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Privacy Fencing: Benefits, Materials, and Key Considerations

Even if you’re on good terms (let’s face it, not all of us are) with your neighbors, you don’t always want them to be able to see into your backyard whenever you’re outside. Privacy fencing creates a controlled environment where you can breathe easy and be yourself even if there aren’t eyes on you.

While most fencing options provide varying levels of security and isolation, privacy fencing is specifically designed to maximize visual and auditory obstruction. A wide range of materials are available to help you achieve this, which means you don’t have to compromise on aesthetic preferences.

When considering this type of fencing, it’s important to weigh factors such as local regulations, maintenance requirements, and fence specifications. Anchor Fence Inc.’s fencing experts help you do it in this blog.

What Are the Benefits of a Privacy Fence?

On a fundamental level, having a private space grants you a sense of control over your environment. For you, it might be a prerequisite for self-reflection or for feeling uninhibited and at ease within your property lines.

Here are the benefits of this type of fence:

• Increased security: A sturdy fence discourages trespassers and creates a physical barrier, potentially deterring break-ins or unwanted visitors.
• Improved safety: Privacy fences with minimal gaps ensure your kids and pets stay safely contained within your yard.
• Noise reduction: Solid privacy fencing acts as a sound barrier, muffling noise pollution from busy streets or noisy neighbors.
• Blocking unsightly views: If you have an undesirable view from your yard, like a busy road or an eyesore, a privacy fence can effectively block it out.
• Wind protection: Privacy fences can act as windbreaks, shielding your yard from strong winds and gusts. In some cases, they can also block sunlight or light rain.

What Are the Best Fence Materials for Privacy?

To achieve maximum privacy in your yard, certain fence materials are better than others. You wouldn’t get much privacy out of a chain-link fence, for example.

When reviewing your material options, ask yourself what you’d be willing to compromise on, if anything. For example, do you need complete visual and noise blockage, or would a fence with some gaps for airflow or light be sufficient?

Here are a few top materials to consider:

Wood Fences

Solid wood panels or closely spaced boards can effectively block out unwanted views. Wood is also a strong and durable material, especially pressure-treated varieties like western red and white cedar, providing resistance to rot and insects—ideal for a long-lasting, sturdy structure.

Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fences are another practical and durable solution for achieving backyard privacy. These fences are constructed from rigid PVC materials that mimic the look of traditional wood but without the maintenance that wood requires.

This material is also resistant to rot, insect damage, and fading, so it maintains its appearance long-term with minimal effort.

Aluminum Fencing

One of the standout advantages of aluminum fencing is its resistance to corrosion and weathering. Aluminum doesn’t rust, which means it retains its structural integrity despite exposure to the elements.

Aluminum comes in a variety of styles, including solid panels that completely block views. Even picket designs can be crafted with close spacing to minimize visibility.

Selecting the Ideal Fence Height

The difficulty with selecting privacy fence height is that most jurisdictions set a restriction. For example, in Redford, the maximum height for privacy fences is six feet unless otherwise approved. So, while taller fences offer more privacy, they may also be subject to local regulations.

Here are some tips that can help you find the right balance:

• Measure existing sightlines: Note the height from which neighbors or pedestrians can see into your yard. This will give you a baseline for the fence height needed for privacy.
• Consider fence style: Solid privacy fences naturally offer more blockage than slatted styles. Choose a style that can meet your specifications and stay within regulations.
• Talk to your neighbors: If you share a fence line with a neighbor, discuss privacy concerns and explore building a fence together that meets regulations and satisfies both parties.

In some cases, you might be able to build fences to non-standard heights or accessorize to increase height accordingly. For example, in Livonia, privacy screens are permitted in backyards, but cannot be higher than six feet, six inches in height.

Fence Styles Optimized for Privacy

Certain fence styles are specifically designed to maximize seclusion and minimize visibility into your yard. These styles typically, and unsurprisingly, prioritize solid construction and strategic design elements that effectively block views and noise.

You can consider style in two ways:

Design Decisions

• Picket spacing: If you desire some light, opt for closely spaced pickets or panels. Aluminum and vinyl fences can come in styles with customizable picket density, for instance.
• Height advantage: Taller fences naturally provide more privacy. Explore your local regulations to determine the maximum allowable height and choose a style that reaches that exact limit.
• Board and batten: Consider board-and-batten styles, which can be constructed with minimal gaps between boards for enhanced privacy.

Strategic Placement

• Blocking the view: Think about fence placement relative to property lines and sightlines from neighboring properties. Consider angling the fence slightly or placing it closer to property lines.
• Overlooking considerations: If your yard sits lower than neighboring properties, a taller fence or one with a higher cap may be necessary to block unwanted views.

Can Fence Accessories Enhance Privacy?

While the fence itself is the primary barrier to enhance your privacy, various accessories exist to further enhance the level of seclusion and security in your yard.

Here are a few examples of accessories you can potentially add for privacy purposes:

• Privacy slats or inserts can be woven through semi-private (or even chain-link) fences to create a solid barrier.
• Trellis or lattice toppers add height and visual appeal while blocking overhead views.
• Privacy screens or panels can be attached to existing fences to fill in gaps or extend coverage.
• Decorative fence caps or finials create a more finished look.

Bonus tip: While not actually part of the fence itself, consider planting tall shrubs or climbing vines along the fence line to create an additional layer of privacy and soften the visual impact of the fence.

Install Your Privacy Fence With a Reliable Fencing Company

The fencing contractors at Anchor Fence Inc. help you achieve the perfect balance of privacy, security, and aesthetic appeal in your yard.

Hire a trusted fencing company to install your privacy fence—call (313) 937-0101.