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What's New in
Fencing?
Most homeowners value privacy and security. One of the
best ways to achieve this around the exterior of your home
is through the right kind of fencing. But before thinking
about replacing or adding new fencing to your property,
you have to be certain about where it will go.
To avoid any conflicts with current or future neighbours,
it is important to know what the exact boundaries of your
property are. You can resolve any doubts by looking for
survey markers on the corners of your property. If you are
uncertain and planning to build expensive new fencing,
however, you would be wise to pay a professional surveyor
to establish the exact boundaries for you.
Once you are certain about where any new fencing will go,
consider carefully what you want to achieve. Do you want
to protect your home from trespassers and stray animals,
create a safe area for your children to play in, pen in
your dog or add privacy to your outdoor living space?
Regardless of what you decide, all good fencing starts
with a plan. That plan may involve installing new fencing
yourself or hiring a professional to do the job. Fencing
has never been easier to install, even for the
do-it-yourselfer. Pre-fabricated fencing panels today come
in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and materials.
Fencing options
If you want to keep your kids in and outsiders out, but
are not that concerned about privacy, chain link fencing
is still among the most versatile, economical and
long-lasting products around. Vinyl- coated and corrosion
resistant, chain link fencing is maintenance-free and
available in a variety of colours and styles.
For privacy, pressure-treated and cedar wood fencing
products are among the most popular because of the large
variety of styles and board sizes available. All are
attractive and functional. Cedar fencing is more expensive
than pressure treated wood products, but is resilient in
the worst of climates and provides a natural deterrent to
insect infestation.
In addition to pressure-treated, cedar and other wood
products, fencing is also available in vinyl products that
offer privacy. These can be more costly but are
maintenance-free, attractive and long-lasting. Unlike wood
structures which require upkeep every couple of years,
vinyl fencing withstands the elements and won't rot, warp,
shrink, dent or break. It is available in a variety of
styles and colours and usually comes with a manufacturer's
lifetime warranty.
If all you want is to mark the boundaries of your
property, rail fencing in vinyl or wood may be all you
need. Used for generations in rural areas to fence in
livestock areas, rail fencing can enhance a home's
landscaping, giving it a crisp country look.
Another choice is fencing made of galvanized coated steel
or aluminum; it otters durability, strength and a clean
appearance. Attractive and practical, this kind of fencing
can remain structurally sound for a lifetime. The finish
will not crack, chip or peel. Like vinyl fencing, it
usually comes with a manufacturer's lifetime warranty.
Whatever fencing style or product you choose, be sure to
select on what complements the design and look of your
home. Once you have decided on size, shape, location and
type of structure, consider the kinds of posts, lattice
and cap tops you may want to incorporate. |
