Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

Building A Fence With Security In Mind

20 October 2016

Hugh Bryant

When the goal of a fence is to provide security to your yard, you need to think differently than just the aesthetics of the material. There are other factors that you'll need to consider when it comes to keeping others out. If not, your fence may not be effective at doing what it is supposed to do. Here are a few tips for building a fence with the intention of security.

Build It As High As Your Legally Can

Short fences are just going to slow down a trespasser, or act as a small deterrent that they need to climb over. That's why you should make your fence as tall as it can be. Keep in mind though that many residential communities have restrictions on how high a fence can be. It's common for restrictions to be 4 feet for front yard fences, and 6 feet for back yard fences. Even if you have a shorter 4-foot fence for a front yard, it could be just what you need to catch the attention of neighbors to someone doing something they shouldn't be doing.

Don't Use Solid Materials

You may think that a solid PVC fence is going to provide great security, because it lacks the holes that chain link fencing has that allows people to climb over it. You actually want to avoid material that is solid, because it doesn't give any visibility to what is on the other side.

Select a fencing material that has vertical gaps in it so you can see what is happening behind the fence. Chain link fencing is actually ideal, because you have complete visibility to see anybody approaching the fence. This can help set off motion detectors, shining a light on whoever is there.

Remove Items That Can Be Scaled

Is there a large tree on the outside of your fence? You may want to consider removing it. Large items that can be scaled will allow someone to easily get on the other side of your fencing. It may be time to remove those large trees that are too close to your fence.

Install Fence Toppers

Barbwire can look ugly, though it is effective. Thankfully, there are other types of fence toppers that will make it difficult to scale the material. Decorative spikes could be just what you need to add an extra element of safety to the fence.

For more tips on fence safety, work with a local residential fencing contractor.

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