Pros and cons define and differentiate the most popular fence types chosen by homeowners today.

Before your fence installation in Denver, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of these popular fence options. 
Composites
Composite fencing (an engineered wood product) comes in a bewildering number of variations. Some fences have solid, not hollow, boards. Some are “capped” or “co-extruded” with a layer of PVC. And while multiple components are often required, in some cases construction is similar to that of a wood fence. Common to all is the fact they are made with recycled fibers, plastics, and binding agents.

Due to manufactured textures and colors, composite fencing simulates wood more effectively than vinyl does, but if you opt for a solid color, there are fewer choices among composites. Like vinyl, composite fences require no staining or painting, and their low maintenance requirements can be easily taken care of—only mild detergent and a hose are needed for cleaning. Durable and often backed by warranty, composite fencing is assembled, not with special brackets, but with traditional fasteners.

Another pro: Composite fencing is environmentally friendly. Up to 95 percent of materials used in its manufacture are recycled, and some makers employ a nearly waste-free manufacturing system. Unfortunately, however, composite products cannot be recycled easily.

Compared to vinyl or wood, fewer styles are available with composite fencing, whose designs are mainly limited to fence types that involve boards—privacy, shadow box, and post-and-rail fences, not to mention those with simple dog-ear pickets. Another con is that composites are susceptible to scratching, staining, and fading.

Wood 
Wood fences have been a mainstay of the American landscape since Colonial days. They can be crafted in a wide variety of styles and painted or stained with innumerable colors. In some regions, cedar and redwood are the preferred material on account of their resistance to rot and insects, but several other wood species are also used. For longevity, pressure-treated wood is best, at least when it comes to structural members. Any non-pressure-treated pickets or boards should be coated with a preservative prior to finishing.

Initially, wood costs significantly less than either vinyl or composite, and if properly constructed and maintained, a wood fence will last for many years. And unlike petro-based materials, wood is renewable if sustainably harvested.

On the other hand, wood requires more maintenance than other materials. A couple of times per year, it should be rinsed off, and every three or four years, it should be repainted or finished with a stain. Cedar and redwood fencing may be left to weather naturally, but even so, a clear preservative should be applied every few years. Because of the additional maintenance required, the cost of wood fencing may ultimately equal or exceed that of other fence types.

Steel Chain Link
Steel fencing takes many forms, the most popular of which is chain-link. Though it’s not normally thought of as pretty, chain-link fencing can certainly be used without becoming an eyesore. For starters, the mesh is immediately useful as a trellis for everything from moonflowers to morning glories.

Chain-link is sturdy, maintenance-free, durable and economical, plus it’s ideal for situations in which you want your fence to be see-through (burglars cannot hide behind chain-link, after all).

Installation is easy. Most of the fittings are tightened down with a socket wrench. The only special tool you may need is a second pair of hands to assist in pulling the mesh tight. Since it’s often possible to re-stitch damaged mesh fabric, repairing a chain-link fence is relatively easy.

Another pro: Chain-link fencing is considered “green,” since any scrap metal dealer will be happy to receive (and may even pay for) one you’re discarding. Try that with an old vinyl or composite fence!

Inevitably, chain-link fencing possesses a utilitarian aesthetic, but style options exist. Different mesh sizes and wire gauges are available, and the polymer coatings now come in colors, such as brown, green, and black—any of these provides a softer look than silver. When installed among shrubs or along the border of wooded areas, it’s possible for a chain-link fence to be nearly invisible, especially if outfitted with fabrics or lattice panels.

Read the full article here: Building a Fence – Fences 101 – Bob Vila http://bit.ly/2tjtigI

Read the full article here: Fence Pictures of Different Types, Configurations and for Various Purposes http://bit.ly/2tNpcQz

Block Out Unwanted Road Sounds

Noise-Barrier Fences: Factors to Consider

A fence intended to serve as a noise barrier or “sound barrier” will typically use thick tongue-and-groove boards, in order to form an impervious barrier.

These boards are nailed to heavy rails, which in turn are supported by heavy posts. The operative word for noise barriers is obviously “heavy.” That is because, as a rule of thumb, mass dampens sounds best — so fencing serving the purpose of blocking road sounds needs to be heavier than most other fencing. Discuss your noise concerns with a Denver fencing company so a customized option can be created just for you. 

