The U.S. fencing market size was over 8 billion in 2021 alone and is expected…
Choosing fence materials, colors and designs are just a part of finding the perfect fence to suit your security and aesthetic requirements. Two of the most important factors during your search for your perfect fence should be durability and longevity.
Although the style of your home, climate of your area and purpose of the fence play a large role in selecting the right fence material, it’s best to understand what differentiates one fence material from another so you can pick the highest quality fence for your needs.
Wood Fences
The most commonly used wood types for fences are spruce, cedar and pine, so the longevity of your fence naturally depends on the type of wood it’s made from. Cedar may last for 15-30 years, spruce may last for 4-7 years and pine may last for 5-12 years.
Treated wood, however, increases this longevity: pine and spruce may last for 20 years and cedar may last up to 40 years. Keep in mind that one of the biggest culprits to diminishing your fence’s longevity is moisture. If one of your fence panels or pickets touches the ground, they’ll be affected by moisture, which can reduce the life by up to three years. You can avoid this by ensuring that the posts are treated or stained and have concrete or gravel filler in their post holes to keep out moisture.
Another thing to keep in mind with wood fences is the maintenance—you need to regularly maintain your fence to keep it from aging. Stain and paint your fence, then re-stain every two years and paint every four years.
Metal Fences
Metal fences are the sturdy option that comes in three types: chain link, wrought iron or aluminum. Chain-link is the most inexpensive and long-lasting, although it does provide a more industrial look (not the best for those who want a more decorative aesthetic).
If you do seek a more decorative look and want a metal fence, opt for wrought iron. Wrought iron and aluminum fences combine beauty and strength and can be shaped into unique designs. You can also odd ornamental applications and other fence accessories for artistic embellishments while still enjoying the durability of a metal fence.
As far as maintenance goes, wrought-iron requires a rust-resistant finish every few years to avoid corrosion.
Vinyl Fences
Vinyl fences or PVC fences are quickly growing in popularity. They are durable and relatively maintenance-free—just hose it off with some water. While color options are limited, vinyl fences are available in a wide range of styles including picket, lattice, privacy, and even split-rail.
How Long Does a Vinyl Fence Last?
Vinyl fences require little maintenance and are highly durable which allows them to last for 20 or more years with proper care. In fact, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors places the lifespan estimate of polyvinyl , but that would be assuming it doesn’t get damaged in the meantime. Some tips for extending the lifespan of your vinyl fence can be found here.
One reason why it’s easy for vinyl fences to last longer than wood is due to the fact that they don’t decay. While wood can start rotting if it’s not regularly retreated, vinyl does not, meaning it can easily last for decades, especially if you take care to protect it from damage.
modern vinyl fences are made using titanium oxide to protect them from UV rays, making them more resistant to sunlight. Modern vinyl is also a durable material made of high-tech polyvinyl, meaning it tends to resist damage better than wood, making it great for pet owners or families with children.
What Type of Fence Lasts the Longest?
Chain-link fences with a galvanized finish that doesn’t rust are the longest lasting fences. All other components of the fence are made of steel and are also galvanized, so there is relatively no maintenance. Even the American Fence Association agrees, finding that chain-link fences are economical and secure.
Chain link comes in a variety of vinyl-coated options aside from durability, chain-link fences can also be customizable without losing the homeowner’s visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a fence last?
A well-built and maintained fence should last for 15 to 20 years with proper care.
What is the most durable fence?
The most durable fence is the one that is properly built and maintained! That aside, iron, aluminum, cedar, and vinyl fences tend to be the most durable.
Does staining a fence make it last longer?
Yes. Staining a fence protects it against water damage, rot, insects, and day to day wear and tear.
How long do fence posts last?
Fence posts, like your fence, should last for 15 to 20 years if properly installed and maintained.
Does vinyl fencing last longer than wood?
It depends on how well each is maintained. Treated wooden fences can last a long time, but only if they are kept protected from moisture and bugs. Vinyl, however, requires much less maintenance, so it can easily last 20 years or more with minimal care.
Do vinyl fences break easily?
It depends on the quality of the fence, but modern vinyl fencing materials have five times the tensile strength of wood, so it’s comparatively difficult to break.
When trying to decide the type of materials you want to use to build your fence, do your research or consult our professionals at Buzz Custom Fence to help you find the right fence for you!
All over the country, people are surprised by seeing colorful flags stuck in their yard, or sometimes even finding their grass spray-painted. Is this some new holiday nobody told you about? No. It probably means that a neighbor is about to do some digging, or that a utility operator is planning repair and maintenance, or the city’s going to excavate and needs to mark buried lines and piping in the next month.
What are these flags in my backyard? If you found land survey marking flags in your yard and are not sure what to do or what they mean keep reading to learn more!
