The average vinyl fence lifespan for a privacy fence is about 50 years. To make it even better, vinyl fences installed by Smucker Fencing come standard with a limited lifetime warranty. Of course, regular cleaning and gentle usage will help it look great the entire time, too!
With proper maintenance, your fence should be expected to last anywhere between 20 to 50 years, depending on the material. If your fence is older than you are, it's probably time for a new one! Damage isn't the only reason to replace your fence.
A wood fence usually lasts approximately 15 years. However, with the proper maintenance, you can extend the life of your wood fence to 20 years or more.
Cedar. Cedar, the king of backyard privacy fencing, is known for its long-lasting good looks—tight grain, fewer knots, and a desirable red hue—and its promise never to warp or shrink.
To keep the wood from rotting, apply a wood preservative to seal it. "It's like wax on a car," Holt says. "It helps protect it from the elements, from water, from sprinklers." Water-repellent preservatives and sealants are sold at home-improvement and hardware stores.
Stains offer the same benefits as sealers but with some extra advantages. Sun damage can cause a fence to fade and become grey in as little as a few months. A quality stain can protect a fence against the UV rays at the heart of the process. The more opaque the stain, the more UV protection it provides.
First introduced in the 1980s, vinyl fencing lasts much longer than wood, requires virtually no maintenance, and won't be destroyed by wood's archenemies (termites, fungus, dry rot, and fire).
Adding more privacy, or keeping pets and young kids safe can be a selling feature for potential buyers. A fence that ups the curb appeal CAN have a positive effect on the value of the home. Your first impression of a home is made as soon as you step onto the property, and a good-looking fence is part of that.
But how long do pressure-treated wooden fences actually last? From what we've seen during our last 12 years of business, a typical pressure-treated wooden fence lifespan is about 15-20 years. Around the 15-year mark is when most homeowners report seeing noticeable aesthetic declines, like rotting and splitting.
A treated 4×4 will last 20 to 25 years in the ground if the conditions in the soil and climate are favorable. That number could increase to 40 to 75 years if you install the treated 4×4 in a cement ring rather than the soil. There are a few factors that influence how long the 4×4 can last in the ground.
Use exterior oil-based stain or latex paint, which will seal out moisture, prevent wood rot, limit the amount of weathering and extend the life of the wood. Choose a stain or sealant with a UV inhibitor to help keep the wood from turning gray. Let the wood dry for about a week before applying a stain or sealant.
Masonry wall fencing is the most durable fence material. This includes brick, concrete, stone, block, and even stucco. It's known for its longevity and can last over 100 years without any issues.
Redwood, cedar or pressure-treated pine last the longest. A fence can last about 20 years, if made of a turnout resistant wood. Then posts are usually the first to go; panels survive longer because they typically don't touch the ground. Fences must withstand year-round exposure to the element.
Replacing a fence can be expensive, depending on the height and length, and it can be backbreaking work. But, if done well, fencing should last a good ten years before it needs replacing again.
Redwood is arguably the most extensively used type of wood for wood fencing and even though it comes at a high cost, redwood's quality, durability, and aesthetic value make it among the best options.
Cedar is one of the most durable and long-lasting woods, making it much more suitable as a material for fencing. It can last for more than 15 to 30 years and is exceptionally sustainable. Cedar wood requires much less maintenance and won't weather as easily as spruce or pine.
Benefits of Staining and Sealing Fences
Staining and sealing wooden fencing not only keeps it looking good it also ensures it will last longer, particularly if a softwood like pine has been used for construction.
Vinyl fencing: Vinyl fencing can last 30+ years with minimal maintenance required. Unlike wood that can warp, rot, or shrink over time, vinyl is rigid and resilient. It is resistant to pests, rain, snow, temperature changes, and other elements. That is why vinyl fencing is the longest lasting fence material.
If you have not painted or stained your fence, you will need to apply a clear sealant every year to protect to wood and maintain a strong seal against moisture. If you are staining your fence, apply the stain before applying the sealant.
The laws actually state that a fence can be as high as 100 meters. However, this is only allowed if proper planning permits have been obtained. This means that any fence under 2 meters in height does not require a permit. This simple law has a few complications to it.
Durability You Can Count On
No matter what they're facing, vinyl fences stand strong. They won't rot, blister, or allow the growth of fungus, and you won't have to worry about them splitting or cracking due to weather or old age. Plus, vinyl fences are resistant to fire and impenetrable to pests.
The life expectancy of a typical vinyl fence is 20-30 years, and it can range depending on the quality and brand of vinyl fence. To figure out how long a specific vinyl fence should last, it's a good idea to check the manufacturer's warranty. Most vinyl fence warranties range from 20 years to a lifetime.
Vinyl privacy fencing is one of the best ways to keep your dog in the yard. Vinyl fences are strong and secure enough to do the job, and they last a long time without breaking down like wood fences can. Plus, there are a lot of options out there, so you don't have to sacrifice style for the sake of safety.