Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/814755
Trex ® composite fencing is cur- rently being installed by Split Rail Fence Co. of Littleton, Colo. on two major Denver-area projects totaling about 20,000 lineal feet each. They are just two more examples of how much homeowners associations dread fence maintenance, based on com- ments of board members. Two separate Colorado HOAs – Smoky Hill Metro District southeast of Denver and Broadlands Metro Dis- trict to the north – came to the same conclusion inde- pendently to install Trex over other fence materials options, with Trex fencing proving to be first in value for their re- spective fence replacements, according to Split Rail Fence Co. sales manager Russ Lind- say. Board members of the two HOAs were able to visit previously installed Trex sites, as the fencing material has been a popular choice among area HOAs, developers, home- builders, and government enti- ties for over a decade. "One of the fence projects that HOA managers and board members typically look at is the High- lands Ranch Metro District Parkway Fence bordering some major road- ways," he said. "This project consists of 42 miles of old fence replaced with Trex fencing over a period of years. The Trex fence, offering a combina- tion of privacy, durability and beauty, is estimated to save the HOA 65% in maintenance." The first of the two most recent Trex projects launched in late 2016 with the Smoky Hill Metro District. Phase 1 of about 8,000 lineal feet is completed. Phase 2 of the project, comprising about 3,000 lineal feet, commenced in April. Meanwhile, Broadlands HOA awarded Split Rail Fence Co. the con- tract earlier this year. Good weather allowed installation to begin in the first quarter of 2017. Smoky Hill Metro District board member Brandan Sackatt said he rec- ognized his neighborhood had a fenc- ing problem about two years ago. "We had this ugly, hideous orig- inal wood fence with discoloration. We had to do something and we didn't want to replace the fence ever again," he said. So he went about learning what options existed and initiated contact with fence contractors about various materials possibilities. "I contacted five or six compa- nies, got three quotes on PVC, cedar, and Trex. The board went to see Trex fence installed at other sites, really liked it, and expected it to be more money. But when we got the bid, it was not outrageously more than PVC." The result today is in- creasing property values, great aesthetics, and superior strength necessary to cope with the weather extremes of the Colorado climate. In addi- tion to temperature variances, Colorado's high altitude, 300- plus days of direct sunlight, and substantial winds along the Front Range of the Rock- ies can deteriorate fencing more rapidly. About 60% of the Smoky Hill four-phase project has been installed. "The Trex looks great," said Sackatt. "The fencing had been ugly for so long. Restaining and repairs were eating up the HOA reserves. We finally looked at the value proposition and the 25-year warran- ty, and made the decision to go with Trex." The winning bid came from Ned O'Rourke, representing Split Rail Fence Co. O'Rourke partnered with the Smoky Hill board for over a year prior to the decision. "They had their minds made up to replace the existing wood. We kept presenting the Trex option. When they eventually put it to the metro dis- trict board for a vote, that's what they chose. They were done with painting and maintaining. Costs were going up 40,000 lineal feet of replacement perimeter installations underway Composite fence demand skyrockets among Colorado HOAs Top photo, the winning bid for the Smoky Hill Metro District was provided by Ned O'Rourke, representing Split Rail Fence Co. Above, Split Rail Fence Co. sales manager Russ Lindsay (left) discusses installation details with project manager Wayne Nichols. (SRF Fence & Supply Co. photos) continued on page 37 Celebrating our 33rd year of publication • Visit us online at www.worldfencenews.com May 2017