Residential fences and gates are ideal for keeping your children and pets safely inside the perimeter of your lawn, and can also maintain a level of privacy from passersby. While this can increase your family’s safety as well, it can also give you a sense of seclusion and comfort that chain link fences simply can’t match, and an opportunity to use your backyard as a relaxing getaway and ideal spot for repose. If you’ve finally decided to install a privacy fence around your property, here are some helpful things to consider.
Height Restrictions
A privacy fence can be a great way to seclude your property, even in the heart of the city, but always be aware of municipal restrictions that may exist. You may not be completely free to build your fence as high as you want. Regulations vary depending on where you are, but the general rule is that fences between properties are capped around six feet, while street-side fences are capped at only four feet. These heights may be negotiable (if no one complains, the city doesn’t generally make too much of a fuss either), but it’s always best to know the rules before you decide to bend them.
Materials
Modern fences can come in a variety of materials for a variety of reasons. Natural wood is always a desired look, and as such, many non-wood materials strive to emulate wood, but beware, though: unless the mimicry is quite good, faux-wood residential fencing can end up looking chintzy. But whatever the material — be it metal, plastic, or actual, treated wood — rest assured that modern fences are designed for longevity as well as beauty, and sturdiness as well as style.
Maintenance
The other side of the materials coin is how much maintenance is involved. Treating any wood on your fence will protect it from the elements, as will clearing out any brush piles or leaves that accumulate at the bottom (which can cause rot if left unaddressed). Rust protection is essential for metal fences. But modern fences usually come from the factory with some form of protection already applied, making maintenance even easier, and giving your fence a head-start on a long and healthy life.
If your home is your castle, then your yard is your natural retreat, your sunny refuge from the bustling world outside, even in the heart of the city. Treat your fence right, and it will keep you safe, secluded, and serene for years and years to come. Contact the best fence company in the nation if you want to learn more.