The Complete Guide to SimTek Fences in Florida

SimTek fencing has emerged as a premium alternative to traditional fencing materials for Florida homeowners and businesses, offering exceptional durability against the state’s unique weather challenges while providing attractive aesthetic options. This innovative fencing solution combines the strength of reinforced polyethylene with the visual appeal of stone or wood, making it increasingly popular throughout the Sunshine State. Before investing in a new fence for your Florida property, understanding the benefits, specifications, and considerations of SimTek fencing can help you make an informed decision about this versatile option.

Understanding SimTek Fence Composition and Manufacturing

SimTek fences represent a significant advancement in fencing technology, utilizing innovative materials and manufacturing processes to create a superior product. These fences are not traditional composite fences but rather specialized structures designed for maximum durability and aesthetic appeal.

Material Composition and Production Process

SimTek fencing is manufactured using a proprietary blend of virgin and recycled polyethylene plastic reinforced with galvanized steel. The production involves a patented rotational molding process where a mixture of polyethylene, color polymers, and other fillers is placed inside a rotational mold that spins to ensure even distribution. This mixture is then superheated and expanded inside the mold, forming the fence panels, posts, caps, and gates.

Unlike traditional composite fencing that typically contains wood fibers mixed with recycled plastic, SimTek does not include wood fibers in its composition. Instead, it achieves its remarkable appearance through the use of real stone and wood molds during the manufacturing process, allowing the finished product to closely mimic these natural materials. Every panel and post contains full-length internally molded steel stiffeners that provide exceptional structural integrity.

Eco-Friendly Credentials

Environmental consciousness is built into the SimTek fence design. These fences contain approximately 25% recycled polyethylene content, reducing their environmental impact. Additionally, no trees are harvested specifically for SimTek fence manufacturing, making them an appealing choice for environmentally conscious property owners in Florida.

SimTek Fence Varieties and Design Options

SimTek offers various fence styles to accommodate different aesthetic preferences and functional requirements, giving Florida homeowners considerable flexibility in their outdoor design choices.

Product Lines and Appearances

SimTek fences are available in two primary product lines, each designed to emulate different natural materials:

1. EcoStone/Allegheny: This product line is designed to resemble granite stone, providing the appearance of an expensive stone wall without the associated cost or weight. The EcoStone line serves as Florida State Fence’s recommended solution to expensive precast walls that are common in many Florida communities.
2. Ashland/Sherwood: This line features a realistic wood appearance, offering the warm aesthetic of traditional wooden fencing without the maintenance challenges that wood presents in Florida’s climate.

Color and Size Options

SimTek fences are available in multiple color options to complement various architectural styles and landscape designs. Available colors include Beige, Brown, Dark Brown, Gray, Black, Desert, and Red Cedar9. The variety of colors allows Florida homeowners to select fencing that harmonizes with their existing exterior design elements.

Standard panel dimensions include:

• 36″ High x 72″ Wide
• 48″ High x 96″ Wide
• 72″ High x 72″ Wide

A notable feature of SimTek fencing is its stackability, allowing panels to be combined to create walls of 8ft, 12ft, and even 16ft in height when needed for enhanced privacy or security. While panel heights cannot be modified, panels can be cut to any custom width to accommodate specific property dimensions.

Weather Performance in Florida’s Challenging Climate

Florida’s unique climate presents specific challenges for exterior structures, making weather resistance a critical factor when selecting fencing materials.

Hurricane and Wind Resistance

One of SimTek’s most valuable features for Florida residents is its exceptional wind resistance. These fences are constructed to withstand sustained winds of up to 110 mph and wind gusts reaching 130 mph. This level of wind resistance makes SimTek fencing particularly appropriate for coastal Florida communities where hurricane protection is a significant concern.

Temperature and Sun Exposure Tolerance

SimTek fencing is manufactured to perform reliably in extreme temperature conditions, from -40°F to +140°F, without significant fading, warping, or cracking. This temperature resilience is particularly important in Florida, where intense sun exposure and heat can rapidly degrade lesser quality fencing materials.

The fence panels are fade-resistant and contain UV-12 inhibitors that help maintain vibrant colors despite Florida’s intense sunlight. This UV resistance ensures that the fencing maintains its attractive appearance for many years without the faded, weathered look that affects many other outdoor materials in Florida’s harsh sunshine.

Saltwater and Moisture Resistance

For coastal Florida properties, SimTek offers excellent resistance to water and salt spray. This resistance to saltwater corrosion and moisture damage makes it an ideal choice for properties near the ocean or Gulf where salt air can quickly deteriorate standard fencing materials.

Practical Benefits for Florida Homeowners

Beyond weather resistance, SimTek fencing offers several practical advantages that address specific concerns of Florida property owners.

Sound Absorption Properties

SimTek fences provide excellent sound insulation, blocking approximately 98% of direct sound with an STC 26 rating according to ASTM E 90 sound transmission loss tests. This sound-blocking capability significantly exceeds that of wooden fences, which typically block only about 75% of direct sound. This feature is particularly valuable in Florida’s densely populated communities and areas near busy roadways.

Privacy and Security

The solid construction and height options of SimTek fencing provide excellent privacy for Florida homeowners. Unlike some fence types with gaps or deteriorating components, SimTek offers consistent, durable screening from neighboring properties and public spaces. The strength of the reinforced panels also provides enhanced security compared to many traditional fencing options.

