The daylight hours growing longer and the thermostat slowly but steadily rising mean that spring is right around the corner. Time to dust off that list of projects around the house that you didn’t finish last year and see what’s your top priority. If putting up a fence around your property tops the list, it’s important to know that there’s more to a fencing project than just picking out a type of wood or other material that is visually appealing.
Purpose
First, ask yourself a simple question: Why do a need this fence? You may be surprised to learn that there could be a multitude of answers that could impact what kind of fence you erect. For many property owners, the main reason to put up a fence is privacy. If keeping nosy neighbors or passersby from taking a gander while you’re in the backyard is important, you should choose a style of fencing without gaps that will completely block a casual view and determine a height that will prevent people from peeping without significant effort. What about security? You’ll need to determine how and where people, including yourself, have access to a gate if necessary. Having pets like dogs that you want to keep contained or animals that would want to keep out, such as deer, could also factor into the decision. Are you trying to shield your property from the elements, like persistent wind? Start your fencing project by knowing exactly what you need it for.
Homeowner guidelines
Do you live in a neighborhood development overseen by a homeowners’ association? If so, that organization may have established rules governing a fencing project, including approved materials, colors, and dimensions. Furthermore, some communities have ordinances about what materials constitute adequate fencing on a property, how pools must be secured by fencing in the interest of public safety, and more. Save yourself a headache by finding out what you can and can’t do first.
Maintenance
Another major factor in deciding the right type of fencing for your project is maintenance. How often do you want to perform upkeep on your fence, annually, every few years? Is the material you prefer going to need regular upkeep like painting or weatherproofing? Will your fence be susceptible to damage from insects or other animals? In the event of a damaging storm, how easy would it be to replace sections of fencing or individual slats? How will you fix any leaning issues down the road? Keep maintenance in mind when designing your project.
That may seem like a lot to consider, but going through this thought process can help you narrow down styles and materials for your fence. Need some advice on your project? The experts at Fischer Lumber can help! Give us a call at (618) 259-7434 or online at https://www.fischerlumber.com/contact.