A Short Guide to Residential Fences
Before you install a fence at your home, consider this guide on residential fences from Citywide.
In this blog, we’ll go over what you need to know before you purchase materials for your new fence or hire a company to install one for you. Let’s get started:
1. What You Need to Know About Residential Fences
2. Common Pros & Cons of Fence Materials
3. Types of Residential Fences
If you have any questions when it comes to fencing, contact us directly.
Before you begin your fence project, learn what you need to know about residential fences.
A Helpful Guideline For Residential Fences
1. What You Need to Know About Residential Fences
Before you erect a fence in your yard, we want you to know some essential information. For example, you’ll need to comply with your city’s bylaws and apply for applicable permits.
There are 4 essential factors to consider when thinking about adding a fence at home: Bylaws, Cost-Sharing, Height Limits, and Pool Requirements.
Bylaws For Fencing
It is important to know that municipalities in Ontario have a set of bylaws that you must abide by before constructing a fence. If you are going to erect a fence or have one installed, you must be sure that you comply with local bylaws. For example, in Kitchener, you cannot erect a fence that obstructs the traffic of pedestrians or vehicles or limits their visibility. There are also height limitations which we will get into below.
Cost-Sharing
When you share property borders with a neighbour, it makes sense to consider sharing the cost of your fencing with them. Just be sure you know your property boundaries so you can avoid any unexpected disputes. Also, you might want to read up on the Line Fences Act of Ontario so you know what to expect - just in case there are any disputes you need help resolving.
Height Limits
In Kitchener, there are limits to the height of a fence, and it is particular to the type of lot you have: an interior lot or a corner lot. Here is what you need to know:
Fences On Interior Lots
Fences in your front yard may not exceed a height of 3 feet
Fences in your back yard or interior side yard may not exceed a height of 8 feet
Your fence cannot block a parking space unless constructed with a gate to specific measurements
Fences On Corner Lots
Fences in your front yard may not exceed a height of 3 feet
Fences in your interior side yard may not exceed a height of 8 feet
Fences in your exterior side yard or back yard may not exceed a height of 6 feet or 8 feet depending on the distance from the exterior side lot line (see specifications here in Article 5 of the Kitchener Fence Bylaw)
Note: In a corner visibility triangle or driveway visibility triangle, the fence shall not exceed 3 feet
Pool Requirements
While we do envy you if you have a pool in your backyard, there are a lot of safety concerns to be mindful of. Be sure you’ve made your backyard oasis a safe space.
If you have a pool (in-ground, above-ground or temporary pool) that can hold 36 inches of water or more in your backyard, it must be enclosed with a fence that is a minimum of 5 feet high. And remember to apply for an enclosure permit.
Also, pool owners are required to keep a lock on gates or doorways to their pool and must keep the gate/doorway locked unless there is an adult supervising the pool. Sadly, we hear of accidental drownings far too often, so do your part to keep yourself and others safe.
Did you know that you can have a fence made from a combination of materials?
2. Common Pros & Cons of Fence Materials
In this section, we’ll review some pros and cons of the most typical fencing materials including:
Chain-link
Metal
Vinyl
Wood
Let’s take a look at them.
Chain-Link Fencing
Pros
Economical - This is probably the most economical choice you can make. Learn about pricing here.
Low Maintenance - If properly treated with a galvanized, aluminized or vinyl coating, your chain-link fence will not require a lot of maintenance.
Visibility - Having a chain-link fence helps you meet visibility requirements. If you have small children or pets or at-risk people in your care, it is important to be able to see them when they are spending time outdoors
Cons
Privacy - Of course, with visibility comes less privacy.
Rust - Unless it is properly treated, your chain link fence will begin to rust
Style - This type of fencing is not as attractive as the other options available, but it will get the job done.
Metal Fencing
Pros
Strength - Metal is one of the stronger materials for fencing and it resists decay.
