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.

In reality, either option can be a good choice for wood fencing. It’s primarily an aesthetic decision based on your personal preferences and how much time you want to invest. Painting or staining can extend the lifespan of your wood fencing and provide a level of protection against insects, rot and the weather.

Stain

However, there’s definitely some advantages to staining over painting. If you choose to stain, you won’t need to apply a coat of primer first. It can enhance the beauty, texture and natural grain of the wood. You also won’t have to be so concerned about leaving brush strokes or roller marks. The range of stain colors is exceptional and you’ll only need to apply one coat.

Stain won’t crack, peel or blister, but it does have some requirements for application. The outdoor temperature should be at least 50 degrees for best results and make sure it’s not going to rain for at least 2 days to give the stain ample time to soak into the wood. Just keep in mind that stain will fade over time and while it lasts longer than paint, it will need to be reapplied periodically.

Paint

One of the most attractive elements of pain is the wide range of colors from which to choose. It’s also available in multiple sheens – the reflective ability of the paint. When using latex paint on your fence, the good news is that it dries fairly quickly. It’s usually dry to the touch in an hour and fully dry in 4 to 8 hours, depending on the brand.

The downside of paint is that it’s more expensive and you’ll need to apply primer before you can actually start to paint, which requires more time. Getting the right coverage and uniform color without leaving brush or roller marks can require extra time and effort. It can also begin to crack and peel as it ages.

The terms rust and corrosion are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Rust is a form of corrosion, but rust only affects iron and associated alloys that includes steel. Metal fencing is subject to the chemical process of oxidation. Modern metal fencing typically contains a powder coating for aesthetic and practical reasons to inhibit corrosion, but for corrosion resistance in metal fencing, nothing can come close to aluminum.

South Florida Elements

Many metals rust when exposed to the conditions prevalent in the South Florida climate. They corrode when exposed to high humidity levels and water – particularly saltwater. Aluminum fencing is corrosion resistant and provides any property with elegance, security and durability. The material is highly versatile and can be customized into multiple styles and designs.

Research into the metal indicates that aluminum has the ability to last for a whopping 10,000 years before it begins to break down. It tolerates saltwater, significant rainfall, elevated humidity levels, and UV rays without fading or deteriorating.

Pest Resistant

Another attribute of aluminum fencing that’s particularly appealing is its resistance to insect pests. A wide variety of insects can infiltrate other types of fencing materials, resulting in damage that facilitates and accelerates rot. Aluminum fencing doesn’t attract or retain insects.

Low Maintenance

Aluminum fencing is one of the lowest-maintenance materials that can be selected and its equally at home in a variety of environments. Owners won’t have to spend time painting or staining it and it has no special maintenance requirements. If a section of aluminum fencing is damaged due to unforeseen circumstances, it’s a simple matter to replace it in the same color and style as the original.

For those seeking an environmentally-friendly fencing option, aluminum fits the bill perfectly. It’s 100 percent recyclable and can be recycled multiple times. Utilizing aluminum fencing provides a corrosion-resistant way to enjoy beauty, security and durability, while providing an eco-friendly option that saves trees.

Fencing has played a roll in safety and beautification of properties for centuries. In the beginning, there was only wood, rock or metal in its most basic forms. Today, individuals have access to an extensive range of modern materials made possible through technological advances that provide greater durability while remaining aesthetically pleasing.

Wood

Individuals can still choose wood for their fencing needs. The difference is that new treatments have been developed that can be applied to ward off insects and protect against rot. In this instance, the wood hasn’t changed but the methods to extend durability has.

Metal

Powder coatings and sealants for anti-weathering protection have extended the lifespan of metal fencing. In the case of chain link, newer and more lightweight materials, combined with the practice of dipping the metal in steel, has made the fencing more cost effective while improving durability. Wrought iron is popular for fencing, but it’s more typically constructed of an iron core surrounded by a steel polymer. That polymer makes the metal resistant to UV rays and rain.

PVC/Vinyl

The development of pvc/vinyl fencing in 1981 created one of the most enduring alternatives to wood. The technology available enables it to appear as wood or stone and it’s a popular substitute since it won’t warp like wood. New manufacturing techniques enable it to be produced more cost effectively. Some manufacturers even provide lifetime warranties on their pvc/vinyl fencing since it doesn’t peel, crack or chip and its resistant to pests, mold and mildew.

SimTek®

A relatively new addition to the fencing industry, SimTek® has quickly become one of the most preferred materials for fencing in multiple environments. It’s an eco-friendly solution that combines plastic and galvanized steel. It can withstand hurricane winds, is impact resistant, blocks sound, and it’s available in textures that mimic wood and stone. In terms of maintenance, it simply needs to be hosed down to remove dust and dirt.