High Quality Concrete Fencing
Even with landscaping in place, often a yard needs something more. This can be
especially true where children and pets are involved. A quality fence can not
only protect your family and property, but it can also improve the appearance
of your yard and home.
When one thinks of fencing, often the first thing that comes to mind is
chain-link. Chain-link offers little privacy. In addition, it can buckle, the
top rails can warp, and rust is a sad eventuality. All these factors decrease
its already questionable visual appeal. Taking a step up to wood or vinyl would
seem to be an improvement. However, wood can also warp and it needs continual
maintenance. Wood and vinyl are also both fairly easily damaged. For the
increased cost of vinyl, it doesn’t provide much more than the less expensive
choices.
Bearing those facts in mind, what is a savvy homeowner to do? Assuming a low
maintenance solution is what you are searching for, a Timbercrete
concrete fence could be just what you need. Their systems are highly durable. They are
resistant to rot, fire, decay and insect damage. Additionally, those made
entirely from concrete are maintenance free. The company makes three main types
of fences: acoustic, wainscot, and ranch rail.
Acoustic Fencing
Acoustic fencing is made entirely from concrete, and in addition to being
maintenance free, it is excellent at noise shielding. The concrete can be
tinted, allowing for a variety of colors, and wood or stone texturing on one or
both sides is built in to the casting process. These fences have steel
reinforcing, making them even stronger than concrete alone. They start at a
height of 6’, but can be made taller if necessary. Heights can even be mixed to
allow smooth transitions on sloping ground or to provide visual interest.
Another option is combining the stone texture with the wood, either in the same
tone or different colors. For those wanting privacy and noise reduction,
acoustic fencing is ideal.
Wainscot Fence
If noise is not an issue, another option to consider for privacy is a wainscot
fence. In this case, the posts are concrete, as are the bases. Again, the
concrete can be tinted as desired for aesthetic purposes. Above the base,
treated wood panels are installed as opposed to more concrete. The effect is a
visually appealing mix of media. The bases lock the sections together,
preventing them from leaning. Additionally, the concrete base keeps the wood
from touching the ground, thereby reducing the likelihood of rot. If, however,
any of the wood panels are damaged, the fence is modular, allowing for easy
replacement of wood where necessary.
Ranch Rail Fencing
In many cases, privacy and noise are not concerns, but establishing the boundary
of your yard is the issue. Ranch rail systems address this problem and are
usable in areas where privacy fences are not allowed. These systems look just
like wooden split rail fences; however, as they are made from concrete, they
are much more durable and require no upkeep. Posts are placed at a span of 8’,
which decreases the cost of installation. While three-rail systems are the
standard option, both two-rail and four-rail are available. Ground slope is not
an issue with these fencing systems either, as the rails can be cut on-site at
an angle to match the slant of the land. These systems also offer two options
for gates as an added benefit. A special gatepost is installed next to the end
post and hinges can either be cast into it or affixed to it with epoxy.
The strength and durability of concrete fencing is unmatched in the industry. It
will not burn or melt in the event of fire. It will not rot due to flooding.
The concrete is not attractive to insects, so it cannot be damaged in that way
either. As the tints are not surface colors, but dyed directly into the
concrete, they never need touch ups. The deep-seated posts resist shifting, and
the rails lock to each other to help keep the fence in line. Though concrete
systems may be more expensive initially, between the overall quality of the
products and the lifetime concrete warranty offered by West Coast Timbercrete,
the long term savings will likely make them much more affordable. Keeping in
mind that a concrete fence will improve the appearance of your yard and
increase the value of your home, it is an option you cannot afford to ignore.