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Residential Fencing
Residential buildings represent the largest fencing market niche, so the predicted recovery in residential construction will boost fencing demand over the next few years. The residential market is predicted to account for about two-thirds of the approximately $1.5 billion advance in total fencing demand through 2014. Most of this is expected to come from new housing. Demand will also be supported by replacement and improvement increases.
This residential grade aluminum fence is constructed of 1-1/8x1-inch rails, 5/8x5/8-inch pickets, and uses 2x2 or 2-1/2x2-1/2-inch posts. It is available in six standard styles and six standard colors, and comes in 3, 4, 4-1/2, 5 and 6-foot height options. Elitefence.com
Non-Residential Fencing
Fencing demand in the nonresidential building construction, non-building construction and agricultural markets will advance 1.1 percent annually through 2014. Rebounding office, commercial construction and transportation construction spending is also expected to spur growth, as well as accelerating institutional
construction spending.
Shown here is a screw-less aluminum commercial-grade fence. Its square pickets use a patent-pending design that eliminates assembly screws. The system requires no fasteners or plastic clips. This design allows the fence to 'Rack' up and down hills up to 20 degrees. It is available in 72 or 96-inch wide sections. Two mounting styles are available: Bracketed Post or Snap-in Punched Post. Matching gates are available from 36 to 96-inch widths. Delgard.com
Fencing Growth By Product Type
Among the main fencing material categories, the most rapid growth through 2014 will come in the plastic and composite-fencing material niche. Concrete will also see above-average demand gains through 2014.
This fence is part of the Illusions Vinyl Fence Semi-Privacy series with a framed Victorian topper shown in Grand Illusions Vinyl WoodBond Mahogany authentic woodgrain. Illusionsfence.com
Metal Fencing
In 2009, metal fencing accounted for the fencing market?EUR??,,????'?????<
The Monumental Iron Works fence line is constructed of galvanized, powder-coated steel components, and attaches to posts using a patented Pro-Arc?EUR??,,????'?????????????? bracket that bolts through the post for added strength and security. The bracket swivels 30 degrees in any direction for grade and layout changes. It comes with a 10-year limited warranty. MasterHalco.com
Wood
Relative to other materials, wood-fencing demand will advance at the slowest pace through 2014, due primarily to increasing market penetration from plastic and composite-fencing products.
Shown here is a cellular vinyl gate and pillar posts with EverDur?EUR??,,????'?????????????? Ornamental Aluminum Fencing. Perfectionfence.com
Chain Link
Over the next two years, the demand for chain link fencing in the United States is expected to grow two percent each year, due mainly to the material's popularity and low cost as a boundary marker and its use in security projects.
The UpGrade ornamental fence system is designed for commercial and industrial applications, with panels that adjust for slopes up to 30 degrees. An exclusive Architectural Grade Powder Coating provides superior protection and color retention. Betafenceusa.com
What LC/DBM Readers Report
Recently, LC/DBM conducted a survey of fencing contractors. Overall, the survey illustrates that the industry is improving, but is held back from substantial growth by the sluggish economy and its predictable consequences.
This aluminum estate swing gate features block hinges and a standard self-closing gravity latch. It is protected by Armor-Guard powder coating, which is reportedly more than twice as thick and twice as hard as liquid baked-on enamel finish. Alumi-guard.com
What Contractors Are Installing
According to the survey, wood is still the material of choice by a wide margin. Nearly 72 percent of residential landscape contractors use wood, followed by 32 percent using vinyl, 24 percent chain link, 11 percent wrought iron and 8 percent aluminum.
Shown here is a high-tech hydraulic and electro-mechanical gate opener. It comes in three models for slide gates, and five for swing-style gates. All models use 24V DC and/or 120 VAC power, and most are compatible with BFT?EUR??,,????'?????<Ultrafence.com
The Contractors' Fencing Business
A mid-year snapshot shows that business in general skews toward the positive, but only slightly. When asked their predictions for the next few years, contractors predict that mostly their businesses with either stay the same (56 percent) or improve (34 percent more jobs) and 6 percent (a lot more jobs). 14 percent said they see less work in the next few years and zero predicted a lot less work.
