The reasons for putting up a fence on your property can be as varied as the type of fences there are: protection for children and animals, home security, decoration, privacy and swimming pool guard. For any of these reasons, however, you can't just begin to dig holes and throw up the first fence you see at the home supply store. There are many items to consider, not least of all is consideration for your neighbours on up to three sides of the home. So before actually buying and building do a bit a investigative work first.
Boundary Lines
Many homeowners don not know where their property lines are located. When the lots are surveyed they are recorded and then “pins†- metal disks with number stamped on them attached to long rebar stems - are shoved into the ground to mark the place. Unfortunately, over the years these pins get lost because of shrubs growing over them or dirt covering the place and the lines become blurred. In some rural areas the old property description actually includes rock walls, wire fences and large trees. The only way to straighten out a discernible boundary is through a survey.
Who Owns the Fence?
The idea of fencing may be your or it may concern your neighbours. If it is also in the best interests of your neighbour or neighbours to have a fence built then they might want to share in the expense. In this case the placement of the fence could be agreed upon as the exact survey line. This is not an alien thought because they may have been thinking the same way and, in most cases, will gladly pay if someone takes the initiative. This might also include a partial payment for the survey, as well.
Some counties, like the City of London, Ontario, have fencing bylaws that have “disagreement clauses.†For example, if your neighbour disagrees with you about the cost of installation of the fence, or the type of fence you will be installing you can still get them to share with the expense. You give them 30 days notice before building it, and only if the fence is to be a 4-foot chain link variety. This is different for the Province of Manitoba that requires any differences of this type need to be resolved through civil litigation.
Your Very Own Fence
To get complete control over the fence it will have to be entirely on your property. Depending on the codes in your area the fence could have a 1†or 1 foot boundary are between it and the property line. In this way you can make it any design you want or paint it any color within reason. There's not need to go overboard and upset your neighbour with a Gothic mural on his or her side.
In some areas you can build a fence with a 4-foot maximum on the front of the lot but have 6 foot 6†maximum fence on the sides and back.
Types of Fences:
Picket Fences
Nothing denotes a home like a white picket fence. Usually these are on the front of the home but longer versions have been known to suit up the sides and back. The design came from a desire to dissuade travellers from resting on the fence, finding a pointed reception instead of a smooth surface. The old versions were wood but vinyl is making inroads into this design as is aluminum and composite, which is a mixture of vinyl and wood fiber. Instead of painting these they re colored for life.
Chain Link Fences
Whether just the plain galvanize-dip look or a covered with a colored vinyl coating a chain-link fence offers security which maintaining a wide-open look. For those who want privacy they can insert colored, aluminum or vinyl strips between the links that gives it a solid look. These fences are popular with commercial enterprises and homeowners who have need a swimming pool barrier or a run for animals.
Traditional Wood Fences
Wood can be used to construct almost any type of fence because it is cheap, light and can be formed to any shape. Although cedar and redwood last longer in an untreated form the pressure-treated softwoods are proving to be a long-lasting option, especially if the posts are installed above ground in steel supports.
Vinyl Fences
Vinyl is becoming a popular choice for building fences, especially the composite material with the special ultra-violet coating. In essence two types of plastic are used, a cheaper product of the core and the outer layer with the UV protection. They are molded in almost every design imaginable and last virtually a lifetime.
Wrought Iron Fences
Everyone has seen the old wrought fences that are sand-blasted periodically to be painted. Despite the high maintenance they are elegant, classic and extremely secure. The new wrought iron fencing is powder-coated for the exact look of the old style without the need for painting.
Aluminum Fences
Copying almost every fence design, aluminum is also taking over the steel market. Their powder coating makes them indistinguishable from their wrought iron cousins except in weight and th fact that there will never be rust. This feature makes them the fence of choice for around swimming pools.
Whatever material or design you desire, make sure that you follow the instructions for installing so that your fence looks great. For the best results contact a professional fencing company.
Posted by: TrustedPros