There is no better option than to create a property fence to protect your assets, family, and property. While some may contend that CCTV cameras are the greatest, they are not without flaws of their own.
This is due to the fact that a trespasser may enter by hiding their face. Finding the intruder can be challenging, even in cases when video is captured. This implies that a fence is a crucial prerequisite.
Building a fence around your property is a terrific way to add beauty, value, and appeal to your house. However, after the fence is constructed, you won’t be the only one who has to put up with it. There will be some advantage for your neighbors as well.
Why Should You build Property fence?
The advantages of having a good fence on your property usually outweigh the cost you will incur. These are some of the benefits.
- Fencing increases the value of the property
The value of a property is directly influenced by improvements done on the property. A fence is one improvement that can positively influence the value. A property with a fence is worth more than one without.
- A good fence provides safety and privacy
Privacy especially for a home is an important aspect. A fence acts as a prevention against outsiders who may wish to gain entry without permission.
- Borderline
As the year’s progress, you may not be able to identify where your land begins and ends. Whereas beacons can play this role, a fence marks where property begins and ends and it prevents them from encroaching your land.
- Beautifies the Property
A good fence creates a good image of a homestead and a property. As part of increasing the overall beauty of a property, you can consider fencing.
Factors you need to consider when selecting a property fence
There are various types of fences that are available for you to choose from. Later in this blog, we will discuss several of them so that you are in a better position to choose. But before then, let us discuss the factors you need to consider when selecting a fence.
The purpose
The very first thing you need to analyze is the main reason for having a fence. This will help you settle on the best type of fence.
Depending on the type of property you have, you will be in a better position to decide why you really need the fence.
The outcome you desire
Another factor you need to consider is the final outcome of the fencing activities. Regardless of the purpose of fencing, do not compromise the general appeal of your property after the fencing is done.
How much it will cost you
Fencing has a cost implication depending on the type of fence you decide to have. Some are pricier, while others are cost-friendly. However, avoid the temptation of going for a cheaper fence that is not durable. Have a budget that you are willing to spend on a good fence.
Durability
Some fences can serve you for a lifetime while others cannot stand harsh weather conditions such as heavy rains and storms. You can consider how long you need the fence to serve you before you settle on a particular type of fence.
Cost of Maintaining it
Some fences require regular maintenance such as painting, cleaning, weeding, pruning, clearing, etc while others do not need any maintenance. A fence with little or low maintenance cost can make a good choice for you.
Availability of materials
As part of considering the kind of fence to have, it is important to consider the ease of getting materials to build it. Some materials and labor to build the same can be easily available while others are not.
I can advise you to choose a fence that you can easily find expertise around to build and also materials to use. Now, let us discuss the various types of fences you can consider having around your property
Types of Fences You Can Consider Having
1. Brick Wall Fence / Stone Wall
This particular type of fence is made using natural stones, blocks, or bricks and has panels of metals. It is also referred to as a masonry fence.
In most cases, this type is common in residential houses. It is tall enough to provide privacy to the home and in some cases, you will need to obtain a building permit to do this kind of a wall.
Advantages of brick wall fence/stone wall
- This fence provides very good privacy to a property and prevents trespassers from accessing the property.
- This fence is long lasting as it is not affected by adverse weather conditions such as heavy rains, sun and destruction by insects such as termites.
- Acts a good protective boundary for your property making your property secure from encroachment.
Disadvantages of brick wall fence
- At times this fence may require regular maintenance in terms of repainting etc.
- Can be pricier to install such a fence especially when you are under a tight budget.
- The process of getting approvals to do this permanent structure can be lengthy thus interfere with your working timelines.
Types of Brick Wall Fence
There are two main types namely;
- Closed fence – this is where the fence design is completely sealed with bricks and no one can see what is inside the compound. This type provides utmost privacy for your property.
- Open fence – this design leaves stylish spaces in between bricks that allows someone from outside see your compound. There are various designs that one can adopt when it comes to this fence.
Tips to select the best Brick Wall Fence
- Identify a contractor in your area and get an estimate cost of the design you wish to have.
- Select a design that will match your property so that the end product is appealing.
- Choose the right bricks that will not crack.
2. Wood Fence
This type of fence is basically done using wood materials obtained from trees.
Pros of having a wood fence
- They are cost effective and does not require a lot of finances.
