Michigan Fence is a barrier that provides security privacy and marks property boundaries. It can also protect pets and livestock from predators. Fences are constructed from posts, wires, or boards.
The stainless steel fences prevalent in New York neighborhoods populated by Asian homeowners are flashier and more expensive than their white picket counterparts. They evoke the sense of making it and are a status symbol in their own way.
Fencing is one of the oldest human instinctual responses to delineate, protect and defend living spaces. It evolved from the earliest notions of agriculture, family and property. The first settlers in America were e-fenced by fences made of stone and wood, but when these became scarcer on the new frontier, farmers began looking for acceptable substitutes. In 1873, a farmer introduced the concept of barbed wire fencing at the De Kalb County Fair, and it soon replaced the traditional wooden and stone varieties.
The word ‘fence’ derives from the 14th-century English word fens, meaning “protection or defense.” Its use as a physical barrier to separate people and their possessions from what lies outside has been a common feature of many cultures throughout history.
A fence is also a person who receives and disposes of stolen goods, or acts as a middleman between thieves and people who do not know that the items they are buying are stolen. Historically, fences worked in a variety of settings, including brothels and teahouses, and were often members of criminal underground gangs. Itinerant barbers who traveled between cities served as fences as well, by selling information about places to hide and individuals to rob.
In today’s e-fencing, intermediary platforms like darknet markets allow people to trade items that may have been shoppedlifted or otherwise illegally acquired. The level of culpability on the part of the platform operators, and the degree to which they facilitate this activity, may vary. For example, some e-fenced transactions involve the sale of stolen credit card numbers en masse. These activities are commonly referred to as carding, and are a form of e-fencing that can occur on legitimate platforms, or in defiance of their terms of service.
Functions
Fencing is a functional structure that serves many purposes, including providing privacy, security, and a sense of ownership. It also helps to define the boundary of a property and creates a visual distinction between spaces, which can prevent property disputes and encroachments. Additionally, fences are a good way to keep children and pets safe by preventing them from wandering into busy streets or other properties.
In the context of crime, fencing refers to the illegal practice of buying and selling stolen goods for a profit. This activity is often done through intermediaries like pawn shops and the internet. Law enforcement agencies work hard to tackle this problem by conducting undercover investigations and monitoring pawn shops for suspicious activities.
Some fences have an aesthetic function, adding beauty to a home’s outdoor space. In addition, certain fence styles help to block out noise pollution from surrounding roads and neighbors, making a home’s environment more comfortable. Some fences also act as windbreaks, protecting the property from harsh winds.
Finally, fences can increase a home’s value and make it more appealing to potential buyers. According to a study by the National Association of Realtors, homeowners who install fences can expect to see an increase in their home’s sale price.
Materials
Homeowners have a wide range of materials to choose from when constructing fences. Wood offers a classic look and offers privacy, while vinyl and aluminum offer low-cost options that require little maintenance. Wrought iron fencing adds an ornamental touch and offers security while remaining a more expensive choice. Choosing the right material for your fence will depend on your preferences and specific needs.
Wooden fences are favored for their rustic aesthetic, providing warmth and character to the yard. However, wood is also a more costly option than some other materials, and it requires regular staining or sealing to ensure longevity. Additionally, wooden fences can warp over time and may need to be replaced if left untreated.
When selecting wood for your fence, be sure to select the best quality available. Cheaper planks are more likely to warp than those of higher-quality. It’s best to handpick the planks for your fence at a lumberyard, rather than having them delivered in bulk. This will give you the best chance of a warp-free outcome.
Composite wood is another popular option for homeowners, as it provides a natural-looking appearance without the need for regular staining or sealing. It’s made from reformed wood fibers mixed with plastic compounds and polymers to create a durable and weather-resistant material. While the initial investment is high, composite fences last longer than traditional wood and offer better resistance to pests and rot.
For those seeking a less expensive, lower-maintenance option than wood, composite or vinyl, chain link fences are an excellent choice. These fences are also easy to install, offering more flexibility in the placement of gate posts and latch locations than some other options. They are also more resistant to corrosion than wrought iron.
Styles
Fences can serve many functions, and they are available in a variety of styles to complement any landscape. Solid wooden fences are a classic option, while chain-link fencing is affordable and sturdy. Wood panel fencing is another popular choice, offering privacy and security. Other fence types include picket, shadow box, and basket weave. These styles can be accented with latticework and other decorative elements to enhance their aesthetics. Fence gates are also an important feature, providing security and a welcoming welcome to your home or business.
A post and wire fence consists of metal or wooden posts that are spaced at intervals with multiple strands of wire running horizontally between them. This utilitarian style of fence is ideal for livestock containment and property delineation, as it offers excellent security without sacrificing visual appeal.
Traditional fences are usually the most cost-effective wooden options, but they can be dressed up with additional features to enhance their visual appeal. One popular design is the cap and trim fence, which uses a 2″x4″ rail with 1″x4″ trim board to make the entire fence look “finished.” This option also provides an appealing appearance from both sides, making it a good choice for shared property lines.
Other wood fence styles include the shadow box fence, which utilizes alternating boards on each side of the rails to create a consistent appearance. This semi-private fence is visually appealing from both sides, and it allows air flow while still providing privacy. This style of fence is often used in residential areas to protect pool equipment or expensive landscaping from theft.
A basket weave fence is similar to a shadow box, but it has the advantage of being more attractive from both sides. It can be used in conjunction with a privacy fence to add visual interest or to conceal a trash bin or air conditioning unit.
Installation
The process of installing a fence begins with planning the layout of your fence. Measure the length and width of your property to determine how much fencing material you need. Next, select the type of fence you want and consult with local building and zoning codes to ensure your proposed fence complies with any legal requirements. Some communities require permits for wood fences, and they may have setback restrictions from the property line.
After completing your plan, purchase all necessary supplies for your project, including fence posts and rails. You will also need to purchase gate hardware if your fence includes one. Lastly, you will need to apply a sealer or stain to protect your fence from the elements.
Before digging, locate and mark all buried utility lines. Call 811 in your area to do this. Then, clear the fence line of any vegetation and rocks that may interfere with your installation. If your fence will run across a paved surface, such as a driveway, you will need to remove the pavement to set the posts.
Start by placing a corner stake at each end of your planned fence line. Use a tape measure to establish the distance between these stakes. If you are using a prefabricated fence, the panel sizes should be marked on each post. You should be able to fit the fence panel between these posts, so that it doesn’t overlap any existing structure.
When putting up the first fence post, make sure it is plumb by using a carpenter’s level. Add 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of gravel to the hole and tamp the soil. If you’re concerned about the weight of the gravel, there are special concrete mixes for fence posts that can be added dry to the hole and soaked with water to quickly set the post.