Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, you want to get the best value for your money. The longevity of your fence will depend on a multiple elements. You’ll have to compare costs and contrast them against factors such as materials, intended purpose, aesthetic value, and ability to customize.

Wood

The longevity of a wood fence will depend largely on the type of wood used in its construction. Untreated cedar will last anywhere from 15-30 years, spruce can endure for 4-7 years, while pine can weather the elements for 5-12 years. Treated cedar can last 25-40 years, and treated spruce and pine can last for up to 20 years.

Even the treated wood utilized in today’s fencing is subject to moisture from the ground and weather. Wood fences should be inspected regularly for splitting, splintering and rusting of hardware. The wood can also be stained or painted to accommodate its surroundings.

Chain Link

Cost effective and easily installed, a chain link fence will serve its purpose for about 20 years, a vinyl coating will extend its lifespan by several years, and it won’t rust. Chain link offers security and requires little maintenance, but doesn’t provide privacy. Color options are limited and doesn’t allow for much customization.

Aluminum

An aluminum fence is durable, doesn’t rust, and can be customized. It’s available in an array of colors and provides security. Aluminum fencing can last for 20 years with almost no maintenance. It’s an elegant and stately look that adds value to any property.

PVC

The average lifespan of a PVC fence is 20-30 years and many come with a lifetime warranty. PVC fencing is fire-resistant, won’t attract pests, and is unaffected by weather and UV rays. Over 30 decorative and unique options are offered, it requires very little maintenance, and it’s available in a myriad of colors. It doesn’t rot, won’t attract pests, and is non-toxic. PVC fencing is also recyclable.

SimTek®

This is the king when it comes to style, texture and color options, and will last about 25 years on average. It resembles the look of stone and wood grains. SimTek® is resistant to impacts, is noise dampening, and provides security. It’s one of the most durable fencing materials offered and almost completely maintenance free. It’s able to withstand hurricane force winds of up to 110 mph and gusts up to 130. It’s unaffected by sun and extreme temperatures.

From time immemorial, fences have been erected for protection. The barriers have expanded from use for personal safety to those designed to protect the public in parks, at construction sites, public pools, schools, and even penitentiaries.

The rise in terrorist attacks have also led to federal regulations that require fencing at sites ranging from water filtration plants to food processing facilities, along with mass transportation hubs, chemical facilities, power plants, and oil-related industries. The regulations are designed to protect the public from terrorist activity affecting food, water, utilities, and natural resources.

For facilities that come under federal regulations for safety, chain link fencing is recommended. It’s available in multiple heights, can be installed quickly, and can be topped with barbed wire or even razor wire for additional security.

Chain link is also economical for industrial and construction sites to prevent entry to locations that pose a serious danger. They’re low maintenance options to secure a perimeter and chain link fencing can be equipped with multiple types of gates, locking mechanisms, and high-tech access features.

In cities where a combination of beauty and functionality is desired, aluminum fencing with the appearance and aesthetic appeal of wrought iron is often utilized. It’s effective for directing foot traffic in parks and blocking access to waterways within those areas. Aluminum is also beneficial at venues where special entertainments are being held. It has the advantages of elegance, durability, and multiple styles and color choices.

PVC fencing is an alternative for public spaces that’s able to withstand severe winds and is available in multiple heights and colors. It’s low maintenance and is unaffected by UV rays or weather for a long-lasting solution.

An area of fencing for protecting the public that few people think about is that used in zoos, animal parks, and rescue organizations for dangerous, endangered, and exotic wildlife. Animal fencing must be designed and installed to exacting specifications and it’s just one area in which Zepco Fence specializes.

If you’re a business owner, there may come a time when you may want or need temporary fencing for your enterprise. There are a number of options that can be employed singly or in conjunction with others when you need temporary fencing to protect your business.

Temporary Fencing

Chain link fencing offers a good temporary solution for a wide variety of properties. It provides security, can be installed quickly, and offers a cost-effective solution. It deters trespassers and is an excellent way to protect your customers, employees, and vendors from potentially dangerous situations such as construction work.

Another benefit of chain link fencing is that it can be equipped with barbed wire or razor wire at the top for additional security. A cable can also be installed at the bottom to prevent pets and unwanted wildlife from entering.

When specific notices must be posted, it’s easy to display them on chain link and the fencing is effective for containing activity during promotional events. They’re equally effective for restricting access to property during demonstrations, parades and similar events.

Privacy

The unique weather in South Florida means that restaurants, bars and similar establishments can extend their customer space through fenced in patios for al fresco service. There are several types of fencing, including PVC and SimTek, that provides privacy for consumers while aiding in blocking street noise. They’re aesthetically pleasing, impact resistant, almost maintenance free, and eco-friendly options.

Commercial properties such as housing complexes and equipment rentals can also benefit from privacy fencing. On a smaller scale, privacy fencing is a sound investment for hiding unsightly electrical boxes or dumpsters that increases curb appeal.

Barbed Wire

Most people immediately envision a farm or ranch when they think of barbed wire fencing, but it has other uses. It can be added to other types of fencing as an added deterrent to potential trespassers. However, you need to be aware that there are very stringent laws governing the use of barbed wire in any capacity.

