Thinking of Building a Fence? Consider Going Green!

Are you in the market for a new backyard fence? If so, you should know that there are many types of green fence materials that you can choose for your fencing project. Many fence contractors offer a range of green and eco-friendly materials to suit your budget and quality specifications. Some of the fence materials that are considered green often require less regular maintenance and last indefinitely, so you won’t have to worry about frequent repairs or replacements. By choosing certain types of eco-friendly materials for your fence, you can minimize your impact on the environment and end up saving time and money as well. The following types of fences are excellent options for residential areas and can be designed to fit your style, safety, and privacy preferences.

Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fence is a great green choice, since it doesn’t require regular staining or painting with chemical-based products. Vinyl fencing is also very weather-resistant and does not rot, crack, or fade over time. Unlike traditional wood and metal fences, vinyl maintains its original appearance and uniform color. It doesn’t splinter, warp, twist, or rust, so you won’t have to worry about your children and pets being near sharp, rusty fence parts. Because vinyl fences do not need routine treatment or replacement, choosing one for your home can help reduce the chemicals and manufacturing waste released into the environment. Although vinyl may look similar to painted wood, it may not be suitable if you prefer the multi-colored look of natural wood grain.

Western Red-Cedar
If your style calls for a more traditional look, western red-cedar is another environmentally-sound material that is an ideal option for your fence project. Not only is western red-cedar biodegradable, renewable, and chemical-free, it also contains natural preservatives that resist moisture, decay, and insect damage. With regular maintenance, it can last for decades. Compared to other woods, western-red cedar is more durable, so you will have fewer problems with warping and shrinking. Although it does require chemical treatment for maximum weather-resistance, petroleum products are not used in its production. Overall, western red-cedar is ideal if you prefer a very natural-looking fence and do not mind occasionally spending time or money resealing or painting.

Preserved Wood
Preserved wood is used as a greener alternative to pressure-treated wood. Preserved wood products offer the natural beauty of real wood, with the added protection of weather- and insect-resistant preservatives. While it is similar to western red-cedar, it can be more resistant to moisture and insects, since it is treated inside and out. Preserved wood is designed to be lower maintenance and longer-lasting than traditional wood products, but the preservatives used must meet certain green standards. Before purchasing a preserved wood fence, homeowners can research the list of Green Approved Products certified by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to determine which brands are the most eco-friendly.

About Long® Fence
With over 60 years of experience, Long® Fence is an industry leader in commercial and residential fencing and related products. At Long® Fence, we are committed to the green initiative and we offer a wide variety of eco-friendly products, including Ecolife™ and vinyl fence. Our 60,000 square foot office in Odenton, Maryland is a state of the art, eco-friendly fencing warehouse facility that incorporates elements such as recycled cotton insulation, renewable linoleum flooring and ceiling tiles made from recycled materials. Our office was designed to help our business continue to grow and provide our customers with excellent service, all while being mindful of our environmental impact. For more information, call 1-800-394-5664 or visit: Long Fence website or check view Long Fence on Linkedin.

Keep Reading and Check out these Articles:

1. Green Building Standards
2. Green Building Glossary
3. Chicago Green Community
4. Why Build Green
5. Fence Installation

2 Responses to “Thinking of Building a Fence? Consider Going Green!”

1. KrisM77 says:

   March 15, 2012 at 3:39 am

   I think vinyl fence is great. I want to build that one for my home. Good thing you posted a list of fences that could make your home eco-friendly.

   Reply
2. Go Harry Go says:

   March 28, 2012 at 9:13 am

   I’m thinking of replacing the fence on my backyard. I’m still in the process of thinking what design or type of wood I will use.

   Reply