Why Wood Fences Offer Great Security and Privacy

When it comes to protecting your property and creating a private space to relax, a quality fence can make all the difference. At Top Tier Fencing, we believe that wood fences are one of the best choices for homeowners who value both security and privacy. Here’s why:

1. Solid Panels, Solid Protection
Unlike chain link or decorative metal fences, wood fences are typically built with solid panels that create a complete barrier. This makes it much harder for intruders to see inside or gain access to your property. A tall wooden fence acts as both a physical and psychological deterrent to unwanted visitors.

2. Privacy You Can Count On
If you're tired of feeling like you're on display in your own backyard, a wood fence is the perfect solution. The tightly fitted boards block the view from neighbors and passersby, giving you the freedom to enjoy your outdoor space in peace—whether you're having a family BBQ or simply unwinding on the patio.

3. Customizable Height and Style
Wood fences can be customized to your exact needs. Whether you want a towering 8-foot privacy fence or a stylish 6-foot security fence with a lattice top, wood gives you the flexibility to create the perfect balance between aesthetics, safety, and seclusion.

4. Noise Reduction
Believe it or not, a wood fence can even help reduce outside noise. The dense material acts as a sound barrier, making your backyard quieter and more relaxing—perfect for families, pet owners, or anyone who wants a little extra peace and quiet.

5. Added Value to Your Home
A well-built wooden fence not only offers security and privacy but also boosts your property’s curb appeal. It creates a defined boundary and adds warmth and character to your home, which can be a big plus if you ever decide to sell.

Why Rot Boards Are a Must-Have for Your Wood Fence

When investing in a wood fence, most homeowners focus on the style, height, and stain—but there’s one critical feature that often gets overlooked: the rot board. At Top Tier Fencing, we recommend adding rot boards to every wood fence we install, and here’s why.

What Is a Rot Board?
A rot board is a horizontal piece of wood placed at the bottom of a fence, directly above the ground. It acts as a protective barrier between the soil and the vertical pickets, which are more prone to moisture damage.

In simple terms, the rot board takes the hit—keeping your pickets safe from early deterioration.

1. Protects Your Fence from Moisture Damage
Wood and water don't mix well over time. When your fence pickets sit directly on the ground, they absorb moisture, which leads to rot, warping, and decay. A rot board lifts those pickets off the ground and shields them from constant contact with wet soil, grass, or mulch—extending the life of your entire fence.

2. Easier and Cheaper to Replace
If damage ever does occur from weed eaters, pests, or long-term exposure to moisture, the rot board is the first line of defense—and the easiest part of the fence to replace. Instead of removing full panels or pickets, you can swap out the rot board alone, saving time and money on repairs.

3. Adds Strength and Stability
Rot boards add structural support to your fence by connecting the bottom portion of the frame. This makes the fence more rigid and resistant to movement caused by wind, pets, or minor ground shifts. Stronger fences last longer and need fewer repairs down the road.

4. Cleaner Appearance
Rot boards give your fence a cleaner, more finished look. They provide a defined base that complements the rest of the fence and help with leveling across uneven terrain. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference in curb appeal.

5. Keeps Pickets Off the Ground
Aside from rot protection, keeping your fence pickets off the ground also helps prevent:

Termite and insect damage

Lawn equipment nicks and splits

Mud and grass stains

A rot board keeps your fence clean, dry, and protected from ground-level wear and tear.

🌪️ Is Your Wood Fence Ready for Hurricane Season in Texas?

Hurricane season in Texas is no joke. Strong winds, heavy rain, and flying debris can cause serious damage to homes — and one of the first things to take a hit is often your wood fence.

Your fence isn’t just about curb appeal. It protects your property, adds privacy, and gives your home character. But when hurricane-force winds roll through, an old or weak fence may not hold up — leaving you with costly repairs and a mess to clean up.

Why Wood Fences Struggle in Storms

Wood fences are beautiful and timeless, but without proper care and installation, they can become vulnerable. Here are some common problems we see after storms:

Rotting or weakened posts – When posts aren’t secured deep enough or the wood has rotted, the entire fence can topple.

Warped or cracked boards – Old boards break easily when pressured by strong winds.

Loose connections – Nails, screws, and brackets that aren’t tight give wind the leverage it needs to tear panels apart.

Improper installation – A poorly built fence is much more likely to blow over, no matter the material.

How to Prepare Your Fence for Harsh Weather

At Top Tier Fencing, we know how Texas weather puts fences to the test. To make sure your fence is storm-ready, here’s what we recommend:

Check your posts – They should be solid and set in concrete at the proper depth.

Inspect for rot – Replace any boards or posts showing signs of decay.

Tighten hardware – Ensure nails, screws, and brackets are secure.

Consider reinforcement – Stronger rails, treated lumber, and professional repairs can extend your fence’s life.

Don’t Wait Until After the Storm

Too often, homeowners wait until after a storm destroys their fence to take action. Unfortunately, that can mean dealing with fallen boards, damaged landscaping, or worse — having debris from your fence damage your property or even your neighbor’s.

By reinforcing or upgrading your wood fence now, you’ll have peace of mind knowing it’s ready for whatever hurricane season brings.