As a home or business owner, you might be looking to implement a privacy fence. Privacy fences not only provide privacy but also provide security, value, noise reduction, and curb appeal. They can also provide protection for your property from the elements and increase safety for pets and children.
Choosing the right privacy fence for you and your property can be a challenging decision. The experienced fencing team at Rocky Mountain Fence and Decks wants you to be happy with the privacy fence you choose. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of some common privacy fence types that can help you ascertain what might work best for your property:
Wood Fences
Wood fences are probably the most common throughout the United States. There are many types of wood fencing to choose from, such as Cedar, Cypress, Red Wood, Pine, Oak, or Spruce. Many prefer the look of real wood fencing and the vibrancy it can bring to a property. In types of privacy fences, wood fences are the most popular, particularly Cedar for its resistance to pest infestation, warping, and shrinking.
PROS:
- Affordable: Wood is a budget-friendly option for most, but can depend on the type of wood you want as well.
- Provides Privacy: Wood fences offer excellent privacy and can be up to 10-12 ft. high. However, most city regulations limit you to 8 ft.
- Easy to Paint or Stain: Customize the color to match your aesthetic.
CONS:
- Prone to Rot: Wood is sensitive to weather and may rot over time.
- Requires Maintenance: Regular staining and upkeep are necessary. Paint will chip and staining will fade. You’ll need to budget in for regular maintenance every 2-3 years.
- Attracts Pests: Wood can attract pests like termites, woodpeckers, and squirrels.
- Minimal Sound Block: It may not be the best for noise reduction, depending on the type of wood used. However, height or materials can be added that can make a difference.
Composite Fences
Composite fencing is popular for its real wood-grain texture that mimics real wood while outlasting most wood types. This type of fencing comes in a variety of colors and is made from a combination of recycled plastic and reclaimed wood fibers. When considering types of privacy fences, this one is the most durable.
PROS:
- Environmentally Friendly: Made from recycled materials.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep.
- Long-Lasting: Composite fences have good durability.
CONS:
- Can’t Be Painted: Unlike wood, composite can’t be painted.
- Factory Color May Fade: The initial color may fade over time.
- Pricing: Composites can be significantly more expensive than a wooden fence up front.
Vinyl Fences
Vinyl fencing is a plastic-based alternative to fencing instead of wood or chain-link type fences. These types of privacy fences are made using synthetic plastics, such as vinyl, polypropylene, nylon, polyethylene ASA, or from various recycled plastics. Vinyl can also be very flexible, which makes it a good choice for extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, rain, and snow.
PROS:
- Low Maintenance: Vinyl doesn’t require painting or staining. Easy to clean with a pressure washer.
- Various Colors Available: Choose from a range of colors. Custom colors will incur a premium fee.
- Long-Lasting: Vinyl fences are durable. They won’t rot and are bug resistant
- Pricing: Can often be cheaper than wood fencing.
CONS:
- Customization: You’re limited to the designs and patterns available from manufacturers.
- Prone to Mold: In humid climates, cheaper or poorly installed vinyl fencing can develop mold.
- Fading Color: Poor quality vinyl fencing can have color fade or yellowing.
- Can crack: Although flexible, vinyl material doesn’t expand or contract the same as wood. When it’s cold, it can get cracks.
Aluminum Fences
Aluminum is popular for its appearance and can look like steel without the price tag. This material is easy to install by simply screwing panels in place. Although often considered an alternative to wrought iron or for a picket fence design, with this material you can also get different types of privacy fences. For example, you can get wide panels or wide pickets with small gaps in between.
PROS:
- Durable: Aluminum fences are long-lasting.
- Low Maintenance: Minimal upkeep is required. It resists fading and discoloration, won’t mold or rot, and if treated correctly won’t rust like other metal fencing options.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Provides a sleek and modern look.
- Easy to install: Lightweight, flexible, easy and convenient to work with.
- Eco-Friendly: Often made of recycled aluminum, reduces waste.
- Weather resistant: Holds up to harsh weather conditions, ranging from high winds to snowstorms.
CONS:
- Durability: Lighter structure means it’s not as tough and weak to high impact damage from debris or hail that can cause dents or bends.
- Higher Initial Cost: Installation can be expensive compared to some of the other options.
- Not as Secure: It may mimic steel, but it isn’t on the same level. Panels can easily be unscrewed.
Rocky Mountain Fence and Decks for Choosing Types of Privacy Fences
Remember to consider your budget, maintenance preferences, and desired level of privacy when choosing the right fence for your yard. Rocky Mountain Fence and Decks is happy to help you choose the right fence for your property. Our talented fence and deck installers can help you with your dream designs or security needs.
Rocky Mountain Fence and Decks
Since 1992, Rocky Mountain Fence and Decks has offered expert decking services. Fill out our simple estimate form to receive a quote for your project. Be sure to check out our financing. The Loveland, Colorado-based Rocky Mountain Fence and Decks provides services to the whole Northern Colorado region, including Wellington, LaPorte, Fort Collins, Timnath, Greeley, Loveland, and Berthoud. We are looking forward to your call!