There are many reasons why homeowners want to add fences to their homes. Whether it’s for privacy, security, to block a street view or secure the pool, there are several factors that influence which type of fence is best.
Before building any fence, make sure you have a property survey or know your exact property line. Once you have this information, you’re ready to start considering the different types of fencing materials.
Privacy
Fences are more than just boundaries — they protect the privacy of your home and yard, mask street views, block chilly winds, keep pets in, deter burglars, and more. Choosing the best fence requires consideration of style, purpose, and cost. Fortunately, there are plenty of options on the market to help you find the perfect fit for your property.
Before you begin, consider your goals for the project: do you want to keep kids and pets safe within an enclosed space while minimizing noise disturbances from traffic and neighbors? A tall, thick fence made of wood is a good choice. Or, do you simply want to mark property lines and add curb appeal? Then a less costly ornamental metal fence might be the way to go.
Next, consider your budget and how long you plan to keep the fence. If you want something to last for a while, consider materials that can be stained or painted over time, such as cedar and composite wood. This will allow you to switch up the look as your tastes change, and it’s usually cheaper than other more permanent options.
Finally, consider what your local building codes and neighborhood fence rules might have to say. Some communities have strict requirements, while others have looser regulations. If you live in an area with an HOA, for example, you’ll need to make sure your fence complies before starting the installation.
Aside from the fencing material you choose, the location of your fence and its installation will also have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic. If you’re looking to create a cohesive look, it’s best to work with a professional such as Durham fence company to ensure the right dimensions are met and that the fence is built correctly. Then, you can relax and enjoy your outdoor space.
Security
A fence provides many benefits, including security, privacy and beauty. It can also improve your property’s value and add curb appeal. However, it’s important to consider the purpose of your fence before deciding on one. This will help you determine the style and materials that will best accomplish your needs.
For example, if you need to keep children and pets in your yard, a chain-link fence won’t do the trick. You’ll need something taller and more secure, such as a wood or metal fence with anti-climb spikes or rolling bars that roll when someone tries to walk or climb on them. This type of fence can also help deter burglars and other trespassers by making it more difficult to gain access to your home.
Another consideration when choosing a fencing material is its durability and cost. While some materials are more expensive upfront, they may have a lower maintenance cost over the long term. For instance, vinyl fencing is a great option because it doesn’t require staining or sealing and won’t rot or warp over time. On the other hand, a wooden fence will require regular upkeep to prevent rot and insect infestation.
Lastly, you’ll need to decide whether to paint or stain your fence. Both offer advantages, but it’s important to choose a high-quality exterior paint that is designed for wood and is weather-resistant. Staining is another excellent option, as it allows the natural beauty of the wood to shine through while providing additional protection from UV rays and moisture.
It’s important to understand that a fence is an investment. It can increase your property’s value and attract potential buyers, but it also requires regular upkeep to maintain its appearance and functionality. Regular maintenance should include trimming nearby vegetation that comes into contact with the fence. This will help prevent moisture retention, which can lead to rot and pest infestations.
Aesthetics
Whether your fence is meant to block a chilly wind, mask the street view of your home or yard or keep the dog in and the deer out, it should reflect your own personal style and complement the character of your landscape. Many homeowners find it easy to bend their privacy, security and aesthetic preferences in the name of budget – but doing so may cost you more in the long run when you have to replace an unattractive or less durable fence.
Do you prefer the classic white picket fence? Or maybe the more modern, sleek look of aluminum or wrought iron fencing. The options are endless, so choose the material that best matches your personal style and complements the character of your landscaping.
The natural state of your property will influence the type and height of your fence, as well as the materials you choose. If your yard is on a slope, you’ll need a type of fencing that can follow its contours or else build up steps to provide safe and easy access for your lawnmower and other equipment. A good solution is vinyl, which can easily be cut to follow the shape of your yard. It’s also incredibly strong and long-lasting, so you won’t have to worry about a lawnmower or weed eater accidentally knocking off a piece of your new fence.
If you want your fence to last for several decades, consider the maintenance level of each material. Some fencing types require frequent staining or sealing, while others deteriorate more quickly. Some require professional maintenance to keep them in top condition, while others can be easily repaired by the average homeowner.
If you want to minimize the amount of work needed on your fence, consider a low-maintenance material like vinyl or aluminum. Both are available in a wide range of styles, so you can easily match them to your preferred aesthetic. They also offer stronger resistance to moisture and other damaging elements than raw wood, so they’re a great choice for wet areas such as backyard pools. If you’re set on a wooden fence, try to select planks that look dry and seasoned rather than freshly delivered. This will help prevent warping over time.
Maintenance
Fences help define property lines, create a sense of privacy and security and enhance the beauty of your home. They keep children and pets safe from traffic, and they block out noise and unsightly views from the road or neighbors’ yards. A fence adds to the value of your home, and a well-maintained fence can last for decades. However, all fences require some maintenance, and different materials have different needs.
For wood fences, you can re-stain them to restore their color and texture, which can fade over time when exposed to water, sun and pollution. To maintain the appearance of your fence, perform regular inspections to spot any signs of damage or wear and tear. This can be as simple as a walk along the fence line, looking for loose boards or sagging sections. It’s also a good idea to look up, identifying any overhanging trees or branches that could fall on the fence. If necessary, trim them back to prevent potential problems.
Vinyl and aluminum fences are low-maintenance options that won’t rot or splinter, and they come in many colors to complement the exterior of your home. They’re also ideal for use around swimming pools, as they won’t rust due to exposure to chemicals.
Before choosing a fence material, consider your climate and the needs of your yard. If you live in an area with frequent rain and a humid climate, choose vinyl over wood, which is more susceptible to water damage. If you have a pool, avoid steel fencing, as it can rust and corrode.
When determining the height of your fence, take into consideration any municipal laws that may limit its height. Then, consider your yard’s slope and any seating areas you plan to build near the fence line. Also, consider your neighbor’s yards and your own home’s architecture, so you can make sure the style of your fence fits into the neighborhood.
A well-maintained fence can last for decades, but it’s important to inspect your fence regularly to identify any issues early on and address them before they become major repairs. Performing a yearly inspection will help ensure your fence is working properly and can protect your home and yard from intruders.