3 Low Maintenance Fencing Options for Busy Homeowners

Having a fence to protect your property may save you an immense headache, but what about when your fence becomes a headache? Just like other outdoor fixtures, most fences require regular upkeep and maintenance. Many fences need to be repainted, washed, stained, or scraped, depending on the material they’re made from. Some fences may even need to be replaced regularly.

However, there are a few types of fences that are made from materials that are considered to be relatively low maintenance; as in, they require relatively little upkeep, and can last for decades. Read on to find out more about low maintenance fencing options that include materials such as vinyl, aluminum, and steel, which are also consequently some of the cheapest fencing materials on the market currently.

Vinyl

You have likely already heard of vinyl flooring, which is a cheap and eye-catching alternative to real wood floors that are also often sturdier and easier to clean than actual wood. They have skyrocketed in popularity recently–and for good reason. Applying this same logic to fences, vinyl fences are both cheap and low-maintenance, and come in a wide variety of styles. With vinyl fencing, you can have the appearance of a wooden or picket fence, without the expense or the upkeep of real wood. You never need to repaint, and you never need to worry about damage from rot or termites. Vinyl also offers the most diversity in choosing a style that fits your home the best.

However, realistically, vinyl also does not stay shiny forever, and exposure to the elements may lead to scratches and dulling, and deep stains are difficult to remove. But generally, vinyl fences stay prettier much longer than real wood, and are also cheaper. When looking for materials, it is best to use 100% pure vinyl for maximum quality; although using vinyl that is partially made from recycled material is acceptable and cheaper, pure virgin vinyl will be sturdier and last longer. Most people use vinyl fencing for farm fencing, picket fencing, and privacy fencing.

Aluminum

Aluminum fences have the benefit of not obstructing your view while also being much more stylish than cheap, high maintenance chain link fences. Their smooth surfaces make them extremely difficult to breach, while also remaining very low maintenance and attractive. Similarly to how vinyl material often mimics real wood, aluminum often mimics the older wrought-iron fence style, but unlike iron, aluminum doesn’t corrode or rust–and it is way cheaper. Their tops can be decorated with a variety of shapes and styles, and although they are almost always black, they may also come in a variety of colors. They’re the cheapest and easiest to install, and they’re well worth the price for their look.

One of the biggest downsides of aluminum fencing, however, is the fact that there’s really no way to install an aluminum fence that provides your home with privacy like a wood or vinyl fence could. That being said, it is generally better to have a see-through fence for home security, because if perpetrators cannot see into your property, you also cannot see them. Aluminum fences also may require the occasional touch-up, and are easily dented by heavy objects–such as bicycles and lawn mowers–hitting them.

Steel

If price is less of a concern than style, strength, and the fence being as low maintenance as possible, then steel fencing is likely the best option for you. Steel fences do everything that aluminum fences do, except they are stronger, lower maintenance, and are often available in a wider variety of styles. Of course, they are also more expensive. If you have a flat yard and are concerned with security, steel fences will fortify your property in a way that no other type of fence can. It is not easily scratched or dented, and it can last decades with minimal upkeep.

The most prominent downside of steel fences is that if they do become dented or scratched, they must be touched up immediately to prevent rust–otherwise, you will have an even bigger problem on your hands. They are also not a good option for steep or hilly properties as, unlike aluminum fences, they cannot angle or bend. Most people use aluminum and steel fencing for railing, pool fences, residential fences, and even security fences.

Conclusion

There are multiple different types of materials that offer a low maintenance fencing option, but vinyl, aluminum, and steel are some of the most popular and effective on the market. It is also very easy to have a fence installed. Hiring a fencing company to order the material and install the fence leads to the best quality job with the least effort and involvement on your part. Low maintenance fencing offers you some of the best quality fences in a variety of options to suit any style and taste.

About Rio Grande Fence

Rio Grande Fence has been providing excellence to the Tri-State area for over 57 years. Our service area includes Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. Our fencing projects can be seen in residential homes throughout the Tri-State area, as well as commercial businesses such as the University Of Kentucky and Cincinnati Airport. We are proud members of the Better Business Bureau, The Associated General Contractors, the Home Builders Association of Lexington, and the American Fence Association. Rio Grande Fence provides the fence installation Lexington KY trusts including quality wood fence, vinyl fence, aluminum fence, chain link fence, ornamental fence, privacy fence, decorative fence, pool fence, gates and gate operators. Learn More.