Popular Fencing — By Karen McDonald, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, RS — W
ith the summer months upon us, many associations undertake maintenance, repair, and projects such as fence replacement. If your association is considering fence replacement this summer, here
is a summary of the popular fencing types, their pros and cons, and what funding is typically included within an association’s reserve study:
PROS
` Can be painted/stained a variety of colors
` Ability to customize to create a unique design (i.e., installing boards horizontally instead of vertically, or adding lattice)
` Easily repaired in between larger replacement projects
` Typically, less expensive than vinyl products
` Low maintenance ` Does not require paint/stain
` Ability to customize colors and design
` Typically lasts longer than wood fencing
CONS
` Requires regular cycles of paint/stain for longest useful life and best aesthetics
` Wet conditions may accelerate decay
` Typically requires replacement more frequently than vinyl products
` Requires regular cycles of cleaning ` Colored fencing may fade and can be difficult to match for repairs
` May become brittle over time, becoming more susceptible to damage
` Typically more expensive than wood products
` Low maintenance ` Made from environmentally friendly recycled material
` Does not require paint/stain ` Has a long useful life
` May require regular cycles of cleaning
` Colored fencing may fade and can be difficult to match repairs
` One of the most expensive fencing products
` One of the most affordable fencing products ` Durable ` Low maintenance ` Easy to repair ` Multiple color options and tall heights available
` Durable and long lasting ` Products with powder coated finishes are low maintenance
` Options available for unique customization
` Aluminum fencing is less expensive than wrought iron or steel products
` Many aluminum products are made from environmentally friendly recycled metal
` Little privacy unless slats are installed
` Can easily be climbed
` Little privacy ` Fencing without a powder coated finish requires regular cycles of paint
` Generally more expensive than wood, cost for custom wrought iron fencing can be significant
MAINTENANCE
Paint or stain at 3 to 5-year intervals (a semi- transparent or full-bodied stain generally works best) and inspect and repair broken boards as needed. Ensure bottom of fence does not come in contact with soil, keep vegetation trimmed away from fencing and prevent sprinkler patterns from hitting fence. Funding for paint/stain cycles is typically included within the reserve study, although some communities may prefer to handle this as an operating expense.
Clean regularly to remove organic growth. Avoid contact with landscape equipment. Funding for cleaning cycles can be included within the reserve study or may be treated as an operating expense depending on the frequency of cleaning and size of cost.
Clean as needed to remove organic growth and avoid contact with landscape equipment. Funding for cleaning cycles can be included within the reserve study or may be treated as an operating expense depending on the frequency and cost.
Chain link fencing is a low maintenance product. Clean as needed to remove organic growth and prevent vegetation from trailing up chain link.
Powder coated metal fencing is a low maintenance product. Clean as needed to remove organic growth. Paint non-powder coated fencing at 5 to 10-year intervals and treat for corrosion as needed. Funding for paint cycles is generally included within the reserve study, although some communities may prefer to handle this as an operating expense.
METAL 5 0 + YEARS
CHAIN 5 0 YEARS
COMPOSITE 5 0 YEARS
VINYL 3 5 - 4 5 YEARS
WOOD 15 - 20 Y EARS
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