Top Tips for Choosing the Right Security Fencing

In this guide to selecting security fencing, we are setting out to help you find the right balance between practical needs, visual appearance and cost.

Step 1: Ascertain the objectives for your security fencing

A security risk assessment and survey of the surrounding environment will reveal the strength of security fencing required and any aesthetic needs. Crime rates in the local area, night time lighting and location all have a bearing on security fencing choice.

If your premises are located in a residential area for example, then you’re going to need security fencing that takes the potential for trespassing and vandalism into account, whilst also blending into the local surroundings. Visual appeal won’t be important on an industrial park, but such areas may be more prone to break-ins given the often isolated location.

Step 2: Work out which areas of the site need fencing, and what type

The perimeter of your property will generally require security fencing such as vertical bar or welded mesh fencing. But it is important to identify any other areas that need fencing, and how you will deal with access. If your premises are located on an industrial estate or business park for example, the fencing will need to allow straightforward access during the day, and then provide adequate security at night. It’s therefore important to give consideration to access control and gates at this stage too, and how these will fit in with your chosen fencing.

You may also need high security fencing around the likes of machinery, waste units and storage areas, whilst other low risk zones may simply need non-security alternatives such as timber fencing, simply for demarcation or boundary identification purposes.

For low risk levels, timber fencing or ornamental metal railings are usually sufficient. For medium risk, V-mesh and vertical bar fencing make good choices, and where there is a high security risk, welded mesh with reinforced tubular vertical bars will provide a greater level of protection.

Step 3: Privacy or visibility?

Because security fencing needs to work in tandem with other security measures such as CCTV, it is important to consider whether the type of fencing will create blind spots. Solid panel fencing, whilst providing privacy for the premises, may present this issue. There are various options that offer privacy whilst working well with CCTV, such as V-mesh, and prison mesh which is a closer knit mesh with good anti-climb qualities.

If you are looking to prevent noise from your premises affecting the local surroundings, acoustic barriers are a good choice. Apart from ensuring minimal noise pollution, they also offer excellent privacy and high security performance. What’s more, with their flat profile, they are naturally anti-climb.

Step 4: Any additional security toppings required?

Security toppings can boost the level of security provided by your choice of fencing. For premises located in higher risk areas, as well as those situated alongside natural climbing aids such as lampposts, walls and trees, a security topping can prove beneficial.

Fence toppings act as both physical and visual deterrents, safeguarding against vandalism and intrusion. Examples include barbed wire, steel spikes and rotary systems for fencing, walls and drainpipes.

It is important to be aware that the installation of certain fence toppings may be subject to compliance with regulations. Fence spikes for example will need to be above two metres and out of reach of the general public. You will also need to display warning signs that can be easily seen by anyone approaching a protected boundary. If spikes have been installed along a wall or fence, then the signage should appear at least every three metres.

Depending on the surrounding environment, you may be better opting for anti-climb fencing, if the likes of fence spikes may come across as visually unappealing.

Step 5: Consider finish and durability

Whatever type of security fencing you choose, it is wise to invest in a solution that will serve you well into the future, and that will not be costly to maintain.

Opting for a polyester powder coated finish rather than traditional paint will mean greater longevity for your fencing. Galvanised or alloy-coated steel fencing will not be prone to rust or corrosion and will provide long term durability.

Expert security fencing advice from Barry Bros Security

Security fencing is a vital element of any commercial premises security plan. It is crucial that expert advice is taken when selecting fencing to ensure it meets practical aesthetic and budgetary requirements. Why not talk to Barry Bros Security about your fencing needs today so that we can tailor a solution just for you?