When raising your kids, a secure backyard area is crucial for ensuring that they can play outdoors and remain safe – meaning that you will need to erect a decent boundary fence. However, choosing the right type of fence can be quite a challenge.
If you’re considering erecting fencing that will allow your kids to play outdoors safely, the following aspects should be kept in mind:
1. Optimal Safety and Security
If security and safety are your top two priorities, vinyl and aluminum fencing will most likely be your best two options. These not only provide a great level of security for young children; they will provide a fantastic boost to your home’s overall curb appeal as well.
While many parents may think wood fencing would be a better option, this material does warp and splinter over time – which could result in injuries occurring if your children were to play alongside the fencing.
2. Opt for Flat Rail Aluminum Fencing
If you decide to install aluminum fencing, you’ll usually be presented with the option of a flat rail or speared material. When young children are playing outdoors, it’s recommended to opt for the flat rail. While the spears may look a lot more aesthetically attractive, they can result in serious injuries occurring if your children decide to try and climb the fencing for any reason.
3. Ensure that Secure Latches are Installed
When installing new fencing, it’s also crucial to ensure that decent latches and/or locks are mounted on any gates that are going to be installed along with it. This will help prevent your children from being able to open them and leave your yard without you noticing.
When having latches or locks installed on gates, ensure that they are not easy for your children to reach and open unsupervised.
4. Fence Height is Also Important
Another good reason to install aluminum or vinyl fencing is that it is virtually impossible for children to climb over these, especially if they have been erected to six feet tall or higher. Having fencing that is high enough around your property will allow your kids to play outdoors safely without you having to worry about them wandering off unsupervised – the same applies to any pets you may have as well.
Check County and HOA Bylaws Before Erecting your New Fence
After deciding to have new boundary fencing installed, many property owners fail to check with their local county and HOA (if applicable) to determine whether there are any laws or regulations in place regarding the types of fencing that are allowed to be used in the area. This can sometimes result in fines being issued or notices being delivered to have non-compliant fencing removed as soon as possible.
Before allowing anyone to erect your new boundary fencing, ensure that you have obtained the necessary permission from your local authority if required. You’ll also need to confirm whether there are specific fencing requirements that must be met if you live in an area that is managed by an HOA.
Choose Reliable Fencing Contractors
When requesting quotes from fencing companies, property owners often scan through them and opt for that which offers the lowest price. However, this may not always be the best option.
Instead, it’s recommended that you perform extensive research on each fencing company you intend to use to determine the level of reliability and quality of workmanship they will provide. This will ensure that you obtain boundary fencing that is installed according to current industry standards and that will serve you and your family for many years to come.