For most home owners, a fence is an important investment. There are many different types of fencing materials available, from vinyl to steel and chain link. Which type of material you choose depends on the look and function you want for your home.
Vinyl
Vinyl home fences are a great way to add curb appeal, enhance privacy, and improve security. They are also inexpensive to install, easy to maintain, and can last for decades. In fact, most vinyl fences come as prefabricated panels that are easily attached to posts with brackets.
Vinyl fencing is an environmentally friendly alternative to wood. Unlike wood, vinyl is nonporous and will not rot, chip, or splinter. It is also resistant to moisture and insects. As a result, you will not need to seal or paint your fence.
A vinyl fence is a great choice for anyone who owns a dog or a cat. It will keep pets and kids safe, and it won’t scratch or mar your yard.
Another advantage is that you won’t have to worry about a dog or cat knocking your fence down. Wood fencing, on the other hand, is prone to breaking, especially during extreme weather.
You can have your pick of styles, colors, and textures. There are even faux-wood grain finishes available. This material can even come with a lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that your investment will hold up.
One of the best parts about vinyl is that it can be recycled. Many companies that manufacture vinyl have recycling programs.
While it is true that vinyl fences are easy to clean, you do have to keep an eye out for mildew and algae. To remove these, you will want to use a hose or pressure washer.
However, you may need to do a bit of scrubbing to get rid of stains. Fortunately, vinyl is durable enough to withstand occasional cleaning.
Although there are some hiccups, overall, vinyl home fences are a worthy investment. Compared to wooden and iron fences, they require less maintenance. The most obvious reason is the low cost.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of using a vinyl fence, consult with a professional. A good way to do this is by utilizing the handy dandy Google reviews to find reputable vinyl fencing contractors. You can also use a tool called the How to Buy tool to find local distributors and installers.
Chain link
Chain link home fences are inexpensive, easy to install, and offer plenty of benefits. They can fit any property, and come in a variety of styles. A recent product innovation has improved the quality and aesthetic appeal of chain link fences.
The framework for a chain link fence consists of steel tubing posts that set into the ground. These posts are then anchored to a concrete base. This provides a strong and durable structure that prevents wind and weather from damaging the fence.
Line posts are typically buried 6-inches to 8-inches below the top of the fence. They are set at a minimum of 10-feet apart. If you need to extend the fence to a greater height, you can add intermediate horizontal rails.
Top tension wires may be added to terminal posts for additional support. When installing these posts, make sure the tension band is snug against the tension bands on the end post.
Chain link fences are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Color coated chain link is a great option for your home, as it gives your fencing a sleek appearance. It is also softer to the touch than metallic coated fences.
In order to install a chain link fence, you will need help. You can ask family or friends to help you. However, if you are not comfortable knuckling your fence together by yourself, it is best to hire a professional.
To measure the distance between your posts, use the 3-4-5 method. Mark the location of your fence posts with spray paint. Once you know the distance, mark each of the corners.
After marking the corners, dig a post hole. Your post should be at least six inches deep, but if you want to put in corner posts, you will need to dig two more inches. Make sure the bottom of the post is level.
After preparing the post, you will need to fill it with concrete. Concrete can be purchased ready-made or made at home. The mix should be of a thick cake batter consistency.
Once the posts have been filled, knuckle your chain link fence to secure it. Leave about 3 3/4 inches of space between each post to allow room for hinges.
Steel
If you are looking to protect your home, a steel home fence is a good choice. They offer a variety of benefits, including low maintenance, durability, and resistance to rust and fire.
Stainless steel is an ancient material, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years. It can be made into decorative features like lotus flowers, “om” symbols, and geometric patterns.
Wrought iron is another traditional material. Wrought iron fences are also popular, particularly in West Indian homes. The cost of wrought iron is less than steel, but it is more difficult to customize.
Another option is aluminum, which is cheaper and lightweight. Aluminum is resistant to oxidation, making it a good choice for seaside properties. In some cases, aluminum can be custom-painted, which can add to its versatility.
Wrought iron is not as sturdy as steel, so you should be aware of the potential for breakage. However, it is easier to repair. You can apply a rust-preventative spray paint to the bare metal, then re-coat with the same color as the rest of the fence.
There are many types of metal fences. Depending on the level of detail you desire, you may choose a solid, tubular, or hollow steel option. A custom fabricator can combine various manufacturing techniques to create a custom-made fencing solution.
Tubular and hollow steel panels weigh around 50 pounds each. This makes them a bit more heavy than 6-foot panels. Also, they can be quite challenging to install. Instead of securing them with screws, they are often welded onto posts. Alternatively, you can use a retrofit mount, which hides the screws with trim.
Steel is much stronger than aluminum. A 4-foot-tall prefab fence panel in solid steel costs $84. Meanwhile, a similar panel in tubular aluminum costs $10 to $14.
Depending on the style you choose, a steel home fence can provide both functional and aesthetic benefits. In particular, they are great for security, because they prevent children and animals from getting out.
Despite the fact that they are not the cheapest option, steel fences are a durable and low-maintenance choice for most homes. They have been known to last for over 25 years, so they are worth the investment.
Composite materials
If you are looking for a fence to make your property look nice and provide some privacy, consider building a composite one. It’s a low-maintenance option that comes in a variety of colors. Adding a fence can help you increase your home’s value.
Composite fencing is a low-maintenance material that is also resistant to mold, mildew, and rotting. It doesn’t require painting or staining, and requires only cleaning and power washing a few times a year.
Unlike wood, composite materials are fire-retardant and come in a variety of colors and styles. They are also very durable, and are often resistant to insects. In addition, you can recycle them at the end of their life.
Another benefit to composite materials for home fences is that they are a good option for eco-friendly homeowners. These materials are generally made from recycled plastic and wood fibers. This means that they are recyclable at the end of their life, and can be resold and reused for a new product.
The main benefit of these materials is that they are more durable than other fencing options. Depending on the material and how it is manufactured, these products can last a long time.
Despite their advantages, there are several downsides to composite materials for home fences. While they require minimal maintenance, they can fade over time, and they may need to be replaced.
One of the biggest disadvantages of composite materials for home fences is the cost. Those who install these materials will pay more than those who choose wood. You’ll need to spend around $10 to $20 per linear foot. But the price will probably decrease as more manufacturers begin producing these products.
Regardless of whether you decide to use composite materials for home fences or another kind of material, you will need to do some research before installing the fence. Your budget and your climate are also important factors to consider.
When you are ready to get started, contact a company that specializes in composite fencing. They’ll be able to help you determine what materials to buy, and how much it will cost.
Quality Maintenance and Landscape specializes in fencing for owners in Colonia, North Edison, Woodbridge, Avenel, Rahway, Port Reading and Clark.