Crystal River Pool Fence

11/02/2017

10/10/2017

Do you need a pet pool fence? Customizing home environments as we age is a normal, natural process. We understand the importance of preserving a safe and hazard free environment for every family member. Aging pets can be considered just as important.

Pets become so much more than “pets”. They become an important part of our family. As they age, our furry family members face many of the same aging problems we do. These include, failing eyesight and depth perception, as well as restricted and limited mobility to name a few. These examples alone are reason enough to consider how to keep them safe near the swimming pool to prevent tragedy at home.

The truth is, like children, pets frequently drown since they have difficulty climbing out of a swimming pool. The emotional guilt and devastation of such an event can be all consuming. Our furry companions look to us for their every need, even more so as they reach the golden years. Therefore, look to Pool Guard for uniquely designed pet fences in custom heights that will keep your “fur-baby” safe. The result will be unmatched peace of mind for many years to come.

Give Aluminum Structure LLC a call at 352-563-2977 to set up your free estimate today!

10/10/2017

09/15/2017

If your gutters, screen room, or pool cage was damaged during the hurricane give Aluminum Structure LLC a call at 352-563-2977 to set up your free estimate. We can handle all your aluminum needs.

09/06/2017

BE PREPARED: Hurricane supply list ahead of Irma

Your kit should consist of non-perishable food, medications, and water to last for at least 72 hours in a disaster, among other essential supplies to survive a disaster.

In addition to the items below, families should take into consideration pets and any special needs for elderly family members and children.

Also, families should make sure to fill your cars with gas, fill prescriptions, get extra cash out of the bank, and fill plastic bags with water and place them in the freezer.

For a basic disaster kit, you should have the following items stored in airtight plastic bags that fit into one or two easy to carry containers like plastic bins or a duffel bag.
-Water: one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation (extra water for pets)
-Food - At least three days worth of non-perishable food to include canned soups, canned fruits & veggies, powdered or canned milk, dried fruit, powdered or individually packaged drinks, cereal, cookies, crackers, peanut butter and jelly, coffee and tea, canned meats and fish, etc.
-Flashlight and extra batteries
-A First-Aid kit
-Extra cellphone battery chargers fully charged
-Moist towelettes or baby wipes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
-Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
-Manual can opener
-Whistle to signal for help
-Local maps
-Prescription medications
-Non-prescription medications like pain relievers, antacids, anti-diarrhea medication
-Glasses, contact lens solution
-Baby supplies: Plenty of formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, etc.
-Pet food
-Cash
-Candles
-Fuel and fuel can
-Ice chest and ice
-Non electric clock
-Portable radio, battery-powered or handcrank
-Toiletries
-Window protection
-Family documents, copies of insurance policies, IDs, bank account records, birth certificates, passports in a waterproof, portable container and/or saved electronically
-Sleeping bags/blankets
-Fire extinguisher
-Matches in waterproof container
-Feminine hygiene products
-Paper plates, cups, paper towels, plastic utensils
-Bleach (not scented or color safe). Bleach can be used as a disinfectant using nine parts water to one part bleach, or to treat water by using 16 drops bleach per gallon of water.
-Dust mask and plastic sheeting and cut tape to help filter contaminated air
-Books, games, activities for children

09/05/2017

Swimming Pool Safety

​What is the best way to keep my child safe around swimming pools?
An adult should actively watch children at all times while they are in a pool. For infants and toddlers, an adult should be in the water and within arm’s reach, providing “touch supervision.” For older children, an adult should be paying constant attention and free from distractions, like talking on the phone, socializing, tending household chores, or drinking alcohol. The supervising adult must know how to swim.

Pool Rules
-If you have a pool, insist that the following rules are followed:
-Keep toys away from the pool when the pool is not in use.
-Empty blow-up pools after each use.
-No tricycles or other riding toys at poolside.
-No electrical appliances near the pool.
-No diving in a pool that is not deep enough.
-No running on the pool deck.
-Pool Fences
Children can climb out a window, through a doggy door, or sneak out a door to get to the back yard and the pool. To prevent small children from entering the pool area on their own, there should be a fence that completely surrounds the pool or spa. Combined with the watchful eyes of an adult, a fence is the best way to protect your child and other children who may visit or live nearby.