- Easy to install or remove and does not need approvals.
- Very easy to customize in terms of height and design depending with the desired goal.
- Wood fences are easier to make repairs as an individual without seeking the help of a professional contractor unless in complicated designs.
Cons of having a wood fence
- Wood fence have a short life span and is not permanent.
- It is prone to destruction by pests such as termites etc.
- Prone to theft in some areas where the poles can be stolen.
3. Chain Link Fence
This fence is done using concrete poles and wires that run vertically and are bent into a zig-zag pattern.
Pros of a chain link fence
- It is affordable type of a fence as one only requires the chain link and the poles.
- Low maintenance – considering that the chain link is galvanized and treated against rotting, therefore, it does not need regular maintenance.
- Cons of a chain link fence
- The fence does not provide ultimate privacy as one can see your property through the fence.
- 4. Natural fence/ Use of Plants
- This is where a property opts to use natural plants as fences around the property. There are various plants that one can consider using such as Bougainvillea. This is a climbing flower that has a sprawling collection of woody and twisting branches that have thorns. This type of fence provides a natural aspect to your compound.
- Others include; Bamboo, skip laurel, boxwood, red twig dogwood, chocolate vine, etc. All these provide natural vegetation around the compound.
- Pros of using natural fence
- Some plants can be a source of seasonal fruits such as apples, peaches etc.
- Reduces erosion by keeping the soil intact with its roots thus protecting the environment.
- Creates a lively compound especially when landscaping is done well. The plants also provide fresh air to the compound.
- Cons of Using a natural fence
- Requires full commitment especially at growing stages where you have to water and trim the plants to achieve desired style.
- Needs regular maintenance of pruning and trimming the plants.
- Attracts insects into the compound.
- Some plants can grow into your neighbor’s properties and this may bring misunderstanding especially when they are disinterested with such fences.
- 5. Barbed Wire Fence
- Barbed wire fencing is very common. It consists of wires that have been twisted at intervals and with barbs/spikes that can easily prick you.
- The advantage of this fence is the ease of installation however, it is not 100% secure as the wires can be twisted and someone can access your property.
- 6. PVC Fence
- This is also known as vinyl fencing. PVC is a short form for a polymer of vinyl chloride which is a plastic material used in fencing. The material is usually fixed using screws.
- One advantage of the PVC is easy to install and the materials are affordable. The disadvantage is that it is not strong can be easily destroyed and it is prone to tearing off.
- 7. Electric Fence
- Electric fence typically uses electric shock to prevent access to a property. In most cases, it is integrated with other types of fences such as stone brick, wood, etc. at the top. In other cases, it is just an electric fence with poles all around the property.
- One main advantage of an electric fence is the assurance of security, however, its main disadvantage is the cost of maintaining the same.
It is easy to assume that electric fence consumers more power, however, research has shown that they do not consume. The electricity bill only increases with very few units compared to the security benefit you get.
Another concern raised about the electric fence is the possibility of the voltage being affected by rain and yes indeed it affects in cases of heavy rains.
8. Corrugate Iron Sheets or Metal Fences
This fence used wooden or concrete poles and incorporates new or old iron sheets to complete the fencing. Later, one can paint the fence using their desired color that blends well with the compound.
The main advantage of this is that it can be affordable if you are using recycled iron sheets. Also, it provides good privacy as no one can be able to see inside your compound.
One disadvantage is that it requires maintenance especially in repainting and in some cases so iron sheets can rust to due the sun and rainy seasons.
9. Eco Friendly Fence
With the ongoing greening campaigns globally, people have been embracing fencing using recycled materials such as bottles, timber, etc.
This type of fence is environmentally friendly and cost-effective if you already have the required materials.
Fences ideal for a residential and commercial properties
As mentioned earlier in this blog, there are various factors that influence the choice of a fence. This means that as the property owner, you are better placed to decide the type of fence you desire for your property whether it is commercial or residential.
Some properties have property fences and you don’t need to figure them out. You only be required to concentrate on developing your property.
However, for residential fences, I would advise you to consider wood, stone, plants, or stone fences. For commercial properties, it will highly depend on the type of building as some commercial buildings do not need a fence while others need it. Therefore, analyze all the types of fences and select the most ideal for your commercial property.
