I Need a Security Fence. Where Do I Start?

These days, security seems to be top-of-mind for most homeowners. That’s for good reason: a burglary occurs every 30 seconds in the U.S. Home invasion is an even bigger worry this time of year: the majority of break-ins happen in the summer. A security fence is one way to keep intruders out while gaining some peace of mind. But where’s the right place to start? Here are a few considerations for purchasing and installing your security fence.

Think: Is it See-Through?

Many homeowners’ first instinct when installing a security fence is to get one that keeps prying eyes out. After all, it’s natural to want privacy in your own backyard. The problem is, if passersby can’t see in, that means you can’t see out. A solid privacy fence creates a hiding place for potential intruders. If they can evade your sight, they’re more likely to find a way into your property. So, when choosing your security fence, think see-through. Designs with ample space between bars or slats is ideal.

Think: Can Someone Climb This?

Having a fence around your property to keep intruders out becomes redundant if your fence is easily scalable. Fences such as chain-link fences, picket fences, and others that contain foot- and hand-holds are not ideal for security, as they can be quickly climbed by anyone from nosy children to nefarious criminals. The best type of security fence is one that doesn’t carry climbing potential, such as one that has vertical, tightly-spaced bars. Just make sure that the bars are spaced closely enough together that a person can’t squeeze through!

Think: Can Someone Get Around This?

Remember the old children’s song “can’t go over it, can’t go under it, can’t go around it--guess we have to go through it”? Having a fence is pointless if there are gaps, holes, and spaces that intruders can squeeze through. If the fence is not complete, or if it has wide gaps, breaking in becomes easy. The presence of other structures or environmental fixtures that either cannot be moved or you are unwilling to move may interfere with the size of the fence; therefore, it may be tempting to stop the fence at the fixture rather than making a complete, closed loop. However, this will only encourage intruders to damage the fixture in order to get through your barrier. Plan ahead to determine how large your fence should be, or consider extending your fence slightly to go around the fixture. Additionally, if there are gaps at the bottom, or space at the top, consider placing a barrier underneath and adding spikes, spear tops, or even razor wire along the top if needed.

Think: Can I Lock the Gate?

One of the most important things to consider when installing a new fence is, of course, the lock! Make sure that any locks are contained safely on the inside of the gate, accessible only to you. Consider using padlocks over latches; however, if you must use a latch, make sure that it is either situated in such a way that a hand cannot reach through the bars and unlatch it, or that the bars are spaced closely enough apart to prevent a hand from squeezing through. Just make sure you don’t lock yourself out!

HOA Restrictions? Think: Can I Put Up a Hurdle?

One of the factors that should always be kept in mind when designing and putting up a fence are any HOA restrictions that may be present in your community. Obviously, the ideal height for a security fence is 6-8 ft., and the taller the better; however, some associations have restrictions on fence height, material, etc. Before designing and building any fence, consult your HOA guidelines and restrictions. If there are height restrictions, there are ways you can alter your fence design in order to meet these qualifications and still have a highly secure property. Your fence installation company will work with you to determine the best way possible to accomplish this.

Materials and Other Considerations

Now that you have some idea of how your security fence should look, let’s think through some other factors. For instance, what should it be made of? Ultimately, your security fence can be made of any material you’d like as long as it meets the design requirements above. Metal, like aluminum, are some of the most common. Once your fence has been installed, adding other security devices-- like surveillance cameras, motion detector lights, and burglar alarms-- can give you extra peace of mind.

About Rio Grande Fence

Rio Grande Fence has been providing excellence to the Tri-State area for over 57 years. Our service area includes Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia. Our fencing projects can be seen in residential homes throughout the Tri-State area, as well as commercial businesses such as the University Of Kentucky and Cincinnati Airport. We are proud members of the Better Business Bureau, The Associated General Contractors, the Home Builders Association of Lexington, and the American Fence Association. Rio Grande Fence provides the fence installation Lexington KY trusts including quality wood fence, vinyl fence, aluminum fence, chain link fence, ornamental fence, privacy fence, decorative fence, pool fence, gates and gate operators. Learn More.