Fences & Gates

A house’s gate is usually the first part of the house that is noticed by a visitor, and the gates typically frame the entrance to a house and property. Along with edge definitions that the gates frame, such as walls, fences, and hedges, a well designed frame gives the impression that the house is correctly positioned and located on the property. Poor design can make a house appear as if it is embarrassed to be on the property.

Driveway gates

In general, the main gates to a property should not be overly decorative. The main gates should be in the same general size and proportion to the house that the driveway serves. Large gates serving a small house and property can make the house and property appear small and out of proportion to the main entrance.

Different materials and types of gates can be used, depending on the age and style of the house, as well as the other boundaries, fences, and gates surrounding the property. Gates that provide privacy to the property can be used, and a variety of fencing and materials can achieve this as well.

If the gates are automated, discuss how the system responds to obstacles with the installer. This is something it is required by law to do.

Garden and side gates

Side gates are part of the front of the house and should not be an afterthought. Make side gates level to the front of the house rather than in the middle of the side of the house. Side gates should be at least as tall as the fence on either side. Side gates should be locked from both the top and bottom from the inside.

Side gates should be the same material as the fence. Brace wooden gates or they will sag.

Materials

Wooden and steel gates are about the same price. Powder coated steel gates will not sag and are vandal resistant. For a modern house, a powder coated gate with match a modern house. For a house from the Victorian and Edwardian periods a lower timber gate will be more appropriate. Look at the house first before determining the material.

This article will examine the various types of fencing and cover issues related to fencing including color, height and planning.

Fencing at the back of the house is addressed separately from front fencing, and for good reason. For back fencing in the UK, closeboard fencing is a good choice. Overlap fencing is less expensive, but has a tendency to blow over in the wind. For windy locations, a slatted or hit and miss fence will let the wind blow through.

Different colors will effect how small the yard appears to be. A fence colored charcoal or a deep green will appear small and large behind it. An orange-brown fence will appear large.

permitted Development

Fences, walls and gates in the back of a house can be of any height up to 2 meters. A fence, wall or gate in the front of a house can not be over 1 meter. Trellis on the top of a fence will count toward the height of the fence. Listed buildings, and buildings in a conservation area will also have restrictions. Check with your local planning department.

Who is responsible for the fence?

No left or right rule applies here. The parties involved need to obtain the title deed and plan from the Land Registry for approximately 7 pounds Sterling each to identify boundaries and fences. Traditionally, a “T” mark indicated that a party is responsible for a fence and a “H” mark indicated that the fence is to be shared. A wooden fence can be improved by planting a hedge of your choice adjacent to it. The rapid growth of hedges afford a good visual screen and good natural habitat. It is an offense to destroy bird’s nests and if eggs are in the nest at the time of destruction, it may also be considered an offense. As a general rule, to avoid destroying bird’s nests, most people refrain from hedge trimming from March to August.