One of the most common reasons for erecting a fence is to provide a greater sense of privacy and individuals have a wealth of options from which to choose. Fencing provides an immediate barrier to prying eyes.

Fences for privacy are available in multiple materials that include wood, aluminum, PVC, and SimTek®. There’s a fencing solution to accommodate multiple requirements. The fencing options available today provide exceptional durability and require little maintenance. Some fencing materials can even withstand hurricane-force winds, an important consideration in Florida.

Aluminum

The metal is strong, durable, and can be fashioned into any shape or style desired. It’s available in multiple colors and finishes to complement any landscape or environment.

PVC

The fencing is offered in a myriad of styles and colors. Built with a concern for the environment, it’s unaffected by weather or UV rays, and available in multiple heights. It can be erected in solid panels and can withstand most severe winds without damage.

SimTek®

Durability and style are the benchmarks of SimTek® fencing. It successfully emulates the appearance of wood and stone, while providing a low maintenance privacy barrier. It’s impact-resistant and offered in a wide variety of colors, styles and textures.

Wood

Individuals have dozens of choices for their wood fencing ranging from pine to cedar. The most common type of wood fencing for privacy is the stockade fence. Each panel fits tightly against the next for a solid barrier. Offset fencing is another style, also known as shadow box fencing, created by alternating boards. It can only be seen through if someone is looking at a certain angle.

Ask the Professionals

It’s best to consult with a fencing professional first. He/she will be knowledgeable about any rules or regulations governing fencing and will be able to obtain the needed permits. A professional will be able to assist with choosing the type of fencing that best fits the needs and budget of the individual.

Wooden fencing is available in many styles and can provide some of the most beautiful and unique options for enhancing landscapes, providing privacy, securing the premises, and ensuring the safety of children and pets. However, wooden fences do require more maintenance than other types of materials. For those considering erecting a wooden fence, the following are some elements that should be factored in.

Preserving the wood and protecting it from the elements can require yearly painting or the application of a water repellant coating. It’s important to keep vines and bushes away from the wood. The vegetation contains moisture that can generate mold and hasten deterioration. Heavy plants can damage or even destroy the fence. Irrigation and sprinkler systems should never be allowed to water the fence.

Staining can occur from foliage or flowers that touch a wooden fence. To remove stains and address issues of mold, the fence will need to be scrubbed with soap and water or a specialty cleaner created specifically for the task. A pressure washer can be used, being careful to use a pressure setting that won’t blast and damage the wood. Use a fan spray if possible.

Insects are drawn to wood fencing and it’s vulnerable to the predations of bugs ranging from termites to wood borers. Individuals may find themselves needing to apply chemicals to discourage damaging pests.

Inspections will need to be performed at least on a weekly basis to determine the condition of the fence. Be prepared to check all the hardware to ensure it isn’t loose, rusted, or needs to be replaced. During the inspection, make sure posts are secure and haven’t been affected by any erosion around the base.

With regular maintenance, a wood fence will remain a beautiful addition to the landscape for many years to come. However, a wooden fence does come with a significant time investment to keep it in optimal condition and looking great. Individuals never know when their available free time may change or circumstances dictate that they’re no longer able to care for the fence properly.

Fencing is the easiest and most effective way to protect pets from harm. There are multiple fencing materials from which to choose that will keep a pet safely contained while providing beauty to the home environment. There are multiple elements for individuals to consider when choosing a pet fence.

Size of the Pet

That cute puppy that’s so tiny now will eventually mature into a full-size dog. If a fence is erected with spaces between the uprights, the gaps must be small enough to prevent the pet from slipping between them. Fencing with solid panels offers the most protection since there are no gaps through which an animal can escape. The size of the pet as an adult must also be considered.

Skill Sets

If a pet is seeking an escape route, some will try to jump a fence while others are more likely to attempt a breakout by digging under the fence. Still, others are agile climbers. Some pets develop skills on their own that include opening gates. There’s no way to tell if a pet will be skilled at escapes, but a child-safe gate is always a good option.

Fencing materials are desired that don’t provide any way for a pet to gain purchase with their feet for climbing and fences with an underground safety cable are effective in mitigating under-fence escapes. Be sure the fence is high enough to discourage jumpers.

Maintenance

Some pets are more destructive than others. Wood fencing isn’t a good choice for these pets. Vinyl and metal options require little maintenance and aren’t as likely to be destroyed should a pet become restless or bored.

Raise the Roof

While most people are concerned with fences to keep canines contained, a great many cat owners want to give their feline the benefit of fresh air in a safe manner. The same precautions should be considered when erecting a fence for cats as for other pets, but with the added addition of a securely attached overhead barrier to keep the cat from climbing up and over.