In many households, spending time outside in the yard is a favorite activity, especially for kids and pets. Choosing the right fencing to ensure the safety and security of all residents takes some planning. In addition to consulting with experienced residential fencing experts, like the Orange Fence team, find a few tips below to help you with your fence design and selection process.
6 Tips for Choosing the Right Fence for Pets, Kids, and Security
In homes with kids or pets, fences can help create a more secure place for play or exercise and make it easier to monitor. However, to enjoy the benefits of a fence installation and avoid potential safety risks, consider the following suggestions:
1. Think carefully about fence height and spacing.
Higher fences around the yard are not only valuable for creating a more private space to enjoy but also supportive of pet and child safety. Fences that are 6 ft. tall help protect a space from prying eyes and are a good choice for backyard fencing for dogs, especially where there are bigger dogs or jumpers. For dogs that dig, securing them in the yard may require additional measures around the lower section of the fencing or even underground, such as buried wire mesh.
The type of fence and the spacing of slats also contribute to creating a personal oasis and a safer one. Fences with sheer fronts instead of horizontal rails, or with openings for hands or paws, help prevent climbing and keep limbs from getting caught or injured in the fence. Making sure picket spacing is minimal (less than 2 inches, if not flush) also helps deter potential escapes, injuries, and outside intrusions.
2. Consider incorporating gate locks and other security features.
A gate with self-closing and self-latching features helps reduce the risk of dogs getting loose or children leaving the yard unsupervised when a gate is left open or unsecured. If you are looking at other types of latches and locks, consider the safety of appendages and also the placement of these latches, so that they can’t be easily reached by younger kids or even ambitious pups. Other security additions, such as lighting or keypad entry systems, may offer further peace of mind.
3. Assess the pros and cons of fencing materials.
When evaluating your fence choices, keep today’s concerns in mind as well as potential issues that may arise as the fence ages. For its smooth surface, durability, and minimal upkeep needs, vinyl fencing is a popular choice for residential fencing. Wood fences and chain link fences are other common choices for home fencing. However, the former requires additional maintenance to avoid issues such as splinters or pest problems, while the latter may pose climbing hazards or require incorporating plastic slats for greater privacy. Whether to factor in such potential concerns when selecting fence material may depend on the ages or behaviors of any kids or pets.
4. Account for maintenance.
Many homeowners know how weather affects fences throughout the year and the importance of routine fence maintenance for fence longevity. Other maintenance considerations concern ensuring the functionality and safety of a fence. For example, making sure the installed fence lighting is continually operational is both a protective feature and a way to help ensure your dog doesn’t have an unpleasant run-in with a skunk. Especially with kids’ hectic activity schedules and your own, a low-maintenance fence designed with durability in mind helps reduce the time investment needed for fence care, so you can enjoy more of your available time outside and do so safely.
5. Familiarize yourself with any applicable fencing regulations.
Fencing requirements vary by location. In some states, like Connecticut, there may even be differences from one town or city to the next. HOA regulations or those governing certain installations on your property, such as a pool fence, also impact the choice of fence. For example, Connecticut pool fence requirements specify the types of gates that must be used and the maximum size of any openings in the fence.
6. Think about the future of your yard use.
Considering these possibilities helps inform the choice and design of a fence installation that can evolve with the needs of your household. For example, while a four-foot fence may seem like enough for younger children and puppies, a taller one is often a better choice for deterring escape attempts by jumping or climbing in the future. If a more permanent in-ground pool may soon replace that small wading pool, you may want to account for this addition now rather than making costly changes later. Per the CDC, it’s not just the lack of a fence that can increase the risk of drowning but the specifics of that installation. Serving Fairfield County, New Haven County, and many other areas across Connecticut, Orange Fence offers new fence installations, fence repairs and replacements, and everything you need for DIY fencing projects. For help choosing or installing the best fence for security as well as pet and child safety, please contact our team at (203) 795-1321 or visit our Orange, CT showroom today. We look forward to working with you soon and providing a free estimate on your upcoming project!
