10 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fence For Your Home
Fences are often used to enclose areas of land. When designing a wall, it is essential to consider the design and type of material used. Many styles, techniques, and materials for fences need to be accounted for when designing the structure. The property owner will want to choose a wall that matches their yard or other surrounding features as best as possible without an out-of-place appearance. It is used to separate land or enclose an area to be visible and accessible.
Types of Fences
1. Continuous Fence
A continuous fence is a fence that surrounds the property. This type of fence is made from panels, posts, beams, or other materials. Small holes may help support the fence panels along the way. In most cases, it is made of wood or metal and must be maintained regularly. As fencing technology advances, there are now many options for continuous fences. One common type of constant fence can be seen on highways and single-family cul-de-sacs. It is a metal fence with one row of posts welded together.
2. Electric Fence
An electric fence is a form of fencing that has a low voltage electrical current running through it. They use low voltage because it is safe for humans. An electric fence can be portable and installed on the site or more permanent throughout an entire property. Many animals may be startled by the shock but will not be harmed. Electric fences are used to keep out small animals and unwanted intruders from the property.
3. Chain Link Fence
A chain link fence is a type of fencing with metal links that hold the panels together. They are the most common type of permanent fence and are incredibly durable. They are constructed with steel, aluminum, or plastic and have a variety of sizes and configurations to choose from. Chain link fences can be attractive in the landscape when used as borders or curves in landscaping designs.
4. Panel Fence
A panel fence is made with one or more panels made from the same type of material as the fencing posts. It consists of two panels that are connected by two cross wires. The cross wires are commonly spaced farther apart to create a fence line. Most meetings are about 6 feet high, but there can be variations for other height requirements depending on local building codes and regulations. Panels can be made of wood, metal, and plastics. Usually, the discussions are held together by purpose-made brackets.
5. Wooden Fencing
A wooden fence is a type of fencing that is made from wood. It can be made from many different types of wood, depending on the property owner and their preference. The best choices for a wooden fence are pressure-treated lumber, which has been treated to make it resistant to rot and decay. Pressure-treated lumber has a preservative applied to it that prevents the growth of mold, mildew, and insects. The rest of the materials used in making a wooden fence varies by the region in which it is constructed.
6. Vinyl Fence
A vinyl fence is a type of fencing made from vinyl material and resembles a chain link fence. As with many other types of fencing, it has panels that are held together by brackets. This type of fencing usually contains more than one panel to make it a continuous fence. The type of vinyl used to make this type of fencing can differ depending on the property owner's preferences.
7. Picket Fence
A common type of wooden fence is the picket fence. A picket typically has between 4-6 vertical boards and is created with various wood types. This type of fencing is generally used for privacy and fences containing a yard or playground. Some properties combine this fencing with gates, creating more formal entrances to their homes. It is designed to keep out small animals and intruders.
8. Ornamental Fence
An ornamental fence is a type made to enhance the property's appearance made from wood, steel, PVC, and composite materials. They are used around residential properties and sometimes placed at a property's entrance or around swimming pools. Large ornamental fences can be seen on estates, parks, large business complexes, and other high-traffic areas.
10 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fence For Your Home
1. Functionality
It would be best if you understood the primary purpose of a fence before beginning the design process. A wall is intended to keep out small animals and intruders but is also aesthetically pleasing to the owner. You must decide the function of the structure in all three elements before any design can begin.
2. Materials and Design
The materials used in a fence are essential to consider because they can affect its durability over time, as well as how it looks. A durable wall can be designed to appear attractive after years of use by using color and texture. While you can use many materials, the most common are wood, metal, and concrete.
3. Maintenance
The maintenance required to maintain a fence varies depending on the material used and the structure's location; however, one common practice is regular mowing to reduce plant growth and prevent weed growth. You must maintain a fence regularly to keep it in working condition. The frequency must be maintained also depends on factors such as the material used, the location, and the design.
4. Cost
The initial cost of a fence is only one factor of a home project. Other prices that need to be considered include permits, labor, and other materials required to complete the project. Those factors should be included in the calculation when comparing fencing quotes from different professionals.
5. Privacy
The privacy offered by a fence will vary depending on the design chosen, but it is essential to determine the amount of privacy needed before beginning construction. A wall with an opaque design may block out more light and make it seem darker in the area during daylight hours, which can be ideal for an evening environment or a home office. On the other hand, fences with transparent panels can allow more light into a property and help reduce heating costs in the summer.
