What Kind of Fencing is Right for Your Home?
Posted by Gary Ashton on Monday, October 14th, 2019 at 10:58am.
Fencing can be used for many different things, including home security, beauty, and for keeping pets or children in the yard. Because fencing can serve many purposes, there are different kinds of fences for difference circumstances. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of fence can help East Nashville homeowners decide which fence type is right for them.
Wooden Privacy Fence
Privacy fences are made from thick pickets with no gaps between. The purpose of a privacy fence is in the name: they provide privacy to homeowners. Often, privacy fences are erected around backyard pools. Privacy fences prevent children from wandering onto the property and potentially drowning in the pool. These fences can also block a small amount of noise from a nearby busy street.
Maintenance: Wooden fences need to be re-sealed periodically either with paint or sealant.
Vinyl Picket Fence
Vinyl picket fences are attractive and provide some perimeter protection for yards. Often, these fences are short enough that medium-to-large animals can jump over them. Vinyl picket fences are attractive and are sometimes installed for aesthetic reasons.
Maintenance: Vinyl picket fences should be cleaned periodically, but do not ever need to be painted or resealed.
Chain Link Fence
Chain link fences are almost completely utilitarian in nature. Short chain link fences can be used to keep pets and children in, and taller chain link fences can provide a small amount of security for a homeowner. Chain link fences typically offer no privacy unless the homeowner weaves plastic strips through the chain links.
Maintenance: Chain link fences need virtually no maintenance. If the homeowner weaves plastic through the chain link, this plastic may need to be cleaned or replaced from time to time.
Wrought Iron Fence
Wrought iron fencing lasts a very long time. It's considered stately and beautiful. Depending on its size, wrought iron fencing can also provide some security. It is often difficult to climb over and virtually impossible to break through.
Maintenance: Wrought iron fencing should be cleaned periodically. Rust should be sanded down, then the iron should be re-sealed.
Bamboo Fence
Bamboo is a sustainable material that grows quickly and is easy to replenish. Bamboo fencing is very environmentally friendly, and can provide quite a bit of privacy. Bamboo has a very tropical or exotic appearance, so it's a good material to fence in a backyard that serves as the homeowner's retreat.
Maintenance: Like wood, bamboo needs to be cleaned and resealed periodically to prevent it from rotting.
Consider Home Values
Some types of fencing can increase your home's value. If you're thinking about installing a fence, choose a type that will increase your home's value and make your home easier to sell, when the time comes.
Gary Ashton
The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage
The #1 RE/MAX team in the World!