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Located at 2,730 feet, Boise has a desert environment with UV pressure that impacts exterior materials. The temperature swings in this part of Idaho are extreme. Boise often sees 30°F mornings and 100°F afternoons in the summer. This rapid thermal expansion is what causes wood to warp and vinyl to crack. Even in summers, humidity remains low, which shrinks wood pickets, and winter extremes include anow that rots the wood from the inside out.
Many homeowners are now considering working with a Boise concrete fencing contractor. Companies like Petrified Forest Boise offer concrete installations that work much better than other fencing materials like Vinyl and Wood. The team at Petrified Forest has completed numerous projects in Boise and has incredible expertise. Below is an overview of why concrete fencing is better for your home.
Soil and Wind in the Valley
The soil in Ada County is notoriously alkaline. This acts as a corrosive agent on cedar and pine posts, often eating through the wood at the ground line within 10-12 years. Also, Boise building code requires a 24-inch frost line, while regular fences often use 18-inch footings. Installers suggest concrete fencing because the design uses engineered 30-36-inch posts and prevents frost heave. Boise and the surrounding Foothills also have a wind problem. If wind speed increases to 60 mph, 6-foot wood privacy fences will fail. Precast concrete, in that context, is rated for 115 mph winds.
Maintenance Comparison
Many homeowners are also considering maintenance when choosing fencing materials. Given the weather in Idaho, wood fencing requires sealing every 2-3 years to combat the high UV. If you consider the cost for the next 15 years, you will spend more on stain and labor than the original cost of the wood fence. Vinyl, on the other hand, is sold for being low on maintenance, but winter freezing can have an impact and lead to shattering, which is notoriously difficult to patch.
Concrete fences don’t need painting or staining. Also, many installers use integral color, where the pigment is mixed into the wet concrete, and that reduces the risk of peeling.
Sound and Safety
Homeowners in new subdivisions close to Eagle Rd, Chinden, and I-84 regularly complain about traffic noise. Most fences cannot block the ambient noise, and that’s why many homes now have concrete fences. Concrete can block up to 95% of ambient noise, whereas wood and vinyl allow sound waves to pass through the gaps and thin material. Homes that are closer to wildland are also prone to fires, and using wood only increases risks.
Installation in the Treasure Valley
When it comes to concrete, precast panels are always better. While on-site installations aren’t rare, there is a risk of dust and temperature fluctuations. If you are working with an installer, ask them to show you designs or projects they have completed. The good part is that concrete fencing is always two-sided, which means your neighbor won’t have to see the ugly side, as with wood or vinyl.
Property Value
The demand for homes in areas like Meridian and Eagle is high, and when you invest in a concrete fence, buyers are more likely to get interested. Yes, the cost is a factor, especially when compared to wood or vinyl, but given that there is no need for replacement, repairs, or even maintenance for at least four decades, the amount is worth paying.
As for the design, your concrete fence installer in Boise can recommend many options, and precast panels often ensure more designs. You don’t have to worry about the fence looking boring. Just ensure the installation work is done by a team with experience.
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