The Sunshine State is known for its warm weather – along with the extreme weather
conditions. Hurricanes are just one of the high-risk weather conditions with which Florida
residents must contend. One of the primary concerns for residents that want to install a fence
is which material will best survive the onslaught of high winds, storm surge and flooding,
torrential rain, and flying debris.
Chain Link/Wire Mesh
The holes in chain link and mesh fencing allows wind to pass through them instead of beating
against them. The metal is a great choice for withstanding a storm, but not necessarily the most
aesthetically pleasing. Chain link and wire mesh are quick and easy to install, while providing a
budget-friendly option.
Aluminum Fencing
It’s stylish and can emulate wrought iron. The spacing of the pickets allow wind and smaller
debris to pass through. It won’t rust or corrode when exposed to rain or salt water and rivals
steel for strength. Posts are typically set in concrete, which provides additional strength and
rigidity. Aluminum fencing is the most expensive option.
Vinyl (PVC)
A vinyl/PVC fence can withstand winds of up to 130 mph. The material doesn’t rot when
exposed to rain or salty ocean water. It offers a high level of durability and doesn’t rust or warp.
Vinyl/PVC contains UV inhibitors to prevent degradation, color fading and discoloration.
Vinyl/PVC fencing is more expensive than chain/mesh and less expensive than aluminum.
SimTek®
It’s the only fencing that has a Miami-Dade wind rating that will withstand 110 mph winds and
gusts up to 130 mph. It also withstands temperatures of up to 140° F. It’s highly attractive, can
be customized, and imitates the look of real wood or stone. Powerful UV inhibitors keep the
fencing from fading, The material doesn’t warp, is easily cleaned with soap and water, and
offered in multiple colors. It's on a par with aluminum fencing in terms of cost.

Wooden fences are one of the oldest forms of barriers and they’ve come a long way in terms of security and stylishness since their ancient predecessors. Today’s wooden fences are available in multiple styles and are built to surpass South Florida’s stringent Hurricane Building Codes. The three most popular types of wooden fencing are stockade, board-on-board, and shadowbox.

A board-on-board wooden fence is a design in which boards are attached vertically to the rails in such a way that the upright boards alternate one on each side of the rails. The overlapping pattern offers visual privacy even if boards shrink due to weather conditions, but it may cost more than other types.

A shadowbox fence is very similar in design to a board-on-board fence, but doesn’t offer the visual privacy since there are small gaps between the boards. When looking directly at the fence, nothing on the other side is visible. However, if viewed from an oblique angle, outsiders can glimpse what’s on the other side due to the small gaps. One of the benefits is that they hold up well to strong winds since a breeze can pass through.

Almost everyone is familiar with stockade fencing. It’s a design that places vertical boards up tight against each other to form a panel that creates a solid barrier. It’s a simple design, yet very effective for preventing wildlife and intruders from entering while keeping children and pets in. Stockade fencing can be customized to match the architecture of homes and out buildings, while also accommodating slopes and other physical features of the property’s terrain.

Wooden fencing is an option that still remains very popular. It can be painted, stained, customized in a variety of ways, and utilizes modern processes for longevity. They provide privacy, a degree of sound blocking ability, and help ensure safety for children and pets.

Homeowners have a variety of choices when selecting fencing for their homes and there are multiple factors to consider. It has to meet your specific needs, but it must also conform to any local laws and regulations. You’ll want a fence that fits in with the character of your home and the neighborhood and your particular lifestyle.

There are also maintenance requirements to consider. Depending on the material, some need periodic painting, while others are almost maintenance free. The slope of your property will affect the installation of the fencing and its cost. People install fencing for one of several reasons that include:

• Privacy
• Security
• Protect and contain children and pets
• Safety from falling into pools or off bluffs and cliffs
• Enhance property values
• Establish boundaries
• Conceal trash cans, generators or central air units
• Dampen road noises
• Stop encroaching weeds

The reason for installing your fence will have an impact on the type of fencing you choose. Chain link fencing is great for containing children and pets, but it’s not as aesthetically pleasing as aluminum fencing. Chain link and aluminum fencing enable kids, pets and homeowners to see through it and into the outside world.

Aluminum and chain-link requires very little maintenance and are handy for marking property boundaries and preventing individuals from approaching dangerous areas. Either type is appropriate for security concerns and to prevent trespassing.

SimTek and PVC fencing provide a solid barrier against road noises, provide security and privacy, and delineate boundaries. They’re also ideal on a small scale for concealing unsightly trash cans or valuable generators and central air units. Available in multiple colors and styles, they’re almost maintenance free. The fencing is effective for stopping most encroaching weeds.

Traditional wood fencing can be erected as a solid barrier or with small spaces between the boards. They can be painted or stained and the hardware should be examined regularly.

The most important step before contacting a fencing specialist is to determine why you want a fence. Once that’s decided, your fencing specialist can assist you with the type that best fit your needs.

Choosing a fence design isn’t as easy as people might think. There are a number of factors to be examined and a simple online search isn’t sufficient to fully grasp all the available options. Individuals can select from materials encompassing wood, PVC, and different types of metal that are decorative, provide privacy, and secure premises.

Installing a fence is a complicated process. There’s a wealth of fencing materials, styles and colors from which to choose and regulations with which to comply. Property owners can begin by knowing why they’re installing a fence. It could be for:

• Privacy
• Safety
• Security
• Noise control
• Curb appeal
• Establish boundaries
• Conceal unappealing sights

Most people think of fences in terms of safety and security, but they’re much more versatile than that. They can be constructed in a variety of decorative ways to protect plants, camouflage generators, and air conditioning units, to provide privacy, and add interest to the landscape. There are multiple ways that barriers can be used to add character to the landscape.

Swimming pools are one of the most popular places to put a decorative barrier. To soften the appearance of a security fence at the poolside, a fun nautical theme can be created with rope, netting, and round posts. It’s the type of decorative barrier that can be recreated throughout the landscape and on decks, porches, and patios.