Simtek Fencing Installation in Salt Lake County: Your Complete Guide
When you're planning a fence project in Salt Lake County, you need a solution that handles our unique climate—from scorching summers to heavy winter snowfall—while providing the privacy and durability your property deserves. Simtek fencing has become the go-to choice for homeowners and businesses across the valley, and for good reason.
Since 2011, Bustos and Sons Construction has installed hundreds of Simtek fences throughout Salt Lake County, from the foothills of Draper to the growing neighborhoods of West Jordan. We've seen firsthand how this composite fencing system performs through our intense weather swings and why property owners keep choosing it over traditional wood and vinyl options.
Here's What We'll Cover
- What makes Simtek fencing different from other fencing materials
- Why Simtek performs exceptionally well in Salt Lake County's climate
- Real cost breakdowns and ROI for your property
- Installation process and timeline specifics
- Maintenance requirements (spoiler: there aren't many)
- Design options that complement Utah homes
- Local permit requirements and HOA considerations
- How to choose the right fencing contractor in Salt Lake County
What Is Simtek Fencing?
Simtek is a composite fencing system made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) combined with steel reinforcement. Unlike traditional privacy fences, each panel is a solid, molded unit that resembles natural stone—typically sandstone or limestone textures.
The system was specifically engineered for extreme climates, which is exactly what we deal with here in Salt Lake County. The panels won't warp, rot, or fade like wood, and they're significantly stronger than vinyl fencing options you'll find at big-box stores.
Key Components of a Simtek Fence
Each Simtek fence installation includes:
- 6-foot or 8-foot solid composite panels with realistic stone texture on both sides
- Steel-reinforced posts set in concrete (minimum 36 inches deep in our frost zone)
- Aluminum top and bottom rails that lock panels securely in place
- Integrated column caps that complete the finished look
- We've installed Simtek fences on everything from steep hillside properties in Sandy to flat corner lots in Riverton, and the modular system adapts to virtually any terrain.
Why Simtek Excels in Salt Lake County's Climate
After 14 years of installing fences throughout the valley, we can tell you that material choice matters tremendously in our climate. Salt Lake County sits at 4,200-5,000 feet elevation with temperature swings that destroy inferior fencing materials.
Temperature Extremes
Summer temperatures regularly hit 95-100°F, while winter can drop below 0°F. That's a 100+ degree annual temperature range. Simtek's HDPE material is engineered to expand and contract without cracking or warping. We've never had a callback for temperature-related damage on any Simtek installation.
Traditional wood fences in South Jordan or Herriman? We're replacing those every 8-10 years because the extreme dry heat causes splitting and warping.
Wind Resistance
Ask anyone who lives near the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon or along the benches in Cottonwood Heights—wind is serious here. Simtek panels are rated for winds up to 130 mph when properly installed.
The steel-reinforced posts we set 36-42 inches deep (depending on your specific location and soil conditions) create an anchor system that has survived every windstorm we've seen since 2011, including the 100+ mph winds that hit parts of the valley.
Snow Load and Moisture
Heavy wet snow is common from November through March. Unlike wood that absorbs moisture and begins to rot, or vinyl that becomes brittle and cracks, Simtek is completely impervious to moisture. The material won't absorb water, support mold growth, or deteriorate from freeze-thaw cycles.
We've installed Simtek fences in areas like Alta View and Mount Olympus Cove where snow accumulation can be substantial. The fences perform flawlessly year after year.
Real Cost Analysis for Salt Lake County Properties
Simtek fencing represents a higher upfront investment than wood or basic vinyl, but the numbers tell a compelling story when you factor in longevity and maintenance.
Typical Installation Costs (2024)
Based on our recent projects throughout Salt Lake County:
- Includes all materials, posts, panels, rails, caps
- Professional installation with proper concrete footings
- Both sides finished (no "good side" vs "bad side")
- Typical 150-foot residential project: $12,750-$16,500
- Requires staining/sealing immediately and every 2-3 years
- Replacement needed in 10-12 years in our climate
- Only one finished side typically
- Can become brittle in extreme cold
- Often shows fading within 5-7 years
- Less wind resistance than Simtek
Long-Term Value Calculation
Over a 20-year period for a typical 150-foot fence:
- Simtek Total Cost: $12,750-$16,500 (one-time installation, virtually zero maintenance)
- Wood Fence Total Cost: $15,000-$18,000 (two complete replacements at $7,500-$9,000 each, plus $3,000-$4,000 in staining/repairs)
- Vinyl Fence Total Cost: $13,500-$19,500 (potential replacement at year 12-15, plus repairs to cracked panels)
- We completed a Simtek installation for a client in Holladay in 2012. 14 years later, that fence looks nearly identical to installation day—no maintenance performed beyond occasionally hosing it down.
