Is a Fence a Fence? A Brief Explaination of the Various Fencing Available

If you are contemplating the purchase of a fence you might ask: What kind of fence should I buy? Before you can answer that I suppose there are a few other questions to ask first.  
For example one might ask, what is the purpose of this fence, why do I want to install it? There are many reasons for a fence: security, privacy, safety, aesthetic value, keep your dog in or the neighbor’s dog out, to hide your neighbors junk, or your junk from your neighbors, and the list goes on.  Whatever your reasons are for purchasing a fence, here are a few observations to help you distinguish the differences of a few available fence types.

Block Fence

A true block fence 6″ or 8″ is a good choice and solves almost all of the reasons for a fence.  Although you better get your pocket book out because a well built block fence is going to cost you big time and if you don’t do it right then don’t bother, it will not last.  Block fences have a reputation of being poorly constructed unless you pay the big bucks to have it done right.  Not convinced? Go try and shake the top section of a cheap block wall installed by a track home builder, I bet you’ll find a couple of loose blocks there at the top just waiting to pop out.

Wood Fence

If you have a very limited budget, don’t care how your fence looks and don’t mind replacing it down the road, which is a pretty short road, go ahead and purchase the wood fence.  However, don’t forget about the detours in your journey of sanding, painting and staining with the choice of a wood fence.

Iron Fence

Iron fence solves many of the above reasons for a fence except of course the privacy issue.  You should also plan on repainting and replacing it down that same road as the wood fence, sooner if you are in a high moister area or it is subject to lawn sprinklers.  Why you ask? A little thing called rust and corrosion, no matter how much its powder coated or whatever else, your iron fence will eventually rust.

Chain Link Fence

Chain link fence is not worth discussing, if you are considering chain link you are probably in charge of a lot of people wearing uniforms with strips, or you probably can’t read this at all. Although there may be some of you out there who just don’t care about what the fence looks like and in that case chain link would be a good choice.

Vinyl Fence

A vinyl fence is a good choice for any of the above reasons for a fence. You have your privacy fence, view fence, pool fence, 3 rail, and picket fence. You can solve all your issues without the maintenance issues with the other types of fences. You also have the advantage of building pergolas and arbors and gazebos all out of the same material that complement each other.
Is a fence a fence?  Actually a fence is really a fence no matter what it’s made of, but there are certainly advantages and disadvantages of one type over the other.  The choice is yours.  Please do your own research and find out for yourself which fence would be best for you and your family.  A good way to find information on a particular fence your interested in is to present your questions to someone who owns that fence.  Ask about maintenance and cost, along with what they like or dislike about their choice and experience.

Can a Fence be installed during the Winter time?

As long as the ground hasn't frozen, There shouldn't be any problem installing a fence. If you are setting the posts in concrete technically you can pour as long as temperature is above 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

In some cases, The Snow can keep the ground warm enough to dig deep enough to set the fence posts.
Example: Did you ever build a Snow Igloo as a kid in your yard? If you did, then you know that once your inside your home-made igloo that it's actually warm and protects you from the cold wind.

It's the same thing with the ground, Snow can be a protective layer from the elements.
Of course, I would suggest calling to get a professional to come take a look at your property and check the ground to make sure it isn't frozen.

Lawn Makeover

Does your back yard need a makeover?  Are you wanting privacy from your neighbors?  Do you need to keep pets or children from running wild?  More and more people are making their yards into home getaways. With the economic climate as it is, we are all looking for inexpensive ways to enjoy ourselves.  One way to do this is to vacation in your own back yard, but you may look back there and not feel happy with what you see. A vinyl fence can instantly improve the look and appeal of your yard.
Many people these days are choosing vinyl fence over traditional wood to modernize their yards and increase the value of their homes.  Not only will a vinyl privacy fence give you a beautiful outline to your home, but you can block out those unsightly things that may be in your neighbors' yards.

Not only is the vinyl fencing more attractive, it keeps its good looks longer than traditional wood. A wood fence normally has to be maintained or repaired at least once a year. The vinyl keeps the same look and appeal as it did the day it was installed. To maintain the good look wash it with a water and a mild soap once a year.
You don't have to worry about temperature changes with a vinyl fence, either. They are manufactured with the knowledge that they will expand and contract. Provisions for this have already been incorporated into the product.

One thing to watch out for is mechanical equipment getting too close to it. Your lawnmower and weed eater can do damage to the fence if they get too close.  Mildew can also appear if there has been excess moisture excess, but a wipe down with soap and water will take that right away.
There are several different styles to choose from. You can choose from privacy fences, picket fences, pool fences, etc.  You can also choose the toppers on the posts, as well as adding a decorative option to the top of the fence, such as lattice.

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Facts About Vinyl Fencing

How strong is vinyl?

Vinyl has five times the tensile strength of wood and four times the flexibility. If your vinyl does become damaged as a result of unusual impact, it can easily be replaced.

Does vinyl become brittle in winter?

Vinyl becomes less flexible when exposed to cold climate, but it’s designed to accommodate normal temperature fluctuations. The added impact modifiers prevent vinyl from breaking or cracking unless it’s exposed to unusual impact.

How does vinyl hold up to weed trimmers?

