Fences protect both the homeowner and others from the consequences of being burglarized on the homeowner’s property. Generally, homeowners have a duty of care to the people they invite onto their property. Homeowners might be legally liable for injuries suffered by others if there was reasonably a risk of harm that the homeowner knew or should have known about before the injuries.
If your property has any of the following elements, then a fence is a good investment and an excellent legal strategy to prevent injuries to people and lawsuits:
- A swimming pool: many local ordinances require homeowners who have a swimming pool to fence it off because of foreseeable harm to children. A swimming pool is an inviting and deadly place for youngsters. Consequently, it is essential to erect a fence to keep them away from the area.
- A lake or pond: a fence is a good idea for the same liability and safety reasons as a pool fence.
- A Dog: if you allow your dog to be outside unattended, then it would be a good idea to place a fence in the part of your property where your dog roams. Rather than an invisible fence for the dog, a natural fence will prevent people from coming onto your property and scaring your animal or motivating him to attack.
- A campfire area, playground equipment, or other attractive features such as a rock wall or sledding hill: as with swimming pools, children, teenagers, or other adults may be tempted to come onto your property to take advantage of these features. You can prevent this from happening, protect people from harm and protect yourself from liability by fencing off the area.
If you install a fence, it must be solid and sturdy. You don’t want the fence, whose purpose is to protect people, to become a liability in and of itself. In the same vein, it is essential to keep the fence secure. A fence is of little use if its gate is open and allows easy access to the property.
Talking to the experts at Nortex Fence & Patio Co., they have made the following comments regarding the most common materials used for fencing; here’s what they had to say.
Stainless Steel
The large and imposing steel planks give the sensation of giant wooden planks because of their color. The advantages of this material are the following:
- It is easy to clean since being a non-porous material, germs can not grab and stay. It does not rust since water does not stain or discolor it.
- It does not splinter or peel.
- Heat does not deteriorate or damage it. It does not burn and is considered non-flammable.
- Can be shaped to fit any area and almost any size.
Wrought Iron Fence
Metal fences are the default choice, and we see them all the time as we walk around the development. There are different types of metal fences, but the favorite is the wrought iron fence, perhaps because it allows for customization. It can be decorated with lattices and patterns created with the same iron, thus becoming an entirely ornamental fence that maintains at the same time the guarantee of security. In addition, it does not wholly cover the house, allowing a visual interaction between the property and the street.
Wrought iron fences are more durable. A clear advantage of metal fences is that they do not deteriorate quickly, but you have to take good care of them from rust. It is a fence to have for many years and think only of changing the paint from time to time.
Wood
Wooden fences will be, for many people, the first choice because it is a traditional material; you can paint it in any color and design it as you like. But if you decide on this material, select the best wood and give it a good treatment; the experts at Nortex Fence & Patio Co. have the best; this can help a wood fence last 20 years or more. Otherwise, the fence won’t last a year if you choose inferior quality wood or don’t give it the proper treatment. If you don’t know anything about it, the best thing to consult with landscape architects.