Why Does Arizona Use Brick Fences?

Solid Walls

• Builders often use bricks or concrete blocks to make solid fencing. Concrete or cinder blocks are similar to bricks in shape, yet bricks are more aesthetically appealing and more expensive. In Arizona, stucco coating typically covers walls made from less expensive bricks or concrete blocks.

Elements

• The state of Arizona experiences extreme heat in its vast desert regions, with temperatures in some areas reaching over 120 degrees F in mid-summer. Winds and monsoon rains also visit the desert landscape, which, like the heat, deteriorates building materials. While some Arizonians opt for wood fences, those fences often are short lived due to the elements. Others homeowners choose lower priced chain link, which can stand up to the climate. Like the chain link fence, one reason for choosing brick or cinderblock fences is the ability of the fence to withstand the weather and harsh elements.

Privacy

• While chain link fences might be less expensive and relatively durable, many Arizonians opt for brick or cinder block fences because they offer privacy. To block the view of neighbors, chain link fences require the addition of slates inserted in the links. Wood fences also offer privacy, yet they can't withstand the weather in many areas of Arizona. Those homes that have swimming pools to enjoy Arizona's warm weather, normally want fencing that provides an element of privacy as well as protection, such as brick walls.

Home Values

• When estimating property values, the real estate professional considers the basic principles of value, which includes conformity. The principle of conformity gives value to a property that conforms to the neighborhood standards. While a brick or cinderblock wall might look out of place in another state, and considered less desirable, in Arizona a brick or block wall normally conforms to the neighborhood standards. If the Arizona homeowner is building the wall in a higher end neighborhood where exposed brick is the norm, as opposed to a brick or block wall covered with stucco, the homeowner might opt for exposed brick to increase the home's value.