Why do Americans not build fences in front of houses and why do they need these strange double doors
A resident of the post-Soviet space will never dream of a private house without a fence. How can you allow any passer-by to see everything that happens in the yard? Yes, and some drunkard can safely come in! For us, it is better to install a two-meter deaf fence and live in peace. But this is not accepted everywhere. Why Americans don't build fences and why do they need these strange doors - read on.
About fences
In most states of this country, fences in front of private houses are prohibited or should be minimal. This provision is established by law. This was done for two reasons.
Fire safety. Most of the houses in the United States are frame frames - we call them "cardboard" houses. They, as we know, are built from flammable materials. When such a house catches fire, firefighters must have unhindered access to the fire. In this case, the fence can interfere with the work of the fire-fighters and the fire will instantly spread to the neighboring "cardboard" house. And the distances between the houses of the private sector are small here.
Access to utilities. Counters in American private-sector homes have been moved to the street. This was done so that employees of utilities could take readings of devices at any time convenient for them. This is only possible in the absence of fences.
Other reasons
But if the laws in some states allow you to build a fence in the front yard, then Americans are still in no hurry to fence themselves off from the whole world. They have the following reasons for this.
Religious traditions. Protestant ethics have long been rooted in the United States. Previously, people were taught not to stand out from the crowd; to be like everyone else and not to be fenced off from neighbors. Much has changed since then, but the habit of being as open as possible to people has remained.
A large number of civilian weapons. A good shotgun will protect better than any fence - almost every American thinks so. There are many weapons in this country and it is far from being used for hunting. In the United States, you can shoot to kill those who have penetrated into foreign territory. That is why American postmen developed the habit of throwing newspapers into the yard. They shoot sometimes!
Where do Americans put up fences?
It is customary to place high enclosing structures in the backyard here. This is a truly personal space for Americans. Children play here, pets spend time, there is a barbecue area, a swimming pool.
Why do they need such double doors
Doors with two leaves, which are located not along, but across, are called Dutch. They were invented in Holland about 300 years ago. This option is also called stable doors. This design is popular with farmers. In this door, you can open the upper part for ventilation and are not afraid that animals from the yard will wander into the house.
Now the purpose of these doors is about the same. Fences are not welcome in this country, but small children need to somehow be fenced off from the street and other dangers. Suddenly they will go out onto the roadway or some curious raccoon will enter the house... For this, Dutch doors are installed here. The upper part opens for ventilation, and the lower part is locked. And no one will enter the house, and the children will not come out.
Alternatively, they are also used in children's rooms, especially on the upper floors. Parents only open the top. So the child is well heard and he will not accidentally come out onto the stairs.
Could you live without a fence? Write in the comments!
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