6. Functionality Requirements
Fences must meet the functionality requirements of the design. For example, a low wall may be necessary to keep small animals out of the area but may offer little privacy. For a more formal setting, a more decorative fence may be required that provides enough privacy to prevent unwanted guests from entering. Other requirements for walls include security, such as keeping intruders out and allowing visitors access without being seen, and durability, such as preventing weeds or pests from growing in the area while also looking appealing.
7. Durability
A durable fence is made from a rubber composite material resistant to decay and harmful environmental elements. It should also protect against weather conditions such as rain, wind, and sun. Durable fences need not be painted or stained for an extended period. In general, walls are not meant to be a permanent design element; however, at some point in the structure's life, they may need to be replaced with something more permanent like railings or gates.
8. Animal Deterrent
A fence has to offer some form of animal deterrent to keep pets and other animals out of the area. For example, a chain link fence provides enough vertical bars to prevent a dog or cat from reaching through and gaining access. If there are larger animals that can jump over a wall, it must be tall enough and made from materials that intruders can not easily break through.
9. View
The view offered by a fence affects a design's functionality and how much privacy it offers. For example, if the scenery behind the wall makes it more appealing to pass through, the owner may be more inclined to use that view instead of looking at one's property. Other factors that affect what can be viewed can include light and elevation.
10. Aesthetic Considerations
The aesthetic considerations for a fence can range from style to color and texture. A wall can play a significant role in the design of a property, so it should be considered carefully before construction begins. The color chosen for a wall should complement other elements on the property, especially if they are made from the same material.
Benefits of Installing Fences
1. Fences Help Keep Out Animals
A common reason for installing a fence is to keep out animals; however, increasing animal populations can cause property damage and cause nuisance complaints. Fencing helps reduce this by keeping animals inside the property where they belong. Animals can also damage property by leaving droppings or digging holes in the yard. Fences prevent these problems by being a physical barrier that is difficult for animals to cross.
2. Fence Reduces Property Liability
Fences and gates can help reduce liability issues by keeping children and animals out of the yard. It is essential in areas where children are around, such as schools. Since fences are explicitly built for this purpose, they offer a greater sense of security due to their design ability, which can protect a property owner from legal liability.
3. Fences Provide Security
Installing a fence can also provide emotional security. It is because a wall can give the illusion that a property is more secure. For example, if someone is looking for a new home or a renter and sees how tall the fence is and how difficult it would be to break through, they may be more inclined to rent or purchase the home.
4. Fences Offer Privacy
The privacy offered by a fence varies depending on its design; however, many styles of fences can help reduce views into private areas on the property, such as an office or child's play area. The lack of privacy can be a good thing if the fence is open to view, but it can also be a negative if it is not visible to anyone who may be visiting.
5. Fences Help Block Out the Sun
The sun can harm property in various ways, from causing water damage from excessive heat and the harmful ultraviolet rays it emits to drying out plants and flowers and preventing them from setting fruit. A fence can reduce the effect of these issues.
6. Fences Can Increase Property Value
Another important reason to install a fence is to increase property value. A wall can increase a home's curb appeal, especially if designed in line with the style of the house. They can also affect how people view the inside of a home. People who value their privacy may consider purchasing a property with more fences and walls rather than less.
7. Fencing Off a Property Can Reduce Maintenance
The maintenance needed for a property is often higher in areas with many trees, bushes, or other plants. These elements that grow on a property will usually require more attention than the actual structure of the house and yard. Fences can prevent people from crossing into these places where they may damage and remove some of these plants, an unwanted expense that can be avoided by fencing off these areas.
8. Fences Can Reduce Noise
Many areas have different types of noises that can be a nuisance to the neighbors. Sounds that occur in a place can travel quickly, especially if there are no tall trees or other obstacles to block them out. Fences significantly reduce this noise because they provide a physical barrier. For example, when the neighbor is mowing his lawn, it will not be heard as loudly as if he was right next door.
A fence can be a precious part of an overall property design. It can provide privacy and security and reduce liability. Bars also offer a variety of aesthetic benefits to consider when deciding which type to use. Installing and designing a wall can be challenging, but it can be a fun project with the right tools. Fencing can be a very effective part of a property design; it just requires knowing what you are looking for and what you want to achieve.
