Fences Suitable for Small Children and Pets
What does it mean to be a kid? Being a kid means running around and playing in the yard on a hot summer day. We all want our kids to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible, but we also want to make sure they are safe and secure. It's crucial to keep your small kids or pets safe if you have them. If your pets and children enjoy playing in the backyard, a fence would be best to keep them safe. This article will highlight all you need to know about putting up a fence to keep your kids and pets safe. There is no scarcity of options when it comes to picking out the ideal fences for children and pets. It's difficult to know where to start because you have to consider gates, rail length, used material, size, picket width, etc. To help you with that, here are some of the best types of fences you can use.
Aluminum
Aluminum or steel fences are long-lasting. They have the appearance of structural steel without the hassle of metal pounding on an anvil. Aluminum or steel fences are made of metal, and it is strong and durable. They utilize the powder coating technique, which entails covering the metal in order to provide a clean, even, and delicate appearance. These fences are made by rolling long metal tubes over a preset die which determines the shape of each piece of these fences. The thickness of the metal determines the strength of each piece, so the thicker the material, the less prone it is to deformation or damage. Aluminum fences are primarily modular, making them simple to upgrade and modify. This is an ideal fence to ensure your children and pets are safe and sound. However, be sure the fence complies with safety regulations such as height, picket spacing, and the distance between the bottom and top rails.
Wood
Wood is a more versatile fencing material that can be used to make any fencing type for your children and pets. Wood fencing comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. If you can't find one that suits your needs, you can always design your own. Prefabricated wood fencing is available in lengths between six and eight feet. They are often available in a variety of sizes to serve as a perfect barrier for children and pets, as well as to enhance privacy. You can make your fence more appealing by painting and coming up with different style designs on your wood fence. Nonetheless, wood fences have one major issue at hand: upkeep. Wood is an organic substance that deteriorates over time, unlike other types of fences. So, it is important to regularly check on your wood fence for rots, pest attacks, or any breakages.
Vinyl
Vinyl fencing is both durable and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for a fence with heightened awareness at an affordable price. Vinyl fencing is a low-maintenance option that comes in various designs and can be designed to look like a high-end wooden panel. The Vinyl fence, commonly found in white, creates a pleasing contrast when combined with black hardware. With this fence in your home, you should never worry about design or adaptability. So, whether you prefer pickets or a more sealed design, vinyl fences have all these visually appealing options. While vinyl is still a durable material, it can become brittle over time. String trimmers and lawnmower bumps can damage the vinyl fence over time. However, you can easily replace it since it's relatively modular and prefabricated.
Chain Link
When it comes to keeping your pets and kids safe, the chain-link fence is unrivaled. Chain link fencing is a practical option when you need a fence but don't want to spend the money on more expensive options. It's reasonably priced and extremely durable. However, if privacy is important to you, a chain-link fence may not be the best option. You may opt to use plastic inserts and fabric coverings to keep off from the outside world. They are also not ideal if you are also concerned about appearance.
Things to Consider When Putting Up A Kid and Pet
Putting up a fence may be challenging, but preparation is half the battle. Once you have a solid plan in place, the rest of the endeavor will quickly fall into place. However, there are some things you should think about before starting your project. They include the following:
Height of The Fence
Before buying a fence, think about the appropriate height suitable for your children and pets. You do not want a fence that is too short for your dog to jump out or a kid to climb through. A short fence provides the security that a child requires, and depending on the size of your pet, a short fence will efficiently keep them contained. A short fence also allows you to show off your lovely home because folks can still see it. A tall fence provides safety for your child and pet while also protecting the aesthetic appearance of your home. Many people frequently inquire about tall fences, particularly if they own a home with a swimming pool.
Discussing With The Neighbors
It is important to know your property's boundaries. Talk to your neighbors whose property borders the area where you want to put up your fence. You should inform them of your plans so that you do not begin building it on their property. Not only could assuming property lines enrage neighbors, but it could also result in a legal dispute. Never presume that your property is square or rectangular in shape. Many properties have odd uneven shapes. So, you should take note of your property lines and mark them.
Weather
Before erecting a fence, you should think about the weather in your area. If you want your fence made from wood or metal in a coastal region, be prepared to deal with rot or rust. You should think about a fence structure that can withstand the weather in your area. Fences made from PVC and Aluminum materials stand out. PVC, for example, can withstand both ultraviolet rays and moisture.
Window Shopping
Take a walk around the neighborhood, or even different neighborhoods, to get a sense of your preferences. Fences come in all shapes and sizes, especially in cities where there is no specific ordinance. This will help you figure out what you want and need. Keep an eye on how safe your kids and pets are within the fences. You'll be able to see if the fence is as functional as you want it to be.
