Fences beautify and protect, but no matter how maintenance-free a fencing material may be, it will still require some type of regular maintenance. The type of fencing material an individual has will dictate the amount of upkeep it will require and should be explored before opting for a specific material.

No matter what type of fencing an individual selects, there will be certain maintenance tasks that need to be completed, even if it’s only a weekly inspection of the hardware used to make connections. Other types of material will simply need to be washed down with a hose or pressure washer. Individuals should assess the time, effort and expense they’re willing to expend before they buy.

Wood

Fences constructed of wood will weather and become old-looking. They’ll need to be painted or stained – and applying a primer is recommended before painting. Depending on weather conditions, they may need attention every year to keep them looking good.

Wood fencing is also prone to depredations by insects and an application of an insecticide may be required to surroundings. Wood absorbs moisture, making it susceptible to cracking, rot, mold and mildew. The hardware used to join fencing will also need to be checked regularly to ensure it isn’t rusted or pulled out of the wood.

PVC/Vinyl

Five times stronger than wood, PVC/vinyl fencing requires little in the way of maintenance, withstands strong winds, and adverse weather conditions. It’s earned the Dade County Product Approval Certification and only needs to be washed down with a high-pressure hose.

Aluminum

Aluminum is typically treated with a powder coating for protection against oxidation and rust. It doesn’t require painting or staining. It will need to be wiped down periodically to remove dirt and debris.

SimTek®

The material requires the least amount of maintenance of any fencing on the market. The most it needs is a power washing to keep it looking attractive and to remove everything from dirt to graffiti.

In a busy world where privacy is at a premium, many people are choosing to install fencing to obtain a bit of privacy from neighbors and the outside world. It’s important to understand that there are a variety of materials that can be utilized to create a privacy fence.

In many instances, the term “privacy fence” simply refers to the ability to see through the fence or over it. Privacy fencing typically has solid panels or boards that are placed close enough together that people can’t see between them. Panels or board aren’t limited to vertical installation. They can be erected in stylish, decorative, horizontal designs.

Most people immediately envision an imposing iron or aluminum fence when they think about their privacy needs. There are multiple decorative fencing materials that can be utilized to create an oasis of privacy, safe away from prying eyes to enjoy time with family and friends.

Wood

Stockade fencing consists of boards that can be placed so closely together that no one can see in. Boards can also be placed in an off-set, alternating pattern that blocks straight-on views. Some wood fencing can be customized in various ways. The disadvantage is that the “pretty” side of the fencing will be facing outward and the view from inside isn’t as appealing.

It’s efficient, but will require a considerable amount of maintenance as wood attracts insects and absorbs water, increasing the risk for rot, mold, mildew, and splitting. Painting or staining is required to keep it looking good and not weathered. Even pressure treated lumber will eventually experience problems.

PVC/Vinyl

The solid panels require little in the way of maintenance other than an occasional pressure wash. It’s available in a wide range of colors, basic PVC styles, and numerous customization options are available for a personal touch. It won’t need staining, painting, and the solid panels last for many years.

SimTek®

The modern material can be crafted to emulate the look of stone or wood and it’s almost maintenance free. The solid panels only require a rinse with a hose or a power washer. SimTek® can be customized in a variety of ways and it’s as appealing on the inside as the exterior.

PVC fencing has become a favorite material for residents of South Florida and there’s a variety of reasons for the choice. PVC is a type of vinyl that can be utilized for whole-yard enclosure, to meet swimming pool safety regulations, or to hide eyesores such as air conditioning units, generators and trash bins. The fencing is equally attractive for home and business use.

Cost

Installing a fence can be expensive. The good news is that PVC fencing is one of the most affordable options on the market and less expensive than wood or iron.

Maintenance

No matter how affordable the cost, no one wants to spend a lot of time on maintenance and upkeep. PVC fences require little in the way of attention and they don’t need to be stained or painted. They’re resistant to UV rays so it won’t fade. It’s also resistant to warping, rotting, corrosion, and insect depredations. PVC fencing won’t yellow, peel, crack, split or become brittle.

