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Backyard Living
Fall Is The Perfect Time To Think About A New Fence  
 
As summer slides into the crisp weather of fall, it’s the perfect time to think about having a new fence installed. Typically, demand is lower in the fall, so work crews are more readily available for installation jobs. That means a quicker turn around on a fence project.

One of the key aspects of fall fencing is that the ground is still soft enough to sink support posts and anchors. These can be installed today even if the actual fencing takes longer, but don’t rule out a winter fence installation!

Sometimes customers can’t wait for good weather, so even in freezing temperatures when the ground is hard, fences can still be installed. It takes a little more effort and equipment. But posts can be driven in any weather and cement can even be mixed at 22-25-degrees if crews incorporate additives to keep the mixture from freezing.

If you live in an area where cold winters are the norm, fences can withstand most temperatures. When selecting materials and installation applications, pay special attention to how the fence design withstands strong winds, which can topple a poorly installed fence. Also, wind and frost heave can cause poorly installed fence posts to pull out of the ground, leaving a fence that is no longer level or even in disarray. That’s why it is important to leave fence installation to trained contractors.

Since most types of fencing can withstand rugged weather, here are a few considerations if your winter brings with it frigid temperatures and snow.

WOOD
If you think wood isn’t a viable option, then you haven’t kept up with developments in wood fencing. Wood continues to be a highly popular fencing option since it is both a practical and attractive way to add fencing to your property. As for strength, steel and metal posts can be used to install wood fences to help increase longevity. Clever design can make the steel/metal portions virtually invisible, which enhances aesthetic appeal, particularly for residential owners. This solution helps make wood fencing a durable option.

VINYL
Vinyl is a versatile all-weather option since vinyl fencing is cost-effective, aesthetically appealing, and low-maintenance. From a durability standpoint, vinyl fences come with extensive warranties, with some manufacturers providing lifetime warranties for their products. With different colors and textures to choose from, no painting is required for vinyl fences. Maintenance is generally delegated to a periodic washing. It is also aesthetically appealing since it comes in appealing styles, including ornamental, post and rail, privacy and traditional white picket fencing, which all provide a natural look with a variety of textures and colors.

ORNAMENTAL METAL
Known for their beauty and safety, ornamental fences, offer a strong and aesthetically pleasing look. New developments in materials and coatings greatly prolong the life of ornamental fences, especially aluminum ornamental systems which today have extensive warranties. New powder finishes are highly durable, including some with a UV inhibitor to help the color last. Also worth considering are Powder + Pre-Galvanized finishes which offer enhanced protection from all weathering, or Powder + Pre-Galvanized + Epoxy, which offers the most protection from the elements, and is a good choice for harsher climates.

CHAIN LINK
Often associated with security, chain-link fences are a versatile all-weather choice with many uses. New vinyl color-coated options can make your chain-link fence practically blend into the landscape around it. Black, green, and brown are most often used to minimize the presence of the fence. Chain-link is also both an economical and secure way to protect children and pets. It provides security while allowing homeowners to see through it. Slats can also be inserted for additional security and privacy.

COMPOSITE
Composite fence materials usually come with extensive warranties, from 20 years to even longer, so the solid nature of composite materials makes this option a good choice for a variety of projects in many different climates.

Composite fencing is a mixture of recycle wood fibers and resin. It provides a natural, wood-style look at an affordable price. With different textures and colors, composite fence materials provide a natural look from recycled material. Composite materials are easy to maintain while providing a natural wood look for fence and deck projects.

Keep in mind that installing any type of fence is best handled by trained professionals. You can find a contractor with the American Fence Association in your area by visiting the organization’s website at: www.americanfenceassociation.com.