting since it is very difficult to make a new coating adhere
to powder coating.
Back
to TOP
·
If powder coat does not provide an acceptable
surface what are you using that makes your solution superior?
o Answer: Bullhead fence and its parent company TIF has
worked extensively with both European and US based coating suppliers to develop
a water based coating that meets the following requirements:
§
It allows for dip coating the product. This ensures an even coating across every
part of the product, even in the little crevasses that spray coating methods do
not reach.
§
The coating application process is
environmentally friendly.
§
IT does allow for more than one application of
the coating to be applied when the customer requests a thicker coating.
§
If the coating is damaged in shipping or
installation, it can be repaired with no ill effects on the original
coating. If the fence is scratched as a
result of use, this will not have any affect on the remainder of the coating
surrounding the scratch.
o The
suppliers have provided a coating which is now used on all Bullhead fences,
that meets all of these requirements and is far superior to any other coating
used on fencing products. These same
suppliers supply the coatings used on ships, bridges, oil rigs, and pipe lines
to mention a few. All of these,
including our fence product, are expected to have coatings that last a minimum
of 10 years to 20 years with no maintenance.
When damaged they must be able to be repaired without having to recoat
the whole structure. All of these
structures, like our fencing, are expected to operate in the most hostile
conditions possible and remain well protected and good looking.
Back
to TOP
·
What is the recommended approach to repairing
scratches?
o Answer: To repair a scratch, Satin Black Rustolium
matches exactly in color to the dip paint we use and can be used wherever
necessary.
o We
can also supply some of the original coating to installers who are doing a
large volume of fence installation and find a need for the exact same type of
coating.
Back
to TOP
·
How does the fence come to me?
o Answer: The fence is shipped to you, fully assembled,
ready to install, with the exception of the non forged finials.
o The
finials are installed using a set screw, which allows for easy replacement of
damaged finials. When a fence is shipped
to the customer we supply the customer with 3 or 4 additional finials, so they
have the ability to replace any damaged finials without having to contact the
original installer. These are installed
once the fence is in place.
Back
to TOP
·
Why do you make a distinction between non-forged
and forged finials?
o Answer: The fence pickets are supplied either with no
finials or with a forged serpentine finial.
The forged finals are integrated into the picket.
o The
pickets that are supplied with no finials can be installed without finials or
can be supplied with many different types of finials, as desired by your
customer.
Back
to TOP
·
Which fence segments do you recommend using as a
swimming pool barrier?
o Answer: The only fence and gate segments meeting all
these requirements at this time are the 58 inch segments. These have 48 inches between the horizontal
members so a small child cannot use the horizontal member of the fence segments
as a ladder over the barrier. In each of
the other sizes of the fence segments, the 46 inch and the 70 inch, the
horizontal members are too close together to restrict their use as a ladder.
o The
Florida Building Code has the following requirements:
§
The top of the barrier shall be at least 48
inches above grade measured on the side away from the pool.
§
The maximum vertical clearance between the grade
and the bottom of the barrier shall be 2 inches on the side away from the pool.
§
The opening in any barrier shall not allow
passage of a 4 inch diameter sphere.
§
When the barrier is composed of horizontal and
vertical members, and the distance between the tops of the horizontal member is
less than 45 inches, the horizontal member shall be located on the pool side of
the fence and the spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 1 ¾ inches
in width. When there are decorative
cutouts within the vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not
exceed 1 ¾ inches.
§
When the barrier is composed of horizontal and
vertical members, the distance between the tops of the horizontal member is 45
inches or more, the spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4 inches
in width. When there are decorative
cutouts within the vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not
exceed 1 ¾ inches.
§
Access gates, when provided, shall be
self-closing and shall comply with the requirements of the fence segments
above. The gates shall be equipped with
a self-latching locking device located on the pool side of the gate. The locking device release shall be located
no less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism may
be located on either side of the gate and so placed that it cannot be reached
by a young child over the top or through any opening or gap from the
outside. Gates that provide access to
the swimming pool must open outward away from the pool. The gates and barrier shall have no opening
greater than ½ inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism.
Back
to TOP
·
Can we combine the decorative gates and fence
segments with the manufactured bullhead fence and gates?
o Answer: Yes!
