About Fencing: Are You Asking the Right Questions?
Millions of homeowners will purchase fencing materials for their homes and businesses this year. In their desire to get the product and have their fence contractor put it up, they neglect to ask three important questions. So, before you make the decision about which fence you should buy, consider these three points.
Replacement Timeframe
Yes, your fence will have to be replaced sometime in the future, but most people forget to ask how long their chosen fence material will last. Historically, wooden fences have been the top choice for homeowners that seek privacy. Depending on where you live, a wooden fence can last up to 15 years with proper maintenance. A composite fence can outlast a wooden fence by five years, and a vinyl fence can stand strong for up to 30 years.
Standard Maintenance
If you have to paint the surface every year to keep it from deteriorating, or if the manufacturer claims the material should be sealed every other year, it may not be the right product for you. Home maintenance tasks can be difficult to stay on top of, especially when it comes to home fences. Perhaps that is why composite and vinyl fencing materials have become so popular with so many trained fence contractor associations. They require very little maintenance and can withstand most harsh weather scenarios. However, composite materials can still draw insects because they are made of wood fibers.
HOA Standards
Most Homeowner Associations have property, curb appeal, and color standards associated with fences. HOAs do allow PVC fencing because it is durable, maintains its true color, and is elegant. The associations also allow PVC materials because they are slow to break down, and the fences will enhance most property values rather than reduce them. Before you purchase a fencing material, find out what structures and materials are allowed by the HOA in your area.
These three questions are critical no matter what type of fence you want to build around your home or business. You should know how much maintenance the material will require, how long the fence will stand, and if your HOA will allow the material. Once you get the answers, contact your fence contractor!