If you have children, or plan on having children and are getting ready to install a new fence at your home, there are some things you should consider. Kids are naturally curious and like to wander, so making sure they don’t escape the yard unattended is a big job. Checking an old fence to make sure it’s safe or knowing what to look for in a new fence will help make your yard a safe place to play. Here are a few things to look for when determining if your fence is up to the job.
Clean and Stable
If you have an older fence, you may need to do some maintenance to make sure it’s stable. Check posts and boards to see if any are loose or rotting, and replace any that are damaged. If you have a wooden fence that hasn’t been painted in a few years you should scrape away chipping paint before giving it a fresh coat. Vinyl fences can always use a good wash to get rid of any built up pollen or mildew.
Secure
Making sure your gates and latches work is a vital part of child-proofing your fence. A gate that’s easy for children to open just means trouble. Check your latches and make sure they catch when closed, and have a mechanism that makes it impossible for children to open by themselves. Installing a self-closing hinge or gate spring is a great way to make sure children can’t get out of the yard unsupervised.
Unclimbable
Kids love to climb, that’s just a fact. When installing a new fence, make sure there isn’t anything a child can stand on to reach the top of the fence. A fence of at least four feet tall should work, or you can opt for a taller privacy fence that’s really child safe.
Choose Hercules Fence
Whether you’re looking to fix a single post or an entire length of fence, trust the experts at Hercules Fence. For more information and to learn how we can meet your custom fencing needs, contact Hercules Fence online or give us a call at 800-395-9597. We will ensure your investment serves your family for years to come! For updates and to see projects we’re working on, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+, and Pinterest.