topic Re: Privacy Fences in Home

Privacy Fences

rms1954 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:36:41 GMT

Any one have any experience on fences. We have neighbors in our back yard. There are two houses; one further away and one next to it where three daughters reside and it appears there's a young man living there also. This house belonged to a relative who was a horrible man. He used to dump weeds and glass clippings over a fence they had installed which we found out is on our property. That's a whole other story I'm not going to get into.

I am looking for some information on how these high fences, not a , but the wood or molded ones, and if they really act as a found barrier and keeping out smoke from their fire pit. I have respiratory issues and my husband had heart surgery recently. They left the pit smoldering all night. I had to close up the entire house because it smelled. My husband reported it to the Fire Dept and now the mother is mad. They purposely ripped cardboard in their recycle bin and burned it last night. It was billowing black smoke. I just fixed up our backyard with flowers and a small patio with a bench and a small water fountain so I could sit outside and enjoy. Now, I can't even go outside unless I want to hear filthy language, music, and inhale smoke.

Re: Privacy Fences

suziebee1 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:40:12 GMT

I would call your township and ask them how high you can put a stockade fence. I would put it in to the limit - if they say 10 feet, put that sucker in at 10 ft.

Re: Privacy Fences

Mz iMac — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:55:54 GMT

@rms1954 "Now, I can't even go outside unless I want to hear filthy language, music, and inhale smoke."

I don't know any fence that is sound proof and stops smoke from coming onto someone else's property.

The only thing I can suggest is to put your $$$ in an enclosed screened/windowed porch.

Play your music to drown out theirs.

When your neighbors use their fire pit, you can takae advantage of your patio windows as well. Either way, you can still enjoy the beauty of your flower garden.

Re: Privacy Fences

FiddleDeeDee — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 17:59:11 GMT

@rms1954

1) No fence is going to work to keep out the smoke that can trigger respiratory issues. I am an asthmatic and know this first hand as well as all information provided to me by my pulmonologist and literature one can find on the web.

2) Laws regarding burning items on private property vary WIDELY. It usually falls under the Fire Marshall's jurisdiction and that can cause issue of having anything done depending on the politics in your town.

You'll have to educate yourself in ANY and ALL there is regarding the law and health issues if you want to stop what is happening. 99% of the time, you'll have to move. Not kidding. I've been told this so many times it's automatic when I'm asked the question in my community.

The privacy fence will help mark your boundary and keep their junk out of your yard. If you're buying it for the purpose of the smoke, don't spend the money.

Re: Privacy Fences

Kachina624 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 18:00:17 GMT

In places where I've lived, 6ft has been the maximum height for fences and this is set by city ordinance. Call you city's code division. Of course a fence won't keep smoke out anymore than it would keep air or the wind out. I think I'd be bugging the fire department everytime they light up unless that's acceptable in your community.

Have you considered moving?

Re: Privacy Fences

Lali1 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 18:04:31 GMT

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this.
i can't imagine not having a fence between me and my neighbors. A fence may help some but it won't help with the smoke obviously. You'd have to put a huge fan up blowing their smoke back at them lol

Re: Privacy Fences

Meowingkitty — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 18:10:40 GMT

I live in Arizona and every house built has a 6' fence around it. Wouldn't have it any other way. There are some older areas (pre 1970) that still don't have fences. Those are in Sun City where people don't mind seeing their neighbors I guess.

Re: Privacy Fences

Sooner — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 18:11:48 GMT

I know 8 ft. fences are the norm where we live. I know there are also some 10 ft. brick or rock ones.

If you have no regulations against burning, you need to move where there are if you can. If not, get good filters for your HVAC and see if you can live with that.

No fence keeps out smoke. No fence is sound proof, although brick and rock ones are somewhat helpful.

I am so sorry for you. Bad neighbors are a terrible thing. We have been there. That is a huge reason we moved.

Re: Privacy Fences

Sheila P-Burg — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 18:21:31 GMT

@rms1954 ....... There is another thread related to fences where several encountered problems due to not having a recent property survey. Before putting up a fence please make sure you have the property surveyed by a Professional Land Surveyor. If you install a fence make sure it is built OFF the property line.

Instead of putting up a fence I liked the suggestion of having your patio enclosed. I did this on one of my previous houses and really enjoyed it. We installed a ventless gas log fireplace so we could use it year round but you could also use one of the electric fireplaces QVC sells. It may cost a little more than a fence but it would be less maintenance, less worry, and usable year round round.