Plan for Gates
Have you ever tried to get a lawnmower or a wheelbarrow through a small door? It's inconvenient and can be aggravating. That is why it is important to ensure that you include at least two gate entry points when planning to put up a fence. One should be slightly larger to accommodate large and heavy equipment. A 3-foot wide entrance can easily accommodate kids, pets, and other people, but trash bins, lawnmowers, and wheelbarrows will require a wider entrance. A 4-foot wide gate entrance will usually allow for easy equipment passage. However, keep these gates closed to prevent children and pets from going through unsupervised.
Budget
When it comes to erecting a fence, cost is a major consideration. Consider the total cost of ownership, not just the installation. Wood, without a doubt, requires the most upkeep. So, you need to plan efficiently for that. Chain link fencing is the cheapest option, while aluminum or vinyl fencing is the most expensive. Budgeting will go a long way toward assisting you in finding a fence that meets your needs while also staying within your budget.
Modifying Your Fence for Child and Pet Safety
Your home's security relies heavily on its fencing, especially if you have pets and children. So, you need to ensure you modify your fence for it to serve its purpose. Here are some modifications you could adopt.
Use Locks On Fence Gates
Your fence gate needs a place where you can lock it efficiently. However, because many homeowners come and frequently go from their homes, most of them do not lock their gates. Leaving the fence gate unlocked exposes pets and children to the risk of pushing it open. Even the most rigid fasteners deteriorate over time, making them easier to force open. You can use a carabiner to hold the deadbolt or use a "dummy lock," a lock that cannot completely lock.
Have A Rot Board or Mud Board
If you have a dog that loves to dig around the fence, consider installing a mud board, also known as a rotting board. This is a thick iron bar that runs along the base of the fence. It is designed to protect the base of fence stanchions from rot and mud damage. It also acts as an effective barrier for dogs. This additional layer of security can mean the difference between a dog leaving the yard or staying safe at home. As an additional option, many homeowners use wire mesh along the lines of the fence to prevent dogs from digging. The wire mesh is pierced horizontally into the ground and then bent vertically to attach to the fence. Some homeowners dig small grooves along the fence lines and push the wire mesh deep into the ground. This may work for some time but beware of rust and rot along with the fence posts.
Position of the Fence’s Pretty Side
Most wooden fences have two sides. A smooth side with flat slats and another side with a support beam. The smooth surface of the fence should always face outwards, making the flat surface of the fence visible from the street. This makes the fence look more attractive. However, there are some other considerations when it comes to child and pet safety. If you have older children who enjoy climbing, the horizontal bar on the ugly side of the fence may be the ideal escape route. In that case, the smooth side facing inward may be preferable to make your children less likely to climb out of the yard. Having the rails on the outside, on the other hand, means that others can easily access your yard. It may not be risky if your yard is bordered on all sides by neighbors, but you must consider your overall safety. You should ensure you put the smooth side out for most installations, but your situation may require a different orientation. You can adjust the fence to meet your requirements.
The Significance of Having Fences
By now, you can tell that fences are important aspects of every home with kids and pets. To summarize its importance, here are a few pointers.
Fences Keep Out Probing Eyes
Not every fence blocks the view. Depending on your needs, this can be a benefit or a disadvantage. A high wooden privacy fence deflects gazes. That is, no one can see the child or pet as they play in a secure area of the garden. The privacy fence also blocks some noise due to its height. This will likely benefit your neighbors, mainly if your child is a noisy one. Strangers will find it difficult to approach your child through privacy fences. Strangers can talk to your child and engage in other ways through wire mesh fences or similar fences with gaps, whereas privacy fences leave space between boards for interaction.
Fences Prevent Trespassing
Enabling children to play outdoors is an excellent way to provide them with exercise and fresh air. However, there are numerous dangers that they might not avoid. Children can play safely in the yard if the yard is fenced, rather than sneaking out and wandering or hitting the street. Fences, on the other hand, help keep everyone else out. As a result, no one can enter your home without your permission and speak to your child. Privacy fences, as well as iron or aluminum fences, are excellent for this function. The small wooden fences commonly used in the vestibule are easy to jump through. Intruders may be shut out with wire mesh fences, but small children can easily climb over them, making them ineffective.
Conclusion
Before fencing in a home renovation project for your family, children, and pets, there are some things you should consider mentioned in this post. They guarantee the safety of your children, pets, and also your home. Also, check if it is possible to build a fence in your neighborhood before calling your local fencer. In addition, you should identify buried before drilling begins, so it is crucial to inform relevant stakeholders before this starts.
