A fence is a person or place that receives stolen goods for resale. Harborers, inns, and teahouses often functioned as fences by receiving goods from their criminal guests and selling them to others.
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A fence marks the boundary between your property and the outside world. It wards off the local wildlife, such as squirrels and rabbits, from your flower garden, and keeps your neighbor’s dogs from pooping in your yard. It also wards off much more dangerous enemies, such as wolves and other predators. The fence is a very important structure in the world of home and business security, and it has been around for millions of years.
Early fences were utilitarian in nature, protecting crops from wild animals and keeping robbers away from the area. They became more significant with the development of sedentary agriculture. As people began to stay in one place, they needed to block off areas of land so that other people couldn’t steal their livestock or contaminate the crops with theirs. Fences helped to mark these boundaries and provide a sense of ownership to these new agricultural communities.
While fences are often seen as a sign of civilization, they may have also played a role in the maintenance of social hierarchies. Because a fence is a physical barrier that requires a credential to access, it can be used to control who enters a specific area or region. This can be used to limit access to goods or services for a particular class of person, or it can be used as a way to ensure that certain individuals are excluded from a specific activity.
In modern times, fencing is a sport that has been played for centuries. Its roots are in ancient civilizations where swordsmanship was often used for both dueling and combat. It was the Greeks, however, who developed the first fencing schools and created a variety of different styles of swordsmanship that are still practiced today. Fencing is a sport of precision and speed, and it uses metal foils as its weapon of choice.
In the 19th century, a gentleman named M. Bertrand made a great contribution to the sport of fencing by introducing electronic scoring for the first time. His device was quite complicated and weighed over 20 pounds, but it allowed for a more accurate scoring system to be implemented. Although this new technology was met with skepticism by the French, it eventually gained acceptance within the sport.
Functions
In the Middle Ages, fences began to be used for defensive purposes, with castles and fortresses being surrounded by imposing stone walls. These were not only a physical barrier but also a psychological one, intimidating invaders by their size and strength. Later, new materials like iron and steel made possible the construction of taller fences that were even more effective as barriers.
Fences serve several other functions, both legal and illegal. For example, thieves often sell stolen goods through fences. This is because fences can act as go-betweens and help them avoid being caught by police, who may be suspicious if the thief sells directly to the buyer. Additionally, fences can often disassemble items and sell them individually, which is less risky for a thief than selling the entire good.
In addition to being a deterrent against theft and vandalism, fences provide privacy. They can keep out prying eyes and intruders, which can be a relief for those with children or pets. A fence can also protect a home from wind and rain, as well as help prevent soil erosion.
A fence can also enhance the appearance of a home. Many styles are available, from classic wooden fences that exude charm and warmth to modern metal ones that convey a sleek and contemporary look. They can also add to the value of a property by making it more attractive to prospective buyers.
In public spaces, fencing is used to control crowds and establish designated areas. For example, a temporary fence can be used to separate spectators from performers during a concert or event. In commercial and industrial settings, fencing can help protect equipment and materials from unauthorized people. This can be particularly important for large construction projects and other projects that require extensive amounts of equipment.
Finally, a fence can serve as a visual marker to distinguish different areas or properties. This can help to prevent property disputes or confusion about where one area ends and another begins. It can also help to keep stray animals and other pets away from private properties.
Materials
From wrought iron fences to wooden pickets, there are a variety of materials used in the construction of fencing. Some homeowners choose to use chain-link fences, which are often preferred for their security and affordability, while others may opt for aluminum, composite or vinyl styles to suit their aesthetic preferences. Masonry fences, which feature brick or stone, are another popular option. Regardless of the material, each type has its own advantages and drawbacks to consider when choosing fencing for your home or business.
Wood is a popular choice for residential fencing, offering privacy and an attractive natural appearance. Some wood fences are treated with chemicals or pressure-treated to increase longevity, which also reduces maintenance needs. If you’re choosing wood, look for planks with few knots and a tight grain to reduce warping. You should also seal or paint the planks to protect them from moisture and insects.
Unlike other types of fences, aluminum is highly durable and resists mold and rot. It’s also resistant to corrosion and can be painted in any color you want. Many people choose to install this type of fencing around swimming pools and other water features, as well as property boundaries. Aluminum is also affordable, making it an excellent option for homeowners or businesses on a budget.
Another alternative to wood or vinyl is composite fencing, which combines the durability of wood with the beauty of plastic. This fencing is weather and insect-resistant, making it a great choice for pool enclosures and other outdoor spaces. It is also less expensive than traditional wood fencing and offers an attractive, low-maintenance appearance.
Many fencing contractors can provide advice on which type of material will best suit your home or business. They can also recommend options to keep your fence safe and secure, such as post caps and finials. They may even suggest concrete to help secure the posts in the ground and reduce any chances of them falling over or becoming damaged.
Depending on the location of your home or business, you may need to consult local zoning laws to determine whether or not a fence is permitted. You may also need to check with your neighborhood association or homeowner’s association to find out if there are any restrictions on the style or height of your fence. In some cases, you may need to hire a professional to survey the site and complete any necessary paperwork before installing your fence.
Installation
Before you begin to build your fence, make sure that you have a plan in place. This will help you to avoid making costly mistakes during the installation process. In addition, it will help you to determine the size of the supplies that you need. You should also take into account any special requirements that may be required for your project. For example, if your fence requires gate posts, you will need to consider the size of these as well.
Once you have a plan in place, it is time to begin marking where the fence post holes will be located. The first step is to mark the corners with stakes. These are the spots where your fence panels will meet at a 90-degree angle. Once the corner posts are marked, you can begin line posting. Line posting is the process of marking every spot where a fence panel will be placed on your property. These markers will be spaced in intervals that are the same as the length of one fence panel.
If you are using wood posts, be sure to apply a preservative before beginning the installation process. This will help to ensure that your fence is rot-resistant and will last a long time. You can use copper naphthenate or another wood preservative to treat your posts, just be sure to follow the directions carefully.
Before digging any hole, it is important to have a service provider come out and locate any underground utilities that are in your area. This will help you to avoid damaging any pipes or cables that are located underground, and it will also ensure your safety. It is important to call this service far enough in advance of your project so that you can make the necessary arrangements.
Once the hole is dug, it is important to seat each fence post correctly. To do this, you will need to use a level or bubble level to ensure that the post is plumb. Once the post is seated, you can pour the concrete and then tamp it down to remove any air pockets. Once the concrete is set, you can finish the installation by installing the fence panels.