Note: My patio was all glass enclosed. You might prefer that over screened.

Re: Privacy Fences

Still Raining — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 18:23:48 GMT

No fence will block smoke. You may want one for other reasons. Just check the regulations before you spend the money.

If you are in a burning restricted/high fire danger area be aware what can be reported.

Other that, you just have to deal.

Re: Privacy Fences

Dinaki — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 20:10:19 GMT

@rms1954 I too have a neighbour here and he constantly burn woods or whatever else. It smells a lot, the smoke comes though my windows.

The last time, I telephoned 911 and a fire car stopped by here. I talked to the driver that the smoke really smells very bad. He did go and talk to the my neighbour and made him, with water stop the fire/smoke.

Now, that country person spits when he sees me.

As a foreigner in this country, I dont know very well my rights. Few days ago, his wife saw me at my post box and she says to me with a very bad language...when you...are going back your ...country to where you come from... We are in America here and we dont like...foreigners.

Re: Privacy Fences

rms1954 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 20:24:55 GMT

@Dinaki wrote:
@rms1954 I too have a neighbour here and he constantly burn woods or whatever else. It smells a lot, the smoke comes though my windows.
The last time, I telephoned 911 and a fire car stopped by here. I talked to the driver that the smoke really smells very bad. He did go and talk to the my neighbour and made him, with water stop the fire/smoke.

Now, that country person spits when he sees me.
As a foreigner in this country, I dont know very well my rights. Few days ago, his wife saw me at my post box and she says to me with a very bad language...when you...are going back your ...country to where you come from... We are in America here and we dont like...foreigners.

I'm so sorry they said that. The young guy that lives in that house had some kind of air gun and was walking around with it like he was goind to shoot something. He glared at my husband. That's another reason I'm afraid to go out in my yard. It's awful when you pay taxes and report things to the police or fire dept and you get retaliation from the people you report. This is a small town and I've lived in this city all my life in a different area though. But it's a tight-knit community and it's all about who you know.

Re: Privacy Fences

rms1954 — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 20:51:55 GMT

@Sheila P-Burg wrote:

@rms1954 ....... There is another thread related to fences where several encountered problems due to not having a recent property survey. Before putting up a fence please make sure you have the property surveyed by a Professional Land Surveyor. If you install a fence make sure it is built OFF the property line.

Instead of putting up a fence I liked the suggestion of having your patio enclosed. I did this on one of my previous houses and really enjoyed it. We installed a ventless gas log fireplace so we could use it year round but you could also use one of the electric fireplaces QVC sells. It may cost a little more than a fence but it would be less maintenance, less worry, and usable year round round.

Note: My patio was all glass enclosed. You might prefer that over screened.

I'm aware of the regulations for fences. The chain-link fence in place is already on our property and they won't take it down and move it. My husband asked and they refuse.

@Sheila P-Burg wrote:

@rms1954 ....... There is another thread related to fences where several encountered problems due to not having a recent property survey. Before putting up a fence please make sure you have the property surveyed by a Professional Land Surveyor. If you install a fence make sure it is built OFF the property line.

Instead of putting up a fence I liked the suggestion of having your patio enclosed. I did this on one of my previous houses and really enjoyed it. We installed a ventless gas log fireplace so we could use it year round but you could also use one of the electric fireplaces QVC sells. It may cost a little more than a fence but it would be less maintenance, less worry, and usable year round round.

Note: My patio was all glass enclosed. You might prefer that over screened.

The chain-link fence is already on our property and should never have been put it where it is. My husband requested they remove it because our city code says fences should be six inches away from a property line. We are aware of the codes. The relative that put the fence in used to be the city assessor. We get no help from the officials.

Re: Privacy Fences

1Snickers — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 01:48:04 GMT

@rms1954 I'm VA 6' is the limit. I put a privacy fence by my driveway to cover an ugly fence and weeds my neighbor has. It won't stop smoke.

Then a new neighbor moved on the other side.,

He let's his ditch fill with leaves to come on mine when it rains. So I put wire up to stop them!

He built a treehouse, painted red, fort with swing, another house then just finished a detached roof over the patio. All can be seen from every room on the back of my house rather than woods. It's a ghetto!

