“A friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden” is an important adage to remember for friendship. If it’s your yard, though, you might want to get a new fence, so that your flowers don’t get trampled before they’re admired.
The average wooden fence lasts for 10 to 20 years. If you’ve had your fence for a while, or moved in while it was already in place, you might notice that it’s starting to buckle in some places and rot in others. Once it’s no longer possible to fix the problem just by patching up individual pickets, it might be time to invest in a new fence.
There’s no reason to feel obligated to match your old fence when you get a new one. Instead, now might be the time to branch out and try something new. Are you interested in exploring your fencing options? Here are a few things you should keep in mind.
Maintenance for Different New Fence Types
Before getting a new fence, consider how much time and effort you want to put into maintenance.
- Wood fencing is more high maintenance than any other type of fencing because it typically has to be stained or painted every few years. If sections are damaged, however, they’re always easy to replace.
- Aluminum fences and vinyl fences require very little maintenance, but if they become damaged by a storm, it can be more difficult to find a replacement. Vinyl sometimes need a routine hosing in order to deter algae growth.
- Chain link fences are great for upkeep, as they rarely become damaged and are highly durable.
Facts to Consider While Looking for a New Fence
Wood and vinyl fences offer the best ROI if you plan to sell the home within the fence’s lifetime. For wooden fences, you can reduce the opportunity for rot and insects to set in by using rectangular posts cut at an angle and by keeping leaves and debris raked away from your fence.
Wrought iron fences are becoming popular to keep yards fenced without obstructing views. These black fences can also incorporate intricate and unique design work, which can be a great addition to garden areas.
Setting Your New Fence Priorities
What’s the right fence for your outdoor privacy needs? Here are a few things to keep in mind before you call your fence company.
1. Figure Out What it is You Want to Prioritize
Most people tend to have a #1 priority when it comes to fencing (or anything else!). You might value a traditional-looking fence but your first concern is longevity. Alternatively, you might be looking for the fence that best matches your patio.
No one fence is good for everything. For more traditional-looking “pretty” fencing, wooden fences or wrought iron fences will be ideal. Chain link fences can be a good investment for maximum security and durability.
2. Custom Fencing Can be Everything You Want it to Be
If your yard doesn’t fit into the “one size fits all” dynamic, custom fencing might be a great option. The design options are endless, and the fence can be made to suit the dynamics of your landscape. Popular custom options include glass fencing for pool areas, intricate white picket fencing for garden areas, and motifs at the top of wooden fences.
3. Will a Fence Last Forever?
No. Fences do not last forever and often require upkeep, which should be part of your initial consideration. Wooden fences need to be tended to, so that rot and insects do not eat away at them. Vinyl should be periodically cleaned of organic matter. Painted fences will need periodic touch-ups. If you live in an area that frequently experiences precipitation as well as thaw periods (cold to warm), after several years you will likely notice the fence shifting as the ground changes.
What is the Purpose of Your New Fence?
A fence is more than just a structure. It has a purpose. Fence designs should be chosen to fit the purpose you have in mind.
- Privacy: Along a yard enclosing your patio or garden, especially where neighbors are in close proximity.
- Protection: Such as a fence surrounding a pool, a backyard where pets or young children play.
- Security: This covers children, pets and livestock as well as your home.
What Does Your New Fence Say?
Different fence designs make different statements.
Some fences say “Welcome.” How often have you heard of the house with the white picket fence as being a part of the dream house.
Others say “Private Area!” Just how they say it, depends on the fence. A stockade fence blocks the total view from all on the outside. An ornamental iron fence, especially with pointed finials may not block the view, but they do discourage climbing over the fence.
The ornamental iron design can also go way beyond practical with the beautifully detailed embellishments that can be added, not only along the top, but within the fence design itself.
Privacy can come in a simple style, such as the stockade. A touch of detail can be added along the top of the fence to dress it up a bit. Besides the stockade fence style, you can use the vertical board, board and batten, and the vinyl privacy fence design.
Protection and security, such as is required around a pool, can be made of open-style fences if privacy is not desired. The open structure of the aluminum, ornamental iron or vinyl gives protection and will meet the codes, and they also let the breeze come through on that hot day.
If your home is in a rural area, your needs will be most different from those of the urban home dweller. You may have to corral a few horses or cows. Because of the long expanse needed, certain fence designs fit this perfectly. The split rail and paddock designs are great for this. The 3 board vinyl and 4 board vinyl are more structurally involved. What would fit best is determined by the where and the why for the fence.
If you are not sure what type of fence fits your needs, contact us when you feel you are ready to decide on the correct fence design for your needs. We’re the best fence company in the nation.