811 Dig
You’ve probably heard of 811 Dig. This is part of our great national system of keeping track of underground lines and locating utilities. Line owners and utilities must register their underground assets, and anybody planning to excavate must check out their property for matches. The “excavator” category includes swimming pool contractors, landscapers, do-it-yourselfers and yours truly, fence builders, like Buzz Custom Fence.
You might be tempted to blow off calling 811 if you’re only planting a tree or a fence post. It’s not like you’re building an underground bunker. But Texas law requires you to call 811 if you’re digging 16 inches or deeper. So be a good citizen and give them at least 48 hours’ notice.
Utility Flag Color Code
So what does this rainbow of marking flags in your yard mean?
- Red flags – Red is the most common flag. It signifies electric utilities, such as cables and power lines. These mark the power lines that connect to a neighbor’s power grid. Marking these junctions helps avoid a neighborhood-wide power outage.
- White flags – White flags mean excavation. Often you’ll see these set out for a city excavation project. The extent of the white flagged area will give you a sense of how big a project you’re in for.
- Pink flags – These are used as temporary survey markings. As surveyors measure, they mark their work with pink flags. Measure twice, cut once, and use plenty of pink flags. Pink is also used to mark mysteries. If a utility can’t be identified, a worker will pink flag it.
- Yellow flags – Just like yellow caution tape, you want to stand back from yellow flags. These mark gaseous materials, petroleum, steam and other stuff that’s nasty when it gets loose, possibly causing soil contamination or explosions.
- Orange flags – Remember land lines? These get orange flags, as do other communication systems, such as signal or alarm lines, or TV cables. Don’t enrage your neighbor by cutting through that cable just before the big game.
- Blue flags – Blue means water, irrigation or slurry. Usually this is drinking water. Damage this line and you could flood your home or find yourself without drinking water for a few days.
- Purple flags – Purple also marks water, but the kind you don’t want to drink: recycled water from waste water. But it’s good for landscape irrigation.
- Green flags – Green flags mean drain lines and sewers. Cutting this line could release poisonous gasses and flood the neighborhood.
Utility Flag Marking Cheatsheet
Having trouble memorizing what each color flag is used for? Use our flag color cheatsheet.
| Flag Color | Use |
|---|---|
| Red | Electrical utilities like power lines |
| White | Excavation |
| Pink | Temporary survey markings |
| Yellow | Gas lines like petroleum, steam |
| Orange | Communication lines |
| Blue | Water lines |
| Purple | Undrinkable water lines |
| Green | Sewer lines |
Summing up
There really is no good line to cut. So call before you dig. And if you’re looking this up because you just cut a line and you’re trying to figure out how bad it is, it’s time to fess up. Call 811 and they’ll help you file a damage report. Or get more information online at the Texas 811 website.
Want some help on that fence project? Call the pros at Buzz today. We can explain dig flags while blindfolded and asleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the different colored utility flags mean?
Different colored flags are used by different industries to mark different kinds if buried lines before digging.
What do the colored flags in the yard mean?
Colored flags in your yard mean someone is surveying hidden lines and maybe planning a digging project nearby in the next few months.
Why are there utility flags in my yard?
Utility companies will leave colored flags in your yard to mark buried lines.
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As good people who adore their furry friends, our customers frequently inquire about the optimal dog fence solutions to ensure their pets’ safety. Over time, we’ve discussed various topics of interest to pet owners, covering how to fortify a dog backyard fence, incorporating a dog run, and discerning the limitations of invisible fences. Today, let’s delve into a selection of enhancements for your dog’s outdoor fence, ensuring security and freedom for all breeds, from the petite Chihuahua to the stately Great Dane.
1. Temp Dog Fence
For those needing a flexible dog fence system, a temporary dog fence is a good solution for renters or for homeowners who plan to move before long. This dog outdoor fence is ideal for young, small dogs who may slip through existing fence gaps; yet as they mature, they’ll be comfortably contained within your yard. The beauty of temporary fences lies in their ease of installation — usually no digging or concrete pouring is necessary — and oftentimes, they’re so straightforward you won’t even need a permit. You can also use a temporary dog fence until you build something permanent.
2. Kickboard – An Essential Safety Feature
A kickboard is a board that’s installed across the bottom of a fence. It’s often used to prevent rot by elevating the pickets. Some people also like them for aesthetic reasons. For small dogs who might see the gap under your fence as an escape route to the world beyond, a well-placed kickboard can serve as an effective fence barrier, ensuring your pint-sized explorer stays within the boundaries of your backyard.
