Choosing Fencing Material

Things have changed. Newer materials are now entering into the picture. Each with different properties that gives a unique advantage over the other materials. Two of these materials are Vinyl and Concrete.

Vinyl gives some unique advantages in durability, water resistance, pest resistance and maintenance. Due to these advantages, fences made of this material tend to last longer with almost no upkeep. No more scraping and painting each year. Except for maybe a dog thinking of your fence as a chew toy, very few pests like the taste of vinyl so there is no real possibility of insect damage. The material doesn’t swell and rot due to weather and the buried portion of the post pretty much lasts forever.

There are some disadvantages though. You are much more limited in the fence styles available. Unlike wood, you buy your fence pre-made (this can be an advantage), so you have to accept whatever styles are available at the store. In hot weather this style of fencing can also sag, which detracts from the visual appeal.

Another material is concrete. Now I’m not talking about a block wall here. This is tinted concrete that gives the illusion of being wood. While this style of fence is rather expensive, this is the most durable fence on the market. It is completely resistant to any pest damage, will not rot or sag, and is resistant to deterioration for decades. Not even fire will destroy this type of fence. It also gives the added advantage of being an excellent sound barrier.

Next time your looking to rebuild your fence. Give some of these other options some thought, you might find the extra expense today, may save you a bundle in the future.