When it comes to home security, there’s something to help with every home weakness. If you read our post on layered security, you know that it’s important to make sure you protect your yard as well as your home. The idea of home security is to keep a potential intruder from even trying to enter your house; having a security fence is a perfect way to accomplish that. Here, we’re compiling everything you need to know about security fences. If you’ve ever wondered whether or not a security fence could be for you, you’re in the right place.
1. Why would I need one?
We’ll start here: why would you want or need to invest in a security fence? Isn’t the wooden one your house came with enough? The short answer, unfortunately, is no. Wooden fences offer prime cover for intruders and are incredibly easy to climb or break. Sadly, they’re not your best option for security when it comes to your home.
While you may be searching for a sturdier option than your typical wooden fence, there are other reasons one may want to change fence types. If you want to add another layer to your home security, a security fence could be the perfect option for you. These reinforced fences also offer more ways to keep your pets and children from leaving your yard, a safety bonus for every worried parent. Initiating the installation of a security fence can set a great example for your neighbors. If everyone in your neighborhood is employing good home security methods, your neighborhood as a whole becomes less of a target. Keep that in mind when deciding whether or not a security fence could be right for you.
2. What are my options?
When it comes to installing a fence, you have several options. We would recommend considering each of them carefully. Every neighborhood and home is different, and while one kind of fence may work for one situation, it might not be ideal for you. Wooden fences aren’t the most secure options, but for some people, they’re a necessity. If you do decide to go for a wood fence, we would recommend adding deterrents to the top to keep anyone from climbing over. Additionally, it can be helpful to install extra security measures around the back of your home. A fence can provide cover and potential hiding places for intruders. Aluminum fences aren’t as sturdy as some other metals, but they are often more functional than wooden fences. While a fence made out of iron or steel is less likely to break, an aluminum fence can be made to appear as if it’s a stronger metal, which is often enough to deter a thief. The great thing about metal fences is that they can be functional and design friendly all at the same time. Iron and steel fences can be customized to your preferred height and made impossible to climb while still looking elegant. If you prefer some style to your defenses, a metal fence is definitely the best option for you.
3. Think like a thief
When you’re making a decision about which fence to install, it’s important to think like an intruder would if your home was about to be broken into. You’ll want to ask yourself several important questions. First, is your gate secure? Flimsy locks often don’t do much to help prevent burglary, so you may need to take a closer look at the one you’ve decided on. Next, does your fence offer horizontal hand and footholds for easy climbing? If so, you will want to reconsider the design of your fence. Metal fences often don’t have this problem and with the bars so far apart, they don’t provide easy hiding places either. That’s another important factor to consider. Lastly, you’ll want to ask yourself if your fence is too flimsy to survive a heavy force. Is it going to be easy for someone to break it down to get to your home? When you start thinking like a thief would, it’s easier to prevent your home from being invaded.
4. Who should I talk to?
Installing a high security fence is a team effort. You’ll need to contact the local home authority and homeowner’s association to make sure you aren’t violating any building codes. Also talk to your home insurance provider to see if installing a better fence will lower your rate at all. Don’t forget to talk to a home security professional, too. They can help point you in the right direction and assist you with the installation.
Is it possible that a security fence could be right for you and your home? We hope this guide helps you decide that for yourself. Every step towards home security is a beneficial step.