Case Study Spotlight: UTA TRAX Light Rail Train Sound Barriers

TRAX Light Rail Train passing in front of Trex Fencing

We have published details regarding a large fencing project for a light rail train system in Utah: UTA TRAX LRT Fence Project. This case study provides insight into the application of Trex Seclusions fencing as an alternative to masonry.

 

Cost, privacy, durability, and aesthetics were some of the most important factors in the decision-making process. Trex fencing was selected in 2011 by the Utah Transit Authority in conjunction with a design-build project submitted by Kiewit-Herzog-Parsons, a Joint Venture.  The installation was completed in 2013. Approximately 18,000 linear feet of fence was installed in heights from 6 ft. to 12 ft. tall.

 

Trex is uniquely positioned in the fencing category. Its distinct design ensures full opacity because the interlocking picket system does not create gaps as is common with wood or other composite fences. The density and thickness of the material also provide a level of durability that other manufactured products such as vinyl cannot offer.

 

The case study demonstrates the overall process of selection. For more specific details, please contact a Trex Fencing representative.

The Trex Fence Post

The Trex Fence Post

The saying goes, “a fence is only as strong as the post that supports it.” A post that has rotted, has started leaning, or has warped  and twisted could mean hours of work and possibly hundreds of dollars to replace. Most posts are set in concrete making replacement much more difficult to swap out than rails and pickets.

 

Trex Fence Post Profile

The wall thickness of a Trex post is four times greater than vinyl.

Consumers are turning to wood-alternative post options that require less maintenance. Most commonly, galvanized steel, vinyl, and composite posts are used. From a durability and strength standpoint a steel or composite post  are the best options, but the composite post adds the virtue of a natural, sturdier appearance that is more compatible with the look of a wood fence. It is also an outstanding compliment to other materials, particularly ornamental fencing (see a write-up and pictures on this option).

 

Trex® leads composite manufacturer in fencing and offers the perfect post for any fence design.  Trex® manufactures a self-supporting 5″ x 5″ wood composite fence post. It’s offered in three color options and is produced in 8 ft., 9 ft., and 12 ft. lengths. The 8 and 9 ft. posts are most often used with a 6 ft. tall fence since that is the typical height nationally. The 12 ft. length provides the option of a taller fence or to help with steep transitions from an up-slope section to a lower section. From a cost savings standpoint, a 12 ft. post can be cut in half and used for two sections of fences under 48″. Three post cap options are available: flat top, pyramid, or crown.

 

Installing a Trex fence post and setting it in concrete

Setting a Trex fence post in concrete. The 8′, 9′, and 12′ lengths of the posts provide flexibility before being cut to the determined height.

Trex® fence post advantages:

  • Natural resemblance of stained wood
  • Resistance to insects, splintering, and decay
  • No painting or staining required
  • Manufacturer’s product warranty
  • No need for reinforcement in most applications

 

Property owners will love the Trex® 25-year residential and 10-year commercial product warranties. If installed properly, a customer can expect the post to last years without ever needing maintenance. Even if a customer prefers to stick with wood rails and pickets, the Trex® fence posts is an excellent wood-alternative choice for stockade (dog-ear) or custom wood fence designs since it is similar in shape and size.

 

If you are located in hot humid areas like Florida or Texas, in cold environments with deep frost lines like the Rocky Mountains or Canada, or even in the dry deserts of Arizona and California, Trex® fence composite posts are capable of handling any climate. Next time you need a fence post, think of using Trex® composite posts.

ASLA Expo and Meeting 2014 in Denver

ASLA Expo 2014 in Denver

American Society of Landscape Architects Annual Meeting and Expo 2014We will be exhibiting again at the American Society of Landscape Architects Annual Meeting and Expo this year. The event will be held in Denver from November 21-24, 2014.  The annual meeting is attended by members of the landscape architecture professional community who, in addition to receiving educational coursework, visit the Expo to find products for their future projects.

 

ASLA Boston 2013We exhibited last year and the response was excellent. Not surprisingly, landscape architects are interested in fencing because it is often a component of a project design.  Access to technical details such as CAD drawings, specifications, testing, etc. is now easier to get a hold of than ever through this website and CADDetails.com.

 

One of the hot topics on the agenda this year is “resiliency”. Sustainable products like Trex are now being scrutinized for their durability as well as their manufacturing and composition. I’ll go into more on resilience in a future post.

 

If you are an attending landscape architect, please visit our booth (#701) and take a look at the displays of the actual fence. We’ll also have literature and representatives to answer any of your questions.  See you there!

Before and After Property Improvement

Trex Fencing Projects: Before & After

Before and After Property Improvement

Trex Fencing Project, Before and After We frequently get requests to compare what a property looks like before and after a Trex fence is installed. Some contractors and homeowners have graciously supplied some of their project pictures that demonstrate those changes so we’ve placed them in the BEFORE AND AFTER Inspiration Gallery. The pictures on this post are from a project where chain link, vinyl, and wood were replaced with Trex fencing in Woodland Brown.  The landscaping is only partially done, but it will give you a good sense of how Trex has already improved the property.

 

In an informal survey, most customers reported that the primary reason they selected Trex was because of its aesthetic appeal. Attributes such as longevity, warranty, and recycled content are all very important but a fence that isn’t attractive is limited to its function as a barrier. If design or attractiveness didn’t matter to consumers, a cheaper, less interesting alternative would suffice. But in actuality, the look of a property is important to most of us. That’s why we invest money in the appearance our landscape, home and building exterior, decks and patios, etc. Trex fencing was designed based on this principle. The appearance of the fence is just as important as the function it serves.

 

Trex Fencing Project, Before and After

Because wood is the traditional material of choice, most structures replaced by Trex Fencing are wood fences. So, the pictures in the inspiration gallery include properties where older wood fences that have fallen into disrepair or simply require more effort to maintain than the customer cared to continue doing. You can see the dramatic difference.

 

 

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