For the same reason, masonry walls are more effective at blocking road sounds than even the best wooden fences. Berms (walls of earth) also make for great noise barriers if you can build them so that they are high enough (which takes a lot of earth).

But if you are, in fact, committed to using wood, aim for a fence that is high and solid (that is, no gaps between the boards). Whichever material you use, first submit a detailed plan (with precise installation location on your property, exact measurements, etc.) to the powers that be to ensure that you will not be violating any city ordinances.

Mass-Loaded Vinyl: a Step Beyond the Typical Noise-Barrier Fence

One way to improve the effectiveness of a wooden noise-barrier fence is to add a soundproofing material called “mass-loaded vinyl” to it. The product is sold in rolls. Make sure it is listed as being for outdoor use.

It is easiest to apply mass-loaded vinyl when a fence is in the process of being built, rather than retroactively. The latter is certainly possible, but it means removing fence panels and then reattaching them later.

Read the full article here: What Kind of Fence Will Block Road Sounds Best? http://bit.ly/2tqZ1it

10 Things to Know Before You Build a Fence

Before you install a fence, ask yourself what your reason is for installing it. If it’s strictly utilitarian — keeping the dog in the yard — you can probably get by with a basic chain-link fence. If you’re looking to block noise or add privacy, you will want something tall and solid. Chances are your wishes are complex: You want to protect pets, but you also want to add a decorative element to your home’s exterior. Whatever its purpose, a fence can function in many ways, but the first step is deciding what you’re looking for to choose one that works for you.

Choose Your Materials

Read the full article at: 10 Things to Know Before You Build a Fence http://bit.ly/2s4R1iV

Work with your Denver fence company to create a backyard oasis for you and your family. Here are some fun ways you can add more privacy to your home with our sacrificing comfort. 

Portable Partition

Using a portable partition can help create privacy anywhere in your backyard. And best of all, because the partition is easy to move around, you can use it for a variety of functions. Use it to create an area for kids, or use it to create a separate seating area.

Living Wall

Living walls have been getting more and more popular over the past few years and for a good reason; they look fab and do a great job of creating privacy. If you don’t have a green thumb, check in with a local nursery or landscaper to figure out what will work best on your living wall. Here, Guido Keller of Lotus Gardenscape uses a custom-made wall planter by Ore to create a vertical garden which blocks out a good chunk of this home’s neighboring view, creating some quiet privacy in the backyard.

Trees & Shrubs

Going natural and choosing trees and shrubs is always a great idea for creating a bit of privacy in your outdoor space. If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, you’re really only limited by your own budget. Again, it’s a good idea to check in with a nursery or landscaper to see what trees or shrubs might best fit your needs. For older homes, you may find that there are already several trees that you can simply add to fill in. If you have a small balcony, you can use potted trees or shrubs to easily block off your space.

Read the Rest of the 27 Ways to Add Privacy to Your Backyard here: http://bit.ly/2psT3tv

Are you thinking about selling your home? Have you found there might be some improvements you need to do to increase your value before putting it on the market? Consider fence installation in Denver and increase your home’s value with a privacy fence around the yard.

Why does one homeowner get more money when they sell their home while another gets little? Why does one home sell quickly while another home within the same neighborhood takes months to be sold or may not even be sold at all? Could it be pure luck or there is something one did to his house to make it more attractive to potential buyers?

Making a few home improvements will go a long way in increasing your chances of selling the house. There are hundreds of homes available on the market and so for your house to be picked out, you to need sweeten the pot. Fencing is one way to improve the value of a home. But how will fencing enhance your home value? 

How much value fencing adds to your home

On average, privacy fences are 4-9 feet tall. Installing a fence in your backyard for privacy purposes will increase marketability for your home with prospective buyers when selling. Homeowners with pets, such as dogs, may require a fence and could be reluctant to purchase a home without one due to the high cost of fencing materials and installation. A standard fence costs USD1000 – $5000 to install in many real estate areas; depending upon the materials selected and size of your yard.

This does not mean that using any type of fence will tremendously increase the value of your home. While a chain link fence may be less costly, the resale value obtained with this addition is so minimal. On the other hand, privacy wood fences and solid fences like concrete or cast iron can net a profit of at least 50% of the material and installation costs on resale. So fencing materials play an integral role in determining the overall home value during appraisal.

READ MORE: Fencing Can Add Value To Your Home – Realty Times http://bit.ly/2rem1wL