Frequently Asked Questions

A: Fortress Fence Products start with a high grade G60 galvanized steel that is galvanized on both the inside and the outside of our pickets and rails used to make our products. G60 is a measure of zinc content relative to the surface area. Fortress Fence Products offer industry leading quality, strength and corrosion resistance.

A: The name DuPont® is synonymous with exceptional quality and world class chemical compounds. All of our Fortress Fence Products are coated with a high end DuPont® Architectural Grade of powder coating that is applied under the stringent standards and application requirements of DuPont®.

A: No, many differences exist from type of steel; galvanized or non-galvanized, to finishing and treatment of welded areas, to pre-coating cleaning, to product packaging and product warranties. Fortress Fence Products lead all of these categories with top end components and attention to detail that deliver superior value on your investment.

A: Fortress offers a variety of products including our Classic and Versai “puppy panels” that can be added to our fence panels to provide an attractive reduced picket spacing alternative to keep your small dogs safe.

A: Our Versai and Titan products carry a 20 year limited, full replacement warranty. Our Classic and Estate series offer a 10 year limited, full replacement warranty. See each individual product line's warranty for more information.

A: Properly designed and coated galvanized steel fencing from Fortress Fence Products is impossible to beat in terms of strength, durability, beauty and overall value. We start with high grade, G-60 galvanized steel and depending on the product, Classic or Versai, we apply a variety of layered pre-treatments and overlay those protective layers with high gloss, high quality DuPont exterior rated Architectural Grade powder coating finish. The result is performance, beauty and a long lasting investment that can actually add to the equity of your property. Whether you’re talking durability or sheer beauty, there isn’t another product that out performs Fortress Fence.

A: Fortress Fence Products’ steel ornamental fence offers superior strength compared to that of aluminum fence while offering durability that will stand up to the test of elements, kids and the rigors of containment and security.

A: The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches above finished ground level measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between finished ground level and the barrier shall be 2 inches measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. Where the top of the pool structure is above finished ground level, such as an above ground pool, the barrier shall be at finished ground level, such as the pool structure, or shall be mounted on top of the pool structure. Where the barrier is mounted on the pool structure, the opening between the top surface of the pool frame and the bottom of the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4 inch diameter sphere.

Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches or more, spacing between the vertical members shall not exceed 4 inches. Decorative cutouts shall not exceed 1-3/4 inches in width.

Fortress Fence Products offers a number of heights and styles to meet the BOCA pool fence requirements. Examples of styles that meet this code are the Classic PIP 48" panel, Versai FT/FB 2-Rail 48" panel, all 2-Rail 58" fence in both Classic and Versai as well as the Versai 3-Rail 54" Pool Panel will meet these minimum requirements.

A: Residential – Residential grade Classic, Versai and also Estate are intended for residential applications.

Commercial - Commercial and light industrial grades of Classic, V2 and Titan are suitable for commercial applications such as schools and commercial buildings. Estate can also be applicable for commercial applications such as perimeter privacy enclosures and visual barriers such as garbage enclosures.

Industrial - Titan industrial grade is intended for government specified projects along with heavier, high security needs.

A: You have two choices. You can use a fixed welded product such as Classic or Estate and stair step to address elevation changes or you can use the Versai, V2 or Titan products which rake (pivot) to a biased position to align parallel to changes in grade.

A: Depending on application and height the set depth varies from a minimum of 24” on residential products to a recommended minimum of 24” to 36” for commercial and industrial applications. Specifications vary for heavier grade work and should be reviewed to ensure that your post length accommodates any specified set depth requirements.

A: While this is the standard method of securing posts for fence building, which requires a couple of days of set time for the concrete, there are viable alternatives that can speed installation completion and even eliminate the requirement of using concrete. Oz-Post drivable post anchors represent a concrete free solution that eliminates the need to dig holes, dispose of dirt, clean up concrete related messes, etc. Core drilling and plated posts are suitable alternatives for dealing with installations for pool decking, etc. ReadySET is a concrete additive that accelerates the set process. It is available from Fortress and effectively reduces the set time for your posts from days to an hour.  Find out more about both products here.

A: Various alternatives exist in terms of sophistication of tools used. The basic requirements would be: post hole diggers, shovel, wheel barrow, electric drill, Phillips screw bits, magnetic level and a socket set.

A: Depending on your layout and post spacing, the cutting of panels may be required to accommodate even spacing or end panels. If a panel is cut the following process should be undertaken to avoid rust or associated warranty issues. Sand cut areas removing all burrs and metal dust. Wipe cut surface with a dry, soft cloth to remove any particles on cut area. Spray paint or brush paint the cut area of with zinc rich, cold galvanize compound. Finish with Fortress gloss black spray paint. Make sure all surfaces are keep clean and free of debris and allow plenty of time for your cold galvanized paint coating to dry before finishing with the Fortress gloss black paint.

A: Yes. Welding burns off the protective undercoat and finish and substantially increases the likelihood of rust developing. In order for Fortress Fence Products’ warranties to be valid, installation using the applicable mounting brackets is the specified installation method.

A: E-Coat is a state-of-the-art protective coating that is applied to Fortress Versai and V2 fence products for exceptional corrosion resistance. In short, electro coating (also called e-coating or electro deposition) is the process by which a metallic work piece is submerged in a paint / water bath and electricity is used to deposit paint onto the work piece. The electro deposition process is the most automatic, controllable, and efficient method for applying a corrosion inhibiting primer to a metallic work piece.

In a full system application, electro coat is applied between the phosphate and primer layers. The electro coat layer is the primary corrosion protection layer.

Please refer to the following link for more information: http://www2.dupont.com/Automotive/en_US/science_of/Electrocoat/whatiselectrocoat/processelectrocoat/processElectrocoat.html

A: Yes. Fortress manufactures walkway and driveway gates to match our fence panel styles in a variety of options, including flat and arched tops. This allows a consistent look throughout the entire project. Our standard walkway gates are a 46 ½” net width. Our standard driveway gates are a 96” (8’) net width per panel or leaf. When combining two driveway gates panels or leafs to make a double driveway gate, the measurement is 16’. Please note that Fortress has the ability to customize gate(s) to your size and or style specification, including those for commercial and industrial projects.

A: How to specify charts are located here

A: Fortress fence products are sold through our nationwide distribution network. Please visit our locator which will allow you to locate your nearest distributor.

A: Yes. The Fortress Architectural Marketing Department is dedicated to assisting with all phases of commercial/industrial products, including: design, specification, job costing and technical assistance. Please contact our Architectural Marketing Department at specifications@fortressfence.com.

A: Yes. Specifications and details are available for all residential, commercial and industrial products. Please contact specifications@fortressfence.com for additional information.