Pros and Cons of a Few Common Fence Materials for Gated Yards
When it comes to your residential property, you have many options for fence materials, and each of these will have their own pros and cons. Some materials will be more durable than others, while some might be considered more attractive than others. However, if you're choosing a fence for a gated yard, you want to consider more than just its appearance, and also note how easily you can install that gate, and if a gate of the same material would also be durable and strong. To ensure you opt for the best fence and coordinating gate material for your home, note a few pros and cons of a few common choices on the market today.
Brick
Brick walls are very stately looking; they also work well to block both the view and noise in and out of the property. Opting for a brick fence also gives you many choices for the gate you'll attach, as it's usually quite easy to drill holes into brick. This allows you to attach hinges for a gate yourself, without hiring a contractor. The larger size of a brick wall will also support a very heavy gate that would otherwise pull on the posts and panels of a lighter wood, aluminium or vinyl fence.
The downside of brick is that it can get soft if exposed to high humidity levels, and painted brick can also fade over time. A brick wall will then need consistent recoating over the years.
Composite
Composite fencing refers to wood mixed with plastic, so the fence has the look of wood, but is more durable. This type of fencing is good for areas with high humidity levels, as a composite fence will resist mould, mildew and other such damage. However, the plastic added to the composite material makes it difficult to drill holes with standard household tools. If you do opt for a composite fence, be sure you choose one with predrilled posts or with a gate already attached, rather than assuming you can retrofit a gate after the fence is erected.
Chain link
A chain link fence is very affordable and can sometimes be installed by a homeowner themselves. They also keep a yard open and feeling less claustrophobic than a large panel fence. However, note that a chain link gate can be a bit noisy, as those links may tend to rattle and vibrate when the gate moves, and especially for a sliding gate that may "jerk" the gate to get it moving.