Whether it's the responsibility of the developer, the homeowner's association or individual homeowners, good fencing in a housing development is a must. Fences add security and privacy in crowded neighborhoods, and they can increase curb appeal, too.
After investing so much time and money into a new home, you don't want to finish it off by installing shoddy fencing. With that in mind, we decided to look at the available options for residential development fencing so you can make the right choice for your property.
Best Fence Material for Security and Privacy Needs
There are five primary materials you can use for a privacy fence.
- Wood fencing is the most affordable option and is reasonably sturdy. However, they can start to crack, splinter and decay in as little as a few years - if animals and insects haven't chewed them up first.
- Vinyl fencing is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) that is low maintenance and doesn't rot. The downsides are that it costs a lot more and can be prone to warping and color-fading from extreme weather.
- Composite fencing uses a blend of wood and plastic fibers. This gives it the appearance of wood and low-maintenance care of vinyl while being much more durable and fade-resistant.
- Masonry fencing is built from natural stones or manufactured concrete pavers. It is durable, has a fine natural look and can be enhanced with spikes at the top - but it is also very expensive and time-consuming.
- Metal fencing uses a rail-and-picket design made of steel or aluminum. This material offers the most visibility, which is good for entrances, but is also the least secure.
Panels vs. Pickets
The design of steel fencing leads us to the question of whether to install picket fences or panel fences. Traditional picket fences offer the most customization since you can space the pickets however you like, and they tend to be more affordable. On the other hand, they won't offer as much privacy since people can see through the cracks, and they take more time to install. Security fence panels fully obstruct people's view and are much easier to install because they are designed for a good fit. For many homeowners, the added cost is worthwhile.
Fencing Can Increase a Home's Value
A good privacy fence does more than give you peace of mind. For several reasons, installing a fence may make your home worth more. The improved security will be worth more to many potential buyers, particularly in high-risk neighborhoods. High-quality fencing also gives kids and pets a safe area to play. Beyond privacy and security, well-designed fencing enhances the beauty of a home and can provide other benefits like sound dampening.
Composite Fencing from Frame it All
The Valla Cap Composite Privacy Fence is one way to increase privacy in your residential development. It's made from sustainable wood fibers and recycled plastic with special additives to resist pests, bacteria and fungi. Our composite privacy fencing has a 30-year warranty and comes in a variety of stylish colors to match any home and landscape.