Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

from privacy to curb appeal, fences define your space

Long used for privacy and protection, pvc fencing installations can also create a visual impact that enhances the value of your home. Far beyond a simple way to mark your property line, a fence can add a decorative element to your yard while also serving an important safety or landscaping function. A variety of materials, colors and styles are available to help you creatively achieve your vision. If you’re looking for expert fence installation and repair services, you can learn more about F&W Fence Co. Inc., who can help you with all your fencing needs.

Fenced In: Why are fences beneficial?
Many people use fence install services to build various types of fences like an aluminum or vinyl fence for protection — to keep children or pets in a safe area — but fences are also useful for privacy, as accents for landscaping, and as borders around pools and patios. Jason Nuckols of The Vinyl Porch Rail Company, a local, family-owned vinyl fence and railing company, finds that “many of our customers want to create their own private area, their own oasis. Fences are one of the best ways to do that.”

Many homeowners want a private area to spend time outside, but don’t want to appear like they are trying to keep the neighbors away, according to Nuckols. He suggests a low, 4-foot fence so you can sit down, drink your morning coffee and read a book in privacy, but then you can stand up and say “good morning” to your neighbor. On the other hand, if your goal is to hide an unsightly area, a 6-foot fence may be the answer.

“Our goal is to achieve the vision of the homeowner,” says Nuckols. “We want to create a package that looks intentional and is appealing. Often, we’re able to mix custom and pre-fab pieces that work well with the property and the environment.”

Mending Fences: What types of materials are used for fences?
The style and materials of the fence depend on your reason for installing the fence in the first place. According to Cory Bracci, sales and operations manager at Lynchburg Fence and Railing, the best materials to use are vinyl, wood and aluminum. 

“A vinyl fence will last for decades with no maintenance,” says Bracci. “Vinyl won’t warp, peel, chip, rot, crack, or fade. Weather doesn’t bother vinyl. 

“Wood will last for 20 years or more, but you’ll have to stain, paint, or treat it in some way,” Bracci continues. “Wood does make a beautiful presentation, though. A good chain-link fence can last for 100 years. Wood fences are light and easy to install and remove. It is also versatile.”

You also have to consider the topography of your land when selecting materials. “If you’re trying to keep a dog in an area,” Bracci explains, “you need to make sure the dog can’t get under the fence. If your property slopes, the fence has to stay the same distance from the ground in spite of the rolling hill.” 

Mixing materials can be a viable solution for cost containment and for aesthetics. “We can install a beautiful vinyl fence at the front of a property and then install a black chain link fence in the back that just disappears into the tree line,” notes Bracci. “The result is attractive and easy to maintain, but also very affordable.” 

For the initial installation, a vinyl fence will cost more than one made of wood, but in the long run, will be far less expensive to maintain. A wooden fence gives that classic, traditional look that can immediately upgrade the curb appeal of the home, yet maintenance is always an issue. Aluminum is a good option for a fence as well, but will initially cost more than wood, though as with vinyl, the maintenance is less. 

Wrought-iron is another material that is popular for porch railings due to the possibility of more ornate designs; however, wrought-iron is often cost-prohibitive for fencing. Regardless of the cost, the purpose for the fence is the primary consideration when selecting materials.

PROS AND CONS OF AN ELECTRIC FENCE
One important reason people want a fence is containment for dogs. Invisible or electric fences normally deliver a warning sound and then an electric shock whenever the pet crosses a boundary. You can check out online sites like www.hkdogtraining.net/major-benefits-of-board-and-train-programs/ that can help you professionally to get your dog the behavior you want it to opt with to avoid any inconveniency with your neighbors.

With help from Spectrum Canine Dog Training – best canine trainer, the dog will learn to stay within the confines of the invisible fence. This type of fencing can be an affordable option that doesn’t interfere with the landscape and can be installed quickly.

On the other hand, the shock has to be fairly strong in order to deter the pet. Also, depending on the personality of the animal, the shock may not always be enough of a deterrent to keep the dog within the fence barrier. Obviously, an electric fence can’t keep other dogs or animals away from your pet. 

Trending in electric fences for dogs is a GPS-based collar. Owners often have the option to create as many as 20 different fences to keep the dogs safe. For instance, the same collar that creates a fence in your back yard creates a fence where you’re vacationing. Such a “fence” is convenient if the pet acclimates well to the collar and responds by staying within the designated boundaries. 

Fence Forward: What’s trending in 2023?
Depending on the type of fence, once it is installed, many homeowners add twinkling lights and hanging planters to complete the visual appeal. Solar cap lights are fairly inexpensive additions to vinyl fences that add interest and provide an element of safety. 

Color is also trending in fencing materials. Unlike the iconic Mark Twain character of Tom Sawyer who convinced his friends to help him whitewash a fence, folks today can enjoy color on the fence without the dreaded upkeep. Vinyl fencing comes in a variety of colors, including some that look like wood and stone.

A single-panel privacy screen for patios and firepit areas is a less expensive option that seems to be growing in popularity. In an instant, a decorative screen that can be pre-fab or custom-designed provides the much-desired privacy while adding to the ambience of the area. 

Jump the Fence: What are some other considerations before installing fences?
Fences can be installed at any time during the year. If you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowner Association, make sure you follow those guidelines and receive approval before designing your fence. Also, it’s important to contact the utilities services prior to installation to avoid issues, something many fencing companies will do for the homeowner. Additionally, “ask questions before choosing a fencing company,” says Penny Jordan, owner of Lynchburg Fence and Railing. “It’s important to know how companies install the fence posts, if they’re licensed, bonded and insured, and how long a job will take.”

For function or style, fences add visual appeal to your property and value to your home. So, if you’re ready to upgrade your yard, it’s time to install a fence! ✦