Things to Consider while Selecting a Fence
Your property can benefit greatly from the installation of appropriate fencing. Depending on the motivation behind its installation, a fence can serve a variety of functions, including improving the aesthetics, enhancing safety, or containing children, animals, or both. Because there are so many different alternatives currently on the market, it can be difficult to find the kind of fencing that is most suited for your property.
Whether you require fencing for the purpose of security or to prevent the entry of wildlife such as deer, there are several reliable providers that are worth looking into, including fittingsplus, if you want to learn more about the various alternatives that are available for fencing.
There are a few things to take into consideration prior to the building or installation of the fencing of your choice. Let's take a look at some of the most important considerations when selecting the appropriate fencing for your home.
Â
Decide on Purpose
The first thing you need to do when selecting a fence for your property is to determine why you want a fence in the first place. It may appear to be apparent, but having clarity on the matter is essential. This will assist you in determining what size and materials to think about, as well as provide you with a rough pricing reference. A simple chain-link fence should be adequate if the only reason you want to put up a fence is to demarcate the boundary of your property or to ensure that your pet stays within the yard. However, if you want to increase the level of safety and privacy on your property, you should consider installing a fence made of wood or vinyl that has very little to no space between the boards. This would probably work the best.
Â
Â
Additionally, you should give some thought to other aspects, some of which might not be as apparent at first. Do you prefer to have a fence that allows you to fully enjoy the outdoor space, or would you rather have a fence that allows you to see some of the areas that is fenced in? Alternatively, if you live in a lively neighborhood, you might want to consider installing a tall fence as a noise barrier. It's likely that it's a combination of things you need and things you want: you want to make sure that your children and pets are safe, but you also want to spruce up the look of the outside of your house with a decorative touch. Regardless of the reason, thinking about it first will assist you in reducing the scope of your search and allowing you to proceed to the next stage.
Â
Material of a Fence
Important aspects of your fence, such as its cost, its strength, and its overall beauty, will be affected by the sort of material you select to construct it from. Most importantly, you'll want to select a fence that can withstand the elements of both your location and its surroundings. If you live in a location that is near the shore, the actual material that the fence is made out of will be an important factor in determining how long your fence will hold up to the harsh weather.
A vinyl fence is likely the best option for you in terms of how little effort it will need to maintain it in the future. If it is maintained properly, a vinyl fence can survive for more than 25 years. Vinyl fences are available in various designs, colors, and styles. These include the traditional white picket fence as well as privacy fences that appear just like natural wood.
Â
Â
It's possible that another option would better suit your needs, both monetarily and aesthetically. Cedar fences, in particular, can have a lifespan of up to 25 years and even longer if they are stained or preserved, and they require the least amount of maintenance of any wood fence.
There is a wide variety of alternative fencing materials available to you if you decide that a traditional wooden appearance is not one of your top objectives and you want to install a fence. A lightweight and economical aluminum or chain-link fence offers homeowners a long-lasting and traditional look that is great for showing attractive landscaping. This is made possible by the fence's ability to withstand the elements and its low cost. Consider all of the available choices and give some thought to the functions you hope your future fence will fulfill before making a final decision about the material it will be made of.
Determine Fence Size
The length of your property lines is probably going to be the deciding factor in the height of your fence. When you bought the home, you should have been provided with a plat, which is a document that outlines the boundaries of your property in relation to the building that you own. If you do not have access to this information, there is a good probability that the website for your county or city contains information regarding the boundaries of your property.
In addition, before installing a fence, you should make sure to verify with the relevant utility companies to ensure that there are no subterranean supplies or electricity lines in the area.
When it comes to determining how high your fence should be, the best place to begin would be to think about the major function that your fence serves. If you want a fence to keep little dogs in the yard, a fence that is only four feet high would be sufficient. However, if you want a fence that would provide security, you may discover that the height needs to be somewhere between six and eight feet.
Neighborhood Rules and Regulations
If you reside in a community that has a homeowner's association, you need to make sure that you check with the rules of your HOA before installing, replacing, or repairing a fence. There may be certain standards that need to be met. It's possible that you'll learn that you need permission in order to do what you want to do, or that certain materials and sizes are permitted while others are not.
Even if your area does not have any particularly stringent laws, it is still important to show consideration for your neighbors and the property they own. Inform them that you intend to erect a fence, and ask them whether or not they have any objections to the principal parameters of the project. This also affords you a wonderful opportunity to check the boundaries of your property, which can help ease the tensions that arise between you and your neighbors after you put up a fence.
Maintenance
Make sure you are informed of any maintenance a particular design of fence requires before you make a decision on the type of fence to purchase. Wood fencing is stunning, but it won't keep off intruders for nearly as long as a vinyl or metal fence will. Choose a fence for your property depending on the most important factors, such as how little upkeep it requires or how appealing its appearance is. If you desire both, vinyl fencing is likely the best choice for you of the available options.
Â
Weather Condition
Before installing a fence, you will need to give some thought to the weather that typically occurs in the area. For instance, if you live in a coastal area and have a fence made of wood or metal, you need to be prepared to deal with the effects of decay and rust. You should give some thought to purchasing a fence system that is built to withstand the climatic conditions of your location. In this regard, aluminum and PVC materials stand out as particularly advantageous choices. PVC, for instance, is resistant to the combined effects of UV radiation and moisture.
Privacy
People are typically concerned about the aspects of their lives that are exposed to the general public. Vinyl is an excellent material to use if you want to be able to participate in outdoor activities without drawing attention to yourself from potential intruders or bystanders.
You will be able to take pleasure in your spare time without being bothered by the neighbor thanks to the fact that each fence system consists of several components that interlock with one another and are able to block out both noise and outside influence.
Decorations
Last but not least, think about whether or whether you want a fence with a decorative style so that it can further compliment a gorgeous landscape. Dress up a simple picket fence with yard art, ornate posts, or finials, or go for a fence that features artistic tops, such as lattice or chestnut, to add extra interest to a typical privacy fence.
If you go with a wooden fence, you might also want to consider giving it a more modern coat of paint at some point. A warm and inviting appearance can be achieved by planting a row of flowers in front of the fence that surrounds your property. You may even take the process of beautifying your landscape to an advanced level by pairing complementary elements such as an arbor, pergolas, and gate.
Conclusion
A fence is essential not only because it increases the value of a property but also because it benefits the owner and the community in which the property is located.
Therefore, when it comes to picking the ideal fencing system for your home or any other landed property, one needs to exercise extreme caution and care.