Pool fences should also:
Be climb-resistant and should not have anything alongside it (such as lawn furniture) that can be used to climb it.
Be at least 4 feet high and have no footholds or handholds that could help a child climb it.
Have no more than 4 inches between vertical slats. Chain-link fences are very easy to climb and are not recommended as pool fences. If they must be used, the diamond shape should not be bigger than 1¾ inches.
Have a gate that is well maintained and is self-closing and self-latching. It should only open away from the pool. The latches should be higher than a child can reach – 54 inches from the bottom of the gate.
For above-ground pools always keep children away from steps or ladders. When the pool is not in use, lock or remove the ladders to prevent access by children.

Give Aluminum Structure LLC a call at 352-563-2977 to set up your free estimate today!!

09/05/2017

Gutters and Downspouts are Critical for Proper Water Drainage

If you own a home or are planning to build one the use of gutters and downspouts should be reviewed and given some serious consideration. We live in an environment where afternoon thunderstorms are the norm. To many homeowners gutters and downspouts become an area to cut costs and this is unfortunate since they play an integral role in protecting our homes from the damaging effects of water. Properly installed gutters and downspouts can save money and a great deal of headaches down the road and are worth their installation costs many times over in my honest opinion. This post is meant to give homeowners a better understanding of their operation and just why they are so critical for proper water drainage.

Without gutters, during a rain storm the water flows down our roof structures, off the eave of the home, and lands near the base of the home. Over time this flow of water near the base of the home may erode the soil near the home resulting in a grade that back pitches towards the house. This can lead to pooling of water next the home, water intrusion into the home, and even possible settlement of the foundation in some instances.

Another common occurrence is the deterioration of exterior doors and door frames from the constant contact of water flowing off the roof and landing at the base of the home. Most of these moisture problems can be avoided with the installation and proper maintenance of gutters and downspouts around the perimeter of the home. Gutters and downspouts will move the majority of rainwater away from the home either underground or into an approved drainage collection site. This proper water drainage can save a home from the damaging effects of water. If downspouts do discharge at grade level it is important to extend the downspouts a minimum of five feet away from the base of the home. This simple procedure will help prevent moisture from entering a home a reduce the damaging effects of water exposure over an extended period of time.

With proper gutters and downspouts installed it is equally important to properly maintain and clean the gutters and downspouts as often as necessary to ensure they function properly. There are several tools available on the market that are specifically designed to remove debris that naturally accumulates over time. Proper cleaning of your gutters and downspouts will ensure they function as intended for years to come. Here in Florida it is a good practice to clean your gutters twice a year in both spring and fall.

In the event that you need gutters and downspouts installed I recommend contacting a firm that specializes in their installation. While they are simple in their operation they require skill and sufficient manpower to properly install them. Once they are installed and are properly draining water away from your home you will be pleased. The cost to install gutters and downspouts will be worth the thousand of dollars in repairs and throbbing headaches that will likely be avoided down the road.

Give Aluminum Structure LLC a call at 352-563-2977 to set your free estimate today!!

09/01/2017

Tips on Pool Fence Safety to Reduce Your Liability
There’s nothin’ more inviting on a hot summer day than a cool dip. And that can lead to trouble if your pool lacks a child-proof fence.

Installing a fence around your swimming pool is a smart security measure that prevents kids from having unsupervised access. In many areas, the law and your insurance company may also require it. But how do you know what kind of fence to pick?

Here’s where things get tricky.

There Are No Standard Requirements
The U.S. does not have a federal pool fence law. Instead, pool barriers are regulated at the state and local level.

Wait, it gets more complicated.

There are exemptions built into these laws. For example, families with children over 6 years old don’t have to install a pool fence in Arizona — unless you live in Scottsdale, Glendale, and several other areas.

See what I mean? It’s confusing.

Then you have to consider that although your pool might be exempt from fencing laws, your insurance company might require it.

So, what to choose?
Follow These Recommendations to Be Safe
Here’s a list of features every pool fence should have, based on legal requirements across the states and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission:
-Height: Some areas require a 4-ft. fence; the CPSC recommendation is 4 ft. or taller.
-Structure: Must be impossible for children to climb.
-Type: Permanent fencing is ideal because of durability.
-Gate: All states require that they open outward away from the pool area, and be self-closing and self-latching.
-Materials: Structures can be made from a wide range of stuff including wood, vinyl, and aluminum. However, make sure the material you pick is not easily susceptible to damage.

