From flash flooding to small amounts of moisture in the soil, a wood fence can suffer water damage in many unique ways. Though you might like the rustic look of the wood fence, it is important to remember that considerable costs and labor are involved in its upkeep.
Instead, you could consider a precast concrete fence. They provide privacy, protection, and curb appeal without the maintenance issues involved with a wood fence.
Keeping Up with Normal Wear and Tear
High winds and soil moisture can damage a wood fence even if you don’t experience frequent flooding around your home. At the very least, you’ll have to refinish your fence and apply a fresh sealant coating occasionally.
This type of routine maintenance isn’t necessary with a precast concrete wall. All you need to do with it is rinse it off with a hose when it begins to look dirty.
Wood Attracts Damage-Causing Pests
Another factor is that wood creates a tempting target for carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, and termites. Once these pests start to infest the area around your wood fence, they will be difficult to eliminate. They may even migrate closer to your home.
Because insects can’t get nourishment from concrete, you can save on pest control costs with a precast concrete fence. A concrete wall will not absorb the moisture and nutrients that pests need to survive. Even if they are curious about your precast concrete fence, pests won’t linger long because there’s nothing to consume.
Wood Suffers Extreme Water Damage
When the rainy season arrives, exposure to high winds and heavy rain will adversely affect a wood fence. The moisture will soften the wood as water absorbs into the fibers. This will then lead to rapid rot and decay.
Mold is another common problem with wood fences. The two factors necessary for mildew and mold growth are moisture and humidity. As these elements interact with the wood, you’ll see mildew and mold grow on your fence.
To know whether mold is present on your fence, you can look toward the bottom of the structure. This is where early mold growth begins.
A precast concrete fence won’t suffer this type of damage. Although mold can grow on any surface, it needs nourishment to thrive. This nourishment comes from organic sources, such as a wood fence, meaning the wood fence will decay as the mold spreads and grows. You can simply wash away the mildew and mold when you have a precast concrete wall.
Waterproof Your Property
It’s important to know how exposure to soil, moisture, wind, and pests will affect the base of your fence. These elements will quickly damage the foundation of a wood fence, requiring frequent repairs. Even your wood fence posts can suffer damage deep in the soil.
A precast concrete fence has a lower rate of permeability, which means it won’t absorb water as easily as wood. Essentially, it provides a damp-proof and waterproof foundation that will stand up against the destructive elements in nature.
Install Your Precast Concrete Fence
American Precast Concrete can help you design and create a beautiful fence or wall for your property. To get started, contact us today.