A fence can be a beautiful and functional addition to any garden. Whether wood or metal, each offers unique characteristics in terms of aesthetics and durability.

Design features like horizontal lines have become popular in modern fences, creating a sense of calm and balance. Other decorative elements like lighting can also enhance both safety and aesthetics. Contact Fence Company Charlotte NC now!

Fencing has been used throughout history to serve various purposes, from delineating property boundaries to protecting people and things. It has also been imbued with several traditional and symbolic cultural meanings. The use of fencing has also evolved over time, reflecting changes in society and technological advances.

Historically, fences have been made of wood and stone. They were built to protect people and property, and a fence’s design and construction would reflect the social status of those who commissioned it. For example, a mud-brick or timber fence was typically constructed by lower social classes, while aristocrats and members of high society commissioned wrought iron fences.

In the early 17th century, fencing was a popular form of staged entertainment and a fashionable martial art in 16th- and 17th-century England. Fencing masters ran schools in Blackfriars, the main theatre district of London. Henry VIII even granted a monopoly on the running of fencing schools to The Company of Masters in 1540.

Fences acted as go-betweens for compounding, or brokerage, in which thieves sold stolen goods to fences for cash. Because of this, they often worked in close conjunction with criminal groups and were heavily influenced by the rewards offered for conviction. Thief-takers were particularly notorious for this, and they often exploited their social status to manipulate the justice system.

A fence may be legally liable for crimes committed by those he deals with, depending on the laws of the jurisdiction. For example, in China, if a fence buys stolen goods and sells them on for profit, he or she may be subject to criminal charges. Likewise, a fence who acts as an intermediary for online piracy may be subject to criminal penalties.

Fences have been involved in the sports of archery, sword fighting, and jousting since ancient times. However, modern fencing became a true sport when it was first introduced to the Olympic Games in the late 19th century. Foil and épée events were initially included in the Olympic program while sabre was added later on. In the present day, all three weapons are contested in Olympic competitions, and women’s foil and sabre events have been incorporated into the Games since 2000.

Functions

Fencing can provide many functions for homeowners, from enhancing security and privacy to demarcating property boundaries and improving aesthetics. Having a fence can also help to protect homeowners and their families from both property crime and violent crime. However, it is important to understand that fencing is not a foolproof way to prevent these crimes, as there are many other factors at play.

Historically, fencing was used to mark out property lines and to demarcate land for livestock grazing and pastoralists. However, as human population and urbanization increased, the use of fences to mark out land for livestock grazing has become problematic, especially in areas where wild animals roam. The increased use of fences in pastoralist communities is causing loss of habitat and impacting wildlife and traditional livelihoods.

Fences can serve a number of purposes in the built environment, from providing guidance for pedestrian traffic to preventing access to construction sites and other hazardous locations. Temporary fencing is also vital for crowd management and safety at large events, where there are often a high volume of people trying to navigate through an area.

In addition to providing a visual barrier, fencing can be an effective deterrent against theft and vandalism. In some cases, a fence can be designed with an electric current running along the wire to deter thieves. This method of deterrence works by sending a short, safe electrical pulse to anyone or anything that touches the wire. The shock from the wire is enough to discourage thieves and prevent them from attempting to steal goods from the fence.

Fencing can also be beneficial to homeowners, as it can increase the energy efficiency of their homes. By preventing cold air from entering and hot air from exiting, a fence can help to reduce heating and cooling costs. In addition, a fence can help to improve the overall resale value of a home.

A fence can also function as a social boundary, as it can be used to mark out boundaries between different areas or neighborhoods. This can be particularly useful in the case of slums, where residents may be concerned about their safety or security.

Materials

A well-made fence can be an important asset for a homeowner’s property. It can protect a home from intruders, provide privacy and increase the resale value of a home. A well-chosen and properly installed fence can also enhance a home’s aesthetic appeal. However, homeowners should consider the pros and cons of different fencing materials and consult with professional installers to make the best decision for their needs and budgets.

Wood is a popular option for fencing because of its attractiveness and durability. It can be painted or stained to match a home’s architecture and can complement a wide variety of landscaping styles. Wood is also environmentally friendly, as it is a renewable resource. However, it is prone to moisture and weather damage and requires regular maintenance.

Homeowners can minimize the risk of damage by choosing wood that is pressure treated or treated with preservatives. In addition, they should consider the type of climate in their area and how it might affect the longevity of a wood fence.

Other fence material options include chain-link, vinyl and aluminum. Each has advantages and disadvantages, but they may be less costly than a wooden fence and require less upkeep. However, they may not add as much curb appeal or privacy.

Metal fencing consists of heavy-duty bars that provide security and deter intruders. It can be galvanized to prevent rusting and last for many years when properly cared for. It is often used to enclose yards and prevent livestock from wandering into the street.

Wrought iron fences are elegant and hardy, providing both security and privacy for a home. They can be topped with decorative finials and are a popular choice for estate properties. Barbed wire is another common fencing option for both domestic and agricultural purposes. It can be difficult to see through and can be effective in deterring trespassers or keeping livestock secure. Consult with a qualified real estate agent to discover if prospective homebuyers favor or dislike homes with fences. This can help a homeowner decide whether or not to install a fence to maximize resale value.

Installation

A fence adds both security and privacy to a property. It can demarcate a home’s property line, prevent children or pets from wandering away, and protect it from wildlife that could be harmful to them. Choosing the right fence materials, complying with local regulations, assessing maintenance requirements, considering the advantages of DIY versus professional help and understanding the installation process are all essential steps in the fencing process.

The first step is to plan and mark the fence layout. This is important, as it will ensure that the fence meets local building codes and is properly positioned to provide the desired function. Many communities require that the contractor obtain a permit before construction begins. It is also a good idea to locate any underground utility lines prior to starting the project.

Once the location is determined, digging the fence posts is the next step. This requires the use of a post hole digger to create holes that are twice the diameter of the post and one-third of the height of the fence. This is the foundation of the entire project. The holes should be carefully dug to ensure that they are solid and seated correctly.

After the posts are in place, a brace band is often placed at the bottom of the posts to help keep them from moving during weather conditions. This is especially necessary for longer fences, such as 10 feet or more. A top tension wire may also be inserted between terminal posts to minimize the in and out movement of the chain-link mesh between them.

Once all of the posts are in place, the installer can begin assembling the fence panels or pickets. It is a good idea to clean the panel or pickets prior to installing them, as this will prevent dirt, mildew and other elements from damaging or staining the fence material. It is also a good idea to apply a preservative to the panels or pickets once they are installed, as this will further protect them from water and other elements.

The final step in the fencing process is to attach post caps, which are designed to give the fence a polished and professional look. To do this, measure the outside diameter of the post and purchase caps that match these dimensions. If desired, the caps can be painted in a color to match or complement the fence material.