Homeowners will most often turn to fencing as an obvious solution when it comes to keeping their yard space safe and secure. There are some fences better suited to this achieve this purpose than others. Whether you are trying to prevent trespassers, keep kids and animals safe, or protect a disabled loved one, our 40 years of experience can help point you in the right direction of which types of fence security is for you. . .

 

Secure Residential Fence Types & Styles

Wire mesh for your existing board fence is one sort of residential security fence type. If you already have an open spaced fence that is 4-5’ tall, consider adding welded wire mesh to make it more secure. To keep people and pets INSIDE your yard, we recommend the installation of wire mesh on the inside of your fence. To keep others OUT, install the mesh on the outside. Wire comes in various sizes. 2”x4” is the standard, but the smaller the wire spacing, the more effective it will be at preventing climbing.

Tall mini-mesh chain link fencing. This is a pool code compliant style of chain link fence. The Mini-mesh is very difficult to climb, making it a safe fencing option for your yard in almost any scenario.

Wood or vinyl privacy fencing. Full privacy residential security fence types are almost guaranteed against climbing intruders or escapees. There is nothing to get a foothold onto one of these fences. The less horizontal boards, the better to deter climbing.

Aluminum picket fencing. 5’-6’ tall aluminum fence styles can be difficult to climb, however, residential grade aluminum may not lend enough strength to provide ample security. We recommend a higher-grade aluminum, such as commercial grade, for customers with safety concerns. There are also style varieties that add security to these fences, such as pressed spear and other open-top styles.

Add security with hardware

Self-closing springs. Self-closing springs help ensure your gates close after being opened. The springs are installed on gate hinges and force the gate to close automatically, providing a bit more peace of mind in case someone forgot to close a gate.

Lockable Gate latches. There are quite a few lockable gate latch options. Our favorite is the Magna-Latch, which is a pool code compliant latch option. Coupled with the self-closing springs, the magna-latch latches and locks automatically. It also must be unlocked and opened from the top of the fence, making it out of reach for children.

Keypad latch options are also available if you wish to go keyless with your type of residential security fence.

 

Non-Fence Security Ideas

Shrubs. Bushy privacy shrubs like arborvitae, junipers, or box woods are great deterrents for preventing climbing while helping keep a really natural look/yard enhancement. Of course, growth to maturity takes time, but this is a great investment for homeowners looking for a long-term solution that will last and look nice.

Signs and Cameras. There are now many affordable security camera options on the market. Watch the action happening in and around your fence from your smartphone at all times if you wish.

 

I have a disabled family member that I need keep safely secured. . . which residential security fence type do you recommend?

Chris Patton, our sales team member for the Washington County, MD and West Virginia areas has a recommendation for this potential customer: “There are a lot of factors to discuss when considering a fence designed to secure a disabled family member. We can do a needs assessment to make sure we find the best fit for your specific disability. In general, a vinyl privacy fence is a great option. Vinyl fencing is a smooth material that will limit injuries from nails used in the construction of a comparable wood fence. In addition, vinyl gates are easy to use and will provide the best security when installed with locking gate latches.”

I want a fence to prevent trespassers from crossing my yard; what type of fence is best for me?

Alan Haga, who handles the Frederick, Middletown, and Myersville areas says, “I would recommend a 6’ tall vinyl privacy fence. There isn’t much to get a foothold on to allow someone to climb over the fence.”

 

A person could easily hop over the fence I currently have, is there anything I can do to prevent this?

Brody Barger, our sales team member for the Montgomery County area, has a few options in mind for this potential client: “The best solution would be to remove the existing fence install something that has anti-climbing or climbing deterrents. Something typically at least 6’ high and with no middle runners or rails that will act as a step to assist with climbing. Things like the beauty side of wood solid board, vinyl T&G privacy, and ornamental aluminum.

In instances the fence cannot be replaced we do have some limited options for extending it. There is no such thing as a “post stretcher,” but depending on the fence style there are add-on options we can do; deer fence arm extenders or the anti-climb pet bars, but these are not very aesthetic options. They are a band-aid for the actual problem but they are cost effective and provide a good level of function for their price point.”

 

Your real fencing needs matter to us! If you wish to meet with one of our experienced sales representatives, call 301-663-4000 and set up a free consultation today to learn about different residential security fence types!

 

Written by Laura Braden, 5-year Frederick Fence Co. employee

Information and expertise provided by our experienced sales team.

Frederick Fence Company has over 40 years of experience installing fences of all shapes and sizes! We are the fencing contractor you can trust!