Factors to Consider When Choosing Fencing Materials
Homeowners have various fence materials to choose from and many factors to consider when building a fence. That's why you need to consider several things before ordering your fence materials. The fence material you choose will not only play a crucial role in dictating your home exterior design but also provide security to your home. Mostly, people consider privacy and security when purchasing fencing materials, but there are several other things to take into consideration.
Objective
Before you start shopping for fence materials, pinpoint the core purpose of your fence. Do you need to keep your dogs in your yard? Do you need to enclose the pool? Do you want to mark your property lines? Or are looking to increase the privacy of your property to ward off people who are fond of peeping? Once you know the objective of your fence, you can start evaluating various materials.
Style
Different fencing materials bring out different looks. For instance, compare vinyl fencing and wrought iron fencing; while both look stunning, they're stylistically divergent. Or, compare aluminum fencing and chain-link fencing; with no-frills, chain-link fences are normally used in utilitarian applications such as prisons and school yards as well as in industrial sites. Aluminum fences, on the other hand, offer timeless and elegant appeal. Explore the different styles painted by different fencing materials to find one that suits your preference.
Up-front Cost
What's your set budget for your preferred fence? Before purchasing fencing materials, consider the cost of installation. If you can't afford the cost of setting up, look at other inexpensive alternatives. However, remember that you may end up paying more in the long run due to repair or replacement costs.
Maintenance Cost
Some fences boast self-reliance and rarely need any maintenance. For example, vinyl and aluminum require virtually no maintenance at all. Though you may hose them down after a nasty storm, you won't need to worry about sealing, staining, cleaning, painting, etc. Other fences such as wood, require a lot of maintenance from you. If you can afford to hire professionals to do the maintenance work or are willing to give up some of your weekends to care for your fence, then you can consider the latter option.
Local Building Codes
If you live in a gated community, then you may need to enquire from them about the type of fencing materials to install on your property. Most of the homeowners association typically set standards regarding fencing materials, colours, and heights; therefore, you may need to confirm with them.