A fence has many uses, including demarcating the boundary between your property and the outside world, providing decoration and also providing security by preventing access onto your properties. There are many options for commercial fencing that offers both looks and security, ensuring that you feel safe in your home without feeling trapped and claustrophobic. Here are some aspects to keep in mind when installing a commercial security fence.
What makes a fence a secure fence?
There are two main elements that are used to deter intruders from attempting to break over a secure fence, the visual aspect and the design of the fence (see our fence gallery for ideas).
Visual aspects that affect commercial fencing include aspects such as height, which works exceedingly well as a deterrent, but many residential areas will have an upper limit of how high your fence can be, so make sure you know the regulations before installing your commercial fencing. Having strong-looking panels is another visual deterrent, but you may choose to avoid solid fencing, since this is easy to climb and prevents you from seeing the intruder trying to scale your wall. Spikes on the top on the fence look intimidating, making an intruder consider finding an easier and safer fence to scale.
Design aspects include having a fence that is difficult to break through by having nuts and bolts in inaccessible places, preventing intruders from removing panels. When choosing commercial fencing, chose a design that is difficult to climb and scale, by having it made of slippery materials and having fence top deterrents to further decrease the chances of an intruder risking life and limb to scale your fence. Having electric fencing across the top of your fence is the ultimate in security, but may look unsightly and will increase your electricity bill. If you do decide to have electric wiring, make sure the warning sign is prominently displayed to deter intruders before they even start.
Fencing materials
Various fencing materials can be used in commercial fencing that is designed around security. Let’s look at various fencing materials and their suitability for secure fencing.
- Chain-link fences may be inexpensive, easy to install and virtually invisible, but if low enough, may provide an easy climbing route.
- Wood is the most common fencing material, but may not be your first choice for durable security fencing, especially if the fence will be inadequately maintained. Wood has a relatively short life-span and will require replacing, so it may not be the ideal choice for secure fencing.
- Vinyl and composite fencing is similar to wood fencing in appearance and assembly but is far more resistant to weathering and damage from the elements. If you want commercial fencing that looks like wood but requires much less maintenance, this may be the material to choose.
- Aluminum and iron ornamental fences are the prime choices for security fencing, mainly due to their intimidating looks and lack of maintenance. Most metal fences are made from aluminum, meaning that rust and corrosion are issues of the past, and their high durability makes them very suitable for commercial fencing solutions.
- Electric fences can be used on residential properties as well as to protect commercial interests, and the specifications of these fences are usually governed by zoning laws, mainly to prevent the use of lethal amounts of current.
Having a safe and secure property means taking the time to build a fence that is both visually intimidating as well as providing a physically impassable barrier. Various materials can be used and there are many additions, such as fence-top spikes and electrified fences that can be used to provide an additional layer of security.
