Most fencing materials work well in any climate as long as you prepare and maintain them properly. However, some materials are more resistant to Texas’s climate than others. In this article, we’ll explore the best types of fences for Texas weather.
Texas covers a large area, which means there are actually multiple climate zones within the state. For that reason, fences in Texas need to be highly versatile in terms of the types of weather they can withstand. The conditions your fence is likely to face include the following.
Many of the most densely populated areas in Texas—including the cities we serve—are within the humid subtropical area of the state. Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston all face high levels of humidity year round, and that can be detrimental for certain fencing materials.
With humidity come fungus, mold, and insects. Termites are an especially common problem in Texas, resulting in an annual expenditure of about $200 million to $300 million per year to repair or prevent the damage they cause. Because of this, fencing in Texas needs to be resistant to termites and other pests.
Texas is also subject to fairly high winds. Dallas, for instance, has wind year-round that averages to a wind speed of 10.7 miles per hour, which is actually higher than Chicago. Naturally, wind is tough on fences, so yours will need to be built to withstand heavy gusts.
Finally, there are extremes in temperature throughout the state. Texas can get especially hot during the summer, with high temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit during the harshest years. However, northern Texas also experiences colder temperatures as well, so your fence needs to be able to withstand the winter months as well.
The best types of fences for Texas homes and businesses need to be able to withstand humidity and weathering, resist heat, and stand up to the elements. While it’s possible to make most materials work in this climate, there is one that stands out: vinyl.
Being completely synthetic, vinyl fencing is highly resistant to the elements. It doesn’t absorb moisture, isn’t subject to mold or termite attacks, and is completely weatherproof, making it ideal for Texas weather. On top of that, it’s very low maintenance—you only need to clean it every once in a while, and it will last you decades.
The polyvinyl compounds used in modern vinyl fencing give it many advantages over other materials. These advantages include the following:
If you want a fence that will hold up to Texas weather, then vinyl is your best bet.
While it’s straightforward to make a vinyl fence that will withstand the elements, wood and metal fencing can still work in a Texas climate. It just has to be made with quality materials and treated properly.
For instance, western red cedar is ideal for hot and humid climates since it doesn’t conduct heat as much as other wood species while being resistant to moisture and bugs. Metal fencing is also highly resistant to the elements with the exception of moisture, but that can be resolved with the right coating and maintenance.
Most fences can last a couple of decades or more if they’re properly maintained.
It depends on the material. Untreated wood absolutely will expand and contract with the weather, whereas treated wood and vinyl will not.
Anything colorful will fade over time if left in direct sunlight. It’s a gradual process, however, so it shouldn’t be noticeable.
If they are made with modern materials, vinyl fences will not warp in sunlight.
If you’re considering a fence for your Texas home or business, Buzz Custom Fence offers quality fence installation in Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin. Get in touch to learn about our services, or call us for a free estimate on your project.
A fence is always as good as the wood it is made from. Fences in Texas face unique challenges, whether you need the feature for commercial settings or just to add beauty to your home. The most common wood species used for fences in Texas are:
1. The Western Red Cedar
This is one of the best and most common wood when it comes to fencing options. It is known for standing up well to extreme temperatures & moisture changes. When the weather changes from hot to cold, the thermal expansion strains the fibers of the wood. Weather change has no effect on Red Cedar which is why it is one of the most commonly used fencing materials.
A similar problem occurs when wood is exposed to moisture and then dried, this constant expansion and contraction will sap the strength from most of the grains. However, Western Red Cedar is resilient to this effect as well. This makes it a good option for fences in the northern and western regions of Texas. Red cedar is beautiful; it doesn’t come cheap but is extremely durable and provides good value in the long term.
2. Southern Yellow Pine
One of the easiest to find, construction wood in the US is Southern Yellow Pine. It is probably one of the cheapest options you can choose from. It performs excellently in damp and humid conditions. Bugs and fungi are the main enemies of wood in consistently wet environments. Chemical treatments can be used to prevent these issues from taking place. It is almost unheard of to find an untreated southern yellow pine, and this simple process makes it almost resistant to rot. This is the go-to option in the eastern and southern parts of Texas.
3. Other Common Wood Species
Other than the Red Cedar and Yellow Pine, there are a few other strains of wood that can be used for fences. However, none of them suit the Texan weather as well as the ones mentioned above. They are however used for different purposes as well. Here is another list of different woods you can choose from for fences:
We at Superior Fence Co. of San Antonio have a large variety of wood fences to offer. For any more information, feel free to contact us at (210) 600-3343 or send us your queries via this Contact Us form.