As the housing market accelerates, the demand for fences also increases, making it a billion-dollar industry with an annual growth of up to 21 percent. This only shows that homeowners put greater value on their privacy, which translates to a healthy fence construction industry.

This claim is further supported by a published study titled “Fencing – Industry Market Research, Market Share, Market Size, Sales, Demand Forecast, Market Leaders, Company Profiles, Industry Trends.” It stated that the largest share of fencing demand comes from the residential building market, which is predicted to outpace all other markets through to 2020.

But why exactly would you need a fence when your landscaped yard or home is designed to be shown off and put on display for all the world to see?

For one, it eliminates the idea that you are sharing your backyard with the rest of the neighborhood. You certainly don’t want other people to think they can easily cross your yard or pluck a flower or two along the way.

For another, a privacy fence provides you the privacy you need from nosy neighbors and protection from animals that can do serious damage to your yard or leave a mess.

Aside from that, there are plenty more benefits to having a privacy fence built.

Perks of a Privacy Fence

• Protection for animals and children

Keeping children and pets inside the perimeter of your property is one of the best ways to keep them safe. This is especially true if your property is right next to a busy street. Since you can’t keep an eye on kids and pets 24/7, fencing is an ideal solution. You can keep them out of the road, your neighbor’s yard and other dangerous areas.

• Block most of the noise from the outdoors

A privacy fence made with the right design and materials can serve as a noise barrier, blocking out some or most of the unwanted sounds from outside your home. A fence that is taller than standard measurements and made of solid materials with no space in between can effectively muffle noise before it reaches the interior of your home.

One great option is the use of thick tongue-and-groove boards that are nailed to rails and then supported by heavy posts. Because mass dampens sound, a heavy and thick fence will form an impervious noise barrier.

If you add mass-loaded vinyl, the ability of a wooden fence to block noise doubles or triples. Make sure to overlap the sheets and use acoustical caulk to seal any seams.

Masonry walls that are tall enough will also block road sounds effectively but will cost you more than if you use wood and mass-loaded vinyl combined.

• Shelter plants from harsh elements

Although plant life and landscaping are not 100 percent sheltered from the elements, such as strong winds and snow drifts, with a privacy fence, it is better than nothing. The barrier can spell the difference between plants half-standing and completely blown away.

A fence, however, is most effective in keeping outsiders, your neighbor’s pets and pests from trampling all over your yard, which can be harsher than anything nature will send your way. The right fence will ensure they won’t be able to pluck a leaf from your landscaped garden.

• Add privacy minus the high maintenance

Depending on the material used for your privacy fence, you may only need to wash and repaint it, requiring little upkeep from you. Moreover, you may only need to wash and do maintenance work once or twice a year.

• Fence made of vinyl is weather-resistant and is low-maintenance.
• Fence made of wood will require regular maintenance.
• Fence made of iron will require maintenance to prevent rust.
• An aluminum fence will not rust and is more low maintenance than iron.
• A chain link fence is budget-friendly, low-maintenance and very durable.

Each type of fence has its share of pros and cons, and it is best that you identify them before making a choice.

With all these benefits, you should not hesitate to have a privacy fence built around the perimeter of your property.

If your home is next to a busy street, however, building a fence is a necessity. Not only does it offer privacy, but also it keeps children and pets within your property, ensuring they don’t run out to the streets and get injured.

How to Invest in a Privacy Fence Without Going Broke

Buying a property and working out other expenses can be a pain, but not if you prepare for the essentials. Since a fence is necessary for a property on a busy street, you should save up for its construction. How?

• Take out funds from the home’s purchase price

Because most people would prefer to live in quiet and nonbusy areas, properties on a busy street are usually sold at a lower price. This means the amount you would have paid for a higher-priced home in a different location would have room for a privacy fence construction.

Such properties also present an opportunity to haggle more and lower the listing price. After all, a busy street is often considered a negative quality, which can help with your cause. You can also use the need for a privacy fence as your argument. Take full advantage of the situation and close the deal.

• Save money with the kind of fence you choose

With the money saved from your home’s purchase, you will be able to fund other projects, including an installation of a privacy fence. If you choose wood as a fencing material, you will be able to save more. After all, it is more affordable and offers the kind of security and durability that more expensive materials also provide.

There is a number of fence styles you can use for a wood privacy fence that are guaranteed to enhance your property. Use them to easily add curb appeal, property value and practical functions and as a means to define where your property starts and ends.

