February 9, 2009

Wrought Iron Fencing – Beauty And Security In One Package

by: Ben Weissman

Fencing provides many aspects of home décor and safety, doubling as a form of security around the property and a decorative addition to a property. While wooden picket fences have become a dominant form of fencing, using iron fencing for both security and decoration is still a popular method. Why might you opt to use wrought iron fencing to surround your property instead of less expensive materials?

First of all, a fence is constructed for several purposes, but the main thought is security. Your fence should be geared for two security needs: keeping unwanted people and creatures out, and maintaining the safety and security by placing a boundary to keep pets within. Of course, fences have also become a show of pride for many homeowners, built in artistic and architecturally pleasing manners for aesthetics as much as for security. Using wrought iron as a fencing material can make your home quite secure while also adding a particular style to your property.

Wrought iron is more expensive than wood because it is sturdier. Wood can easily be splintered, broken, or simply removed, allowing a trespasser to enter your property. It can also be easily damaged by the weather, pulled down in strong winds and storms. However, with a wrought iron fence, you reduce many of these risks. A wrought iron fence cannot be bent or broken without special tools, and maintaining the slats close together insures that no one can pass through them to enter your property. Often, these fences are topped with decorative spikes that are difficult and even painful to climb over, further enhancing security.

At the same time, you’ll find that using the more expensive wrought iron fencing will increase property value because of the sheer nicety of it. The material is preferred by many because it has a sleek design with cleaner lines. Also, the openings between slats allow the world a view of what is probably a carefully and diligently maintained lawn and garden. Often, you’ll find wrought iron fences surrounding homes of great value and even historical homes, making it feel as though you are entering a world of the past and also allowing a full view of the surrounding grounds for passers-by to ogle.

Another nice thing about the ability to see through the wrought iron fence is that you can identify individuals trying to gain entrance to your property without any video cameras or expensive security and surveillance equipment. Always know who is at your gate before you decide to open it.

As far as a fence goes, wrought iron will also provide a sturdier gate, better locking ability, and an overall safer feeling of being within the walls of a secure castle complex. While not impenetrable, wrought iron is much more difficult to penetrate than a wooden fence, leading to greater safety and a reassured feeling that you need not worry when you go to sleep at night. With a wrought iron fence, you can guarantee both beauty and security that will leave you comfortable and content with your choice of materials.