The Installation Process: What to Expect
We've streamlined our installation process over hundreds of projects. Here's exactly what happens when you work with Bustos and Sons Construction.
Initial Consultation and Site Assessment
We visit your property to assess terrain, measure precisely, discuss design preferences, and identify any utility lines or easement issues. In Salt Lake County, we always call Blue Stakes of Utah before any digging—it's required and protects everyone involved.
For hillside properties (common in areas like Draper, Sandy, and Cottonwood Heights), we evaluate grade changes and plan the stepping pattern for panels.
Permit and HOA Approval
Most Salt Lake County cities require permits for fence installation. We handle the permit application process and ensure compliance with local setback requirements (typically 3-6 feet from property lines, depending on your city).
If you're in an HOA community—common in Daybreak, South Jordan, Herriman, and newer Draper developments—we provide detailed specifications and renderings for your architectural review. Simtek's stone appearance typically receives approval more easily than other fencing types.
Installation Timeline
- Mark all post locations
- Excavate holes (36-42 inches deep, below frost line)
- Set steel-reinforced posts in concrete
- Allow concrete to cure (critical in our temperature extremes)
- Install bottom rails between posts
- Set Simtek panels into rails
- Install top rails and secure
- Add decorative column caps
- Final inspection and cleanup
- Most residential projects (100-200 linear feet) are completed in 3-5 business days, weather permitting. We avoid installing during extreme temperature days (below 20°F or above 100°F) to ensure optimal concrete curing.
Site Conditions That Affect Installation
We've worked on every type of property condition in Salt Lake County:
- Rocky soil (common along the benches): Requires specialized equipment and may add 1-2 days to timeline.
- Steep slopes (Draper, Sandy foothills): Panels are stepped to follow terrain naturally. Adds complexity but creates a professional, finished look.
- High water table areas (parts of West Jordan, Taylorsville): Requires additional drainage considerations around posts.
- Shared property lines: We coordinate with neighbors and ensure posts are set properly on your property with clear documentation.
Maintenance: Remarkably Simple
One of the biggest advantages of Simtek fencing is what you don't have to do. Since 2011, our clients report the same experience: minimal to zero maintenance.
Annual Maintenance Requirements
- Spring cleaning: Spray with garden hose to remove winter salt and dust buildup. For stubborn dirt, use mild soap and water with a soft brush.
- That's it. Seriously.
- No staining. No sealing. No painting. No replacement boards. No straightening panels. No repairing rot damage.
What About Repairs?
In 14 years and hundreds of installations, we've had very few repairs. Our fences are sturdy and we stand behind our work.
Our modular design means individual panels can be replaced without disturbing the entire fence. We keep common panel styles in stock for quick repairs.
Design Options for Utah Homes
Simtek offers several textures and colors that complement the architectural styles popular throughout Salt Lake County.
Color and Texture Options
- Tan Sierra Blend: Our most popular choice in Salt Lake County. Resembles the natural sandstone found in our canyons and complements both traditional and modern home styles.
- Brown Walnut: Chosen by about 30% of our clients. Works beautifully with brick homes common in older neighborhoods like Sugar House, Millcreek, and East Sandy.
- Gray Slate: Growing in popularity with contemporary homes. We've installed this extensively in newer Daybreak, Herriman, and Draper developments.
- Each texture is molded to replicate natural stone, with variations in the pattern so no two panels look identical. Both sides of the fence receive the same finished texture—your neighbor sees the same attractive fence you do.
Height Options
- 6-foot height: Standard for most residential privacy fencing. Meets requirements in virtually all Salt Lake County municipalities.
- 8-foot height: Popular for commercial properties, corner lots, or homes backing to busy streets (like homes near Redwood Road, State Street, or Highland Drive). May require additional permitting in some cities.
Custom Configurations
We regularly customize Simtek installations:
- Stepped panels for hillside properties (extremely common in our area)
- Mixed heights for front yard decorative sections with 4-foot or 5-foot panels
- Gate integration with matching Simtek gates or custom metal gates
- Lighting integration with caps that accommodate low-voltage lighting
- Combined materials such as Simtek panels with decorative metal sections
- Last year we completed a project in Cottonwood Heights that combined 6-foot Simtek privacy panels along the back and sides with a 4-foot decorative metal section across the front—exactly what the homeowner envisioned and the HOA approved.
Common Questions from Salt Lake County Homeowners
Will Simtek fade in our intense sun?
The HDPE material includes UV stabilizers throughout (not just surface coating). We have fences from 2011-2012 that show minimal fading—far less than any vinyl fence of similar age. Simtek warranties against fading, cracking, and peeling.
How does it perform in our freeze-thaw cycles?