There comes a time when every home or business owner contemplates the repair or replacement of their existing fence. It may be that it’s already costing a considerable amount for upkeep or you may just want a change. Each situation is different and the following tips may help you make a decision.

Wooden Fences

A wood fence can be a lot of work and even a little bit of neglect can result in big problems. The fencing requires regular maintenance and even wolmanized wood has its limitations. If you’re tired of regularly checking the fence’s hardware, you have boards that are warped, falling down, or have fallen prey to insects, it’s time to replace the fence.

If the fence was installed for privacy or to contain children and pets, a damaged fence is a safety hazard. If an entire section falls, it can seriously injure someone. It leaves the property open to invasion by trespassers, while opening an escape route for kids and pets.

PVC Fencing

The many styles of PVC fencing has made it popular for a wide array of uses. They’re generally long lasting, but even PVC fences can need to be replaced. If the original fence was installed with lower quality vinyl, it can be damaged by UV rays and become brittle. If holes were drilled, they can split. If the repairs to a PVC fence entails anything more than patching a hole or very small crack, it’s a good idea to have it replaced.

Metal Fencing

If any part of your metal fence is damaged or rusted, contact a fencing professional as soon as possible. Metal fencing that’s been damaged is an eyesore and poses a danger for injury to people and pets. Children can easily exit and trespassers and wildlife can enter. A professional can tell you if repair or replacement is the better option.

Updating

Sometimes an older fence just doesn’t serve its intended purpose, you want a change, or you’re looking for a more stylish solution. A company specializing in multiple types of fencing can assist you with more modern materials and options.

Fencing is available in so many colors, styles and materials it can be difficult to decide what to choose. Fencing materials run the gamut from wood, aluminum and PVC/vinyl to SimTek, chain link, and wrought iron. One characteristic will be fairly easy to decide – if the fence will be solid or see-through.

The materials can be utilized in a variety of ways to create solid or see through fences, though some perform best when used in specific ways. Much will depend on the reason the fence is being erected, local regulations, and taking into account personal preferences.

There are advantages and drawbacks to each type of material. Wood will need to be stained, painted, or replaced periodically. Aluminum and PVC/vinyl won’t rust and doesn’t need painting. It’s a relatively low-maintenance option that’s also economical. SimTek is eco-friendly and one of the most versatile and durable materials available.

See-Through Fencing

A stand-alone see-through fence can provide security, safety for children and pets, and doesn’t prevent natural light from entering. The biggest benefit of see-through fencing is that it enables people see out. It can keep intruders and unwanted wildlife out. The fencing styles have the advantage of being decorative and aesthetically pleasing.

Solid Fencing

A solid fence has a variety of benefits, not least of which is privacy and the ability to completely block activities from neighbors and the street. They provide increased security to prevent wildlife and intruders from entering and it’s equally effective for keeping children and pets inside and safe.

Solid fencing can be used in a myriad of situations to address specific problems. It buffers street sounds and noises for a more tranquil environment. It’s also effective as a windbreak and for coastal dwellers as a barrier against blowing sand and debris.

Pick the Purpose

One of the most important decisions individuals can make is why they want a fence. It doesn’t have to provide privacy, safety or a barrier against noise. It can simply be ornamental, decorative, and enhance the aesthetics and value of the property.

Since the process for creating chain link fence was introduced in 1844 by Charles Barnard, the fencing type has remained one of the most effective and economical option for multiple uses. The fencing was based on the cloth weaving process and it was brought to the U.S. in 1891.

Chain link fencing quickly caught on and became popular for providing safety and security for parks and the estates of the wealthy and powerful. It became the preferred backstop method in baseball fields, catch fences at early car racetracks, and even for cage matches in wrestling.

Industrial sites, housing projects and commercial enterprises use chain link fence due to its affordability and versatility. The Department of Homeland Security recommends chain link fencing for the protection of soft targets and those that may be at increased risk of attacks. In high security areas, chain link fencing can be equipped with barbed wire or razor wire.

The fencing is strong, durable, resistant to corrosion, and offers a convenient see-through barricade. Chain link provides an imposing physical barrier and a psychological deterrent to would-be intruders. It’s cost effective to purchase, install, and can reduce the number of guards needed to protect a facility.

It’s an ideal solution for those that have small children and pets. It provides an added level of safety for parents at home and for those operating daycare centers. Chain link is used by animal breeders, animal shelters and in solutions designed specifically for zoos.

Chain link fencing isn’t just for permanent installation. It’s widely used for temporary protection of construction sites where valuable equipment and tools are kept. The fencing utilizes steel posts that can be easily removed from the ground at the end of a project and the distinctive diamond-patterned fencing can simply be rolled up and used in a different location if desired.

It’s available in multiple colors, styles, heights, and thicknesses. The fencing is able to withstand exposure to extremes of weather and coating can be applied to extend its lifespan even further. Chain link fencing is easy to repair if damage does occur and will serve its purpose for many years with only a minimum of maintenance, making it one of the most cost effective options available.