He lights fires under the treehouse nightly and the smoke blows in my yard. He left one burning and I reported him. They said it's a legal fire pit even though it's illegal to burn debris which he does.
Now he's Put posts with wire all around plantings because deer eat them. Today he took chalk and marked his property line on both sides. 😡🤯

Re: Privacy Fences

rms1954 — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 02:12:48 GMT

@1Snickers I don't know what motivates people to do these things. I just want to live peacefully. I bother no one. Tonight the father came home and first thing he did was start scrounging for anything he could find to burn. He went in the house and came out with a paper bag full of McDonalds trash and burned it. Then he gave a big wave. Then he took some six packs of drinks and put them in the cooler and burned the cardboard. Then she, his wife, came home and threw styrofoam take out containers on it. My husband was having a fit. I am stressed as it is and when he gets going it just adds fuel to the fire (no pun intended). I told him under no condition should he call the FD or police, they are useless. They are just egging him on. I told him to go to the NYS Dept of Encon and talk to them; they have a hot line and a tip line. Burning styrofoam is absolutely against state policy and burning trash is considered open burning and is against policy. So I finally got him calmed down. He was against the fence but I let it sink in and I think he's at least looking into it now. He never likes taking any of my ideas. The minute I suggest something I get a negative response. I told him not to give in to their game as it will give them more control.

I just want some peace in my life.

Re: Privacy Fences

jeanlake — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 03:49:59 GMT

If they know you're watching, they'll keep performing and waving. They sound like crummy people. I like the idea of an enclosed porch. Even if small, it can be private and enjoyable. Good luck.

Re: Privacy Fences

RedLipstick — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 07:24:50 GMT

I know exactly what you mean. We have lived in our home for 47 years. All the neighbors were friendly and felt like home from the beginning. A few chose not to deal with neighbors but not many.

Well now times have changes some and not in a friendly way either. Yes, burning garbage in their fireplaces and using language you wouldn't want to hear even with children in place. Drinking and then louder voices. Just awful for when we could be outside enjoying a cool evening. I told the landlord if he was aware of this going on. He said things will change but does not want to have a confrontation with them. Things are somewhat better but they did start mowing the lawn just as we were preparing to eat out on the patio and finished as we were ending our meal. Yes, we could have gone inside but why? They knew very well we had company and etc.

The new neighbor to one side of us put up a fence about 7 feet tall right up against our fence without telling us and it is the ugliest thing half painted and half ? Neighbors have asked what is going on. I only respond "I don't know". I wish for my former neighbors to return.

I know there are people who do not want to communicate on a daily basis but when you are 2 feet apart and they just walk by with out a "Hello" is plain rude and inconsiderate. Or poor upbringing, or that's the way the world is today.

Hope that everyone who has issues with their neighbors that it subsides.

Re: Privacy Fences

1Snickers — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 14:37:46 GMT

@rms1954 You are right about styrofoam and cardboard and going to other Departments. I too have allergies and never open windows. I've taken photos of smoke and will keep reporting it when it's bad.
My husband was the same way as yours and when a former neighbor wanted to put wire on ours for the deer he told him okay. I was a paralegal then and told the neighbor NO. It can be considered adverse possession and he could claim my property after a certain number of years.
This morning I walked the dog past my neighbor's where he's planted many small delicious shrubs and put chicken wire around them. There's a wooden stake with double cord wire around his front. Four deer were inside his "fence" munching on the shrubbery! LOL! I just smiled!

I don't understand why someone would have a beautiful wooded lot that's fenced in the back and then plant all the bushes and paths between them. Then attempt to keep deer out where his circular driveway is.
I told them several times there's a deer trail across our lots to the lake and pond. And, maybe a real taller fence would help.
I transplanted bamboo on mine to hide his huge tree house and fort that was all wooded.

I hope you find a solution. Keep well!

Re: Privacy Fences

deb5555 — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 01:40:11 GMT

I would call around and get 3 estimates for privacy fences and go from there, good luck with your decision. The sales person can bring out a book for you to look thru and decide. Fences make good neighbors!

Re: Privacy Fences

Mominohio — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 23:16:48 GMT

This reminds me of why I stay in the country. We have our issues here, you'd have to buy hundreds or thousands of acres to really get away from everyone, but at least we are further from our problems.

I grew up in town and spent a lot of my adult life in close neighborhoods. It's just that people have no respect for their neighbors anymore. When I was growing up, people would take into account things others around them needed.

The older I get, the less I really care for people in general.