QUESTION: I want to install low-maintenance fencing to create an efficient windbreak, as well as for privacy and security. Is vinyl fencing a good option for this, and can I install it myself to lower the cost?ANSWER: Vinyl fencing is about your best option if you are looking for a low-maintenance fence for your home. It is also very easy to install yourself with ordinary household tools. It does take some time to install fencing, so the savings from doing the work yourself can be significant.The material cost when installing vinyl fencing, depending upon the style, can be considerably more than wood. Some designs, such as tall solid privacy fencing, use much vinyl material. The primary cost in manufacturing vinyl fencing is the materials used.Even with the higher initial cost though, the life-cycle cost of vinyl fencing can be lower because of negligible maintenance costs. Repairing and painting a wood fence every few years can get expensive.Creating a windbreak with fencing can save a significant amount on your utility bills year-round. No matter how well you caulk and weatherstrip your home, there are still cracks and gaps where hot or cold outdoor air can leak indoors. By interrupting the full force of the wind with a fence, less outdoor air will leak indoors.Another energy advantage of a windbreak, either from installing a fence or proper landscape design, is less energy loss (winter) or energy gain (summer). If the speed of the wind across walls and windows is reduced by a windbreak, the heat transfer (wasted energy) through them is also reduced.Since you also seek privacy along with a windbreak, a standard vinyl privacy fence is your best choice. It creates a solid barrier to the wind with few gaps. The heights of the fence can vary and some have decorative lattice and starburst designs across the top.Although someone cannot see through a privacy fence, it may not greatly improve your security. First, you will likely have a gate that someone can use to enter your yard. Once inside the yard, the privacy fence will also provide the intruder with privacy as he/she tries to break into your home.Coextruded vinyl fencing is the most durable. This production method creates fencing with an outer layer that resists the sun's damaging rays and an inner core for strength. Some designs also have internal steel reinforcement for extra rigidity.For the easiest installation, select completed privacy fencing panels that connect together quickly. Genova Products also has a unique do-it-yourself design with T-stake and U-stake mounts for easy installation of the posts. If you already have a fence, vinyl posts are designed to slip over the top of the wood posts.The following companies offer vinyl fencing: Bufftech/ Certainteed, 800-333-0569, www.bufftech.com; Genova Products, 800-521-7488, www.genovaproducts.com; Kroy Building Products, 800-933-5769, www.kroybp.com; Master Halco, 888-643-3623, www.fenceonline.com; and Westech, 800-464-8614, www.westechfence.com).Send inquiries to James Dulley, Butler Eagle, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.

QUESTION: My house has plaster walls and aluminum siding. I want to have some foam insulation sprayed inside the walls. My insulation contractor recommends removing the siding and adding rigid foam. Which is best?ANSWER: Before you decide which method is best, you must determine what is inside your walls. When blowing foam inside the walls, you must know if there is enough open space to make it worthwhile.Placing rigid foam on the exterior is the most efficient location for it because all the lumber and building materials are inside the insulated envelope. If the final R-values and costs are similar, go with the exterior insulation.