Privacy Fences

rms1954 · ‎06-06-2019

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.

suziebee1 · ‎12-28-2015

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.

Mz iMac · ‎07-26-2014

@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.

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."

FiddleDeeDee · ‎03-06-2020

@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.

*Four Seasons once again*

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

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?

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

Lali1 · ‎08-21-2014

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

Meowingkitty · ‎06-19-2010

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.

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

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.

Sheila P-Burg · ‎10-10-2019

@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.