When you think about basic property security, the image of barbed wire fences come to mind. They are intuitive defences against would-be intruders and thieves. As such, barbed wire fences are popular options for increasing the protection and demarcation of properties.
Local residents anxious about potential break-ins and property security often look towards the option of installing barbed wire fences. However, adding a barbed wire to your residential property isn’t a simple one-step process. For example, permits are often needed to install barbed wire fences as they are understandably a potential risk.
Considering barbed wire fences for your home
Barbed wire is a type of steel fencing wire that is made with sharp edges or points arranged at intervals. Barbed wires are often used to make inexpensive fences or installed on top of walls to add another level of security to a property.
There are different types of barbed wire, specifically high tensile wire and Iowa barbed wire. High tensile wire is recommended for use when wider post spacing is used, as this type of barbed wire can remain taut through the distance. High tensile barbed wire also works well with other high tensile wires. Moreover, because it is continuous and contains no joints, the risk of injury when straining is reduced. On the other hand, Iowa barbed wire works better with netting fences. However, this type can be at risk from grass fires.
Advantages of using barbed wire fences
Barbed wire fences offer different benefits. The first and most important is added security.
The main appeal of installing barbed wire is added protection or security against potential intruders or pests. Any person or animal trying to pass through or over barbed wire will experience intense discomfort and even injury. The regular points and sharp edges ensure that there will always be contact. Movement against barbed wire can result to moderate to severe injuries to the skin and even damage the underlying tissue.
Secondly, barbed wire fences are easy to stall compared to more complicated and heavier fencing systems.
A barbed wire fence is one of the simplest and quickest to construct. At its simplest, a barbed wire fence only requires fence posts, wires, and fixing devices (staples, for example).
The most difficult and also most critical part of constructing a barbed wire fence is establishing the corner post and the bracing assembly. There are several ways you can anchor the barbed wire to a corner post:
- Hand-knotting (most common)
- Crimp sleeves (works well for repairs in the middle of the fence, but is inadvisable for wrapping the wire around the corner post)
- Wire vise
- Wire wrap
However, since barbed wires are meant to pose a risk against people or animals, it is best to install this type of security fencing with a professional.
Potential restrictions and other important considerations
Because barbed wire fences pose a risk to both humans and animals, the need for added security has to be weighed against any potential danger to unassuming animals, and children or adolescents. Different states impose different restrictions on the construction of barbed wire fences.
For example, in Newcastle, fences in residential areas cannot include barbed or razor wire. For added security, different measures or gating systems should be used instead.
In Melbourne, on the other hand, a permit is needed to install barbed wire atop fences or walls that are facing a residential street.
For non-residential uses, barbed wire installation needs to follow certain regulations as well. In most cases, there should be a minimum three-tenths (0.3) opacity buffer yard between the fence and any street or residential use.
Wondering how to get a barbed wire fence installed in your property? For safe and efficient installation, reach out to a fencing specialist today.