Asheville and Hendersonville are two of the best places in North Carolina to raise a family. We are surrounded by the tallest mountains east of the Mississippi, with creeks and rivers carving vast valleys and deep gorges. There are thousands of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails to explore, as well as hundreds of waterfalls and swimming holes. We have excellent public and private schools, premier colleges and universities, and a host of interesting educational programs. We even have a pinball museum.
If you own a home in or around Buncombe or Henderson counties, you know we have great neighborhoods and communities. Throughout western North Carolina, you can count on your neighbors to look out for each other and protect families. We have safe environments in which children can play and grow. Nevertheless, there are important reasons houses in even the safest areas need proper fencing. From pool accidents to burglaries, proper residential fencing is key to making sure your home and family are protected from harm. In this guide, we will break down why the right kinds of fencing are vital for the safety of your home and family.
1) Protection from Theft and Burglary
According to the FBI, one out of every 36 homes is burglarized every year. Each burglary costs victims over $2,000 on average. To the homeowner, that amount of money is substantial. However, for the burglar, the risk to reward ratio is not that great. That means would-be criminals are searching for the lowest hanging fruit. They want easy targets. While the idea of burglary may make you think about scary home invasions and armed robberies, the vast majority take place during the day when no one is home. Many occur during the summer months when families are away on vacation. Asheville and Hendersonville are known as being safe areas. They are by no means immune to burglaries and crime. Security fencing is one of the most effective ways you can prevent your home from being the target of burglary.
Tips for security fencing include:
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Make sure the fence is difficult to scale
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Make sure the fence has maximum coverage
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Make sure the fence is made of quality material
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Make sure the fence is installed correctly
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Make sure the fence does not have weak spots
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Make sure the fence is easy to maintain
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Make sure the fence complies with HOA and municipal guidelines
Here are a few great fencing options we provide for helping secure your property:
1. Chain Link Fencing
Chain Link fencing is utilitarian in appearance, but it can be cost-effective in protecting large areas and big yards. You can add panels of material that help provide additional privacy or leave it as is to work in conjunction with security cameras to provide clear lines of sight.
2. Ornamental Aluminum or Steel Fencing
This option provides an aesthetically pleasing fencing solution that is also durable and typically compliant with HOA and municipal regulations. These fences require little maintenance, are incredibly sturdy, and are difficult to scale.
3. Board on Board Fencing
A sturdy fencing option that is often compliant with HOA and municipal regulations, this is an excellent solution for providing both privacy and security. Would-be burglars are hard-pressed to get to the other side of your fence and deterred by the possibility of what might be waiting for them on the other side.
4. Picket Fences
Picket fencing can be a delightful addition to any home while providing the security you need. With options including wood or vinyl, multiple finishes, colors, and design flourishes such as scallops or arches, this fence can add a distinct look to your home or business.
Security Fencing is Only as Good as the Gate
When it comes to security, a fence is only as good as the gate. If your gate is inferior to your fencing, the lock is easy to pick, or it is easy to get around, your home remains susceptible despite your investment. Make sure you talk with your fence provider about the right gate solution for your residential fencing.
Other Tips for Preventing Burglary:
- Invest in a security system.
- Leave some lights on during the day.
- Leave a car parked in the driveway when possible.
- Have your neighbors watch your property.
- Keep up with lawn maintenance and landscaping.
- Don’t leave mail and packages on the porch.
- Install security cameras and doorbell cameras.
It only takes one break-in to shatter the sense of security for you and your family. Installing a fence is one key step you can take to help prevent potential burglaries.
2) Keeping Children Safe While Outdoors
The weather in western North Carolina is often perfect for outdoor play. Sending the kids outside to play is an option year-round. When it comes to residential fencing and your family’s safety, sometimes, it is not as much about keeping people out of your property as it is keeping your children in your yard.
Some great fencing solutions for keeping children inside the yard while providing privacy include:
- Board on board fencing
- Picket Fences
- Privacy Fencing
- PVC/Vinyl Fencing
3) Protecting Your Children and the Neighbors from the Pool
If you have a pool, you already know the importance of practicing water safety. Your HOA and municipality have regulations that likely dictate the presence of a fence as well as its appearance. Proper fencing is also vital for your homeowners insurance policy. Most importantly, however, is the safety of your family and your neighbors. You do not want someone wandering onto your property and using your pool without permission and supervision.
Pool fences can vary significantly in style. They can be made from materials such as wood, aluminum, steel, or vinyl, depending on the look and function you want while providing the security and safety you need. Keep in mind, in order to assure a pool barrier is not too easy to climb, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends that pool fences be at least 4 feet high, depending on style.
4) Preventing Pets from Escaping
It may not be people as much as pets you want to protect. An escaping dog or another type of pet can be susceptible to all sorts of dangers, including getting lost, traffic, and other animals. Furthermore, while western North Carolina residents enjoy being surrounded by nature, we do have to contend with wildlife such as black bears, coyotes, foxes, and raccoons. Some of these animals can threaten our beloved pets. The good news is that there are several types of fencing that can keep even the escape artist inside the yard, while significantly deterring wildlife from invading. Chain link, picket fencing, privacy fencing, and board on board fencing are all great solutions for pets. Another multi-purpose residential fence solution is PVC/Vinyl:
PVC fencing comes in many style options, similar to some wood fence designs, but without the maintenance. It is impervious to insects and moisture and will never rot, split, splinter, or decay. It will never need sanding, sealing, or painting, and is extremely strong.
Place this near a swimming pool with zero concern for water exposure from the pool or sprinklers.
Benefits at a glance:
- Low maintenance
- Wide variety of styles
- Impervious to insects and water
- Well-suited for pool fences
- Free from harmful chemicals and recyclable
If you’re looking for a specific style, perhaps similar to other styles of wooden fences, this can also be an option for you. From privacy, picket, ornamental, and post-and-rail fences, this material can mimic it. Keep in mind, most PVC fences come in white or tan colors.
5) Protecting Livestock
While pets are our furry family members, livestock plays a crucial role in keeping your family going. Agriculture is a significant part of what makes western North Carolina special. For farmers and ranchers, you often have to fence in a lot of space on a tight budget. Split Rail fencing is often the solution that works best for protecting livestock and providing clear property markings. Due to the low amount of materials, split rail fencing can cover a long distance at a lower price than other kinds of fencing. Also important to many farmers, split rail fencing is open and rustic, often blending in with the beautiful mountain and valley settings many farmers enjoy. We most commonly use cedar, locust, hemlock, untreated wood, and pressure-treated pine. These woods provide strong durability to withstand the elements, as well as a natural appeal. Additionally, wire backing can be added to help keep those pets and children in the yard.
Asheville Fence is your western North Carolina fencing experts. We have been providing quality fencing products to Buncombe, Henderson, and surrounding counties for over two generations. There are numerous challenges to providing the right fence and gate solutions to residents of the Appalachians. From mountain terrain to diverse weather, we have seen it all. We can help you navigate HOA and municipal regulations while providing a beautiful, high-quality product that you and your family will enjoy. If you are ready to protect your family with a tremendous residential fence, contact the team at Asheville Fence. We are happy to provide a free estimate and are always committed to doing our part to maintain proper social distancing.