The 3 Most Popular Types of Fences
--Removable mesh pool fencing: Many consumers like this option because it’s an easy-to-move transparent barrier. But when it comes to safety, don’t skimp. The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals has set a standard for fences like these that is recognized worldwide. Here in the U.S., it has the approval of the American Society for Testing and Materials. So if you go with a mesh barrier, make sure it meets or exceeds the ASTM requirements. In many areas this is also mandatory by law.
--Vertical bar fencing: Structures can be made from a wide range of stuff including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and wrought iron. However, make sure the material you pick is not easily susceptible to damage. In most states, the space between the vertical bars can’t be more than 4 inches wide.
--Glass panel fencing: Barriers like these are very popular in California. They are durable and safe because they’re made from tempered glass. Plus, since they’re transparent, they don’t detract from your pool’s beauty.

Add Additional Protection
Keep in mind: Many states, such as New York and California, require layers of protection in addition to fencing.

Examples of additional layers of security include:

-Automatic rigid pool covers
-An underwater motion swimming pool alarm
-Rescue equipment

But who do you contact in your area to get the skinny on swimming pool safety? Since every state and county sets up their agencies differently, try contacting the following departments in your area:

Building Code Department
Department of Health
Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
How did we find stuff? We Googled “swimming pool safety” along with the name of our county and state.

To see a wide range of security features and measures to make your pool as safe and liability-proof as possible, check out this video by the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, in conjunction with the CPSC.

Give Aluminum Structure LLC a call at 352-563-2977 to set up your free estimate today!!

09/01/2017

Avoid These 5 Dangers of Clogged Gutters

If you thought gutter guards were just a convenience item to eliminate the hassle of dragging out the ladder and dredging mucky clumps of rotting leaves, moss and who knows what else, we can tell you there’s so much more to it. Clogged gutter problems cause serious damage and danger to you and your home—damage and danger that you can avoid (along with the hassle), if you install gutter guards. These are just 5 Dangers of Clogged Gutters:

1. Gutter Damage Can Cause Foundation Damage
Clear gutters do yeoman’s work channeling rain water away from the foundation to protect your entire house. If you have clogged gutters, water can cause all kinds of expensive damage in itself. More often than not, chronic water in the foundation can cause cracks that will shift the very structure of the house, making it unsafe for you and your family to live in.

2. Clogged Gutter Problems Lead to Roof Damage
Of course, your roof can also suffer without fully-functional gutters. Improperly diverted water can pool in places, causing leaks that get into the frame and fascia of the house, not to mention the roof itself. This can lead to root rot, mold and mildew that can cause health problems and cost thousands of dollars to remedy.

3. Clogged Gutters Can Cause Cracks and Shifts in Sidewalks and Driveways
Another frequent danger of clogged gutters and poor drainage is water perpetually getting onto and under your sidewalks and driveways. Just like the foundation, the concrete and asphalt of your driveways and walkways can crack and become damaged or shift, necessitating expensive repairs.

4. Gutter Damage and Landscape Erosion
When gutters back up and water splashes out in areas where it shouldn’t, torrents of water can wash away mulch, kill your plants from over watering and even attract unwanted pests. All of this, along with cracked sidewalks and driveways, can pile extra repair work and cost on you, while also damaging your home’s curb appeal if you ever want to put it on the market.

5. Clogged Gutter Problems Can Hurt You!
We talked about the hassle of dragging out and climbing up the ladder at the beginning of this article, but for many people, this isn’t just a hassle—it can be dangerous too. Climbing up without someone to spot you, or inadvertently digging your hands into a wasp nest can land you in the hospital, or worse!

These things are best left to professionals with the right equipment. In fact, these things are best left to gutter guards that give your gutters the power to keep water away from your home and foundation without anyone ever having to get up on a ladder again!

Contact Aluminum Structure LLC today and we can professionally install high quality gutter guards that will protect your home and keep you off of the ladder!

Call us at 352-563-2977 today!!