Florida is a beautiful state that can have some rough weather. Therefore, you need to find the best and longest-lasting fencing option for you. We will compare and contrast wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, and iron fencing options to see which is best for you.
1. Wood
Wood fencing is moderately durable against wind. Even though it is a solid fence, meaning it does not allow air to pass through, its strength and stability against the wind only allows it to break in near natural disaster conditions.
Wood fencing is not very durable against humidity. We all know Florida's weather is very humid compared to other parts of the country, and wood fences just aren't the best for these conditions. While different types of wood and regular staining and painting aid a lot in the fences durability, humidity is a wood fences' biggest weakness in Florida.
Wood fencing can be durable against heat. A well made wood fence should not bow or warp for a very long time, yet if fences are cheaply built the nails or bolts may come loose. This will allow for much more bowing and warping of the wood. Therefore make sure to get a fencing contractor who will stand behind their work.
Which type of wood is best?
Pine is the most cost effective and common wood type. Cedar is more astetic with a amber look, and it is more naturally durable. Cypress is top of the line durable when it comes to Florida weather.
For all fencing types, we recommend staining or painting your wood fence at least every 1-2 years, depending on your type of wood. This will protect your fence against humidity and heat.
The key to having the most durable wood fence is finding a professional fencing contractor to do the work right. If you live in SouthEast Florida, we would love to give you and estimate on your wood fence and build it with our professional worksmanship.
2. Chain Link
Chain Link fences are the most durable against wind. Given the materials strength and allowance of airflow, chain link fences are more durable agianst wind than any other type of fencing. They can even withstand some natural disasters such as huricanes.
Chain Link fencing's only weakness in durability is Florida's humidity and salt air. Chain Link fences are made of galvanized steel. This is a strong materials that is rust resistant but not rust proof. Therefore rust is a serious concern for fences in Florida, especially those near the coast. One solution for the rust is a PVC or polymer coating to go on the chain link fence.
Chain Link fences are 100% durable against heat. Though they can get hot to the touch, the intense Florida heat does not damage chain link fences at all.
Chain link fences are not known to be very astetic, yet many people find chain link fences coated in PVC to be more attractive than their uncoated conterparts.
Therefore a chain link fence, especially one coated in PVC, is a quality and durable choice for any Florida resident, yet it is esssential that the fence is built by a professional contractor to ensure that the PVC coating will properly protect against rust. We would love to work together if you live in SouthEast Florida. You can learn more about your ideal fence and get a free estimate.
3. Vinyl
Vinyl fences are durable against wind. Vinyl fences, though sometimes built with pickets, are generally built with panels. These panels catch the wind, even still vinyl fences are so strong, they can resist up to 100+ mph winds. Yet it is very important that you get the right quality vinyl fencing because cheaper badly installed panels can break under much less wind pressure.
Vinyl fences have no issue against humidity and salt air. Salt air and humidity simply has no effect on vinyl fencing, yet it can be important to notice that some types of screws used to hold the fence together can rust. Therefore make sure your contractor takes messures to ensure only screws that don't rust are used on your fence.
Vinyl fences can warp against the Florida heat. Low-cost, thin vinyl fencing is known to warp under Florida's intense heat. It is simply not thick enough or manufactured well enough to stand up against the heat. Yet newer, thicker, and higher-quality vinyl fencing can come with a guarentee against all warping. Therefore, if you get the quality panels and pickets, vinyl fencing could be the right fit for you. (Vinyl also has a very clean and professional look.)
We would love to be your quality vinyl fencing contractor in SouthEast Florida.
4. Aluminum
Aluminum fencing is very durable against strong winds. Aluminum fences are picketed, allowing air to pass through, and very strong. Therefore their is next to no worry of your well-built aluminum fence being damaged by winds.
Aluminum is 100% durable against humidity and salt air. The truth is, aluminum doesn't rust. Therefore the salt air and humidity of costal Florida is no problem. Yet like vinyl fencing, cheap screws used in the fence can rust apart, so make sure to choose a quality fencing contractor that uses the best materials.
Aluminum fencing is extremely durable against heat. As aluminum does not conduct heat like other metals, it is cool to the touch, even in the Florida heat. Because it stays cool, aluminum doesn't bow or warp whatsoever.
We don't provide aluminum fencing services, yet we would still be willing to answer any questions you have on aluminum fencing.
5. Iron
Iron fencing is quite durable against the wind. Similar to aluminum fencing, iron fencing used strong materials and allows for good airflow around the metal. Therefore, you will rarely have to worry about your iron fence under strong winds.
Iron fences are partially durable against humidity and salt air. On quality Wrought Iron fencing, precautions are taken to make the fence rust resistant. Yet this is no guarentee that iron fences, especially those near the coast, will never rust. Thankfully the occasional small rust spots that appear on iron fences are quite easy to get rid of with something as simple as a metal brush.
Iron fencing is mostly durable against heat. Iron, like most metals, can get very hot in warm weather. Yet because wrought iron is similar in strength to mild steel, there is very rarely any risk of it bowing or warping. Still, it is important to have a quality fencing contractor, who will make sure of this.
While we don't provide iron fencing services, yet we would still be willing to answer any questions you have about iron fencing.
No matter what type of fencing work you a looking for, we are the right crew for the job. We serve the Boca Raton area and all of SouthEast Florida. You can get a free quote or learn more about us or fencing by going to Boca Raton Fencing.