Durability

PVC fencing is so durable that it’s earned the Dade County Product Approval Certification. It’s 5 times stronger than wood, stands up well in high winds, and is impact resistant. The fencing is also resistant to salt spray, an important consideration for people that have a home or business near the coastline.

Versatility

Individuals can choose from a variety of different fence post caps to customize their fencing. It can also be stalled horizontally or vertically. PVC fencing is offered in multiple heights in a variety of environments.

Go Green

When people decide to replace or update their fencing, they have the satisfaction of knowing that their PVC fencing is recyclable. PVC fencing is non-toxic and isn’t treated with any chemicals. It’s safe for children and pets and it doesn’t compromise air or water quality.

Stylish Options

There are dozens of colors from which to choose when installing a PVC fence. It’s offered in styles encompassing picket, lattice and post-and-rail. The fencing is also available in textures that imitates the look of stucco, stone and wood.

Before calling in the professionals to install a fence, individuals should actually do some measuring on their own. It will help in budgeting for the project and facilitate communications with the fencing professional about what’s wanted. A fencing specialist will still make an on-site visit to view the area to determine if there are any extenuating circumstances such as thin soil, slopes, property curves, obstacles, or utility lines that must be considered.

Property Lines

It’s critical to identify exactly where the property lines are located. Without knowing where property lines are, the fence could inadvertently end up on the neighbor’s property. If that happens, it will need to be moved and a neighbor could even initiate a lawsuit if they want to be unpleasant.

Some municipalities allow fences to be erected on the property line, while others require it to be set a specific distance away from the property line. Let neighbors know about the fence, as they may be partially responsible for its upkeep, depending on local regulations.

Measuring

Measure the perimeter of the property in feet and mark each corner of the property with a stake. Individuals will need someone to help them since the tape measure will need to be taut when measuring. For individuals that decide to install the fence themselves, they’ll need to run a taut string around the perimeter to help ensure the fence line is erected in a straight line. Mark where any gates will go how wide they will be.

Professional Expertise

Fencing panels typically come in 6 or 8-foot panels so it can be helpful to divide the total perimeter footage by the size of the panel. However, there will also be posts to consider and there’s no way of knowing the space they’ll require until the type of fencing is selected. It’s just one of the ways in which the expertise and knowledge of a professional fencer is invaluable.

The lifespan of a fence will vary according to the construction material, the amount of regular maintenance that has been performed, and prevailing weather and climate conditions. South Florida is well-known for its abundant sunshine and humid conditions, both of which will affect the fence longevity.

Aluminum

The material doesn’t rust and is unattractive to insects. It can be customized in multiple ways and fashioned in the appearance of wrought iron. The metal isn’t vulnerable to rust, corrosion, fading or the effects of rain. It requires little maintenance, doesn’t require staining or painting, and its recyclable. Aluminum fencing can last up to 50 years.

PVC-Vinyl

PVC-vinyl fencing does well in any climate, doesn’t require painting, is 5 times stronger than wood, and its recyclable. A quick hose down with a pressure washer will keep it looking like new and it’s unattractive to insects. It’s resistant to fading and weathering. A PVC-vinyl fence will last an average of 35-40 years.

Wood

Weather, insects, rot and mold are the primary problems associated with wood fences, even though its typically pressure treated to minimize those concerns. It can be painted or stained against damage by water and humidity, but will still require frequent inspections to ensure that connecting hardware is tight and intact. Wood has the potential to warp, crack and split. If properly maintained each year, a wooden fence can last up to 20 years.

Chain Link

Quick to install and more affordable than other options, chain link fencing is less susceptible to wind damage since air flows through it with minimal restriction. Galvanized chain-link will eventually rust, but vinyl-coated chain link will resist rust for many years. The average lifespan of a vinyl-coated chain link fence is 25-30 years.

SimTek®

The unique material is resistant to fading from UV rays, shrinking and warping from shifting temperatures, and offers soundproofing benefits. It’s unattractive to pests and doesn’t require painting or staining. It can withstand sustained winds of 110 mph and gusts of up to 130 mph. Mold, mildew and grass stains can be easily removed with a pressure washer. The material is recyclable. SimTek® fencing can last for up to 50 years.