Fence is a structure that marks a boundary between land ownerships. It can also act as a barrier against livestock, predators, or the elements.
As the United States developed, laws requiring that livestock be fenced in replaced the old open range tradition. Various fencing styles emerged to accommodate local custom and materials. Contact R.C Fence LLC now!
Fences have long been used to separate, enclose, and mark boundaries. In many cultures, these enclosures have had both practical and symbolic significance. They have been a means of delineating space and separating people from one another, while also demonstrating social standing. In addition, they have provided spiritual protection from harm or danger by accommodating benevolent spirits and gods within their boundaries.
In the ancient world, thick walls of stone were erected around cities and other places to protect them from enemy forces or to keep the population safe from attack. Ancient Egyptian temples were often surrounded by fences that represented a holy barrier. In the modern world, fencing has been popular as a sport and as an art form. In the 17th century, King Louis XIV decreed that all French nobility must learn to fence in the rapier; this style of fencing became known as “French classical” and dominated until the late 1800s when other weapons were allowed in competition.
While most fences work with physical stolen goods, itinerant barbers and other traveling merchants sometimes sold information as a good as well. In this way, they served as a sort of conduit for information to criminals seeking hiding places or individuals to rob.
The concept of fence has also taken on an electronic aspect with the emergence of e-fencing, which involves the sale of stolen items via intermediary platforms like darknet markets. This type of fencing may be paired with carding, or the trafficking of stolen credit card numbers and similar banking information en masse, which is a traditional crime in its own right. The level of culpability on the part of the intermediary platform may vary, from knowing to facilitate these crimes to being completely unaware and indifferent.
Purposes
Fencing offers many benefits to homeowners, including privacy and security. It also adds to the overall aesthetic of a home and landscaping, and it can be customized to suit any style. Some fences are made from wood or vinyl, and others may be a combination of both. Some fences even include features such as decorative gates and lights, giving them a unique look that can set the property apart from other homes in the neighborhood.
In addition to security, fencing can serve as a deterrent against crime and theft. It can provide a visual barrier to potential intruders, making them less likely to attempt to break into the yard. Fencing can also protect pets and children from wandering off of the property and into streets or bodies of water.
Fences have been used in various ways throughout history, and they continue to play a major role in society today. Some people use fences to mark their territory and define ownership, while others choose to use them as a physical manifestation of cultural values and boundaries. In some cultures, fences are viewed as sacred structures that offer protection from evil forces.
Another common use of fences is to delimit the area in which toxic products are used, such as pesticides and fertilizer. In this way, they can help prevent the spread of these chemicals into other yards and larger ecosystems. Fences can also be used to keep wildlife from entering a yard and damaging native plants or trees.
Materials
Fencing fulfills a number of purposes in our homes, farms and commercial establishments such as marking property boundaries, providing privacy, enhancing aesthetic value and offering security among others. The type of fence you choose will be influenced by your specific preferences and needs. Fencing materials come in a wide variety, each with its own unique qualities and characteristics.
Wood fences are popular among homeowners because of their affordability and versatility. They can also be quite sturdy and durable when built from the right materials. For instance, cedar is a strong and long-lasting wood that can stand up to a lot of pressure without warping or bending. It is also resistant to insect infestations and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for a backyard fence.
Metal fences are another common choice. They offer a high level of security and require little maintenance. Moreover, they are difficult to climb and provide an attractive look that blends well with most landscapes. Some of the most popular types of metal fences are wrought iron and aluminum.
While these types of fences are relatively expensive, they last longer than most other fencing options. They are also highly effective in preventing animals and people from entering your yard. They are typically designed with spaces between the pickets to prevent intruders from reaching your property.
Before you start loading up your truck with supplies at the lumber yard, it’s important to check with your local zoning office and property surveyor to see what steps you need to take before erecting a fence in your backyard. You may be required to build a temporary fence to mark your property line or have to meet certain criteria regarding the height of the fence and the material used.
Installation
Fence installation is a process that starts with thoroughly assessing the terrain and boundaries of the property to which the fence will be attached. This assessment will inform many of the decisions made from that point forward and can also influence the timeline for completion of the project. This initial research may also involve checking with local regulators to ensure compliance with regulations regarding fence height and other factors that vary between jurisdictions.
Once a clear understanding of the property lines is established, it’s time to start digging post holes. This is a time-consuming task, but one that is essential for ensuring the longevity of your new fence. The hole should be dug below the frost line to avoid heaving caused by freeze-thaw cycles. Once the holes are prepared, concrete is poured and tamped down to ensure stability.
After the foundational posts are in place, the next step is to install the horizontal rails that will support vertical planks. Careful placement of the rails, aided by a level, helps to guarantee consistent alignment throughout the structure.
Whether you choose prefabricated panels or individual pickets, this is the point at which your fence begins to take shape. Once the rails are in place, they are used to attach the panels or pickets. Using galvanized nails or screws ensures long-lasting durability. Depending on the style of your fence, it is important to maintain a consistent spacing between planks to prevent warping over time. For gates, the space between latch-side gate posts should be accounted for when measuring for gate rails.
Maintenance
Fences play a critical role in enhancing security & contributing to the visual appeal of a property. However, they can only serve their purposes if they are well maintained. Regardless of the material, all fences require regular cleanings and inspections to ensure that they function properly & uphold their aesthetics over time.
For wood fences, it is important to clean them every two or three years to remove dirt buildup, moss & mildew and to recoat them with a water repellent / UV inhibiting coating. Additionally, it is important to inspect the support posts of the fence to make sure they are firmly anchored in concrete and there is no standing water around them, as this can cause significant damage over time.
The type of soil also plays a major role in the maintenance of a fence. Clay-based soils tend to hold moisture longer, which can cause long-term damage if left unattended. On the other hand, sandy soils don’t create as much of a risk but may cause subtle wear over time due to soil shifting and settling.
Performing a thorough inspection on a regular basis can help reduce the cost of future repairs by identifying potential issues before they become more costly. This includes checking for loose boards & sagging sections as well as ensuring that all hardware is functioning correctly.
Depending on the material, metal fences also require periodic staining or painting to reduce weathering and discoloration over time. It is recommended to perform a power wash before staining or painting and regularly afterward to prevent the buildup of mildew & dirt. It is also a good idea to check the metal for signs of rust and treat any areas immediately.