Don't Overlook These Factors When Choosing a New Fence for Your Yard
A new fence for your yard can be what you need to increase privacy while you're relaxing on your patio or deck and to create a nice backdrop for your landscaping and flowerbeds. A fence might also be legally required if you have a pool or even a water feature in your yard. When you are ready to choose a fence for your yard, note a few important details you don't want to overlook so you know you'll be happy with that fence for as long as you own your home.
Property value
Rather than choosing a fence based on price alone, consider how a very cheap fence might affect your home's property value. A hurricane fence can be affordable and easy to install, but it may also make the property look a bit rundown and industrial. Some very rustic fences, such as packed brush or uncut bamboo stalks, might also detract from the home's overall appearance and its value. Talk to a realtor if needed so you can determine the best fence material and style for actually enhancing your home's property value.
Maintenance
Every fence will need some type of maintenance, but how much maintenance and how difficult that work will be is greatly affected by the fence material and style. There are many fence supply options, so consider your environment carefully.
For example, if you live in a very humid environment, you might avoid a wood fence, which can absorb moisture and eventually rot. Pets with sharp claws can also easily scratch a wood fence. Vinyl or aluminium can be better options in these cases, as they're virtually indestructible when it comes to moisture and large pets. If you live in an area with lots of high winds, this can mean dust and dirt settling against a solid panel fence, and you would need to hose it off after every windstorm. In such cases, consider a mesh, metal bar or chain link style instead.
Durability
If your area is prone to heavy storms or brushfires, a wood fence is not typically the best choice; these fences can topple in strong winds and feed a fire. A metal bar fence or a mesh fence that allows high winds to pass through rather than blowing down the fence are better options.
If you prefer the look of wood even if it's not the most durable choice for your area, consider a vinyl picket fence that will mimic this look. Leaving room between those pickets will allow high winds to pass through, so the fence won't topple as easily.
