Fences serve as excellent barriers. The fence helps keep children and pets in and intruders out. A fence offers privacy and security to those contained within its borders.
Things to Consider When Installing a Block Fence
The type of fencing selected plays a role in how well it achieves certain goals. Many people today opt for concrete fencing. They know the fence will be attractive while keeping them safe from harm and the prying eyes of others. What benefits come with installing a block fence?
Concrete Fences are Durable
A concrete fence is extremely durable and will hold soil in a specific location. The strength of the concrete and its extended lifespan make this type of fence the perfect solution in many situations. This fence won’t need to be replaced for decades. In fact, a masonry block fence has an average lifespan of 100 years. The only thing that may damage a concrete fence is an earthquake.
Design Flexibility
Manufacturers can form blocks to meet the needs of the buyer. Various shapes are offered. In addition, the buyer chooses the color of the blocks, which can be endless. Once the buyer selects a color, the manufacturer mixes pigments to achieve the desired shade.
Sound Buffer
The concrete fence serves as a sound buffer. When erected near a highway or major intersection, the fence muffles the sounds of the traffic. This fence is of great help in insulating a property owner from loud neighbors and late-night gatherings that would otherwise disturb their tranquility. How is the block fence able to reduce sound transmission?
Sound is transmitted in waves. Porous and lightweight materials allow sound to travel easily between locations. Concrete blocks are dense, allowing them to repel sound waves.
Municipalities recognized this would be of benefit in areas where interstate highways run next to residential communities. Homeowners quickly realized how effective the fences are in muffling sounds and may now request a similar fence to be constructed around their property so they see the same benefits.
Ease of Maintenance
A concrete fence requires little maintenance, making it the ideal choice for many applications. If the owner sees a crack or gap in the block fence, they can use hydraulic cement to fill the space. The area must be cleaned before applying the hydraulic cement. A putty knife makes applying the cement easily. Follow up by smoothing the cement with a trowel.
Blocks fences may develop a chalky white substance known as efflorescence. Salt and minerals from the concrete combine with those on the ground to create this alkaline substance. As moisture moves through the porous blocks, it brings the salts and minerals to the surface where it dries.
The resulting white powder residue isn’t attractive and it can harm the existing finish on the fence. It will also prevent the application of a new finish. If a person seals over the efflorescence, it becomes trapped and transforms into crytoflorescence. The crytoflorescence will expand until the block shatters, so removing the efflorescence is essential. A masonry contractor should handle this process to ensure all moisture is removed from the block before it is sealed.
A masonry contractor should seal the fence every five to ten years to reduce the risk of efflorescence and other problems with the fence. When problems are caught early, they cost less to repair. Furthermore, regular maintenance protects the integrity of the fence.
Protection from Extreme Weather
A block fence can help protect the home in extreme weather. For example, if there is a strong wind, the fence helps to protect the home from damage. It may also safeguard the home from flying objects in extreme winds.
The blocks used in the fence are made from clay, limestone, and gypsum. These materials are chemically inert and non-combustible. They have a low heat transfer rate, which is why the blocks are commonly used for firepits and built-in grills. When a fence is constructed using these blocks, it helps to minimize fire spread in areas prone to brush fires.
Lower Insurance Premiums
Property insurance rates continue to rise. Insurers recognize they must account for increased risk in certain parts of the country. Hurricanes remain a concern in some states. Crime rates are rising in other parts of the country, and material costs have skyrocketed. A person might find they pay less in homeowner’s insurance when they install a block fence. The fence makes it harder for criminals to access the property. The risk of a vandalism or theft claim decreases and the homeowner’s insurance premium reflects this.
As previously mentioned, a block fence helps shield the home from extreme weather. This also helps to keep insurance premiums down. The insurer knows they are less likely to receive a claim for storm damage following a major weather event when the property is enclosed with a block fence.
Increased Resale Value
Installing a block fence can have a positive effect on a home’s resale value. Potential buyers appreciate the added privacy and security this fence provides. Experts predict the owner will see a 70 percent return on their investment if the block fence is a minimum of three feet tall. The average fence installation only provides a 50 percent return on investment.
Additions and Modifications
Contractors can add to a concrete fence once it has been erected. Doing so is easy because there is no need for heavy equipment to install the fence. However, the property owner may wish to add to or modify the wall to change its appearance. A block fence makes it easy to do so.
Hardware hangers are ideal for holding items that weigh up to 25 pounds and only leave small holes behind when they are removed from the fence. A person can use them to hang seasonal decor quickly and easily. However, care must be taken to ensure the block isn’t damaged when the hanger is inserted.
Landscape block adhesive is specifically designed for use with masonry blocks. Most adhesives do not work with porous materials, which is why a person must know what will be effective. However, anyone using the landscape block adhesive must understand it is permanent. For this reason, a person should only use the adhesive to attach things such as block caps, as once they are in place, they cannot be removed.
Other options for adding to or modifying a block fence include expansion bolts and concrete screws. When choosing an attachment method, consider the weight of the item and its permanency. If help is needed in determining how to make a modification or addition, speak with a masonry contractor.
Energy Efficiency
A person might wish to have a block fence erected around their property to help save on energy bills. The concrete fence will absorb heat during the winter to help shield the home from cold weather. When the temperature climbs, this same fence blocks the heat from the sun, allowing the home to stay at a cooler temperature while using less energy.
Alternatives to a Block Fence
A block fence is one option offered today. Consumers have many choices. Why should a person select a block fence rather than an alternative?
Chain-link fences offer durability and affordability much as block fences do. However, rust is a concern with this type of fencing, and the chain-link fence offers little privacy. A person can purchase option slats to increase privacy, but these slats are unattractive and decrease the property’s curb appeal.
A wood fence increases the visual appeal of a property. Nevertheless, the owner must continuously monitor the fence for rotting and termites. In addition, the fence cannot withstand fire.
Wrought iron fences are elegant and attractive. They provide ample security but little privacy. Steel is also extremely durable. However, a person will find steel fences are limited in terms of designs and styles. A steel fence won’t protect their privacy either.
Bamboo fencing is a fairly recent addition to the American market. People love its looks and durability. The high price tag and extensive maintenance required with this fencing, however, are leading most consumers to look at other options.
Additional options include aluminum and vinyl fencing. Aluminum fencing lacks curb appeal and doesn’t offer much security or pricing. It is ideal for those on a limited budget who simply need a barrier to separate areas.
Vinyl fencing is also inexpensive, and the average homeowner can install it with the help of a friend or two. However, the fence is susceptible to damage. It will not hold up in an earthquake. Heavy rain and strong winds are often enough to topple this type of fence, and active children may do the same.
Many property owners today find a block fence meets their needs. However, installing this fence is not a job anyone should tackle. Work with a masonry contractor to ensure they do the work properly. As the fence could last a century or more, the owner cannot tolerate any mistakes. Spend time finding the right person for the job and the fence will be a thing of beauty that outlasts the person who requested the installation. The owner will definitely get their money’s worth.
HussaiN is a full-time professional blogger from India. He is passionate about content writing, tech enthusiasts, and computer technologies. Apart from content writing on the internet, he likes reading various tech magazines and several other blogs on the internet. Email ID: [email protected]
0 Comments