In North America, wood fences have been the predominant fence building material for years. The Pilgrims built their first fence in 1622 – a nine-foot-high wood fence spanning a half a mile – and native people had been building wood fences long before that. Wood fences are such a part of our history that the (wood) white picket fence has become a symbol of the American dream.
Precast concrete fences have started challenging that long history, simply, because they are better. And, if you like the look of wood, you don’t have to give it up! Woodcrete™ is a type of precast concrete fence that delivers the timeless look of traditional wood fences, but with the added benefits of precast concrete.
Here are five reasons why you should choose American Precast Concrete over traditional wood…
1. Termites!
Called “silent destroyers,” termites can destroy a wood fence before you even know they are there. North America has about 50 species of termites, which means there is a termite that lives in almost every area. Some go after dry wood, and some go after damp wood, but they all are eating wood 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Wood fences that connect to your house can give termites the “in” they need to go to town on your home. Precast concrete fences eliminate the danger of termites destroying your fence because – termites don’t eat concrete.
2. Quicker and More Efficient
Precast concrete fences are formed in a facility prior to assembly on-site. They are delivered in pieces that are ready to assemble. For wood to approach the durability and aesthetics of a concrete fence, it needs to be treated for weather resistance and sealed with waterproofing. If you want a painted fence, concrete can be painted any color, and the paint will last a long time. When you are ready to repaint the concrete, it won’t require any stripping, sanding, or priming as you would see with traditional wood. Be sure to include the maintenance costs when you are comparing precast concrete and wood. Some wood fences need repainting and repairing annually – that adds up fast!
3. More Durable
Dry rot is a fungal infestation of wood and can eventually turn even pretreated wood into powder. Treatment for dry rot often involves the removal of large sections of the fencing or treatment with toxic chemicals. Concrete is not susceptible to dry rot and other common molds. It will be standing strong for years after the wood fence has fallen.
4. Stronger and More Reliable
Animals or intruders can fairly easily get through a wood fence – they can dig under the fence or even break through the wood panels. With concrete fences, a foundation can be added to eliminate digging under the fence to protect against intrusions. A person or animal can try to break through a precast concrete fence, but they likely won’t succeed. Also, falling branches and heavy winds are no problem for precast concrete fences – no more major repairs after a storm. In fact, precast concrete is so strong, it is known to stand up against earthquakes.
5. More Attractive
Other than some minor variations in the orientation of the wood planks, wood fences all look the same. Precast concrete fences can be made to look like bricks or stone, and some can even be cast with very intricate designs. Also, as mentioned, you can still get the timeless look of wood with Woodcrete™ fences.
Concrete provides a durable, nice looking fence at a lower cost than wood over the life of the fence. It stands strong against vermin, wind, fire, fungal rot, and intruders. When you compare the two – precast concrete fences and traditional wood fences – concrete wins, hands down.