Choosing Fencing For Your Home

It is said that 'good fences make good neighbours' and certainly privacy and security are persuasive reasons to erect one

. Most homes with gardens have some kind of fencing whether it is there just to surround the property or is being used as a decorative feature. The uses, styles and materials from which fences are made are varied so it is important to consider all options before fencing your home in order to ensure that the fence you choose is the right one for its purpose.

Perimeter Fencing

As the name suggests, perimeter fencing is designed to surround an area and form an enclosure. It acts as a barrier to prevent trespassing and theft as well as marking out the boundaries of a property. Residential perimeter fences tend to be made from wood although sometimes they can be topped with galvanized metal spike decorations which offer added security because they prevent climbing. However, it is illegal to install any anti-climb barriers at a height less than two metres from the ground and any anti-intruder measures should be checked against the Occupiers' Liability Act 1984. As well as offering protection and adding privacy, perimeter fences are also used to prevent children and pets from straying too far from the house. Although these fences primarily have a practical purpose, there are many different styles of panels and some come pre-painted so it is possible to make sure they are in keeping with your garden design.

Feature Fencing And Gates

Fences do not necessarily have to have a practical function and can be used as decorative features. One such example is trellising which can be attached to the tops of fence panels and walls to support climbing plants. It can be cut in a variety of styles from simple, straight rectangles to wavy edging depending on the level of decoration you require. Feature fences can also provide an attractive way of sectioning off different areas of the garden. Gates can be used decoratively and are usually chosen to compliment the fence or wall to which they are joined, although some people choose to use a gate with a contrasting colour or material. Some designs deliberately use thin posts in order to have wide gaps for maximum visibility while others are shaped or curved for visual effect.

Alternatives to Wooden Fencing

Although wood is a very popular material for residential fencing because it can be protected by coatings and pressure treatment, have you considered using other materials? Vinyl fencing can be made to resemble wooden fencing but it has the added benefit that the risk of rotting is eliminated. Though this is an advantage, vinyl fencing is usually installed by professionals and is secured into the ground with concrete which makes it a less practical choice for most homes. Metal is also a popular material for fences and railings but, as with wood, it is important that it is properly protected by galvanising and powder coating. Bamboo is becoming increasingly fashionable as a fence material because it comes in a variety of natural colours and patterns and is a very effective privacy screen.

Overall, there is a variety of fencing options available to fulfil a range of purposes and it is certainly worth exploring all the possibilities before committing to a purchase.

by: Gavin Graham

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