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Is it a privacy barrier, a burglar deterrent or, perhaps, a safe haven for your small children? Whatever the case, a fence helps define the barriers between your property and the outside world. It's your property's first line of defence.
Studies show that installing a barricade can prevent or deter burglars from entering your property. A physical obstacle can also prevent a trespasser from crossing your home's boundaries – intentionally or unintentionally. And a fence can provide an element of safety for your children by separating play areas from busy streets.
Some homeowners will refrain from building physical barriers because they feel they are not aesthetically pleasing. However, today a fence doesn't have to be an eyesore in the neighbourhood. There are several designs that enhance the look of your home with security in mind.
Practicality and functionality are the keys. Budget will undoubtedly be factored into the decision-making process, as well, so keep in mind that prices are reflected in the style, material and lineal feet. It's important to select a fence that not only is an architectural extension of your home but also offers an unappealing challenge to opportunists.
Try not to let neighbours dictate the type of fence you install around your home. Some neighbours feel they should have a say in the process; you may want to maintain ownership by building the barrier on your side of the property line.
Before bringing out the hammer and nails, make sure you check the crime stats in your area. Are home and automobile break-ins are prevalent? Is the number of vehicle thefts on the rise? Have there been many cases of property theft or damage? You may want to check out incidents of pet-napping, as well.
You will definitely need to beef up your home security's first line of defence if you are housing expensive objects like computers and electronics, expensive furniture or rare pieces of artwork.
Also, consider the design of your neighbourhood. Sometimes, poor planning results in homes placed at odd angles, creating educated guesses from property owners as to where one yard starts and another one ends.
Some streets have homes where the windows line up with each other; this simulates communal-type living but can also allow outsiders a view into your home. In areas with smaller, closer lots, it's even more important to establish boundaries between you and your neighbours because burglars blend into populated areas more easily and feel less threatened.
So what type of fence should you install around your new home? Think of this phrase: over, under, through.
One person you could consult is your security professional, who will be able to advise you on the various types of fencing available for your particular lifestyle.
For instance, you may cherish your backyard privacy and want to install a solid, tall fence with few gaps. This type of barrier might have to be partnered with security cameras for maximum protection. While fencing is a great deterrent for crooks, we don't want to turn the tables and give the bad guys an advantage by creating hiding spots.
Trellises work well to deter burglars because they are flimsy. Crooks don't want to scale flimsy objects.
Good fences offer privacy with a certain amount of airiness to avoid blocking out important sight lines. Lattice and picket fencing meet these criteria. Chain-link fencing is also a great choice because of its unobstructed view of the other side. Another popular style of fencing is the hybrid wood fence design, which offers a solid barrier at the bottom three quarters with a lattice along the top.
Frank Fourchalk is a security professional with 20 years in the business. Visit his website.
