Choosing Between Temporary & Permanent Fencing

By Ashley Reynolds of Centaur Fencing

Temporary and permanent fencing have their advantages and disadvantages. The type you choose will depend on a variety of factors.

2015-05-Temporary-FencingTemporary Fencing

Temporary fencing is generally just that, temporary. This type of fencing is not meant to be used on a long-term basis. Temporary fencing can be easily installed, moved, or taken down when you are ready to build something that is stronger and more permanent. There are two major variations on temporary fences: 1) temporary wire, lines, or braids that come in a spool and are built to set up across posts or steel t-posts, and 2) ready-to-use kits like Gallagher SmartFence. You can also use temporary fencing options within a permanently fenced in enclosure if you need to protect certain areas of your property or protect your horse from issues with the land such as the following:

  • Water sources
  • Sink holes
  • Eroded areas
  • Rocky terrain
  • Trees

If your grazing strategy incorporates rotational grazing, temporary fencing such as tape or braided wire fencing is a good choice. Rotational grazing is an economical and easy way to feed, that maintains pasture ground cover and reduces the risk of overgrazing.

Temporary fencing is generally made with lightweight yet fairly strong materials like braided wire, tape, and bare wire. These types of materials are most often electrified because a horse will not respect the material on its own. It is very easy for a horse to lean on, tear down, or become tangled into these fencing materials if they are not electrified. The risk for entanglement is still there even if it is electrified, but the risk is not nearly as significant. If a horse is properly trained to respect the electrified temporary fencing, potential for injuries and problems decreases significantly.

2015-05-Permanent-FencingPermanent Fencing

Permanent fencing is better suited for long-term use and can hold horses in much more effectively. A few permanent fencing choices include wood rails, vinyl rails, and electrified rails. You have the option of incorporating temporary fencing materials such as wire or tape fencing along with wood or PVC/vinyl rails in order to create a much more respected barrier for the horse. An alternative option is to select a fencing material that incorporates electrically conductive materials in its construction, like Centaur Fencing Hot Rail or similar options. This type of fencing is used when you do not need to move fence rails and plan on having a stationary fenced in enclosure for long term use.

Permanent fencing takes longer to install but makes for a more solid fence. Unlike temporary fencing, permanent fencing generally requires posts to be concreted into the ground. Since there are nails involved with wood rail fencing, the fencing must be maintained frequently. Permanent fencing is a good choice for the following reasons:

  • The horse is less likely to get out.
  • Wildlife is less likely to get in.
  • It can more effectively withstand impacts.
  • If can withstand almost all weather conditions if built properly.
  • It can be painted to that it is highly visible.
  • It can be electrified or non-electrified.

Permanent fencing is not necessarily any safer to use than temporary fencing; it is simply stronger and can withstand more of an impact. There is still the risk of a horse breaking through the fence and becoming injured. Wood fence rails can have sharp protruding nails, and if the wood slats break the horse can get splinters or become impaled on the broken boards. PVC/vinyl rails can shatter and puncture a horse should they break through the vinyl railing.

It is a good idea to have a secondary fence line of permanent fencing in case a horse does break out. If they break through the first line, they are unlikely to break through the second fence line. The second fence line adds another element of security, since the horse will be less likely to get out, and wildlife will be less likely to get in.

In addition to a great selection of fencing supplies, we offer professional fence installation. Call us at 603-358-3001 for a free estimate or to book a job.

 

12 thoughts on “Choosing Between Temporary & Permanent Fencing”

  1. My grandpa used to have a ranch back in Texas and he always insisted on using permanent fencing for any animals because he didn’t like how easily a temporary fence could be taken down and moved around. I was really young when he sold his ranch off in order to retire, but I believe he used more solid materials for the fence like iron and steel. I might have to ask when I visit him again, I never really showed that much interest in his old ranch, but this article has really peeked my interest.

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  2. Thanks for posting this. I would most likely spring for the more permanent fencing, but up until I was certain of what I want the layout to be, I would definitely make use of the temporary fencing. Sometimes it helps to try out some different plans before making things more official.

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  3. Though many of the business industries and homes need permanent fence, still some site owners need a fence on a temporary basis. It implies that adoption of different fence depends upon the situation and requirement. I am completely agree with the point that is mentioned in the blog that both of them are having some merits and demerits in their own field. But in this particular context, if some wants to know about my answer then I can say that I will go for permanent fencing solution as I have a small backyard for which I need some privacy and security and I think permanent fencing will be better as compared to temporary fencing. Thank you so much.

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  4. We have nowhere to put our horses while we find a good fence contractor in the area. I didn’t even think of temporary fencing as a solution for this. This seems like a simple fix to the issue we were dealing with.

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  5. You made a good point about using temporary fences to protect people or animals from getting through a damaged portion of the land such as sink holes that might cause accidents. Speaking of, my mom bought a bare piece of land with eroded and rocky areas. She was looking for a contractor to develop it and build a home however she notices people walking by and sometimes getting slipped on the far end. In this case, it’s best for here to put up a temporary fence to prevent people from walking in while looking for a company that can provide and install it for the time being in her land.

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  6. This is really a helpful information and provide valuable information how to set up Temporary Fencing and permanent fencing and I want to use temporary fencing for my recent project.vinyl fence company can provide those type of service for my project and anyone project and work.

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  7. It got me when you said that permanent fencing will be able to withstand any impact since it is installed in a way that it will be strong. I will definitely choose this no matter the material I choose. This is because it means that I don’t have to worry about the deer jumping and hitting them since it will not be easily damaged.

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  8. Since I’ll be staying in South Jersey for a couple of months for a certain project I’ll be working in, I’m planning to hire a temporary fence rental for property protection. It’s great to know that temp fences are easily installed and taken down at the same time. I think I shall consult a contractor as early as now to know what type is best to install in the area.

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  9. we love keeping pets and our dogs have a tendency to run out on the street with speeding cars. A long term fence like mentioned in the article is best suited for us as we do not plan on moving and long lasting fence is what I am looking for. Thanks for explaining different fences in the articles.

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