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.

Fences provide privacy, mark borders and add value to property. No matter what type of fence is erected, there will be some requirements that must be met. Florida has laws and regulations that individuals must adhere to when they install a fence. If they don’t, individuals can be fined or even required to take it down.

Individuals can install a fence without the consent of their neighbor. Regulations vary among locations and governmental units and can be governed by if the property is an empty lot. It’s imperative that home and business owners have a recent survey of exactly where their property lines are before installing any fence.

Most communities require a permit be obtained before a fence is installed. There are also laws against how high the fence can be and in some instances, the fence can’t be built directly on the property line. Individuals may be required to erect it a specified number of inches or even feet away from the actual property line.

Tree branches are an issue that most people don’t consider after they’ve erected a fence. If healthy tree branches encroach on the property or fence, individuals have the right to trim them back. If dead branches from a neighbor’s property fall on the fence and damage it, the neighbor is responsible and can be liable for repairing or replacing the damaged fencing.

In many areas, if an individual installs a fence directly on the property line, the adjoining neighbor could be liable for a portion of the installation and maintenance costs. If the neighbor doesn’t want the fence, it can lead to disputes and even legal action. Having a fence installed by a professional is critical. They will know the laws, will be able to pull any permits needed, and explain what is required.

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.

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.

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.

Bigger isn’t always better when considering how high a fence will be. There are a multitude of factors to consider whether it’s a property’s first fence or an upgrade to an existing barrier. Individuals will need to consider the height, material and purpose, along with local rules and regulations governing fencing in the community.

Residential and commercial fencing typically have different requirements and those can vary depending upon specific locations. For residential customers that are contemplating the installation of fencing, the primary concern should be the purpose the fence will serve.

Security

Whether it’s to keep children and pets out or unwanted people and wildlife out, a fence can accomplish all those goals. Solid fencing and those with vertical rails will aid in discouraging trespassers from trying to climb it and security gates and systems can be added. The height will be determined by what individuals are trying to keep in or out.

Privacy

The height of a privacy fence will depend on the slope of the land and the size of the area to be shielded, such as a patio, pool or hot tub. Homeowners may want to have a barrier that provided privacy in one place or throughout the entire property. A privacy fence will typically be constructed of material with little or no space between sections. A fencing professional will be able to ensure that the fence meets local regulations, and provides the privacy required for the desired area.

Noise Barrier

Living on a busy street can be extremely noisy, making it difficult to listen to music, watch TV or even sit outside in a peaceful atmosphere. Solid fencing materials are available that dampen noise and can be installed for any desired height. They can be solid or have small spaces between the boards to let light filter in, and can be paired with plantings if desired.

Wind Block

Fencing does more than beautify properties. It’s also very effective at blocking or interrupting wind from areas where homeowners entertain, especially if they have a fire pit or other outdoor flame. A fence can be especially beneficial for those that live in coastal areas as a means of preventing sand from blowing into the yard and are usually no more than three feet in height when used as a sand barrier.

Swimming Pool Safety

Most communities have very specific laws that require pools to be fenced, gated for safety, and state minimum height requirements. They should have an automatic locking gate, no handholds with which children can climb, and security systems can be installed to alert owners when the gate is opened.

Before Fencing

It’s best to hire a fencing professional that is knowledgeable in local laws governing fencing heights and if there’s a required setback on the property. A professional can help clients choose the right type of fencing for their needs that also conforms to community specifications.