Whether you're installing a new fence in your yard or replacing an old one, a quality fence installation will give you the privacy and security your home needs. More than just functional, the best fences also add to the beauty of your outdoor landscaping. For the longest time, wood fences were the only way to go. Today, alternatives are getting an ever larger share of the residential fencing market. In Houston, vinyl fences should at least be strongly considered before you take your fencing project in a different direction.
Vinyl Fences: Houston, TX
As great as vinyl fences are just about anywhere, they're seemingly custom designed for Houston homes. Vinyl is nearly indestructible, but its two weaknesses are the sun and cold. UV radiation can cause the color to fade and extreme cold can reduce the strength of the vinyl. There are chemical treatments that will protect the vinyl from these enemies, but a Houston vinyl fence may or may not need them. Titanium dioxide (meant to block fade-causing sun) may be advisable since, despite the heavy rain, we also usually get a good dose of sun in the morning.
Houston Homes: The New Vinyl Fence
Vinyl fences have been around for a while now, but they've been used mostly in commercial venues. They're safer, for example, in a schoolyard setting. As vinyl fencing manufacturers diversify the look and design of their product continuously, you can now get vinyl that looks like a picket fence, wrought iron style fencing, or paneled fencing. They're also becoming available in more and more colors.
Cost of Houston Vinyl Fencing
At first glance, vinyl fencing appears to be more expensive and in one sense it is. Where the average wood fence costs about $2,000 and aluminum fences average $2,500, a vinyl fence in Houston typically costs around $3,000. Naturally, this estimate varies depending on the size of your installation, the desired thickness, and any treatments or decorative options. What you need to realize is that a quality vinyl fence should last decades longer than a wood fence. If you're planning on having your new fence for the long haul, a vinyl fence is one of the most cost-effective options out there.
Project Length of a Houston Vinyl Fence Installation
The other nice thing about vinyl fences is that they don't take long to build. ServiceMagic collects data from homeowners on projects all around the country and our research suggests your Houston vinyl fence installation shouldn't take more than 1-3 days. This is on par with wood fence projects and significantly faster than the time it takes to install a metal fence. Knowing that the construction shouldn't take long once it gets started should give you the opportunity to take your time getting estimates and talking to different Houston fence contractors. One of the only complaints we get from homeowners involves a fencing installation that doesn't match the homeowner's vision or expectations. Be sure to get on the same page with your contractor before the construction begins.

Marcus Pickett is a professional freelance writer for the home remodeling industry. He has published more than 600 articles on both regional and national topics within the home improvement industry.