Enhance Your Home in Manassas, VA with a Fence Installation
How to Choose the Best Fence for Your Needs
Choosing the right fence material and design can enhance the look of your home, give it curb appeal and keep it secure. There are many types of fences. Base the right one for your needs on your budget, the architecture of your home, why you are getting a fence installation in Manassas, VA, and how much security you want.
Hal Co is a reputable fence contractor serving Manassas, VA residents for over 30 years. We offer:
- Quality design, selection, installation and related services for your fence in Manassas, VA following the highest safety procedures and industry standards.
- In partnership, we will evaluate your fence project requirements and develop a comprehensive installation plan.
- Personalized customer service before, during and after installing your fence in Manassas, VA to minimize your disruption and maximize your comfort.
Here is a closer look at types of fence designs and materials, and how that impacts budget and security.
Fence Materials
There are six main types of materials used for fence installation in Manassas, VA. Which one appeals to you?
Aluminum. Aluminum is an affordable and versatile material for fence installation in Manassas, VA. Though it isn’t as strong as secure as other types of fence, it requires little maintenance and can be made to mimic the look of other types of materials. It is not the most effective choice if you have weather extremes in your area.
Wood. This is the most common choice for fence installation for homes in Manassas, VA. It is affordable and provides security and privacy. Wood is an attractive material that provides a rustic and warm feel to a yard. The price varies widely depending on what type of wood is used, how high the fence is and how much land it must surround.
PVC. PVC fencing is extremely affordable. They are not as sturdy as wood, but they make excellent border markers and look nice around front yards and gardens. These fences can last for many years, and they resist the elements.
Vinyl. Vinyl fencing lasts for many years. They are also stronger and more flexible than wood. It is basically maintenance free. Even graffiti doesn’t adhere to vinyl. Soap and water is all it takes to get rid of stains and marks. The cost is higher during fence installation in Manassas, VA. But because so little effort is required for upkeep and because it lasts so many years, it is considered cost-effective.
Composite. Composite fencing is made from recycled materials including plastic and wood fibers. These are bound together in a manufacturing process that produces an extremely strong material. Composite fence installation in Manassas, VA, is more expensive, but is cost-effective over time. It requires little upkeep, and it lasts for many years.
Ornamental. Ornamental fencing is traditionally wrought iron, but often now made with steel. They have an upscale look and are extremely durable, lasting for decades. They need ongoing maintenance to keep looking attractive.
Chain Link. Chain link fence installation in Manassas, VA, is an excellent choice when cost is a factor. Though not beautiful, it is highly functional and lasts for many years. It works well for enclosing large spaces, like big yards and sports fields.
Fence Design
Fences can be designed in any shape, size or look. The more customized the design, the more expensive it is. The basic categories of design are functional, decorative and privacy.
Here is a look at 9 popular modern designs.
Privacy. Privacy fences are often made of wood. They have sections that fit closely together so people can’t see in. This is a very practical choice when you want to enjoy your yard without neighbors watching while you eat, garden, play, relax and socialize. Many privacy fences are made of wood. They can be accessorized with lattice panels at the top, special gates and post caps.
Picket. Picket fences are an American tradition. They are usually four feet high or less and have space between each vertical picket. They work well for gardens and front yards. A picket fence clearly delineates your boundaries, while at the same time offering a welcoming look to any yard.
Split rail. This is a very popular rustic choice of fence, usually made of wood but sometimes with composite or vinyl. Long beams, often rough-hewn, are threaded into holes cut into the posts. They are often found on farms, but homes use them to mark their property and add a rustic note to the exterior décor. These fences do not offer privacy.
Ornamental. The classic look of a wrought iron fence gives any property a pricey look in Manassas, VA. This can be accomplished to some degree with less expensive materials, including aluminum. The vertical pickets are set in a widely spaced design that lets people see into your property. These fences often have added scrollwork and other elements that give it a customized and decorative look.
Lattice. The lattice design offers privacy and security. The panels create a design element of their own, at the same time making it somewhat harder to see into the yard. They are not pure privacy fences but do offer greater privacy than picket fences. They usually have wide top and bottom horizontal rails for added stability.
Contemporary. This type of fence installation in Manassas, VA, comes in a wide variety of styles. They fit no other category but their own. They can be horizontal, vertical, curved or a mix. They are commonly made of metal but sometimes use wood or vinyl. Basically, anything modern looking that doesn’t fit another category is called contemporary.
Estate fences. Post and rail fences often are used around horse ranches and other types of estates. It is basically a newer version of the traditional split rail. They usually have three horizontal rails fitting into spaced posts that are strong and square. They are made from wood, metal, and vinyl. Many are painted white.
Semi-private. This type of fence is made of wood and uses alternating pickets. There are two widths of pickets. They are set out in two rows, with a gap between. They are usually shorter than privacy fences, but can also be built high like a regular privacy fence.
The Purpose of Your Fence: Security? Curb Appeal? Marking Borders?
You need to decide what you want your fence to accomplish before you choose a design and material. Security is the most common reason that homeowners install a fence. It will help to keep children and pets in the yard and strangers out. In addition, it makes it hard for people to see into your yard. This makes it easier to relax without prying eyes following your movements.
If your biggest reason for a fence installation in Manassas, VA, is to make a statement and enhance the look of your yard, then you need to choose a look and materials that focus on that. Good choices include ornamental fences, lattice fences, split rail and estate fences and picket fences.
What Is Your Budget?
Fence installation in Manassas, VA, can get expensive. How much area do you have to enclose? How high is the fence? This will play a major role in the overall cost of the fence because the larger the area and the higher the fence, the more material you need.
If you have a small budget but a large yard, chain link is an excellent choice. PVC is also less pricey than many other materials. You can choose less expensive wood species to lower the cost of your fence.
Work with a fence professional when it is time for a fence installation in Manassas, VA. Experts have the experience and training to guide you through the maze of materials and designs available. They can help you choose the most attractive, functional fence that fits your budget.
How Much Upkeep Do You Want to Do?
Some homeowners enjoy the do-it-yourself aspect of fence maintenance. Others shudder at the thought. Be sure to consider how much time and effort you are willing to put into upkeep. Or if that doesn’t appeal, how much money are you willing to spend to have someone else maintain your fence for you?
Wood fences need regular sealing and staining. Ornamental fences need sanding and painting. PVC, vinyl, and composite fences need very little upkeep.
Ask a fence professional if you have questions about what each type of material needs in the way of upkeep. It makes no sense to tie yourself to a hated chore by choosing the wrong material for fence installation in Manassas, VA.
Work with the Fence Experts
Hal Co has been building fences for over 30 years. We are a family-owned and operated business who has built a reputation in the community for superior craftsmanship and excellent customer service. The fence professionals on staff work closely with each client to design the best fence for his needs and budget.
Here at Hal Co, we are known for its transparent way of doing business. All costs are spelled out, so there are never any unwelcome surprises. The team stays in close communication throughout the design and construction of each fence.
At Hal Co, we offer a variety of exterior services, both residential and commercial, including:
- PVC and vinyl fences
- Eco-friendly, pressure-treated fence products
- Wood fences
- Composite fences
- Ornamental and steel fences
- Split rail fences
- Chain link fences
- Cedar fences
- Athletic field fencing
- Access control fencing
- Kennel fencing
- Security and safety fencing
- Perimeter fencing
- Special event fencing
- Decks, both wood, and composite
- Screened porches
- Porticos
- Roofing
- Deck, fence and porch repair, and maintenance
When it is time for an expert fence installation in Manassas, VA, contact the pros at Hal Co.