Privacy Fences - What you should know!

Provided by: Jorbins.com

Whether you build your own or have one installed, privacy fences can add value, quality, and curb appeal to your home.

If you're in the market for a privacy fence there are different types, styles, and materials to choose from. What you do choose is totally up to you. This article will help you to gain a better understanding of the various aspects of fences as well as pros and cons of the most common materials.

Requirements For Fences

Before you add a privacy fence to your home you need to look at your local zoning ordinances, building codes, and other restrictions. You must also seek proper permissions and permits where required. In some areas you may find that there are restrictions on fence type, height, material, offset, footings, etc. So be sure that the fence you want conforms to these requirement and restrictions as the ramifications may be severe.

Types of Privacy Fences

One of the first thing that needs to be determined is the type of privacy fence you want. The type of fence is determined not by material or style but more about function. There are two main categories of privacy fences based on function:

• Total private
• Semi-private

The one you choose will be based on how much privacy is needed as well as budget.

Total private

These fences are built/fabricated for total privacy. Usually they are about 5'-6' high and contain no gap in between pickets preventing onlookers from seeing what is beyond the fence. A tongue and groove system seems be the best choice to keep a tight connection between pickets. Many times these privacy fences will be more expensive due to the extra material needed for the fence.

Semi-private

When total privacy isn't much of a concern this is a good choice. These fences are also about 5'-6' high but will have gaps in between pickets or have alternating pickets. Onlookers may get slight to heavy view beyond the fence depending on how wide the gaps are. The airflow tends to be greater than that of total-private fences. You will usually find that semi-private fences are less expensive to build.

Fence Styles

There are many different styles of privacy fences to choose from. What is even better is that many of the same styles can be achieved with both wood and vinyl.

Below is a list of common style features that are typicall used for privacy fences:

Picket width - You will find styles that have different widths of pickets. Wider pickets can add the appearance of weight to your privacy fence. They can also make your yard and landscaping appear smaller. Smaller pickets can make the fence appear "busier" yet can make your yard appear bigger. Cost may vary depending on materials, installation, and other factors.

Picket angle - Pickets do not have to be straight up and down. The can run at an angle or even horizontal. The most common choice is straight up and down and will pretty much fit all home styles.

Alternating pickets - Usually used on semi-private fences. Rather than fencing both sides, an alternating method is used to cut down on costs. Although there may be some gaps and airflow the privacy maintained is quite good due to a bit of overlap between the pickets.

Picket length - Pickets do not have to have the same length. You could alternate lengths or you can go with what is called a concave or convex style. With a concave style the top of the fence dips down in an arch between each post. A convex is just the opposite. It bows upward.

Picket tips/caps - These are the tops on each picket. They can be styled many different ways from basic points to intricate designs.

Post tips/caps - These are the tips on the top of each large post. Just like pickets they can be styled in many different ways to add a finer touch to your fence.

Lattice header/accent - This is an accent adds a bit of charm and beauty to a privacy fence. With a lattice accent the pickets are stopped about a foot from the total height of the fence. On a 6' fence the pickets would stop about 5'. Right above this stopping point a lattice header is applied. The lattice can be angled or square depending on your taste and the style you desire. When applied to a privacy fence you should note that adding a lattice header could reduce privacy a bit. These headers do increase airflow to the yard.

Picket header/accent - Just like the lattice accent, this accent uses mini pickets in between accent rails.

With these styles it is important to note that materials can affect the style. For example: A wood fence can add a rustic look when grayed and weathered. Vinyl maintains more of a uniform and sophisticated look and feel.

Wood Privacy Fences

To this day wood privacy fences still remain a popular choice for homeowners.

Here are a variety of reasons to choose wood:

• Wood fences add a natural beauty to your home and landscaping.
• The initial cost of materials for wood privacy fences tends to be less than vinyl.
• Wood fences be easily repainted or stained in different colors so you are not stuck with just one color.
• Replacement material is plentiful.

There are also a few downfalls to wood fences:

• Wood fences may rot, warp, or even get insect damage.
• Wood can shrink over time especially if it is used when it is still green. It also expands and contracts under certain weather conditions. Both examples may work fencing and hardware loose. Loose hardware can create water traps deep inside the wood increasing the possibility of rotting.
• Wood fences will have to be frequently maintained with coats of stain and/or water repellant especially if you do not want it to gray and have a weathered rustic look.
• Warranties may not last as long as vinyl fences.

Common wood varieties used in privacy fences:

Cedar - Red Cedar is one of the most widely used wood in fences. It has a beautiful natural color as well as a natural resistance to rotting, warping, and insect damage. A water-resistant coating should still be use to further prevent weather and insect damage. It is also very strong and durable and so your fence can last for years if maintained properly.

Pine - Pressure treated pine has become a very popular choice for privacy fences. It is very strong and durable and yet costs less than cedar. Since it is pressure treated it will also resist rotting and insect damage and may resist such damage longer since the treatment is forced deep into the wood. Even though it is pressure treated it is recommended that a water-resistant coating is used.

Concrete:

Setting posts in concrete is a debatable subject. Concrete is thought to keep posts stable and prevent leaning over time. On the other hand it makes it very hard to replace posts when needed. Concrete can also increase the possibility of rotting. If you prefer to use concrete there is always the option of metal posts.

NOTE: When building a fence make sure that stainless steel, aluminum, or hot dipped galvanized nails and fasteners are used. If they are not used then your hardware will rust and weaken over time.

Vinyl Privacy Fences - PVC (polyvinyl chloride)

Vinyl fences are a hot item in privacy fencing.

Here are some most of the most notable reasons to choose vinyl over wood:

Physical Beauty - Vinyl has a beauty of it's own adding a more sophisticated and uniform look.

Style - Vinyl fencing has gained ground in the variety of fencing styles available to match the most popular wood styles.

Maintenance Free - Well almost. A good cleaning with mild detergent to clean dirt and residue off. But, it sure beats repainting and re-staining.

Durability - Vinyl can stand up to the most rigorous of weather and still maintain its beauty. Another good thing is that there is virtually no rotting and insect damage to worry about.

UV protection - Helps to protect your vinyl privacy fence against sun damage such as discoloring.

Longer warranty - With new technologies making vinyl fences stronger and more durable.Becaues of this most manufacturers can extend warranties to that which is longer than wood.

With all these benefits there are some downfalls:

Limited colors - Vinyl fences are available in limited colors. White is the most common color, but if you are looking for alternatives you may not find what you are looking for.

Cost - The initial cost of vinyl fences is still much higher than wood. On the brighter side, ongoing maintenance costs are very little.

Replacements may be limited - As long as the company still manufactures your parts for style of vinyl fence you should be ok.

Unless you want a more rustic look vinyl may the choice for you. If cannot afford a vinyl fence it may be worth waiting a bit until you can. For the most part, you won't be disappointed.

Well there you have it! Now it is up to you to do your homework and explore what the various companies and installers of privacy fences have to offer. Take your time and be sure choose your privacy fence wisely so that you can purchase the one that best enhances your yard and home.