April 16, 2013 • Page 11 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Cost-effective fencing options Fencing serves many purposes. Some homeowners erect a fence for privacy, while others do so to contain pets and children. Because fencing can be expensive, some homeowners look for ways to cut costs, which can be relatively easy, especially for those homeowners willing to consider various materials when erecting their fence. Traditional fences are available in materials ranging from wood to vinyl to metal. Homeowners have other options at their disposal if they prefer a more natural fence. Different shrubs, trees or grasses can be planted to create a barrier between properties or within the property. When choosing a fencing material, consider that even a less expensive material may prove more expensive in the long run if it needs significant maintenance or has to be replaced in just a few years. Therefore, the most cost-effective fencing material may not necessarily be the least expensive one at the store. Here are some materials homeowners can consider. • Found material: Repurposed wood or metal can be crafted into a rustic, one-of-a-kind fence. Materials can be found that are no cost, requiring only the cost of labor. Should you build it yourself, this can be next to nothing. Sometimes existing fences on another property can be disassembled and re-built on your own property for little to no cost as well. • Chainlink/chainwire: Chainlink fencing is one of the most economical types of boundary fencing. The fencing comes in a variety of diamond sizes and is fixed to galvanized pipes spaced across the perimeter of the property. Although it is some of the least expensive fencing, it Kaiser Heating and Cooling Your GEOTHERMAL and High Efficiency Systems Specialists KaiserHeatingAndCooling.com does not offer much privacy on its own. But if you are looking at fencing simply as a barrier, chainlink could be the way to go. • Picket fencing: A wooden picket fence is another inexpensive fencing material. The pickets can be purchased in various heights, and this fence may be used as garden border fencing or to mark a property line between homes. Spacing the pickets widely apart may cut down on the number that need to be purchased, further keeping the cost down. • Bamboo: Bamboo is a rapidly growing grass that produces a hard wood-like material that is used in many building applications. Bamboo wood can be used to build a fence, but the natural plant also can be planted to form a living fence for privacy. • Stockade fencing: A stockade fence is one of the more basic wood fencing options. Wooden slats are placed alongside one another to form an effective and affordable privacy fence. Stockade fencing can be stained or painted to preserve it. Many home improvement retailers sell Home Safety Simplified panels of stockade fencing so that you can make fence installation a do-it-yourself project. • Vinyl fencing: Although vinyl fencing is one of the more expensive fencing materials at the outset (it costs about twice the price of a wood fence), it does pay for itself rather quickly thanks to minimal maintenance. Unlike some other materials, vinyl will not rot or discolor. You also won't have to purchase stain, paint and expensive cleaners for a vinyl fence. That means once you make the investment, you will have years upon years of maintenance-free enjoyment. There are many different fencing materials that can coordinate with a variety of budgets. Fork?y Live Local. Spend Less. Each season brings new threats to the safety of your home and family. In 2012, the U.S. experienced multiple major weather events including Hurricane Sandy. This year is likely to be no different. Be prepared by following these simple tips to avoid the devastation caused by home fires, break-ins and weather-related disasters. By implementing these easy precautions your home will be a safer place. * Prepare for fire safety. Be prepared by ensuring that your home’s smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors are well maintained. This includes installing smoke alarms on every level of your home, regularly replacing their batteries and changing out old alarms every 10 years. When the time comes to replace your detectors, consider a First Alert product. * Protect against theft. Take proper home security precautions to keep your family safe. The use of deadbolts on doors, locks on windows, motion-sensor lights on driveways and walkways can help deter theft. Many home security kits allow you to customize your own “do-it-yourself” security package. Your local RadioShack offers a variety of options to support all of your home security needs. * Make a plan. Plan and prepare your family for the havoc brought-on by inclement weather. With your family, discuss your plan for dangerous weather. It is also essential to build a weather safety kit containing a flashlight, portable power for your electronics, an emergency radio, walkie talkies, bottled water and dry goods. Stocking up on extra alkaline batteries is always a good idea in case of emergency. A two-pack of Enercell 9V batteries at RadioShack is a small investment to keep your family safe. Start getting great local deals today! www.fork?y.com 665-2895 www.missourivalleyshopper.com Retaining Walls & Pavers 308 Capital • Yankton • yankton@hedahls.com Dupont • KTools Four Seasons Air Conditioning Hastings Air & Oil Filters Fel Pro Gaskets — Come to us for Full Service & parts for all your automobile needs — We now make spray cans of paint — Free delivery to shops in Yankton ? Hit By A Deer? Wholesale & Retail • 665-3712 800-359-2216 • Fax: 866-364-2803 Need A Plumber NOW? 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