Don’t want your fence to let you down when the weather gets nasty?
Every homeowner wants a fence that looks great and lasts for decades. After all, quality fencing should provide privacy, security and curb appeal without requiring constant maintenance and repairs.
The problem?
Traditional fencing materials just can’t handle extreme weather. Wood rots, cracks and splinters. Metal rusts. Other materials fade or warp.
The solution?
A durable composite fence can withstand all types of climate conditions while requiring nearly zero maintenance. This innovative fencing material is specifically engineered to resist moisture, temperature fluctuations, UV damage and much more.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why composite fencing outperforms traditional fencing materials
- How the weather can affect different fencing materials
- Durability and lifespan you can expect in the real world
What Makes Composite Fencing Different?
Composite fencing isn’t your average run-of-the-mill garden fence.
Composite fencing is manufactured using a mixture of recycled wood fibres and plastic polymers. This special formula gives you the natural look of wood with the weather-resistant properties of synthetic materials.
The result is a fence that has all of the positive properties of both wood and synthetic materials, while minimising the drawbacks.
Composite fencing is different from traditional wood fencing because composite materials don’t absorb moisture. This is important, because moisture leads to rot, mould, warping and costly problems down the line. Composite materials, on the other hand, are engineered to be water resistant from the inside out.
Rain and Moisture: Composite Fencing Takes a Different Approach
If you think about it, water damage is one of the most common ways that fences succumb.
Traditional wood fencing absorbs moisture like a sponge. Rain, snow, and humidity all lead to moisture damage over time.
Composite fencing takes a completely different approach. The plastic content allows rain and moisture to bead and roll off the surface of the fence without penetrating into the core of the composite boards.
This makes composite fencing the perfect solution for areas with high rainfall or humidity. Composite materials prevent moisture absorption, rot and decay, mould and mildew growth, warping from moisture and more.
Composite fences maintain their integrity even in consistently damp or wet climates. No more worrying about your fence falling apart after a wet winter, or needing to replace rotted sections.
Extreme Temperatures: Composite Fencing Was Built To Last
If you think composite fencing can’t handle hot summers, you’d be wrong.
One of the most impressive things about composite fencing is how well it holds up in high temperatures. Unlike wood fencing, which expands and contracts with heat, composite fencing is built to tolerate temperature changes without damage.
Extreme temperatures are no problem for composite fencing.
Composite fencing is also treated with UV-resistant coatings to prevent fading or weakening from constant sun exposure. This helps maintain both the colour and the structural integrity of the fence, even in high-temperature zones.
What about winter? Composite fencing also holds up to freezing temperatures without cracking or breaking, and without the need for sealing or painting.
Wind and Storm Resistance
Wind resistance is just as important for long-term fence durability as moisture resistance.
One of the most common ways fences need to be replaced is from wind or storms. Hail, debris and high winds can damage fences over time.
Composite fencing is often built to be structurally stronger than traditional fencing. The materials are also reinforced to add both strength and flexibility, so it’s more resistant to damage from high winds or impact by flying debris.
Composite fencing can easily withstand winds of 55 to 63 mph without damage.
Compare that to traditional fencing materials, and you’ll see why composite fencing is so resistant. Composite fencing can retain its structural integrity even in high-wind areas. Wood fibres and plastic make a strong material that won’t bend or crack.
Salt, Humidity and Coastal Conditions
Do you live near the coast?
If so, composite fencing will work well for you. Saltwater spray causes a lot of damage to wood fencing in coastal areas.
Salt speeds up rot and corrosion, so traditional fences don’t last very long near the beach or ocean. But composite fencing stands up to saltwater, humidity, sea spray and marine organism growth without breaking down or decaying.
Coastal climates are a perfect example of where composite fencing trumps traditional fencing options. The salt, sun and humidity of coastal areas quickly damage wood, metal and vinyl fencing.
Composite fencing is made to be weather-resistant, including all of these conditions that usually wreak havoc on traditional materials.
Longevity: Just How Long Can You Expect Composite Fencing To Last?
Okay, so let’s talk about real world durability. How long can you expect composite fencing to last?
Traditional wood fencing has a lifespan of between 5 and 20 years, depending on the type of wood and how well you maintain it.
Composite fencing lasts on average between 25 and 30 years, with some manufacturers claiming 50 years. That’s five times longer than traditional wooden fencing.
Composite fencing is engineered to resist rot, insect damage, warping, moisture damage, splitting from temperature changes and more. Composite fencing maintenance involves less than traditional fencing. You won’t need to paint, stain, or seal composite fencing. Simply wash it down with soap and water once in a while.
Installation and Climate Factors
The other important part of ensuring composite fencing lasts for decades is installing it correctly.
Fence posts need to be set at the right depth (usually between 600 and 850mm) and secured properly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Climate zones also have unique considerations. In hot climates, you want fencing with UV-resistant coatings. In cold climates, proper post depth helps prevent frost heave. Humid areas need good drainage around the post bases. Coastal areas require corrosion-resistant fixings and hardware.
Following installation best practices will help your fence last as long as possible in your local climate.
The Maintenance Advantage of Composite Fencing
The real kicker about composite fencing?
Over 20 years, you’ll spend almost nothing on composite fencing maintenance. Compare that to wood fencing that needs regular staining, sealing and repairs.
Composite fencing maintenance is minimal. Perform regular inspections for debris or damage. Wash down the fence with a soft brush and soapy water occasionally. Trim back vegetation near the fence. Check for damage after storms.
Composite fencing doesn’t require painting, staining or sanding. No replacing rotted fence boards. Just a quick inspection and clean, and you’re done.
Wrapping It All Up
Weather resistant composite fencing is the ideal choice for every climate. Heat, humidity, salt spray, freezing cold and rain are all handled by composite fencing.
Composite fencing is a specially engineered material that blends the best properties of wood and plastics. This includes resistance to moisture, temperature extremes, UV damage, wind, rot, mould, decay and much more. Composite fencing can last 25 to 30 years or more, with virtually zero maintenance required.
The upfront cost is higher than traditional fencing, but the long-term value makes composite fencing the obvious choice. No more costly repairs, weekend maintenance projects, or replacement fence sections that need to be replaced due to weather damage.
If you want a fence that will last for years in any climate, composite fencing is the clear winner.