Wood fences have been around for hundreds of years and are crafted in a variety of styles and painted or stained with different colors. In some areas of the United States, materials such as cedar and redwood are preferred because of their resistance to rot and insects.
However, other types of wood are also used. To make the wood fences last longer, they are often treated pressure treated and painted or stained. Prior to finishing, non-pressure-treated boards or fences should be coated with a preservative.
While composite fencing and wood fencing perform the same function, they differ from one another in several ways. Until fairly recently, wood fencing has had few market competitors, but composites are now offering an appealing alternative. Composite fence boards are made from a mixture of materials that, when fused together in the manufacturing process, produce a material stronger than their components. These materials may then be mixed with resins and pultruded to create the final product. They create an eco-friendly alternative to standard fencing.
On initial installation, wood costs less than either composite or vinyl though it requires regular maintenance. Once or twice a year, a wood fence will have to be pressure washed. And, once in two or three years, it should be repainted or stained. Meanwhile, cedar and redwood fencing may be left to weather naturally. Every few years, a clear preservative should be applied. Over time, the cost of wood fencing may work out to exceed the cost of other fence types because of the additional maintenance required.
Another option is vinyl which can be washed and can last a long time. But, vinyl fencing uses wood posts which mean they (the posts) are susceptible to rot, crack and decay. Then, there’s the chain-link fence though this does not provide much a privacy barrier.
Consider the differences in cost, maintenance, durability and appearance when choosing between a composite vs wood or vinyl fence. So, before you install a fence on your property, weigh the pros and cons of each material.
However, before you purchase materials, we recommend checking with your local city, town, or township building codes to find out if you require a permit to build a fence. If you own a property within a housing development or subdivision, check with your Homeowner’s Association (HOA) to find out if there are any restrictions on the type of fencing materials you can use. For example, some Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC & Rs) in HOAs may not allow vinyl fencing and there may be height restrictions that can affect your privacy fencing.
Once you have gathered the proper information and (if applicable) permits, you’ll be able to make a decision on which materials work best for your needs.
In general, developers, building/project managers and property owners are increasingly turning to composites for their residential projects. A manufacturing technique such as pultrusion provides profiles that are high-strength and durable solutions and will outlast wood for years to come.
According to a report by the European Pultrusion Technology Association (EPTA), more builders, engineers and home builders are discovering the benefits of pultrusion and are finding ways to incorporate composites in residential housing developments.
The report finds that pultruded products are increasingly being used in window and door systems, exterior trim, decking, pergolas, as well as columns and fencing. All of these products are able to withstand the stress of being subjected to unrelenting weather elements and critter damage. Over time, wood fencing can rot, warp, be ruined by its exposure to the sun and elements like wind, heavy rain, snow, dust, dirt, and insects.
Plus Points for Composite Fences
A summary of the advantages include:
The one downside is that composite fencing can be slightly pricier than some wood options. Bear in mind that wood fences require much more maintenance work and added costs such as wood treatments, cleaning products and sealers in order to keep the fence in good working shape.
When considering the total cost of ownership, it may be more economical to go with the composite option. Composite fences can replace many of the traditional wood products used in residential and commercial properties utilities. This paves the way forward for pultruded profiles in a world with ever rising material costs.
Contact Tencom to find out how we can customize composite products for your next project today.