Your fence is what stands between your property and the outside world. It provides protection against marauding weather elements, animals, and undesirable people. You would want to make it as effective and as durable as possible. Only when you ensure the fence’s effectiveness can you assure yourself that you and your family are indeed enjoying privacy and security.
Check Out Your Fence’s Condition
One action you can take is to check the fence’s integrity. A fence is only effective when it is in good condition. Here are a few warning signs for fence replacement you should look out for:
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The wood is rotten beyond repair
Wood can rot after exposure to shifting weather. Getting wet by rain compromises the integrity of the wooden fence. It may dry up and look okay, but the wood fibers inside may be damaged. All of that damage accumulates over time and causes the material to rot. You can replace individual boards if you can spot the rotting early on. However, if the rotting has included the frame holding the boards together, it is definitely time to have the fence replaced.
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Splinters appear on one or more of your boards
Splinters are more than just an aesthetic issue. It means that the wood fibers inside are cracked. Splinters are like the tip of the iceberg; you won’t know how big it really is unless your ship has collided with it.
- The same is true for wooden fences – there may be more damage inside than outside. Wood can crack as it expands and contracts in response to changing weather, and the cracking can occur both on the inside and outside. Cracks indicate structural issues that culminate in the fence’s collapse.
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The fence is no longer standing straight
If you see your fence leaning towards the ground, it either means that the foundation is no longer strong or the part that’s buried underground is weakening. The top part of the fence may have broken off. This makes the fence a danger to both your household and the passers-by of your neighborhood. This is the time to uproot the older fence and change it.
Making your fence sturdy and resistant to damage is one of the keys to securing your home. If you see signs of irreparable damage to your fence, call in the experts and have it replaced ASAP.
Build the Fence to Appropriate Heights
Privacy is one of the reasons you build a fence. A fence can only ensure your privacy if you build it to stand at an appropriate height. The actual height would depend on how much of your property you want to obscure from outside eyes. You might want to fence to hide your body from the shoulders down while you stand behind it, or you would want it to hide your porch and front door.
The height would also depend on the terrain of your yard. Some houses are built on small slopes, which means that the house is built higher than the front yard. Your fence builders will be able to make accurate measurements before construction. All you need to do is decide on how high you want the fence to be before the project commences.
Choose the Best Materials for the Fence
Your choice of material also affects the quality and sturdiness of the fence. Some materials can resist the elements for a longer time, for instance, than the ubiquitous wood. Here are a few alternatives to wood you might want to think about:
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Aluminum
Aluminum is stronger than wood and is very lightweight. You’ll find the installation of these fences a breeze. Aluminum fences are difficult to climb or scale and are very durable. The downside, however, is that they may not be strong enough to resist gale-force winds. If you live in a storm-prone area, aluminum fences may not be an ideal option.
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Composite fencing
Composite fencing is not only an affordable alternative material but also eco-friendly. Composite combines carbon fiber and wood. Manufacturers generally source recycled materials to create these fences. Compared to pure wood construction, composite fences are also resistant to cracks, insect infestation, and weather damage.
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Steel
Steel is perhaps the sturdiest alternative to wood. It can withstand strong winds, powerful impacts, and even fire. It can last virtually a lifetime. Maintenance is also very simple; you just need to wipe stains off, and periodically repaint the gate to prevent rusting.
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Wrought iron fencing
Iron is an even more durable material compared to steel. This heavyweight material can last as long as steel gates and fences, or even longer. Iron can fend off the long-term effects of constant exposure to the elements. However, like steel, iron can also be prone to rust and would require periodic maintenance.
Conclusion
Your fence is essential to your home’s protection from prying eyes, weather elements, and even wild animals. It is your job as the property owner to secure your home with the best fence that your money can build. To do so means that you have to choose the best material, decide on the fence’s height and continually check for signs of damage that would necessitate replacement of your existing fence.