Perfectly. The material doesn't absorb moisture, so there's nothing to freeze and expand. We've never seen freeze-thaw damage on any installation. This is actually where Simtek significantly outperforms both wood and standard vinyl.
What about the alkaline soil in some parts of the valley?
Not an issue. The HDPE material is chemically inert and won't react with soil conditions. The steel posts are hot-dip galvanized to prevent corrosion. We've installed hundreds of feet in areas with highly alkaline soil without problems.
Can I install it myself to save money?
We don't recommend it. Proper installation requires:
- Specialized equipment for digging precise, deep holes in our rocky soil
- Experience with leveling on sloped terrain
- Knowledge of local frost lines and concrete requirements
- Ability to handle heavy panels (80+ pounds each) safely
- Understanding of permit requirements
- We've been called to fix several DIY Simtek attempts. The cost to correct those mistakes exceeded what professional installation would have cost initially.
How close to my property line can I install?
This varies by city. Generally:
- Salt Lake City: 3 feet from property line
- West Jordan: 5 feet from front/street-facing property line, 3 feet from sides and rear
- Sandy: 3 feet from property line
- Draper: Varies by zone, typically 5 feet from front, 3 feet from sides/rear
- South Jordan: 5 feet from front, 3 feet from sides/rear
- We verify exact requirements for your specific location during our initial consultation and handle all permit applications.
Why Choose Bustos and Sons Construction
Since founding our company in 2011, we've built our reputation on quality installations and straightforward communication. We're not the biggest fencing company in Salt Lake County, and we don't try to be. We focus on doing excellent work for a manageable number of clients each season.
Our Installation Standards
Every Simtek fence we install meets these standards:
- Posts set 36-42 inches deep depending on location, always below frost line
- Concrete footings properly mixed and cured (we don't cut corners on curing time)
- Level panels regardless of terrain (we don't accept "close enough")
- Clean jobsite at the end of each day
- Direct communication with the same project manager from quote to completion
Local Experience That Matters
We know Salt Lake County. We know that homes in Sandy and Draper often have rocky soil that requires specialized equipment. We know that West Jordan and South Jordan properties sometimes have high water tables requiring drainage considerations. We know that Herriman and Daybreak homes often have HOA requirements that need documentation.
We've worked with every major HOA architectural committee in the valley. We understand the permitting process in each city. We know which building inspectors are particular about what details.
This local knowledge prevents delays and ensures your project goes smoothly.
Project Examples
Getting Started with Your Simtek Fence Project
If you're considering a Simtek fence for your Salt Lake County property, here's how to move forward:
Schedule a Free Consultation
We visit your property, take measurements, discuss your goals, and answer all your questions. There's no pressure—we provide detailed information so you can make the right decision for your property.
Receive a Detailed Quote
You'll receive a written quote that specifies:
- Exact linear footage
- Panel style and color
- Number and type of gates
- Post specifications
- Total project cost
- Timeline estimate
- Warranty information
Timeline Considerations
Spring and fall are our busiest seasons. If you're planning a fence project, contact us 6-8 weeks before your ideal installation date. Winter installations are possible during moderate weather windows (we've done several successful December and January installations).
The Bottom Line on Simtek Fencing
After 14 years installing fences throughout Salt Lake County, we're convinced that Simtek represents the best long-term value for privacy fencing in our climate. The upfront investment is higher than wood or basic vinyl, but the performance, longevity, and zero maintenance make it less expensive over time.
More importantly, you get a fence that actually delivers on its promises—privacy, durability, and attractive appearance—year after year through everything Utah's weather throws at it.
Whether you're in a new development in Herriman, a hillside property in Draper, an established neighborhood in Sugar House, or anywhere else in Salt Lake County, Simtek fencing provides a solution that's engineered for exactly the conditions we face here.
Bustos and Sons Construction has installed Simtek fences on hundreds of properties since 2011. We know this product inside and out, and we know how to install it correctly for maximum performance and longevity.
If you're ready to discuss your fencing project, we're ready to provide straight answers and quality workmanship. Your fence is going to be on your property for decades—it's worth doing right the first time.
Ready to Discuss Your Simtek Fencing Project?
We serve all of Salt Lake County including Salt Lake City, Sandy, West Valley City, South Jordan, Draper, Murray, Cottonwood Heights, Midvale, Herriman, Riverton, Holladay, South Salt Lake, Millcreek, Taylorsville, Kearns, Magna, and surrounding areas.
Contact Bustos and Sons Construction to schedule a free site visit and detailed estimate for your Simtek fencing project. We'll assess your property, discuss your specific needs and preferences, explain local permit requirements, and provide a comprehensive quote with no obligation.
With over a decade of experience installing Simtek fencing throughout Salt Lake County, we bring the expertise and reliability your project deserves.