Adding residential fencing to your property can be a great way to add privacy, security, and individuality to your home. When someone sees your home from the outside, all they can see is the exterior. So if you want to add character to your home, opting for a fence can be a great way to do this while still being functional.
Benefits of Home Fencing
There are several reasons why you may want to consider installing a fence on your property. Some of the most common benefits of home fencing are as follows.
Privacy
Fences can provide an incredible sense of privacy — especially if you spend a lot of time in your yard. However, remember that not all fences will be the best at keeping prying eyes out of your yard, like fencing with a lot of space between boards or posts. However, plenty of fencing options can greatly obstruct any view of the inside of your yard from the street or even neighboring yards.
Remember that you can also install fencing of varying heights (depending on property rules and regulations) to ensure the privacy of your outdoor space. Even a fence with space between the panels can provide more privacy than no fence at all.
Security
If you are a gardener or have invested much time and energy into your landscaping, you don’t want people walking all over it. A fence can help you keep unwanted guests out of your home and away from your yard. Opting for a fence without a gate may be the best option if security is your main concern.
Wind Shielding
Another benefit of fencing around your home is protected from the wind. When wind hits a fence, it is diffused and can therefore cause less damage to plants or other things you worry will fall over or get knocked down. Keep in mind that the larger the gaps in your fence, the more wind can come through and into your yard.
Keeping Pets In (and Other Animals Out)
If you have dogs that you want to keep inside your yard, you will need to consider how high they can jump and whether or not they are diggers and pick a fence accordingly. Remember that fences with fewer gaps and spaces between panels or posts may be more effective than fences with larger spaces in keeping your pets in your yard.
If you are aiming to keep animals out of your yard, your best option will typically be to opt for a fence that helps protect your property against digging or burrowing animals like rabbits and opossums. If you have deer in your area, you may want to consider a taller fence to prevent them from entering your yard.
Types of Residential Fencing
There are a number of different types of fencing to choose from — and we could spend an entire afternoon simply listing out the different options. But, a few different types of fencing are more common in residential areas. These are cedar fencing, aluminum fencing, and chain-link fencing. So, here, we’ll explore these three common fencing options so you can determine which option is the best fit for your needs.
Cedar Fencing
Cedar is a porous lumber that dries out quickly and makes a fantastic sound absorber for individuals who live near busy roads. It is also one of the most affordable wood fencing materials, making it a great option for anyone with a smaller budget. The natural oils in cedar also repel many beetles and other bugs that may cause infestations — like termites.
Because it is far less susceptible to warping or bowing, cedar fencing is one of the most stable lumber options for an outdoor environment. Additionally, when installed professionally, it can last for 20-25 years without showing signs of age and failure. A bonus? It is ready to stain soon after installation, so you can customize your fencing much faster than other options!
Aluminum Fencing
If you want a more “upscale” look without the added cost, aluminum fencing might be for you. This type of fence is typically made to adopt the look of traditional wrought iron fences (but without the steep installation and maintenance costs).
A good aluminum fence is made with thick, durable aluminum and coated to prevent damage from weather and rusting. If you are looking for an affordable and durable option for your home that gives your property a classic appeal, aluminum fencing is a great option.
Chain-Link Fencing
Maybe you’re not as concerned about the appearance of your yard, or you simply want a fence that will keep your dogs in the yard when you let them out. If you are more concerned with functionality and finding an economical solution, chain-link fencing is a great option. Typically, you can get these fences in galvanized metal or vinyl-coated finishes that prevent rusting and keep your fence strong for decades.
While these fences may not look as elegant as cedar or aluminum, they are a great choice for anyone looking for a low-to-no-maintenance fencing solution that keeps their kids and pups safe in the yard.
Tips for Choosing the Best Residential Fence for Your Home
As you may notice from the examples above, home fencing has many options. Picking the right option for your home may seem intimidating, but it does not have to be if you know what to look for.
Before making any decisions on which type of fence to install in your home, take the time to consider the following questions.
- What purpose will the fence serve?
- What materials do you want your fence to be made of?
- What is your budget?
- How much fencing will you need for your property?
- Does your HOA, state, or any other body have rules on what type of fencing you can install on your property?
If you are still deciding between a few options or are at a complete loss at which type of fencing will be best, reach out to a local residential fence contractor and get their professional advice on what type of fencing may be best for you.
Conclusion
The right fence for your property may not be the same as that for your neighbor’s property. Everyone has their own stylistic preferences and functionality needs, which means that not everyone will be satisfied with the same fence. Once you’ve determined which fence you are looking for, you are ready to move on to the next step: installation.
So, if you’ve determined what kind of fence you are looking for, contact us today at Draper Fencing to get an estimate on your new fence!