Can You Put Barbed Wire On A Residential Fence?

In the United States, barbed wire fencing is historically used to prevent livestock from wandering away from farms. But, are you wondering if you can use this type of fence for your home? Are there any legal implications? Let’s explore the possibilities by reading more below.

No, you cannot put barbed wire in a residential fence. However, if you would like to fence your home with barbed wire, you need to consider the legal issues on this type of fencing, which includes:

• It is illegal to install barbed wire in urban areas
• You need a good reason to install it in your home
• If allowed, you need to follow the legal requirements
• You need permission from your neighbor

Keep reading to know the legal requirements of using barbed wire for your residential home. Also, find out the benefits and drawbacks of this type of fencing. Finally, get to know how much you will spend to install a barbed wire.

Can You Install Barbed Wire Fence In Your Home?

You can find this type of fencing mostly in rural areas to protect farms from external predators and prevent domestic animals from escaping. It is also found in commercial, and industrial areas.

But, can you use this to protect your home in urban areas? Also, if you live in rural areas, can you use it around your home?

If you prefer this type of fence, there are some legal implications that you will need to consider to help you decide whether to install it or not. The legal issues you need to look into are:

It Is Illegal To Install Barbed Wire In Urban Areas

As you might already know, barbed wire is a metal cable with short sharp wire projections twisted around the cable at regular intervals. It is made from two twisted wires for added strength. It can be hazardous to people and animals and banned in urban areas. 

If you want to install this fence, you need permission from your local authority. 

You Need A Good Reason To Install It In Your Home

As noted above, it is illegal to install barbed wire in residential areas unless with permission. If you find it necessary, you may have to obtain a court order to prove your reasons to protect your property or the people therein.

If Allowed, You Need To Follow The Legal Requirements

If you get permission to go ahead, follow the legal requirements to put up your fence. For example, your local authority may provide a maximum limit to the number of wires you can use, the distance required from the ground, the number of posts to use, and the size of the barbs. 

You Need Permission From Your Neighbor

If you want to install barbed wire on a fence you share with a neighbor, ask for their permission. Share your plans to successfully achieve the purpose for which you need a barbed-wire fence. It's not good to catch your neighbor off-guard.

Factors To Observe Before Installing Your Barbed Wire Fence

Barbed wire is considered durable and one of the most cost-effective methods of fencing. It is simple to install, but you need to follow the instructions to prevent hurting yourself. 

Before you go ahead, there are a few factors that need your consideration if you want to install a stable fence, which includes:

Correct Length

It’s important to get the right length of wire for your fence. As you wrap the wire around posts, you will need to apply enough tension to achieve a firm and stable fence. It is easier to cut out excess wire than trying to add pieces of wire.

Otherwise, if the wire is too short, you might not tighten it enough creating a loose fence with large spaces that people and animals can pass through, yet you aim to have a tight fence.

View this product on Amazon.

Safety

Barbed wire can be dangerous to work with. Hence, it is important to wear your safety gear. Wear goggles to protect your eyes, heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands, and a good pair of sturdy boots to keep you firm on the ground as you work.

You might also have to wear thick clothing to protect yourself against lacerations. An extra pair of hands to help you install is a good idea to minimize accidents. 

Distance Between Posts

Different types of barbed wire require different distances from one post to another. For example, placing strong wire requiring high tension 30 feet apart suffices, while 12 to 15 feet apart is good enough for weaker wires. 

Read the instructions carefully to get the correct distance between posts.

Use Appropriate Material For Posts

Generally, you can attach the barbed wire to metal, wooden, or concrete posts. Any type of post is suitable, as long as you can securely attach the barbed wire to it. The main challenge is ensuring it is tight enough between posts.

A Fi-Shock A-53 wire stretcher like the one above will help you pull the wire tightly as you install it.

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Working From Bottom Upwards

Unless you are installing barbed wire on top of concrete, wooden, chain-link, or any other type of fence, you should work your way from the bottom to the top. 

After installing your posts in the ground, the next step is to fix the wires starting from the bottom and moving upwards.

The Pros And Cons Of Barbed Wire

The main objective of any fence is to provide protection and privacy to a home. Barbed wires are among the easiest fences to install, but are potentially dangerous.

What are the benefits of this type of fencing, and what is the downside?

Advantages Of Barbed Wire

The following are reasons you would want to install this type of fence in your home.

Protection

Protection is by far the most important reason for installing a barbed-wire fence. The intimidating appearance can make an intruder think twice before climbing over and into your property, keeping trespassers and vandals at bay.

In addition, it can keep away unwanted animals. If you live on a farm, it can keep your animals safe within the safety of your farm.

Cost-Effective

One of the ways you can benefit greatly from a barbed wire is that it is affordable compared to other fencing methods. Furthermore, it is easy to install and maintain.

Custom-Made

Depending on your needs, you can request custom-made barbed wire from the manufacturer. For example, you could request wire with barbs of a certain size, a particular diameter, or strength.

Disadvantage Of Barbed Wire

The major drawback of this type of fencing is that it can be dangerous. Whereas it can keep off intruders, it is also a danger to innocent people and children. The barbs in the wire can cause grievous harm by tearing off the flesh.

Cost Of Installing Barbed Wire

For a standard 1,320 foot roll of barbed wire, the cost is between $60 and $100; and $0.03 and $0.08 per linear foot. The price varies according to the brand you choose, the gauge of the wire, length of the wire, among other factors.

A higher gauge is less expensive because it is thinner and lighter than a lower gauge. The price is also dependent on the strength of the wire. The stronger it is, the more expensive it is.

The cost of installing barbed wire is around $1.18 per foot, and the cost per post ranges between $5 and$40.

Even though barbed wire fence is one of the least expensive, you might spend more due to several factors such as the size of the area to be fenced, the type of material on the posts used, and the slope of the land. 

In Closing

Barbed wire is inexpensive and easy to install. While it is popular in rural areas, it is illegal in urban areas unless you get permission from the local authorities.

For you to be granted permission, there are legal requirements you need to meet. And, if you are allowed, there are some factors you need to observe to install your fence successfully. It's also important to note the pros and cons of this type of fencing.

You may want to read our previous post on what to do when your neighbor piles dirt near your fence by clicking here: Neighbor Piling Dirt Against Fence

You are welcome to read another of our previous posts to know the steps to take when your neighbor encroaches on your fence: Neighbor Connected To My Fence Without Permission