Are you confused about whether you want a fence or not? Worried about making a bad decision? For example, questions such as what are the different types of fences available in the market? What do you need to consider before getting a fence? What style will be best suited for your home? What about the durability factor? And most importantly the maintenance aspect of the fence? What if the land is uneven? If it’s the case, what are the Things To Consider Before Fencing On a Slope?

These are the typical questions that most of us wonder about special during our initial property development stages. Like every other person, I too was confused initially at the early stages of my career. The Internet sometimes can be a place of making even more confusion for people who have no clue about fences.

If you are looking for the answer to the above questions, then you have come to the right place. To solve the issue of questions, I set out on a quest to find the answers to the questions.

My journey so far has allowed me to discover a lot about fences. In this article, I will be sharing the answers to the above-mentioned questions along with a number of such discoveries I learnt by experience.

Before anything, let’s confirm what we really mean by a fence.

What is a Fence?

The fence is a type of a structure that surrounds an outdoor area. It is a sort of barrier to protect the property from the outside world. It can be used to surround a house, a yard or fields.

A Fence can be made from different types of material. Traditionally, it was used for guarding purposes. But nowadays, the Fence is added to a property in order to enhance its pleasing factor.

The most common type of Fence is wooden.

Fences in the Cold War

In 1977, in the era of the cold war, The East German authorities put the fences near the tracks, from where the trains of the West Germany passed through the East Germany. This was done in order to keep the potential defectors at bay.

Things to Know Before Getting a Fence

There are some things you need to know before getting a fence. There are some tips and suggestions that can really help you.

1. Purpose – Why you need a fence?

The most important thing in my opinion is to know the purpose. You are building a fence. You need to know beforehand, why do you want a fence? It’s the most basic step before building a fence.

There are many benefits of knowing why you want a fence. That can be whether you want a fence for privacy, added or security, to keep your dog from running around or to even enhancing the outer look of your property.

2. Budget

The above-mentioned step is directly related to this step. As you can only set your budget when you know the type of material you want to use, area and the height of the fence. You need to determine your budget.

Plan beforehand, how much you want to spend on your fence. Most importantly, be consistent with it. Do not overspend. It will defeat the purpose of having a budget in the first place.

3. Do your Homework

Before starting off with your planning, talk to local associations, council and homeowners. Gather information about the convents that dictate the height, material and the looks for the fences.

The rules of the neighborhood and city can help determine the better side to place your fence. Moreover, ask about whether the type of fence you want to build requires a permit.

This video explains the laws on fence height.

4. Research your property line

In this step, you will determine where you want to put your fence. It’s very important that you know that.

You don’t want to put your fence on your neighbour’s property right? Check your property survey and make sure. It contains information about the boundaries of your property.

Don’t panic, if you can’t find your property survey papers go to your county’s record office. At least inquire from your local council, so they can give you one or at least guide you.

5. Maintenance

While selecting the type of the material, be sure to check whether you can actually maintain it (that type of a fence).

For example, having a good old white picket fence may not be for everyone. Not only it can be easily damaged by the water if you live in a damp area but its also difficult to clean. So, try to look for the maintenance aspect when getting the fence.

Here’s a suggestion if you are not high on the maintenance aspect, go for something like vinyl. It’s very easy to clean and maintain.

6. Employ Professionals

Look for the professional fence builder. Sometimes finding the right contractor for the job can be very difficult. So look patiently, until you find the right one. Don’t rush, take quotes from different builders. Then select the one, who you can trust. Tell him about your plans. Ask him about his input. The builder can even guide you about the best possible options and materials.

Having the right builder can make the process a tad bit easier.

Types of Fences Material

There are a variety of different materials available in the market for fencing. Some of the options are given below:

1. Aluminium Fence

It’s one of the most basic types of fences. It looks attractive and enhances the outlook of the property.

The installation cost of the aluminum fence is not much. It doesn’t require much maintenance. It can be painted in any colour.

Drawback

• Not as strong as one may think.
• Doesn’t provide that much security.

2. Wooden Fence

In America, a wooden fence is one of the most popular choices. It provides an element of privacy to the property. It looks very pleasing. Works really well in snowy areas.

It is also known for its durability as the wooden fences can easily last a lifetime.

Drawbacks

• Requires maintenance.
• The installation cost is high.
• A large wooden fence will require more time to install.

3. PVC Fence

They are one of the cheapest fences that is available in the market. In PVC, the picket is replaced by the wood. In order to add stability to the fence, the PVC sleeves go top on the post. It comes in many colors and heights.

Drawback

• It’s not much sturdy.

4. Wrought Iron Fence

The properties that have unique designs of their fences often have wrought iron fence. They are very strong and durable. They look very attractive on the property. They have an option for customization.

