Whether you are a landlord or own your own home and are looking to make some upgrades, improve the privacy of your property, or you’re a contractor looking to expand your business, chances are fences and the different fencing materials available to choose from have crossed your mind.
But with so many options out there, what should you take into account when choosing what type of fence material you will use? Such a decision can feel understandably overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide that will help inform your decision-making by detailing the most common fence materials, what each will require in terms of maintenance, what factors affect the lifespans of fences, and finally, which fence material is the most durable and lasts the longest. The answer may surprise you.
Factors that affect the lifespans of fences
Weather
Wind and water exposure are at the top of the list of factors to consider when choosing fence materials. And one bad thunderstorm can completely take out a fence. It’s even possible for water to undermine the concrete post supports of a fence.
Climate
If you live in a hot, humid region, this type of climate can result in surface-level rot on fence posts. Alternatively, cold climates with extreme freezes can damage both the wood and metal hardware of a fence.
Environment
High winds, heavy rain, and erosion can cause supports to tilt, putting weight on any unsupported beams.
Maintenance
Lack of, or poor maintenance, could also drastically affect the lifespan of a fence.
Material choice
Not all fence materials are created equal when it comes to withstanding the elements described above.
Types of fence material and their longevity
Now it’s time to talk about the most common fence materials, how they measure up to the elements in terms of lifespan, and how you can extend them.
Wood
Wooden fencing is by far the most popular material, but it is not necessarily the most durable or long-lasting. Wooden fences can last a long time (up to 30 years or longer), but they require regular maintenance, such as staining, which should be done every few years. Wood that is left raw will not last as long as wood that is regularly stained. It’s also important to keep in mind the type of wood (i.e., less expensive wood will not last as long as more expensive wood, such as cedar) will also play a role in a wooden fence’s lifespan. Wood fences can also rot, warp, sag, and crack over time as a result of the weather. To keep a wood fence from rotting, you can try painting it with a breathable, waterproof exterior paint and applying a water-repellent preservative or sealant to protect it from rain and sprinklers. But don’t forget that wood fencing can be susceptible to insect infestations.
Metal
Chain link, aluminum, or wrought iron: Some metal fencing can be ornate, pleasing to the eye, and very durable. Chain link fencing, while very affordable and with a lifespan of up to 20 years, is not the most attractive option for most. Aluminum fencing requires minimal maintenance and can come in a variety of color options. However, wrought iron fencing is susceptible to rust as it becomes exposed to water. This type of fence material will require a regular coating of rust preventative to extend its lifespan. This will need to be done every few years. And any ornate details, such as areas where the iron has been bent and curved in its design, will be more vulnerable to the elements.
Vinyl (or PVC)
Believe it or not, this is the fencing material that lasts the longest. Vinyl/PVC fencing is a relatively new option that is quickly growing in popularity. Vinyl fencing can last 30 years or longer if properly maintained (which does not require a lot). It can also resist things that other materials cannot, which makes it superior to wood and metal fencing options. For example, vinyl can resist a lot of the damage that water can cause, such as rot in wood fences, and rust in metal fences, as we described above. In fact, vinyl fencing is so low-maintenance that it only requires an occasional hosing-off of any dirt or mildew buildup. One of the major pros of vinyl fencing is that it does not require any staining or application of other preservatives, as is the case with wood and metal materials. At most, you can easily clean a vinyl fence with soap and water. Because of vinyl’s rigidity, resistance to pests, weather, and other elements, and minimal maintenance requirements, our experts strongly recommend choosing vinyl fence material to our customers.
Vinyl fencing also comes with a nice range of style options, such as picket, privacy, post and rail, and porch railing. For more information about what makes vinyl the superior material choice for your fencing needs, click here.
What can you do to extend a fence’s lifespan?
The following is a list of best practices that can help to extend any fence’s lifespan:
- Regular maintenance according to material type (staining, rust-preventatives, wood-preservatives, etc.)
- Planning before you build to limit exposure to any damage-causing elements
- Keeping trees and other plants trimmed back away from the fence
- Clear away any leaves and other debris along the base of the fence that would create a comfortable environment for unwanted pests
- If your fence sustains damage, complete repairs as soon as possible to ensure its structural integrity
- Proper fence installation
Choose high-quality fencing materials
If you’re still unsure about what material to choose to build your new fence, contact us and one of our professionals will provide you with all the information you need to know based on your specific needs and circumstances, including how you can choose to have your products shipped directly from the manufacturer to you as a homeowner or contractor to install on your own (installation videos and online instructions available), all while saving you hundreds, and even thousands of dollars under MSRP. Click here to shop now!
