When you are making plans to enclose your yard, you want a product that is strong, attractive, and lasts a long time. The classic choice is, of course, natural wood – and for good reason – but there are some very compelling reasons to choose composite fencing over other options. Made from a mixture of wood and plastic, composite fencing is highly versatile and available in a number of styles, sizes and colors so that you can match any aesthetic. It is possible to achieve a contemporary look or something a bit more old-fashioned. Before you begin your fencing project, here are some benefits of composite material that you should consider.
Composite Requires Little Maintenance
For many years, people searching for low maintenance fencing turned to metal. Extremely low maintenance, durable and long-lasting, metal is a great utilitarian fencing option, however it definitely lacks the aesthetic curb appeal of wood and other fencing options. Wood, conversely, is absolutely beautiful, however, if wood is not protected, moisture will eventually cause decay and damage and shorten the life of the fence. This is why it is recommended to seal wood fencing every few years, but most fences are cumbersome to treat and many people end up just leaving their fences untreated.
Composite material is much different than wood, metal, and most vinyl products. Since it contains plastic and is usually covered with a protective exterior layer, it keeps pests and insects from causing damage. Also, it guards against fading from the sun and mildew. When cleaning is needed, composite fence material can be gently scrubbed with soap and water or sprayed with a hose. Even when harsh weather conditions hit, the fencing will not be harmed. To maintain an appealing look, painting or sealing is not necessary, so you get a wonderful balance between durability and beauty.
Sturdy and Strong
Another low maintenance option is vinyl. Vinyl is great because it can be washed like composites and can last a long time, however, most vinyl fencing is hollow and uses wood posts, which make the fencing vulnerable to breaking a cracking and the posts are vulnerable to decay. Composite fence, like wood, on the other hand, is a dense, very durable board. This means it is less likely to chip or crack. When you are looking to install a sturdy fence around your property, composite is definitely a smart way to go.
Longevity
Placing a fence around your yard is a large investment, so you want to make sure that it remains functional for as long as possible. Depending on the species and environmental exposure, a natural wood fence will last between 7 and 30 years. Since composite material is durable and is not affected by the weather or insects, it can last more than 30 years without issues. This means that you will be able to enjoy your fencing for a long time. There will be little effort needed to make repairs or replacement. If a board does get damaged, fixes are simple and, because they are fade-resistant, a new compositbe board will blend much more seamlessly with the existing boards, where new wood or vinyl pieces may stand out like a sore thumb for several seasons.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Composite material is one of the most attractive fencing options. It provides the appearance of wood but does not require the upkeep. This type of fencing is commonly found in the colors of natural wood, but it is also available in the look of wood that has been stained or painted. Since composite pieces come in a multitude of styles and sizes, it is possible to create a fence that suits your home and increases its curb appeal.
Friendly to the Environment
More and more focus is being placed on using products that do not have a negative effect on the environment. Composite fencing fits this idea and helps you to lower your carbon footprint. Unlike pressure-treated wood, which is often used for vertical fence posts and horizontal rails that form the structure of the fence and usually filled with chemicals to make it resistant to insects, composite material is free from toxic additives. Beyond the reduction in chemicals, it also means that it can be recycled at the end of its life and since most composite materials are recycled to begin with, you’ll be recycling a product that’s already been recycled once before.
Best Long-Term Value
Since wood is a relatively an inexpensive option for fencing, many people choose this material for their yards. However, wood also has a shorter life-expectancy. Even though the costs seem low in the beginning, the long-term prices for maintenance, repair and replacement can eat away at any savings you thought you had.
At Franklin Building Supply, we offer a variety of fencing options, including composite materials. We will help you select the right fencing products for all of your needs. If you like the benefits that come from composite fencing, we are ready to work with you so that you receive the best results possible. For more information, contact us today.