What Fences Stand Up Best to the Elements?
When it comes to living in PA, you have to deal with the warping heat of the summer months and the frosty cold of the winter. This can take a toll on all your outdoor areas, including your fence. When constructing a fence, you should think about what materials are going to work best to not only provide the look you want, but also to ensure their longevity in the yearly environment that you live in.
Cedar
Cedar is going to start our discussion because it’s one of the most popular and affordable materials on the market today. This wood looks clean, has fewer knots, and a bit of a red hue to it. Cedar naturally doesn’t warp or shrink with the weather and is impervious to insect damage. However, soil can cause damage to this type of wood. Therefore, if you choose cedar for your fencing material, it will need to be installed on a concrete base or attached to fence posts that are made from treated wood.
Vinyl
If you want a fence that stands up to the elements and is very low-maintenance, then you need to go with vinyl. This isn’t like the vinyl you would’ve found even a decade ago that sagged and yellowed. There have been a lot of upgrades in the vinyl fencing world in the last few years. Now, you can get a product that has a lifetime guarantee. All that’s required of you is to simply wash it off with mild detergent from time to time to ensure it’s pristine look. While white is the most commonly used color, there are many other colors on the market you can utilize.
Composite
Somewhat similar to vinyl, composite is another option that allows for the natural wood grain look. Since it’s manufactured with wood fibers alongside its plastic polymers, it can look more natural than your traditional vinyl fence. Composite is protected against insect degradation and rotting due to the elements. This material is going to be more expensive than vinyl. However, it does come in a variety of colors so you can enjoy a natural-looking fence that fits your home’s style.
Redwood
One of the most expensive options on the list is redwood. This material looks like no other with its natural softness and luster than can be reproduced with any other material. Redwood is naturally resistant to decay, shrinkage, insect damage, and warping from the elements. You’ll need to regularly apply a penetrating sealer after a light sanding every year to maintain the appropriate luster of this wood.
Choosing the right fencing in Southampton, PA starts with understanding what environment your fence will be placed in. Then, you can opt for a fence material that you believe fits the look of your home. The above are just some of the many options available on the market today that stand up well to the outdoor elements.
