What Are The Pros And Cons Of Composite Fencing?
When planning garden fencing, the choice of material is crucial. In the past, wooden fences were a common choice. However, they often came with high maintenance costs and a limited lifespan. Composite fencing is becoming more and more popular among homeowners because it works better than other types of fencing. It doesn’t need to be stained or painted, so it’s easy to take care of. Even better, composite fence lasts a long time and doesn’t rot, warp, or get damaged by insects.
Additionally, composite fence panel come in a wide variety of colors and styles. It can even provide better sound insulation. Its drawbacks include a higher upfront cost and the inability to be painted to change its color. This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages of composite wood fences. You will learn how it stands out as the best choice for fencing material.
Table of Contents
What is Composite Fencing?
Composite fencing is not made from a single material. It is made up of wood fibers and recycled plastic. It has the natural feel of wood and the sturdiness of plastic thanks to the way it’s put together. So, it stands out from other types of fence materials.
Using composite fencing reduces resource waste and improves the living environment. Therefore, composite fences have become increasingly popular among homeowners in recent years.
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Advantages of Composite Fencing
Composite fencing offers numerous benefits, primarily including the following:
Exceptional Durability and Service Life
As outdoor installations, fences endure constant exposure to external weather conditions year-round. Durability is therefore a primary consideration. Composite fencing excels in this regard, featuring the following characteristics:
- Weather Resistance: Extreme weather doesn’t damage composite wood fences. It keeps its structure even when it’s being exposed to extreme heat or cold. The plastic in its composition naturally acts as a shield against water. It is impossible for water to get into the core of the panels, which stops them from growing and warping.
- Resistance to Rot and Cracking: Composite fencing doesn’t rot as quickly as wooden fencing because it is better at keeping water out. In addition, the material has uniform internal stress. This makes it very resistant to cracking, bending, and twisting that can happen when the temperature and humidity change.
- Termite and Insect Resistance: The plastic in composite fencing is inedible to termites, wood-boring insects, and other pests. This naturally insect-repelling quality means that no extra care is needed. It saves you money and keeps your yard safe for the environment.
- Long Service Life: Because of these qualities, composite fences last a lot longer than standard wooden fencing. Most of the time, wooden walls only last 10 to 15 years. Composite fence, on the other hand, can easily last 25 to 30 years or even longer. Choosing a composite fence is, therefore, a pretty much one-time investment. You won’t have to worry about getting a new fence for many years to come.
Extremely Low Maintenance Costs
One of the best things about a composite fence is that it doesn’t need much upkeep. It frees homes from having to do boring maintenance work. To keep its look and last a long time, wooden fencing needs to be sanded, stained, painted, or sealed on a frequent basis. Composite fence, on the other hand, keeps its color over time and doesn’t need these works.
Additionally, composite fence panels are easy to clean. Daily dust is typically washed away by rain. For stubborn stains, simply washing with soapy water restores their appearance. This low-maintenance feature holds significant appeal for modern households.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Composite fencing also excels in environmental performance. Many composite fence products utilize recycled materials as their primary components. This significantly reduces the need for logging virgin forests. Simultaneously, the reuse of plastics minimizes pollution and enables resource recycling.
Composite fences need to be replaced much less often than wooden fences because they last so much longer. This cuts down on waste and damage to the earth at the source. Also, chemicals like paint and preservatives are not needed with composite gates. These things keep your backyard and yard safe for your family, pets, and plants.
Aesthetic Appeal and Practicality
Composite fencing is great because it not only works well, but it also looks great and is useful for a wide range of modern living needs. Modern embossing technology makes the appearance and feel of wood look and feel just like real wood. Brands like EVODEK make a lot of different colors and styles. It goes well with a wide range of architectural styles, from traditional to modern.
Furthermore, composite fence panels successfully block and absorb outside noise. Putting up a composite fence around a property near a street makes the backyard quieter and more private. It cuts down on noise from cars, voices, and other sources by a large amount.
Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness
A composite fence is a good long-term investment from an economic point of view. In the beginning, they may cost more than standard wooden fences, but over time, their cost savings become clearer. This type of fence doesn’t need to be maintained, fixed, or replaced for at least 25 years.
Wooden fences need a lot of upkeep over time, but composite fencing pretty much removes these costs in the future. Because of this, it gives great value throughout its whole lifecycle.
Easy Installation
Composite fencing is designed with installation convenience in mind. Many products feature modular, lightweight construction. The panels often incorporate a honeycomb hollow structure internally. This makes handling and installation much less labor-intensive.
Modular panels can be directly inserted between pre-set posts, streamlining the construction process. For homeowners with some DIY skills, attempting a do-it-yourself installation is an option. This can significantly reduce the overall cost.
Disadvantages of Composite Fencing
While composite fencing offers the above advantages, it also has certain limitations. These primarily include:
Higher Initial Costs
This is the problem that people most often say is bad about a composite fence. Composite fencing usually has higher initial material and installation prices. So, you should take a close look at your spending. However, a composite fence actually has lower total lifetime costs in the long run. The reason for this is that it doesn’t need much upkeep. So, if you want to save money and time in the long run, a composite fence is the best option.
Risk of Fading
Composite fencing is not entirely immune to UV exposure. Lower-quality composite fencing may experience slight fading after years of intense sunlight. High-quality products incorporate UV inhibitors to slow this process. However, completely preventing color changes is unrealistic. In areas with strong sunlight, we recommend choosing lighter-colored composite fence panels. Even if slight fading occurs, the color change will be less noticeable.
Expansion and Contraction
Like all materials, composite fencing expands and contracts with temperature changes. When properly installed, this will not cause panel cracking or warping. Therefore, adequate expansion gaps must be provided during installation. If the panels aren’t installed correctly, they could bend or the links could come loose in bad weather.
Conclusion
Composite fencing is an exceptional outdoor building material. It offers outstanding durability, minimal maintenance requirements, and excellent environmental sustainability. This material provides a premium solution for modern living. If you’re seeking a long-term investment, composite fences are undoubtedly an excellent choice. Should you have further questions, feel free to contact us. EVODEK has a professional team ready to address all your inquiries.
FAQ
Is Composite Fencing Completely Maintenance-free?
This is a common misconception. Composite fencing does not require sanding, staining, or painting like wood. To keep it looking its best, though, we suggest cleaning it every so often with water and soap. Regularly remove dust, pollen, and any mold that may develop. This effectively prevents dirt buildup and preserves its look.
How Does Composite Fencing Compare to Other Fencing Materials?
Each fencing material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Wood, metal, and vinyl fencing are also commonly used materials. Vinyl fencing, like composite fencing, requires minimal upkeep. However, its environmental impact may be less favorable.
Traditional wood fencing offers a more natural look but demands regular maintenance. Metal fencing, while durable, tends to be costly and has a more uniform appearance. Therefore, considering all factors, composite fencing emerges as the more ideal choice.
Can Composite Fence Panels be Drilled?
Composite wood fences can be drilled. In fact, cutting is better than using screws or nails because it lowers the chance of the panel breaking. But make sure the holes you drill aren’t too deep, or the panel might not be able to hold its shape.
Is Composite Fencing Wind-resistant?
Composite fences are sturdy and durable, capable of withstanding strong winds. This material is very strong and durable, and it can stand up to the weather better than wooden fences. Proper installation is also crucial for ensuring its wind resistance.
Is Composite Fencing More Flammable than Wooden Fencing?
Quite the opposite. Composite fencing usually burns less quickly than a wooden fence because of the way it is made and how dense it is. However, this does not mean it is completely fireproof. Avoid placing fire pits or using grills near any type of fencing.
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