This is a very popular way of reducing the cost of an elaborate
decorative iron fence. Many customers
will use the decorative posts and fence segments in areas where a structurally
good fence is required, but the decorative aspects of the fence are not
necessary, or appreciated. The more
elaborate fences will be placed around the homes or where it is deemed that
there is a need for more decorative features and are wanted with a very
structurally sound fence.
Back
to TOP
·
Does Bullhead have a line of driveway gates?
o Answer: Bullhead has a line of pedestrian gates that
many customers have combined to create larger entrances.
o Bullhead
is a wholly owned part of Texas Iron and Fence.
TIF has specialized in the creation of very elaborate pedestrian and
driveway gates as well as fence segments.
By using the capabilities of TIF, Bullhead Fence is able to offer a very
large number of attractive gates for all purposes. Because the gates in most cases are unique to
the customer most of these are special ordered.
o Bullhead
is currently working on defining a standard set of driveway and pedestrian
gates to enhance its line of standard product offerings.
Back
to TOP
·
Why are the Bullhead 4’, 5’, and 6’ fence
segments 2 inches shorter than 4’, 5’, and 6’?
o Answer: Bullhead fence segments are sold as being 94
inches long and 46 inches, 58 inches, and 70 inches high. When installed, the length of the fence will
be 96 inches long, which includes the 2 inches for the post or 8 foot. Likewise the fence segment is expected to be
installed 2 inches off the grade so as to provide clearance under the fence to
allow for maintenance. As a result, when
installed, the installed height of the 46 inch segment is 48 inches or 4 foot
high, the installed height of the 58 inch segment is 60 inches or 5 foot high,
and the installed height of the 70 inch segment is 72 inches or 6 feet high.
Back
to TOP
·
Can the Bullhead fence segments be racked to
allow for grade?
o Answer: The Model 500 picket fence can be racked to
compensate for grade at the rate of 1.883 inches of vertical movement per foot
of horizontal distance, or 14.75 inches per 94 inch fence segment.
o The
Model 100 loop and picket fence segment cannot be racked.
Back
to TOP
·
Do you have to weld the fence segments to the
fence posts?
o Answer: There is no welding required to install the
Bullhead fence segments. Bullhead has
developed a mounting bracket which can be used to mount the fence segments to
the fence post. This bracket uses a set
screw to secure the bracket to the fence segment and a self tapping bolt to
secure the bracket to the post.
o If
welding is the preferred mounting technique by the customer or the installer
there is nothing to prohibit its use.
Back
to TOP
·
How are the Bullhead fence segments built?
o Answer: Panels are 100% solid steel. Pickets are available with a one-piece forged
serpentine finial or are plain. Cast
iron finials with setscrews are available for plain pickets and require no
welding. Fence rails are 1 ¼ in. x ½ in.
x 1/8 in. Bar Channel. The pickets are
12 mm (1/2”) Solid Round Bar.
o The
space from the center picket to the center of the next picket is 4 3/8
inches. The space between pickets is 3
7/8 inches.
o All
Panels are forged together and are rigid.
Bullhead fence is using a patented process that enables Bullhead to
reproduce the same cold forging process on a high volume basis that has been
employed since the first iron fence was built.
This process has stood the test of time.
o All
cast iron finials are available for panels without serpentine forged
pickets. The cast iron finals are
pre-painted and come with setscrews. The
same applies to post caps and fence panel-mounting brackets.
o All
fence panels are 94 inches long. The
fence panels are available in heights of 46 inches, 58 inches, and 70
inches. The 70-inch fence panel comes
with three rails. The other panels have
two rails.
Back
to TOP
·
How are the Bullhead gates built?
o Answer: Each gate has a welded on side bar of 1 ¼
inch x 3/8 inch flat bar steel. The gates
can be ordered with upgraded forged scrolls on the end sidebars by adding a “U”
to the part number of the gate ordered.
All pickets in the gates are forged in place and welded on the underside
of the rails. The gate rails are 1 ¼ in.
x ½ in. x 1/8 in Bar Channel.
o Gates
come with easy swing hinges and latches.
o Each
pedestrian gate currently in the Bullhead line has a standard width of 44
inches and is available in heights of 46 inches, 58 inches, and 70 inches. The 70-inch gate has three rails instead of
the two used on the shorter gates.
Back
to TOP
·
What materials are used in the construction of
the Bullhead fence segements?
o Answer: The rails for Bullhead fence are made from 1
¼” x ½” x 1/18” solid bar channel iron.
