It is rare for people to think about fences. Most people don’t even think about what separates garden fencing from security/perimeter fencing. However, when it comes to choosing a security fence for their industrial or commercial premises that’s when people are forced to think about these important structures.
Most individuals don’t know what factors to consider or even where to begin when it comes to the process of selecting the right fence. We are going to take an in-depth look at the main factors to consider when selecting a security fence, to make it easier for such people. We encourage you to reach out to a reliable local security fence installer if you require additional assistance with the installation of a security fence.
Height Of The Fence
When selecting the right security fence, one of the most important factors to consider is height. Even though anything between 8 and 10 feet is used for most fences, a height of around 6 feet should suffice. Fences reaching as high as 14 feet may be used for high-security facilities such as prisons.
Structure Of The Fence
Since they are mostly used to provide privacy or mark borders, lightweight fences are commonly used in residential applications. In most cases, these fences are made using wood or vinyl; with metal variants designed using pipes with relatively thin walls or thin wires for mesh fences. This has a negative impact on their effectiveness when it comes to security, even though it does reduce their cost.
Be sure to focus on the diameter and wall thickness, when choosing the right fence for security applications. Find out whether the products you are looking at are designed for commercial or industrial use, especially if they appear to be lightweight in nature. You might end up losing any savings made on the initial purchase and installation cost if you have to keep repairing a lightweight fence over and over again.
Galvanised fencing system comprises posts, line wires and roll form welded mesh. It is supported on angle iron/square/rectangular/tubular hollow section posts.
Resistance To Impact By Vehicles
When designing a security fence, it is common to forget about preventing vehicle access to the protected space. Traditionally, fence-like chain links and the like use posts with 10” centre spaces – with concrete footings not being used in some. Breakthrough such fences is easy for someone with a large or even medium-sized vehicle.
Increasing the number and size of concrete footings, using more posts and reducing the space from one post to the next, are some of the ways you can enhance the strength and effectiveness of security fences. It becomes much harder for someone to break through the fence with a car if you use high-quality steel posts, installed in concrete and close enough to each other to block a motor vehicle. A crash-rate security fence is a great alternative as well. This way, you can make it harder to break into the protected space, even though it won’t prevent damage.
Security Over An Under The Fence
Most people tend to forget about what is below and above the fence – only focusing on the fence – when choosing a security fence. It makes sense to invest in other security measures if it is possible to climb over the fence using a ladder or climb the structure itself. For instance, you can consider adding razor wire – where legally applicable – spikes, and barbed wire to the equation. Alternatively, you can install electronic monitoring devices/systems.
Remember to consider the lower part of the fence as well. Your security will be compromised if it is possible to lift the mesh or dig under the fence. As such, you should seriously think about adding security options that can hinder any tunneling under the fence or installing a bottom rail on fences that run over a rigid surface.
Conclusion
Nothing from walls, fences, and electronic security systems is full proof. But, you can enhance the strength and effectiveness of your security fence by following the above tips.