3. Puppy pickets – A Dog Fence for Small Breeds
Aluminum fences with widely spaced pickets provide an elegant appearance that many homeowners appreciate, but they may not serve as the most secure solution when it comes to the smaller members of your furry family. Enter puppy pickets: these are specialized panels, also known by terms such as dog fence rolls or puppy panels, designed to fit snugly at the bottom of your fence. Their closely spaced stakes create a no-escape zone for your adventurous little dog, ensuring that even the most Houdini-esque pups remain safely inside the backyard. With puppy pickets, you can rest easy knowing that your small dog is safely frolicking within the confines of their outdoor space.
4. Dog window – A Visual Treat for Your Fenced-in Furry Friend
Everybody likes a view and a dog window can transform an ordinary dog fence into a source of stimulation and enjoyment for your pet. A dog window is a plastic bubble that sticks out from your fence so your dog can see what’s going on. When installing a dog window, it’s important to select the right size for your dog’s face and mount it at an appropriate height, making sure they can comfortably survey their surroundings. Not only does this improve your dog’s well-being by satisfying their curiosity, but it also adds an intriguing design element to your dog fence system, affirming that practical solutions can also be visually appealing.
5. Dog run with gate
A dog run is a nice compromise between letting your dog run amok in your yard, and denying him unsupervised outside access. The run is a secured area, usually made of metal or wood, that contains your dog while giving them plenty of room to move. A dog run should be spacious enough for your dog to play, rest, and explore without feeling restricted. For small to mid-sized breeds, aim for dimensions that allow ample room, starting at a minimum of three feet wide by ten feet long and with an appropriate height, typically around six feet. Larger dogs, especially those weighing over 100 pounds, will benefit from even more room, with runs that are at least four feet wide. The inclusion of a dog run represents a commitment to your pet’s happiness and training, ensuring they have a safe, designated area to spend their energy.
6. Custom-build iron – An Elegant Dog Fence Solution
If you’re in the market for something new, we can custom-build a beautiful iron fence with your dog in mind. Depending on the breed and size of your canine, you might be able to use dog fence kits with standard picket spacing. But if your dog is on the ultra-petite side—such as a Yorkie or a Papillion—you may need pickets installed closer together. To determine picket spacing, measure your dog at the widest part of their body, and plan to put the pickets a little closer together than that to prevent Houdini from wiggling through.
7. Double-sided fence
A double-sided fence makes your yard extra-private, and can even muffle sound. If your dog is reactive and prone to barking at every passerby, be it a person, squirrel, or another dog, a double-sided fence might be the perfect addition to your safety dog fences. By minimizing visual triggers and dampening outside sounds, a double-sided fence can contribute to a more peaceful and calm space for your dog, helping to decrease barking and anxiety.
8. No-climb wire – An Impenetrable Dog Fence for Climbing Canines
When it comes to securing a backyard for those canine athletes who see fences as a challenge to be conquered, no-climb wire is the solution. This type of wire is incredibly durable and designed not to buckle or yield under pressure, ensuring that it acts as an effective safety dog fence for even the most agile of climbers. By adding no-climb wire to the top of your dog fence, you can discourage your dog from attempting their acrobatic escape acts. While we pride ourselves on the resilience of our dog fence solutions, should your canine companion decide to take up pole vaulting, we’ll salute their determination while suggesting a firm ‘stay’ command might be in order!
Call us Today
At Buzz, we understand how much you care about the dogs in your family. Give us a call today and we can make Fido’s backyard territory a safer, more aesthetic and enjoyable place to play for the whole family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Buzz Custom Fence offers various fencing options suitable for pets, ensuring their safety and containment.
Yes, temporary dog fences are available and are ideal for renters or homeowners planning to move soon. They require no cement pouring or digging and can be easily installed.
A kickboard is a board installed across the bottom of a fence. It prevents rot by elevating the pickets and can also help contain small dogs that might try to chew or squeeze their way under the fence.
Consider adding puppy pickets (also known as puppy bars or puppy panels). These are two steel panels with closely spaced stakes that prevent small dogs from escaping.
A dog window is a plastic bubble that protrudes from your fence, allowing your dog to see outside. It provides your pet with a view of the outdoor surroundings.
A dog run is a secured area, typically made of metal or wood, that provides a contained space for your dog to exercise and move around. It’s a compromise between letting your dog roam freely in the yard and restricting outside access.
Yes, Buzz Custom Fence offers custom-built iron fences designed with your dog’s breed and size in mind. Picket spacing can be adjusted based on your dog’s size.
A double-sided dog fence that offers extra privacy and can muffle sound. It’s ideal for dogs that bark at every passerby, helping reduce barking and keep them calm.
Consider adding no-climb wire to your fence. This strong wire doesn’t give when pushed or leaned on, preventing dogs from climbing over the barrier.
Contact Buzz Custom Fence for more details and a free estimate.
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