Impact Resistance

Florida’s active outdoor lifestyle and occasional severe weather events demand fencing with superior impact resistance. SimTek’s polyethylene construction reinforced with galvanized steel creates a fence that can withstand normal recreational wear and tear as well as impacts from storm debris. This durability makes it well-suited to family properties with children and pets or areas where landscape maintenance equipment might come in contact with the fence.

Cost Considerations and Long-Term Value

While SimTek represents a premium fencing option with higher initial costs than some alternatives, many Florida homeowners find the long-term value proposition compelling.

Pricing Structure

SimTek fencing typically requires a higher upfront investment compared to some traditional fencing materials. The cost generally ranges from $70 to $90 per linear foot for professional installation. For complete projects, homeowners can expect to pay between $1,800 and $4,200 depending on the scope of the project.

The materials themselves cost approximately $5 to $20 per square foot, with labor adding an additional $15 to $25 per square foot. Individual components are priced accordingly, with a standard 6 ft. H x 6 ft. W gray composite fence panel costing around $206.606, and posts priced at approximately $96.25 each.

Warranty and Longevity

SimTek fences typically come with a 25-year warranty, though some sources mention lifetime manufacturer warranties being available. This extensive warranty coverage reflects the manufacturer’s confidence in the product’s durability and offers significant peace of mind to Florida homeowners making a substantial fencing investment.

The exceptional longevity of SimTek fencing often justifies the higher initial cost when compared to other fencing options that might require replacement or significant maintenance during the same timeframe. When factoring in the minimal maintenance requirements, the total ownership cost over decades can be lower than alternatives despite the higher purchase price.

Maintenance Requirements

One of the most appealing aspects of SimTek fencing for busy Florida homeowners is its minimal maintenance requirements compared to traditional fencing materials.

Zero Maintenance Design

SimTek fences are designed to be truly maintenance-free. Unlike wood fences that require regular painting, staining, or sealing, or vinyl fences that may need periodic cleaning to prevent mold and mildew in Florida’s humid climate, SimTek requires virtually no regular upkeep to maintain its appearance and structural integrity.

Long-Term Appearance

The fence won’t rot, doesn’t need to be painted, and resists fading, warping, and cracking even after years of exposure to Florida’s intense sunlight and variable weather conditions. This resistance to weathering means that the fence maintains its attractive appearance without the homeowner needing to invest time and money in ongoing maintenance.

Florida Installation Considerations and Requirements

Installing a fence in Florida involves navigating specific regulations and considerations that vary by location throughout the state.

Permitting Requirements

Like most permanent property improvements in Florida, fence installation typically requires permits from local authorities. Miami-Dade County and Orange County, for example, have specific permitting processes for fence installation. Miami-Dade County recently streamlined its residential fence permit process as of May 13, 2024, allowing for more efficient approvals when using pre-approved standard fence details.

Before installing a SimTek fence, Florida homeowners should contact their local building department to understand specific requirements, which may include submitting site plans, surveys, and other supporting documents. Additionally, many Florida communities have homeowners associations with specific guidelines regarding fence appearance and placement that must be considered alongside municipal requirements.

Professional Installation

While the modular nature of SimTek fencing might tempt some homeowners to consider DIY installation, professional installation is generally recommended. Several specialized fence contractors throughout Florida have experience with SimTek products, including:

• Florida State Fence, which particularly recommends the Allegheny/EcoStone line
• Allied Fence of Tampa Bay, offering SimTek as their latest fencing innovation
• Hefe Fence in Venice, FL, specializing in SimTek installation for coastal properties
• North River Fence in Parrish, Florida, highlighting SimTek’s elegance and resilience
• Datson Fence, providing SimTek installations in the Orlando area

Professional installation ensures proper structural support, alignment, and adherence to local building codes and manufacturer specifications, which is particularly important for maintaining warranty coverage.

Environmental Benefits of SimTek Fencing

As environmental consciousness grows among Florida consumers, SimTek’s eco-friendly attributes represent a significant selling point.

Recycled Content and Sustainability

SimTek fences incorporate approximately 25% recycled polyethylene content, reducing the demand for virgin materials and diverting plastic from landfills. Additionally, no trees are harvested specifically for SimTek fence production, unlike traditional wood fencing that contributes to deforestation.

Long Lifespan Impact

The exceptional durability and longevity of SimTek fencing also contribute to its environmental benefits. Since these fences typically last decades longer than many alternatives, they reduce the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposing of multiple generations of less durable fencing options. This reduced replacement cycle conserves resources and minimizes waste over time.

Conclusion

For Florida homeowners seeking a fencing solution that combines durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal, SimTek represents a compelling option that addresses the unique challenges of the Florida environment. While the initial investment is higher than some traditional fencing alternatives, the combination of hurricane-force wind resistance, immunity to salt spray and moisture damage, resistance to UV fading, and virtually zero maintenance requirements delivers exceptional long-term value.

The variety of styles and colors available ensures that Florida property owners can find a SimTek option that complements their architectural style and landscape design. Furthermore, the sound-dampening properties and privacy benefits add functional advantages beyond mere boundary marking.

As Florida continues to experience severe weather events and intense sun exposure, investing in resilient, long-lasting property improvements like SimTek fencing may represent not just a lifestyle choice but a practical decision that pays dividends through decades of reliable performance with minimal upkeep. For those willing to make the upfront investment, SimTek fencing offers a solution that stands strong against Florida’s challenging conditions while enhancing property aesthetics and value.