5 Popular Styles for Your Wooden Privacy Fence

• Convex Wood Fence

This solid fence offers a rolling wavy top that looks attractive and stylish. It is usually 8 feet tall and built using red cedar. High and solid enough, it not only keeps prying eyes out but also serves as a noise barrier.

The downside of this privacy fence style, however, is that it will have issues with high load winds similar to other fences that are tall and solid.

• Board-on-Board

Because it is not designed for privacy in the most traditional sense, it allows the breeze to pass through to your property. It is often considered a better alternative to picket style fencing because it looks attractive on both sides. This is because the boards are built alternate to either side of the central rail, so you not only see the front or back of the boards but both.

If you want to eliminate gaps, boards can be installed close to each other, while still leaving room for the breeze to pass through.

During stormy or windy weather, however, the risk of post failure of board-on-board is high. This can be remedied by burying the posts deeply and anchoring them firmly. At least one-third of the total length of a post should be buried deep and then locked in place with concrete or gravel.

• Lattice Top

When it comes to wooden fence styles, nothing brings a touch of class to your yard better than a lattice top privacy fence. Not only is it extremely attractive to look at, but also it is friendly to most landscaping designs.

It follows a tight pattern that offers enough privacy while showing very little to outsiders. The tightly connected wood slats give you the feeling of security and safety as well as the sense that you have a fancy fortress around your property.

If you choose a lattice top privacy fence, you use a durable and weather-resistant material. Otherwise, it will require great maintenance, especially if the lattice work that is susceptible to mildew, rot and damage.

• Stockade

Because of its overall assembly, a stockade style wooden fence is the most common. It is characterized by a picketed fence that is closely connected to supports. Many consider it the safest and most secure kind of fence because of the lack of gaps between panels.

It offers complete privacy and reduces the amount of noise that passes through your property. Because it has jagged, pointy tops, intruders would think twice about scaling the fence.

There are several types of wood used for a stockade-style fence.

• Cedar

Because cedar is more stable and seldom shrinks, it makes a very good choice for stockade fencing where the wood has to be installed upright. It contains natural oils that make it long-lasting. It is also strong enough to withstand erosion from rain or snow. It is best placed in concrete rather than buried directly into the ground.

• Spruce

This material is very economical and can be easily polished, painted and cut. It also comes pre-assembled for your convenience. The downside is that it requires preservatives and chemicals to make it last longer and usually requires regular sealing and painting.

• Redwood

Available in natural or in higher-grade, redwood offers a durable and strong material for stockade privacy fence. It is more expensive than other types of wood but is worth it because it resists shrinking, warping, decay and insects.

• Pressure-treated wood

This refers to chemically treated wood that is suitable for a longer-lasting and more durable stockade fence. But because of the treatment it undergoes, aesthetics are often compromised.

• Locking Board

The lock-board privacy fence can be likened to a lattice top fence but with a more uniform look from top to bottom. This is often chosen for functionality rather than aesthetics. There is no question that it looks great. But it lacks the decorative element of a lattice top privacy fence.

The boards for this type of fence are fitted together tongue-and-groove style, creating a solid fence that blocks the view. Among the many fence styles, this one can follow the contours of your property seamlessly, whether it is hilly or not.

The design effectively blocks air flow, which is suitable for windy areas. However, if you rely on wind to cool your property, this type of privacy fence style is not recommended.

Which style of wood privacy fence suits your property? Whichever you choose, you are guaranteed an attractive fence that offers the kind of advantage you might not readily see in a home on a busy street.

Privacy Fence for a Property on a Busy Street

• Privacy in an Unlikely Space

Most people would think that privacy and quiet are unlikely when moving into a property next to a busy street. But a privacy fence, combined with a thick layer of hedge, will keep prying eyes out of your property and reduce the amount of noise that will pass through.

Throw in weather-resistant furniture for an outdoor living space, and you will be able to effectively extend your home’s living space and have plenty of room for relaxation.

• Security and safety where they are lacking

Without a privacy fence that stands between your home and a busy street, intrusions will be hard to control. This is why you need to have one installed for safety and security’s sake. Enjoy peace of mind, knowing that you are safe within the fence of your property and the walls of your home.

• Beauty where beauty is missing

What do you think you will see when you peek out of a window facing a busy street? There could be lots of cars, people loitering, unsightly buildings, and the like.

You should block such view with a privacy fence, complete with a line of thick hedge, landscaped garden, and other outdoor features that will significantly improve what you see outside your window.

Now that you know why plenty of homeowners want to have a privacy fence installed, you should have one yourself, too. Call the experts in fence installation today for professional assistance.

Call today for a free estimate!