Homeowners have many reasons for building fences on their properties. Some are trying to keep dogs and kids in, while others want to keep intruders out. Even more are looking for privacy or improved aesthetics.
Figuring out what type of fence to install requires having a good idea of what purposes it will serve since each fencing material has a different set of advantages and drawbacks. However, there is one type of fencing that stands out above the rest. Though the average fence company doesn’t offer it, masonry block fencing is a fantastic alternative to more common alternatives.
Also known as concrete fencing, block fences are a perfect option for homeowners who want to get the most out of their landscaping and hardscaping projects and accomplish multiple goals. Read on to find out about the benefits of this unique type of fencing material and learn why it has become so popular in recent years.
Impressive Strength
Masonry blocks are made out of concrete, one of the strongest building materials around. Precast masonry blocks are even stronger than cast-in-place concrete owing to the fact that they are made in a controlled environment with proper curing times, temperatures, and humidity levels. Masonry blocks are also quality-checked before being sent to a job site, so contractors will know they are working with the best materials.
Structural strength is important to a fencing material’s ability to withstand inclement weather and unexpected events. If, for example, a driver loses control of their vehicle on the adjacent street, a wood, vinyl, or chain-link fence will do little to stop the car from barreling into the yard, causing untold damage. In most cases, a masonry fence will stop vehicles in their tracks before they can pose a danger to the rest of the property or its occupants.
Superior Durability
Traditional wood fences may look great when they’re installed, but they degrade quickly. Water, wind, sun, insects, and other environmental factors will all take their toll, leaving an unmaintained wood fence to rot in just a few years. While other materials like vinyl and aluminum fare a little better, none boast the staying power of masonry block fences.
Masonry block fences can handle extreme winds, driving rain, and even fires without sustaining significant damage and this is their best quality. Contractors can even further reinforce the walls by adding poured concrete or other materials to the holes in the blocks, enhancing rigidity and extending the expected lifespan of a masonry fence.
Low Maintenance Needs
Most types of fencing require substantial maintenance. From the annual painting and staining of wood fences required to keep insects and rot at bay to the frequent washing required to keep vinyl fences looking their best, homeowners wind up with more on their plates than they bargain for.
That won’t happen with masonry block fences. These alternative fences have very low maintenance requirements and will last for years without the need for repairs. Plus, while they can be painted or otherwise altered to enhance curb appeal, many types of masonry blocks look just as good without any additional treatment.
Enhanced Curb Appeal
No matter what other goals homeowners have for their fencing, it should always look good. Which type of fencing is the most aesthetically appealing is a subjective matter. However, there’s no denying that rotting wood, rusted metal, and sun-bleached vinyl don’t do much to enhance the curb appeal of a home.
While all of these other more traditional fencing materials start looking worn after just a few years to a few decades, a masonry fence will continue to enhance a property’s curb appeal for a lifetime. Because there are different types of masonry fences, homeowners can almost always find options that complement their homes’ and landscapes’ styles, too.
Don’t assume that block wall fences are only appropriate for modernist homes. Precast concrete fences can be painted, decorated, or covered to create a unique look. Many homeowners in the southwest prefer to stucco their concrete walls, for example, but for more elegant homes, artificial stone veneer is a better option. No matter which options are selected, the masonry wall will continue to offer enhanced curb appeal for decades to come.
Added Soundproofing
Noisy neighbors and busy streets create a lot of sound pollution, driving families inside even on nice days. Some traditional fencing materials offer a level of protection against the noise and chaos of the outside world, with solid wood and vinyl privacy panels leading the pack. However, while these materials provide some soundproofing, they can’t compete with the soundproofing qualities of precast concrete fencing.
With a masonry block fence, any yard can become an oasis of calm. Some masonry fencing installation companies even offer additional services such as acoustic panel installations that further enhance the material’s soundproofing capabilities.
Environmental Friendliness
Concrete used to have a reputation for being environmentally unfriendly. Thankfully, the public’s perception is beginning to change in order to better align with reality. Precast concrete fences, in particular, are very environmentally friendly. Manufacturers keep their carbon footprints down by carefully controlling the conditions in their facilities, reducing waste, and keeping energy requirements low, but that’s not the only ecological benefit of masonry fencing.
Because masonry block fences are able to withstand the test of time much more effectively than their alternatives, they require fewer repairs and much less frequent replacing. In comparison, vinyl fences must be repaired frequently and replaced every few decades, which necessitates the production of additional environmentally harmful chemical substances and the disposal of old material in landfills.
Work With an Experienced Contractor
Most fencing contractors focus on installing common materials like wood, vinyl, or chain links. Some also offer wrought iron fence installations for a more decorative and elegant touch. Few of them have experience with installing masonry block fencing, which means that homeowners must be careful about which contractors they choose to work with. Before signing on the dotted line, check out the contractor’s portfolio to ensure they have adequate experience working with this unique fencing material.