Fencing & Decking

Because fences are outdoor structures, they must stand up to harsh elements. Unremitting wind, heavy snow, dampness and intense sun wear away at fences—unless they are properly maintained. Keep in mind the following concerns when choosing a fencing material:

Longevity. For most people, longevity is an important consideration in selecting anything for the home. To avoid having to rebuild your fence a few years from now, set aside time to think about which materials and designs will work best for your environment. Some fencing materials last longer than others.

Maintenance. As with most possessions, the human element is the most influential factor in fence maintenance. In general, thicker coats of sealant or paint will be required in colder locales.

Location. The climate in which you’re building your fence can have an impact on how it will fare over the years. You should carefully consider regional weather conditions before selecting your fencing material.
See the charts below for a comparison of fencing materials by longevity, maintenance needs and climate considerations

 Longevity

Material	Typical Lifespan	Notes & Qualifications
Unfinished & Pressure-Treated Wood	Decades, if you apply a finish right away and refinish every 3-4 years.	Use pressure-treated wood for any posts that come contact with the earth. Otherwise, moisture in the soil will weaken the posts, and your fence will sag.
Stained Wood	Your stain should last 3-5 years between applications.	Spray application is the best way to stain a wood fence.
Vinyl	Indefinitely.	Projectiles (such as the rogue baseball) can damage vinyl fences, so you may need to replace a part or two in the long run. Make sure your manufacturer carries a lifetime warranty on the materials. You should also clean your vinyl fence regularly.
Metal	A hundred years or more, assuming you protect against rust.	While wrought iron is susceptible to rust, chain link and aluminum will not rust and are more affordable. (Today, most people opt for tubular steel and aluminum systems instead of wrought iron.)
Stone	Thousands of years, if built well.	Mortared stone fences last longer than stacked stone fences, but mortar requires more maintenance.

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Maintenance.

Material	Maintenance Concerns	Maintenance Tips
Wood	Wood is affected by most every weather condition, including sun, wind, rain and snow. It’s important to prevent mold and mildew from growing.	Leave 2 inches of clearance between the wood and  the ground. Move any plants that impact the wood. Keep water systems away from the fence. Stain or seal your wood fence every 3-4 years. Repair loose boards or post damage promptly
Vinyl	Mold, dirt. Most maintenance concerns are aesthetic rather than structural.	Clean with soap, water, vinegar and baking soda. Tough stains may require a more aggressive approach.
Metal	Rust, squeaky or weak latches and fasteners, missing or broken pieces.	Prevent rust by applying a rust-resistant finish. If rust occurs, wash the area, remove the rust with steel wool or via sandblasting, and apply wax or a sealant. Fix any broken or squeaky parts promptly
Stone	Chipping mortar, destructive plants, loose stones.	Walk the wall each spring to check for loose stones. Chip away and replace any crumbling mortar.

Location

Material	Climate Concerns	Tips
Wood	Extreme weather and changes in temperature are tough for wood fences. Very wet or very dry environments are also challenging.	To prevent sun discoloration, clean regularly and refinish with a semi-transparent stain that contains an ultraviolet stabilizer. You may want to use a power-washer to clean the wood if it’s been more than two years since you last refinished the fence.
Vinyl	Many consumers wonder if extreme weather makes vinyl fences weak and brittle.	Extreme weather doesn’t affect modern vinyl  fences. This was a problem with early lines of vinyl fences, but manufacturers now compensate for it, and most offer a lifetime warranty.
Metal	Rust, squeaky or weak latches and fasteners.	Aluminum and zinc/iron alloys do not rust, which makes them great latches and fasteners. Choose galvanized fasteners and apply a preventative coating.
Stone	Freezing temperatures, settling earth, moisture penetration, tree roots that impact stability.	If a crack appears, monitor it for six months.  Place a piece of tape across it; if the tape tears, the crack is still moving. If it’s still moving six months later, contact a fencing contractor. Moisture can cause white deposits to appear.