Drawbacks

• It can’t be used for security purposes.
• It’s a very expensive option because it’s a customized design.
• Requires constant maintenance. It need to be repainted or sanded every two years.

5. Vinyl Fence

Out of all the options available, this is the most favorite among people. It’s very durable, even more than the wooden fence. It doesn’t require maintenance. Doesn’t need to repaint. Stains can be easily removed. It’s very good for security purposes. It also gives a level of privacy.

Drawbacks

• The initial cost is very high as compared to the other types.

6. Farm Fence

It’s not an option for most of the people. Because of its an option for those who have farms.

The most common type of material used in farm fence is wood.

Drawbacks

• The cost of this type of fencing is very high as you will need a lot of material to cover the farm.
• Only available for farm-owners.

7. Electric Fence

This type of fencing is invisible. It usually used to keep the animals in the property. It’s a durable option.

The installation process consists of a trench dug along the boundary. In order to activate the wire, a transmitter is placed nearby. A battery-powered collar is also placed near, to send the signal to the wire whenever an animal tries to cross the fence.

 

• It’s a very expensive option.
• Requires professionals.

8. Bamboo Fence

It an environment-friendly option and also looks very attractive. Bamboo fencing can grow naturally. It has been slowly getting popularity.

There are three types of bamboo fences available in the market. These are Bamboo cane, live bamboo and rolled bamboo.

Drawbacks

• Only rolled and Bamboo cane is sturdy materials.
• Live bamboo is not suitable for snowy areas.

Now let’s look at the differences in fencing in a slope in comparison to fencing in flat land.

Fencing on a Flat Land

It is fairly simple to install a fence on flat land. It is not a difficult process. You don’t have to take any special measurements of the levels or use any material to fill up the gaps.

Fencing on a slope

This is a tricky process. As mentioned below, their are two types of methods. Either can be used for installing the fence on the slope. It’s a very crucial process.

The measurements have to be taken care beforehand otherwise, you will end up with an uneven slope.

Methods for Installing a Fence On a Slope

There are two different methods for installing the fence on a slope or a hill. They are given below:

1. Stepping method

It one of the two methods to install a fence on a slope.

In this method, the fence remains horizontal, but the post are extended to accommodate. It’s done to accommodate the variance in the grade. The section is attached to the post in order to accommodate the slope of the land.

This type of fencing has a look of stairs. The height of the fence increases as you move up the stairs. With this type of fencing, preassembled panels work best.

You need to keep in mind that some gaps will remain under the fence. To cover these fences, fill it up with some material other your pets can escape through it. Covering of the gaps can also be done for the aesthetic appeal.

2. Raked fence

This is another method for installing a fence on the slope.

In this method, the rails are mounted at an angle so, they are parallel the grade. While the fence is plumbed. Throughout the whole fence the sizes of the gaps are the same. It looks very consistent and uniform. So, their is no chance the pets can escape through it.

There are three types of fences available: private, decorative and semi-private. For this type of fencing, preassembled panels are already available in the market.

Things To Consider Before Fencing On a Slope

1. Method for fencing on a slope

There are two methods used for fencing on a slope or a hill.

First of all, the style of the fence really matters. Stepping is a method that is commonly used. It will level the ground.

2. Planning the step-down

You should measure beforehand the elevation difference and step down of the slope. Measure the step up and the step down of the fence beforehand or else you will end up with a bad looking slope.

Whenever the steps are not measured correctly, it can cause gaps under the fence, uneven gradients or sometimes the post finishes unnecessarily high or low above the ground.

3. Placing of Post

Your post should always be flushed or a bit higher than the highest panel. Otherwise, your panels will not look properly placed.

4. Using of Infill pieces on a slotted slope.

When the stepping panels are fenced, the top becomes visible above each fence that stepped down. Cut a timber in the exact size of the gap. Infill pieces are used in the slotted post to hide the gaps.

5. Levelled Panels

The Panels need to be installed at the same level. It need to be done to keep the tops flat. If the panels are installed at an angle, then the post also needs to be installed at the angle. It will not look even.

6. Gravel boards

Gravel boards are used for stepping purpose. They are used to minimizing the gap underneath the ground. They are necessary for a way that if they are not installed, large gaps will appear underneath ground of the fence. This will directly reduce the life span of the fence.

Conclusion

To sum up all the information, I have come to the conclusion that their are a variety of options to chose from. You don’t need to sacrifice aesthetic appeal for the sake of security and privacy. You don’t even have to worry if your land is not even. With the help of the proper installer, you can work with any situation. The key is to look for the installer, you can work best with. Plan and plan plenty.