If you’re considering installing security fencing on your business premises, you may feel overwhelmed by the variety of options available. Security fencing is a highly versatile and effective means of keeping yourself protected, but which type will be most appropriate for your company?
In this article, we will explore the benefits that security fencing offers and outline which type will best suit your needs.
The Benefits Of Security Fencing
• Security - Security fencing acts as a deterrent for criminals, reducing your risk of experiencing a crime on your property. In the event that your company is targeted, it also prevents unwanted intruders from scaling your perimeter boundary, thereby keeping your site and its contents safe.
This helps to reduce the chance of theft, burglary, vandalism, and arson - which could otherwise be expensive to repair and may have an extremely damaging impact on your business.
• Safety - By keeping your perimeter secure, you can prevent trespassers from entering your site and posing a risk to your staff, stock, visitors, and clients. Security fencing also eliminates the risk of unwanted vehicles driving onto your site, which could result in crashes or collisions.
• Control Who Comes And Goes - Security fencing allows you to manage who enters which areas of your site, and when. For instance, you can put security fencing around high-risk areas to prevent unauthorised staff from entering, and choose to lock the gate when the site is unsupervised (like for example, overnight).
Security fencing can also be integrated with access control systems and automated gates for a highly comprehensive security management solution.
• Hardwearing And Durable - Security fencing is highly durable, requires minimal maintenance, and withstands extreme weather conditions more effectively than standard fencing.
• Professional Appearance - Seeing a high-quality security fence gives your customers confidence in your business. Not only does it look professional, but customers will feel more comfortable leaving their vehicles on your property - encouraging them to spend more time inside your business.
You can even paint your fencing to match your business’ branding, contributing to a cohesive brand identity.
The Types Of Security Fencing
Chain Link Fencing
Chain link fencing is a common and cost-effective solution for low-security sites, and usually consists of galvanised steel or steel-coated wire interwoven into a diamond pattern. It is difficult to scale without the use of climbing tools, making it an effective deterrent for opportunistic criminals, while being relatively easy and inexpensive to install.
However, due to the woven nature of chain link fencing, it is secured at fewer points on only one side of the fence, making it much less robust than other types of fencing. Chain link fencing is also prone to warping, and can be easily unravelled by a practised intruder.
We recommend chain link fencing as a cost-effective solution for low-security sites, like public parks, leisure facilities, and industrial sites, for example.
Mesh Panel Fencing
Mesh panel fencing is typically constructed of steel or galvanised steel wire mesh, each strand welded together to form a grid pattern. These fences are hard-wearing and available in a wide variety of colours and designs for visual appeal.
Unlike chain link fencing, wire mesh fencing cannot be unravelled - as such, an intruder would have to cut through multiple points to gain access to your site.
However, with no security spikes at the top of the fence, intruders may still be able to climb this type of fence using climbing tools. While this would require advanced planning, it is not impossible for criminals to scale this type of fence.
Therefore, we recommend mesh panel fencing for low to medium-security premises, like for example, sports facilities and car parks. Being reasonably cost-effective, mesh fence panelling is also a great solution for small businesses and non-profit organisations.
Palisade Fencing
Palisade fencing is a great crime deterrent, on account of its intimidating appearance and height. It is typically constructed of reinforced steel pales, with a pointed top.
At up to 3.6 metres, with an option to extend the height using a second lift, and a triple or single-pointed top, it is extremely difficult for criminals to scale without the risk of getting caught in the act or suffering a serious injury. The pales can be shaped to curve outwards, making it even more difficult to climb.
While expensive, palisade fencing is easily installed, extremely long-lasting, and hardwearing, making it a cost-effective solution despite the high initial investment.
Palisade is a great long-term solution to a business' security needs, with an average lifespan of up to 25 years. It is also extremely adaptable to slopes and ground contours, making it an excellent solution for businesses located on uneven ground.
However, due to its intimidating appearance, palisade fencing can be perceived by neighbours as being ‘unattractive’ or ‘antisocial’. This could lead to difficulties with your local council or planning permission office. One simple way to overcome this challenge is by painting your palisade fencing to blend with the surrounding area, or in your company’s branding colours.
We recommend palisade fencing for medium to high-security premises, such as warehouses, industrial sites, and commercial businesses.
Razor Wire/Barbed Wire Fencing
Razor wire fencing, also known as barbed wire fencing, is an extremely effective crime deterrent, with the potential to cause serious harm if an intruder attempts to enter your property.
In addition, razor wire is inexpensive and quick to install, making it an excellent choice if you need a high-security fence installed in a short period of time.
However, razor wire can be dangerous to the public and to wildlife. As such, it should be installed over 1.8 metres above ground, and should always be fitted with a warning sign to prevent injury. It is also hazardous to construct and should only ever be installed by a professional.
Razor wire fencing is recommended for high-security premises, such as corporate offices, car dealerships, and businesses containing high-value items.
Want to use security fencing to keep your staff, stock, clients, and business secure? Contact our expert team!
Comments