How to determine what type of Fencing is right for your Yard

A fence can be the defining feature of a home in many cases. The right fence will protect the house, accent the yard and provide a level of privacy homeowners will enjoy. The problem is choosing the correct type of fence since so many options are available today. Here is how to determine what type of fencing is right for your yard.

Privacy or a View
The first thing to consider is whether you want total privacy, a view of the area around your home or a combination of both. If you want total privacy, then you will want to get a fence made from solid wood planks or some type of vinyl, according to Exterior Expressions. Those fences will create a solid barrier around your yard that blocks anyone from seeing into or out of your property. If you want to be able to enjoy your view of the surrounding area, then you should consider cast iron fencing or chain link fences.

Surrounding Colors and Architecture
Take a moment to stand in your yard and look at the colors around you. Make note of the architectural features that are present. You really need to take these two points into consideration when choosing a fence. You want a fence that will complement the colors of your home, yard and other features. Pick a style of fence that matches the architecture. You might want a cast iron fence with elaborate scrollwork if you home has an elegant exterior. Rustic homes might look good with a simple wooden fence along the border of the yard. Ensure the fence matches the colors and style of the house.

Maintenance
Different types of fences require very different types of maintenance every year. Think about how much time you are willing to spend maintaining the fence. Wooden fences often require periodic sanding and painting. Cast iron fences might need painting as well if rust starts to appear. Chain link fences sometimes need to be repaired. The easiest type of fencing to maintain is made from an artificial material such as vinyl. Those fences can often just be washed occasionally with a hose.

Security
There are more than 2.1 million burglaries every year in the country. You can help to protect your home against criminals with the right fence. If you want your fence to deter criminals, then you need to get one that is difficult to scale. Get a tall fence with pointed posts or other deterrents along the top. Chain link is an inexpensive solution although it is often easy to climb and can be cut apart. Look carefully at any gates included with the fence to make certain that you can secure it against intruders. Tall, solid fences are usually the best option when you are concerned about home security.

Installation
A good fence needs to be installed properly. This is not always an easy task. Certain types of fences or yards require special attention. Explore what is required to install a fence before making a decision. You might need to hire one of the over 21,100 professional fence erectors in the country to get the job done right. Alternately, if you choose something like cast iron, then you might be able to erect the fence on your own. The last thing you want is to purchase a fence only to find out that you will need professionals to install it. It is best to research different fences by type, brand and style to see exactly what goes into installation. If you cannot do the job yourself, then you need to add in the cost of installation to the price. You might also be able to find a fence dealer who will include installation for free when you make a purchase.

Weather and the Local Environment
The final point to consider is your local weather and environment. There are drastically different conditions in various parts of the country. Some fences will quickly degrade in the wrong areas. Wooden fences are not good close to the ocean where high humidity and salt in the air can cause rot. Metal or cast iron fences are a good choice for most areas unless you experience long periods of heavy rain every year. Vinyl fencing is appropriate for most areas although extended exposure to intense direct sunlight might cause certain types to fade. Look at your local conditions before picking your fencing.