As a parent, your top priority is always the safety and well-being of your children. One area that often gets overlooked when it comes to child safety is the fence around your property. A fence can provide a sense of security and privacy, but it can also pose a danger to curious little ones if it isn’t properly child-proofed. In this guide, we’ll go over some tips and tricks for child-proofing your fence and keeping your kids safe.
Fence Material
The first thing to consider when child-proofing your fence is the material it is made of. Different materials have different properties and will require different types of child-proofing measures.
- Colorbond: This popular Australian fence material is made of steel and is known for its durability and low maintenance. It is also a popular choice for child-proofing because it has no gaps or openings that children could squeeze through. If you have a Colorbond fence, you’ll need to focus on the gates and any areas where the fence meets the ground.
- Timber: Timber fences are a popular choice for their natural aesthetic and versatility. However, they can be less durable than other materials and may have gaps or openings that children could slip through. To child-proof a timber fence, you’ll need to fill any gaps with mesh or install a gate with a self-closing mechanism.
- Aluminium: Aluminium fences are known for their strength and low maintenance. They can be a great choice for child-proofing because they have no gaps or openings for children to slip through. However, you’ll still need to focus on the gates and any areas where the fence meets the ground.
Gates
Gates are an important part of any fence and are often the first point of entry for children. To child-proof your gates, you’ll want to make sure they have a self-closing mechanism and a locking mechanism that is out of reach of children.
- Self-closing mechanism: A self-closing mechanism ensures that the gate will close automatically after it is opened, preventing children from wandering into the street or other areas where they might be in danger.
- Locking mechanism: A locking mechanism that is out of reach of children will prevent them from opening the gate and wandering off on their own.
Ground Clearance
Another important aspect of child-proofing your fence is ensuring that there is adequate ground clearance. This will prevent children from crawling under the fence and wandering into areas where they might be in danger. To achieve this, you’ll want to make sure that the fence is at least 150mm above ground level and that there are no gaps or openings that children could squeeze through.
Child-proofing your fence is an important step in keeping your children safe and secure. By considering the material of your fence, the gates, and the ground clearance, you can ensure that your fence is a safe and secure barrier that will protect your children from harm.
If you’re looking for professional fencing services in Ipswich, look no further than Upright Fencing. We specialize in the installation and repair of Colorbond, timber, and aluminium fences. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing high-quality fencing solutions that will stand the test of time. Contact us today for a free estimate and see how we can help you child-proof your fence.
