There are a lot of fence material types and styles to consider, but vinyl remains the top choice for a low maintenance fence.
Vinyl Fencing
Thanks to its smoothness, vinyl is easy to clean. When dirt or debris accumulate, they rinse off with water. This fence type generally is durable and requires minimal repairs. The thicker the vinyl, the more durable it will be.
It's Vinyl. Long story short: Vinyl is hands down the material that is going to give you the most bang for your buck in terms of longevity. Vinyl fences can last over 30 years if they are properly maintained.
Vinyl fencing
Vinyl fences are easy to maintain because you can clean graffiti and other stains using soap and water. The long life span and low maintenance expenses make vinyl fences cheaper than other types of fences.
A vinyl fence or an aluminum fence can add to the resale value of a home, while a chain-link fence adds little to no value. Overall, the best way to increase property value with a fence is to choose a design that is both functional and attractive.
Steel. Like aluminum, steel is a resilient material, making it a great option if you're ready to invest in a new fence. Galvanized steel chain-link fencing is especially long-lasting. It holds up well to wind and rain, and small sections can be easily replaced if any damage occurs.
Fences create an obvious barrier around your backyard, but a simple chainlink or wooden fence isn't enough to prevent burglars. Make sure your backyard fence is tall enough to prevent anyone from climbing it. Picket fences with sharp points or tall chainlink fences can work as well.
Wood Fences
Cedar may last for 15-30 years, spruce may last for 4-7 years and pine may last for 5-12 years. Treated wood, however, increases this longevity: pine and spruce may last for 20 years and cedar may last up to 40 years.
Vinyl will also typically outlast wood fences, which are susceptible to weather, rot, insects, and other debilitating factors. It won't warp or fade, and should essentially look the same and hold up as well as the day it's installed, as long as it's cleaned as needed.
Save Money During the Off-Season
Whether it's because there were some surplus materials sitting in a warehouse, or because your contractor didn't have to pay their employees for overtime, fencing projects are generally cheaper during the fall and winter months.
You can often guess who owns a fence by looking at where the frames are – the builders or property owners should have put the fence up facing away from their own property so their neighbour gets the 'good' side.
A chain-link fence is typically the least expensive option, while a wrought iron fence is among the most expensive. You can get a new fence for as little as $500 if you do it yourself and choose a simple design and material. Or, you could spend as much as $8,500 on a complex fencing project with multiple materials.
PVC is known for being highly durable and exceptionally resistant to breaks. Plus, vinyl fences are also more flexible than other fencing options. This lets them “bend” with high winds while different material types “break” under pressure. It's just one more reason why this fencing type typically lasts up to 30 years.
A white vinyl fence is the most popular for a reason: its elegant look matches almost any home and any style. We recommend white to homeowners who don't want to commit to a strong stylistic statement but want to have an attractive curb appeal that will never go out of style.
Advantages of Cold-Weather Installation
Installing a new fence during the fall or winter is often the best choice for the simple reason that you're dealing with fewer obstacles.
And that's because winter is the best time of the year to install a fence. This sounds like a strange fact, but we promise it's factual. During the winter, your landscaping is pretty dormant. Shrubs and plants are less likely to be damaged by construction while installing a fence during the winter months.
You should look at repainting your fence with an extra coat annually, of course it can all depend on weather conditions, but once every couple of years should do enough to keep your fence looking as good as new, rather than leaving it for an extended period of time and it becoming worn and damaged.
If privacy is a priority, vinyl may be the best choice for wind-resistant fencing. Weather: Vinyl fences have some give, so they can hold up against high winds. Because they're made from synthetic materials, they're not affected by rain, snow, rot, or pests.
Even a high-quality, well-maintained wood fence will likely not outlive a vinyl fence. Vinyl fences can last decades with proper care. Without maintenance, a wood fence may last only five years. With excellent upkeep, wood fences will last about 15 to 20 years.
Vinyl Fencing Wins for Longevity!
It will outlast its wooden counterpart by many years or even decades. A perfectly maintained, top-quality wooden fence, will last around 14 years, while a vinyl one will last 20-30 years!
PVC fences are extremely sought after because they are durable, require very little maintenance, and can even imitate the look of real wood. Although you will often see the terms used interchangeably or grouped together, is there a difference between PVC and vinyl? The short answer is: no, there is no difference.
Common prices for a residential backyard fence by linear foot include: 100 linear feet: $2,300. 150 linear feet: $3,600. 300 linear feet: $6,900.
Pickets fences are affordable and easy to install. They're ideal for dark gardens as they allow more light through, this makes them perfect for those wishing to grow grass in shade.