The ALUMINATE screwless ornamental aluminum fence system purports to be maintenance-free, durable and strong. It is available in residential, commercial and industrial grades, and is said to qualify for LEED points. It exceeds AMAA 2604. Specrail.com
When asked how their business was compared to 2011, the numbers are slightly less positive, as 34 percent reported that their 2012 sales were either less or much less than 2011. 53 percent reported their sales as the same, and 11 percent reported their sales as higher. The sluggish economy shows a recurring influence in a number of areas. When asked on what clients base their buying decision, 74 percent said price, 40 percent said longevity and 37 percent said style.
With a 6-foot high tongue and groove white privacy panel (Illusions???????(R)???? V300-6), this fence comes via Illusions. The next best-selling styles have a lattice top (Illusions V3215D-6) or 1-1/2 x 1-1/2-inch Classic Victorian picket topper (Illusions V3700-6) on the solid panel fence sections. Illusionsfence.com
Future Material Trends
Even though wood accounts for more than 70 percent of the jobs performed in 2012, contractors predict that the use of non-wood fencing materials will increase. Most predicted that vinyl-fencing products will lead the way. When asked about growth potential, 40 percent predicted decorative fencing would increase, while 45 percent said security represents the biggest trend.
Designmaster Fence is a complete welded wire fencing system with eight different colors to choose from. Designmasterfence.com
Challenges Facing Fencing Contractors
In the survey's comment section, a clear pattern emerges as to what contractors feel are the biggest challenges they face. To a large extent, challenges come from unlicensed contractors who under-bid and use inferior products, as well as the challenges faced from undocumented workers, whom don?EUR??,,????'?????<
The fencing market, like many construction-centric industries, seems to be in lock-step with the economy as a whole. Fencing contractors appear to be doing slightly better than they were a few years back, but substantial growth appears tied to a rebounding new-home market.
The RhinoRock Concrete Fence is manufactured by combining a fiber reinforced, concrete outer shell with a structural foam core, which produces a light-weight, yet strong fence. Eprivacylink.com
Fencing Style Guide
There are a host of different materials and products landscape contractors can choose from. These styles can be specified based on client wishes, applications,
climate conditions, durability and ease of installation.
Wood Fencing
Wood is a popular fencing option as both a practical and attractive way to add fencing to a property, and new developments in wood-fence installation help decrease the potential for warping and rotting. Steel and metal posts can be used to install wood fences to help increase longevity. Clever design can make the metal components virtually invisible, which enhances aesthetic appeal. This solution helps make wood fencing a durable option. It's easy to change the look of a wood fence by choosing from the many varieties of stains available, along with being able to paint it any color.
Approximating the look of wrought iron, the Enspire aluminum fence eliminates the maintenance upkeep associated with iron (i.e. rust) and it comes with a lifetime limited warranty. Enduris.com
Vinyl Fencing
Easy to install, vinyl comes in appealing styles, including ornamental, post and rail, privacy and traditional white-picket fencing, which all provide a natural look with texture and color options. Vinyl fences do not require painting, and their maintenance is generally no more than a periodic washing.
This unique vinyl fence-covering product uses lightweight vinyl material to transform ordinary fences to look like walls, landscapes or any design of your choice. Fencefabric.com
Ornamental Fencing
Ornamental fencing adds style and elegance along with security to properties. The spaced picket fence style allows see-through security, while contractors can choose from various paint finishes to individualize the fence. Commercial ornamental fencing is used in a variety of applications, including around apartment buildings. Aluminum fencing is ideal for the damp environment around a pool.
Vinyl fencing is cost-effective, aesthetically appealing and low-maintenance. Vinyl fences typically come with extensive warranties.
Composite Fencing
Composite fence materials usually come with extensive warranties, from 20 years or more. It?EUR??,,????'?????<
Ornamental fencing provides both beauty and strength, and is a top choice where security is paramount.
Chain-Link Fencing
Often associated with security, chain-link fences offer a versatile choice. Vinyl color-coated options can make chain-link fence better blend into the landscape. Black, green, and brown are most often used to minimize the fence's presence.
Composite fencing is made from a mixture of recycled wood fibers and resin. It provides a wood-style look. With different textures
and colors, composite fence materials provide a natural appearance.
Chain-link provides security while allowing homeowners to see through it. Slats can also be inserted for additional privacy. Industrial chain-link is the number one way to provide a safe and secure work environment.
Often associated with security, chain-link fences are the least attractive of the fencing options and are used to fulfill a utility, not aesthetic, function.
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