Installing Ornamental Iron Fences: 3 Practical Design Features To Consider

Did you know that approximately 2,000,000 homes get broken into each year according to the FBI? Prevent your home from being a target by installing fencing around the perimeter. The fences make it much harder for criminals to trespass and will discourage them from even trying. The fences that you install do not necessarily have to look plain and boring. Ornamental iron fences are not only great at deterring crime, but also add pleasing aesthetics to your property, which can raise its market value. With the many different designs and styles available, consider the practicality of the following 3 design features.

Spacing of the Posts Versus Privacy

Instead of relying on a panel, ornamental iron fences incorporate posts and different design elements into their schematics. One of the first things that you should consider when installing ornamental iron fences is how far apart you would like the posts to be from one another. If the posts are spaced too far apart, it makes it easy for burglars or even wildlife to squeeze their way onto your property; however, if they are spaced too closely, the posts will obstruct your view of what's on the other side of the fence.

You also need to consider whether you have any small pets or young children. The posts of the ornamental iron fences must be spaced closely enough to keep them in and away from trouble. Some homeowners may vary the thickness of the posts to get more visibility of what's on the other side of the fence.

Intricacy of the Design Versus Practicality

One of the main benefits of having ornamental iron fences is your ability to add unique designs and patterns into the overall structure of the fences. For example, many high-end luxury homes will incorporate swirls into the pattern. While elaborate and intricate designs will help your ornamental iron fences stand out from your neighbors', it's important to note that these fences may be a lot more difficult to clean and maintain. It's easy for dirt and dust to get stuck in the crevices and the nooks and crannies.

Iron will rust when it comes into prolonged contact with water. If you want to avoid hassle, avoid designs that have crevices where water droplets can pool; otherwise, you might find yourself having to clean and recoat your ornamental iron fences with protective finishes regularly. This can become time consuming and costly. On the other hand, if aesthetics is your primary concern, elaborate and intricate designs tend to look more elegant and sophisticated.

Top of the Post Caps Versus Safety

The post caps of ornamental iron fences can be easily customized. You can choose to get caps that are rounded or pointed, or you can choose among many other shapes. While pointed caps can prevent intruders from climbing over your fence, they can also become safety hazards. It's easy for someone to accidentally cut themselves or even impale themselves on pointed caps.

Keep in mind that you can be held responsible and liable for any injuries that happen on your property. In addition, it's important to be even more cautious if you tend to have some overly active or curious children around. It's not unusual for children to try to jump over the fences of their own home. If they slip, they can easily get seriously injured.

Conclusion

While ornamental iron fences come in many unique designs and patterns that can improve the overall aesthetics of your home, overly elaborate and intricate designs and patterns may not necessarily be practical. You also need to consider the architectural styling of your home as well when choosing a pattern or design. Contact a company like F & W Fence Company, Inc. for additional information.