subject: General Fencing Info For 3 Common Fences [print this page] Fencing is used in a number of applications around the world, and while the most common use is to restrict or prevent entirely the movement of people and animals across a boundary, there are plenty of other uses.
The way a fence can be used depends largely on the material from which it is made, which also determines the attributes of the fence that make it more or less suited for performing certain tasks. Here, we'll take a look at some of the materials from which fencing is most commonly made, as well as how these materials impact the way a fence can be used.
The most common materials from which fences are made are iron, wood, chain link, and vinyl. Iron fences tend to be constructed from upright rods that are connected with a cross beam. They are very strong and very durable, making them difficult to damage and generally easy to maintain.
Iron resists the effects of weathering quite well, although it can be corroded in certain environments, such as those near an ocean where salty air is common. This can be prevented with a coating of anti-rusting agent. While iron is very resistant to damage, if an iron fence is somehow broken it can be expensive and tricky to repair or replace.
Wooden fencing, on the other hand, tends to be a little less durable than iron but is still quite strong. It is easier to repair than iron fencing, as well, and less expensive to build and install. Wooden fencing is not subject to corrosion, although it requires a coating of lacquer, varnish, or paint in order to protect it from weathering effects.
Sun and rain will warp and eventually destroy unpainted wood, and it should be checked for termites periodically. Wooden fencing is generally used in residential areas, because it is easy to form a solid barrier using wooden panels.
Chain link fencing is very cheap and easy to install and use, and because it can be augmented with barbed wire, razor ribbon, or even electrical current it is perfect for use in security applications. Because it can be cut or melted, it is generally only used as a first line of defense.
Thickening the steel cables from which it is made can help prevent damage. Vinyl fencing is frequently used in agriculture, because it is lightweight and easy to install, and resists weathering effects quite well.