Direct contact with lawn and garden equipment can damage vinyl fence posts. Use caution when operating such equipment near your fence.

Will vinyl burn?

Vinyl will burn, but unlike wood, once the flame has been removed, vinyl is self-extinguishing.

Can I paint vinyl?

Vinyl is a non-porous material; therefore, paint doesn’t adhere to it well. Only epoxy-based paint will stick to vinyl over an extended period of time. But paint can damage the vinyl’s surface and thus voids the warranty.

Is vinyl graffiti-proof?

Although not classified as graffiti-proof, the non-porous surface makes it difficult for graffiti to adhere to vinyl. Most paint can be removed with ease using a mild detergent and water. For stubborn stains, you may want to use a pressure washer or paint thinner.

Does vinyl fencing resist mold and mildew?

Vinyl fencing is smooth and non-porous, which makes it difficult for mildew to grow. Mildew will form only under the wettest conditions, but is easily removed with water and a mild detergent.

How does the price of vinyl compare to that of wood?

Over time, the price of vinyl compares favorably with wood. Through the years, the cost to maintain a wood fence adds up. Vinyl is virtually maintenance-free, so you won’t spend time and money painting, staining, or repairing a vinyl fence.

What kind of care and maintenance does vinyl require?

Vinyl is virtually maintenance-free. There’s no need to scrape, paint, or stain a vinyl fence. As with most exterior products, our fence may become dirty when exposed to the elements. Pressure washing with a mild detergent and water should keep your vinyl fence looking new. For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive cleanser and a soft-bristled brush.

Horse Fencing

Wood Vs. Vinyl Fencing for a Horse

By Ketly Hinojos, eHow Contributor

  According to Jeff Beneke, author of "The Fence Bible," a functional horse fence must be "strong and visible" so the horses will not collide into the fence when they are startled.

I want to do this! What's This?

Horses love to nibble on wood fences. Whatever horses find appetizing with wood fencing, they won't find it in vinyl fencing and thus won't chew on it.

To keep horses secure yet visible; most horse fences, whether vinyl or wood, are built with two to five rails. Horses can damage wood and vinyl fences with their legs; but a vinyl fence is stronger than wood, thus less likely to acquire permanent damage.

Wood and vinyl fences can effectively contain the horses so they will not wander or be stolen.

Vinyl fence costs are typically higher than wood fence costs initially; but the cost of vinyl or wood fence for a horse is similar. Depending on the number of rails, the price per foot ranges from $5 to $15.

Most vinyl fence manufacturers provide lifetime warranties on their products; so consider that.

Vinyl Fences Suit Any Purpose

You need a fence for your garden, but can’t decide what type to buy. They all have their pros and cons.  A wooden fence may look good, but it needs painted and maintenance or it may rot. Some people use metal fences, but unless they are aluminum they might rust.  Aluminum fences are very light and have to be well secured, so you don’t want a high wind!

There are also slatted fences, cane fences and simple hedges. Your choice is limitless, but have you considered all of the alternatives?  Why should they all be made from high maintenance materials? Is it the price that is the deciding factor?

How about vinyl fences?  Vinyl fences come in all colors and finishes.  They can look like wood if that’s what you prefer, but without the weight and all the problems.  One advantage of vinyl is that the color goes all the way through.  The color of painted wood is the depth of the paint, and the same is true of metal.  If you scratch a vinyl fence it’s almost unnoticeable, but you cannot say the same of metal.  Their major disadvantage is that they tend to be expensive. 

But when you really look at it, and weight up the benefits of vinyl fences, is that really true? 

Consider these facts:

Vinyl fences don’t rot.  They don’t get attacked by insects.  They don’t corrode like metal. You don’t have to paint them – just buy them the color you want. No need for creosote or preservative.  All you do is put them up.  No nails, no screws – just simple fixings.  They can look the same on each side – your neighbor will love you! The only thing against them is that they cost more than a wooden fence.  But think about it:  no paint, no preservative, a lot less installation work. Perhaps they are not so expensive after all!

There are a few other good things about vinyl fences. They clean easily:  just hose them over.  Other fences need a good scrub, though you usually end up just repainting them.  Make that one payment for your vinyl fence and you don’t have to do any painting two years down the road. You can run a trellis up a vinyl fence easily, and you don’t have to worry about the ivy sucking it dry!  No insects and low maintenance.  Now there’s a plus for a couch potato if ever there was one – low maintenance!

Vinyl fences can be used for gardens and backyards, for sports fields, community areas, and indoor sports applications – and don’t forget vinyl gates to keep your children safe at the top of the stairs!  Vinyl fences can be used wherever you need a barrier, and they can be purchased in a variety of designs from solid fences to bar fences to slats to intricate trellis designs. They are available from garden centers, department stores, local shops and more and more online. Any size, any shape, many colors.

Vinyl fences are very strong and flexible, and considerable easier to fit into intricate and awkward corners and shapes that either wood or metal.  Many gardeners prefer vinyl because it is easy to hose down and does not provide a hiding place for grubs and insects, or mosses, fungi and lichens. It is garden friendly and blends into any garden colors or décor.

If you insist on a wooden or metal fence, by all means buy one, but not before you have at least considered the alternatives.