Style - Metal fences are usually more ornamental and look very attractive
Versatility - Metal fences are a great option for both residential and commercial properties
Cons
Costly - Metal fencing is generally a more costly material to work with
Professional Installation Required - Because of the weight of metal fencing, you’ll need professionals to install your fence. It is a safety measure.
Rust - If you have a steel fence, you’ll need it properly treated or else you’ll have to deal with rust
Vinyl Fencing
Pros
Durability - Vinyl fences are able to withstand some weathering
Low Maintainance - all you need to do is an occasional pressure-wash
Style - When installed properly, residential fences made from vinyl look attractive and can be enhanced with accessories like latticework.
Cons
Costly - While you might not expect it, vinyl fencing can be more costly than other fencing materials
Professional Installation Required - as we mentioned above, you’ll want to be sure your vinyl fence is installed properly. Otherwise, mistakes will be noticeable.
Weathering - While vinyl fencing is pretty durable, it may not withstand high winds and extreme weather; the thicker the vinyl the better is durability
Wood Fencing
Pros
Style - Wood fencing is very attractive and provides a natural look that suits the outdoors. You can even stain or paint wood to tailor it to your own liking
Value - Treated wood is generally less expensive than metal or vinyl fencing and you’ll get good value for your money
Versatility - Wood is a great option for residential fences because of its versatility. It can offer some visibility or privacy. It is a popular material for privacy fences and you can add latticework as you see above.
Cons
Durability - Although it will last a relatively long time, wood will eventually rot or warp and will need to be replaced. That being said, wood fences will last an average of 15 years or more with proper maintenance.
High Maintenance - In order to keep your fence in good shape and keep it looking attractive, you’ll need to treat it or stain it. You might even have to deal with pests depending on where you live.
Privacy fences like this are becoming more and more popular.
3. Types of Residential Fences
Wondering what kind of fence you might like to have installed? Here are some options and trends to consider:
Horizontal Fencing
Ornamental Fences
Accent Fencing
Let’s look at some examples and reasons why these are trending types of fences.
Horizontal Fencing
If you compare to vertically aligned panel fences or iron fences, fences with wood boards (like board and batten fences) or vinyl planks that run horizontally appear softer and more welcoming. They run along the same line as the horizon.
More and more it seems that homeowners are concerned about safety. When installed as board-on-board fencing, this type of horizontal fencing is also popular because of the privacy it provides.
Ornamental Fencing
As you can see above, ornamental fencing is a popular addition to any fence in the form of borders and decoration. In this image, a homeowner has added a fence around their deck to provide some privacy and more aesthetic appeal.
Accent Fencing
Like ornamental fencing, you could opt to choose accent fencing. You could add 1 or 2 panels of laser-cut metal to create your own unique design. Combine these artistic panels with wood fencing, vinyl fencing or metal fencing to continue the metal look.
By the way, if you’re outdoor space is lush and green or adorned with beautiful flower beds, a black metal fence acts as a border or background to really make your property stand out visually.
Fences From Citywide
Citywide provides customers with both residential fences and commercial fences. With us, you’ll discover:
Expert planning & design services
Well-crafted & high-quality fencing products
Professional installation you can count on
Budget-friendly options
And a free, no-obligation quote!
We look forward to serving our Kitchener clients and those in the surrounding areas! Let us help you transform your property and provide you with the privacy you need.
View our portfolio or contact us today to get started with your fence project.
“Citywide Property Maintenance completed a back yard makeover, consisting of a new deck and fence as well as levelling out the entire yard to fill in the area where an old swimming pool had recently been removed. They were more than patient with me making many revisions during the design and planning stage and even after the work began. All of their staff were very polite and courteous while on site and I was greatly impressed when they even worked over a holiday weekend to get the job completed in a timely manner. It is a great feeling to have a useable back yard again. I am very happy with the finished product and would not hesitate to recommend this company to any of my family and friends.”