Round holes are punched on the channel iron. Solid 1/2” round bar pickets (12mm) are
pressed through the channel and forged in place on the under side of the
channel, so as to leave the forge marks unseen.
o Finials
are of two types of construction. Either
type is available. One is a forged
serpentine finial that is forged directly on the end of each picket. The second is one of two different cast iron
finials that are attached with a setscrew to a plain picket.
o All
parts of the fence which include the fence panels, posts, gates, brackets, and
finials are coated with an exclusive long-lasting, space-age protective
coating, which unlike the powder coating used on low-end tubular steel and
aluminum panels, can be easily touched up if that need should arise.
Back
to TOP
·
What materials are used on the fence posts?
o Answer: Fence posts are available in two heights, 72
inches and 96 inches. It is recommended
that the 72 inch high post be used for the 4-foot high fence. In this configuration, 2 inches are left
between the button of the fence and the ground to make it easer to trim under
the fence, and 24 inches of the post are imbedded in concrete.
o All
of the posts are made of 14-gage steel (0.0747 inches on averages). The 72-inch post is 2 inches square and the
96 in post comes in 2 inch and 2 ½ inch sizes.
o The
2 1/2-inch post can be used with the 58-inch and 70 inch fence segments
normally. The 2-1/2 inch post is used with the 70-inch fence segments.
Back
to TOP
·
With the weight of this fence how is this
shipped?
o Answer: Bullhead Fence will ship your order anywhere
in the world. We pride ourselves on
building a superior product, and to ensure that it arrives at it destination in
the same shape as it was shipped, each order will be crated to minimize the
chances of damage in transit. The cost
associated with crating your shipment will automatically be calculated based on
the size of the order.
o Due
to the weight of the iron fence, your order will usually be shipped common
carrier. We ship freight collect, so you
pay the actual shipping charges. We do
not make a profit on shipping.
Back
to TOP
·
What is the warranty and guarantee?
o Answer: Bullhead Fence guarantees your satisfaction
with our products. We have sold and
shipped many fences, gates, and posts since we have been in business. Customers we have spoken to have told us that
what they received was better than they expected.
o Please
be aware that should you be unsatisfied with the product, any returns must be
made within 30 days and before any pieces to be returned have been installed or
assembled in any way. Also, for a return
to be authorized, it must be accompanied by a RMA (Return Material
Authorization) number or it will not be accepted as a valid return.
o There
is a lifetime warranty on all materials and workmanship.
Back
to TOP
·
What is the actual Bullhead Fence General
Warranty?
Answer: General Warranty
BULLHEAD FENCE COMPANY, LLC offers
a lifetime warranty of structural materials and workmanship on its fence and
gate panel products in accordance with the followingterms and conditions:
·
Warranty of materials and workmanship
o Shall
include replacement of defective or inferior material used by Bullhead in the
manufacture of its fence and gate products.
Any claim of failure or defectiveness shall be made in writing by the
original purchaser to BULLHEAD FENCE or its Authorized Representative, along
with proof of purchase, and shall specify the nature of the defect and when it
was first observed.
o This
guarantee does not apply when failure or damage is due to improper maintenance,
use, application or installation, abuse, vandalism, or acts of God.
o Bullhead
Fence reserves the right to inspect the material and determine claim
validity. Claim is responsible for all
costs of removal of old and installation of new replacement materials.
o Bullhead
Fence does not authorize any other person to make any other warranties on our
behalf, including any dealer of the product, and no other agreement is valid.
·
Warranty of paint
o Bullhead
Fence warrants the adhesion of the paint coating for a period of one year.
o Warranty
excludes damage resulting from:
§
Scratches or abrasions incurred during
transportation, handling, or installation of the fence including welding.
§
Exposure to water containing chemicals or
fertilizers to the fence.
§
Failure to follow instructions set forth in the
installation and maintenance guide.
·
Rights under state law
o Some
states do not allow an exclusion or limitation of consequential damages,
o So
the above limitations or exclusions may not apply.
o This
warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights
which vary from state to state.
·
To activate warranty
o The
included warranty information must be filled out and signed within 15 days from
the date the purchase.
o A
copy of the the original receipt of purchase must be included.
o Upon
receipt of this information, acknowledgment will be sent along with our
Warranty Agreement by an authorized Bullhead Fence Company staff member.
o Warranties
as prescribed herein are then in effect.
Back
to TOP
