Choosing the Perfect Fence for Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide

Photograph of a yard showing a well-constructed residential fence.

Installing a fence around your property offers numerous benefits: enhanced security, privacy, and aesthetic appeal. However, selecting the right type of fence requires careful consideration. In this guide, we will delve into the key factors you should contemplate when choosing a fence that suits your requirements.

  1. Determine Your Needs. Consider your goals with your fence. Are you looking to keep your children and pets safe within a designated area? In that case, a chain link fence would be suitable. If you merely plan to minimize noise disturbances from neighbors or vehicles, a taller privacy fence is a better option. Alternatively, if you seek both aesthetics and protection, ornamental fencing, such as steel or aluminum, would be ideal. Metal fences require minimal maintenance and can last for decades.
  2. Assess Privacy Requirements. Privacy is an essential aspect of fencing for many homeowners. If you value seclusion, especially when engaging in outdoor activities, solid vinyl fences offer excellent seclusion. Unlike chain link or ornamental bar fencing, these vinyl panels eliminate gaps, providing complete obstruction from the outside view.
  3. Consider the Materials. The materials from which fences are made affect the installation process and maintenance costs. For instance, wooden fences require occasional painting and sealing to protect them from water-related damage. Wood never shirks its thirst for liquids, so it will otherwise absorb rain and sprinkler water; in the winter, the contained liquids freeze and physically break apart your fence panels, resulting in bulges and cracks. Additionally, you may need to invest in termite control products. Alternatively, vinyl fencing provides a cost-effective alternative. Vinyl fences are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), offering superior impact strength and ultraviolet resistance. They are low-maintenance and resistant to discoloration. Galvanized chain link fences are coated with zinc-based materials to prevent rusting, and they are reusable and recyclable. Here at American Fence Company, we also specialize in black vinyl coated chain link fences.
  4. Assess Durability. Fences involve significant investments in terms of materials and construction. Therefore, opt for a fence that is built to last. Chain link fences can withstand various weather conditions and require minimal maintenance. Our professionally fabricated vinyl fences are designed to last a lifetime and are extremely durable. Even when temperatures fall in winter, they merely become more flexible and require excessive force to break.
  5. Consider Climate Impacts. Climate plays a crucial role in fence lifespan. Wood fences may degrade due to rain and humidity, while certain fences become brittle in cold temperatures, leading to cracks or splits. Additionally, fences may expand during hot summers, causing damage if not designed to accommodate such changes. If you reside in regions with extreme temperatures, a vinyl fence is a suitable choice as it remains unaffected by pressure and temperature fluctuations. In areas with heavy snowfall, avoid wood fences that can sag or crack under the weight. It is advisable to regularly remove excess snow from around fence posts to alleviate pressure.

To make an informed decision as to which fence type is right for you, consult fencing experts who can assess your site and recommend the best fence based on your needs and budget. American Fence Company is a reliable and experienced provider, having operated and led the industry since 1967. Our installation team is rigorously trained in all aspects of fence and gate installation, repair, and maintenance. Whether you prefer vinyl, wood, or ornamental fencing, their expert technicians will ensure your chosen fence meets your specific requirements. We also manage several divisions specialize in architectural screening, automated gates, rental fencing, and drilling.

Draw Your Privacy Fence Online, For Free!

Wouldn’t it be convenient if—rather than hiring an estimator to physically measure your projected job site—you could simply hop online and draw your fence? Well, American Fence Company has a tool that allows you to do just that! With Draw My Fence, you can look up your job site on Google Maps and draw the fence on an overhead view. The team will then look at your submitted drawing and get back to you with an estimate. Get the same results, but with less hassle and in a much shorter span of time! Check out the video below to see how it works!

Let’s talk today! By considering these factors and seeking professional guidance, you can choose the perfect fence for your home, providing security, privacy, and aesthetic appeal for years to come!