Deterrence is the first and most important step in protecting your family and property. As a contractor and a father, I believe that every homeowner should invest in privacy fencing made of quality materials and robust hardware.
Now, a privacy fence is going to deliver more than protection from trespassers. It’s also going to reduce noise and wind and add value to your property.
Let’s review the efficacy of privacy fencing with respect to criminal deterrence and explore what to consider regarding maintenance and repairs.
Privacy fences prevent crimes of opportunity.
You may have heard the term “crime of opportunity.” That’s when a crime is committed without advance planning. The perpetrator takes advantage of a situation that presents itself.
If a criminal walks by a house that looks easy to break into—there’s no fence, no dog, and no sign of an alarm system—that house becomes an appealing option.
Homeowners need multiple layers of protection.
It’s great to have a dog and an alarm system. I’d call those your second and third layers of protection. Privacy fencing is the first layer.
Here’s the bottom line: Criminals look for easy opportunities to steal, and nothing says a house isn’t going to be easy like a 7-foot solid-panel cedar privacy fence and padlocked gate.
Protect easy points of entry.
According to an ADT report, 34% of burglaries occur when offenders simply twist the doorknob of their target house and walk inside.
Another 23% access the home through an open first-floor window.
Right there, that’s more than half of all burglaries that would be prevented by a fence — simply because the burglar would never consider that house an option.
Fence repair is critical to criminal deterrence.
What if you already have a privacy fence? Is it in good condition? Homes with compromised, aging, or damaged fencing signal three things to a would-be burglar:
- The fence isn’t really an obstacle.
- The house is uninhabited.
- Other parts of the house are also neglected, like the windows or doorways, so this is a good target for a break-in.
So, make sure you keep your fence in good repair to prevent these kinds of crimes of opportunity.
Regular maintenance extends longevity.
If you’ve got a cedar fence, keep an eye out for wear and damage, but rest assured that you’re not going to be dealing with any significant issues for at least ten years.
For vinyl or metal fences, look for cracks or discoloration. Then, you’ll probably want to bring in an expert for repairs.
Regular maintenance of all fence types keeps them looking good and ensures they last a long time.
Fences of all kinds need to be replaced eventually.
Vinyl fences tend to last a bit longer than wood: You can expect to get over 30 years out of a well-made vinyl fence if it’s properly maintained.
But a wood fence, especially one made from redwood or cedar, can be hardy, too. They should last for over 20 years and often go longer than that before needing to be replaced. Wood fences do require more upkeep than materials like vinyl or chain-link, though.
Privacy fencing improves quality of life.
Safety is the first concern, but privacy fences can also improve your outdoor living experience.
Reduce noise from the road and neighbors.
Privacy fences are sound buffers. The difference in noise from roads and neighbors is really something you have to experience. Think about noise reduction from hedges and trees and double it.
Protect from wind and debris.
It’ll also act as a barrier against strong winds, protecting your home and outdoor living spaces from damage.
We get severe wind here in North Texas. A privacy fence will provide a baseline of protection for valuables and landscaping.
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