Step 1: Determine what your security fencing’s objectives are
A security risk survey and assessment of your surrounding environment reveals the strength of the security fencing that is needed along with any aesthetic needs that you have. Location, nighttime lighting, and local area crime rates all have to determine your choice in security fencing.
For example, if your premises are in a residential area, you will need to have security fencing that accounts for the potential for vandalism and trespassing, while blending in with the local surroundings at the same time. At an industrial park, the visual appeal will not be important. However, these areas might be more prone to break-ins since the locations are often isolated.
Step 2: Determine which areas of your site need to have fencing and the type they need
Your property’s perimeter will usually require security fencings like welded mesh fencing or vertical bar fencing. However, it is critical that any other areas that might need fencing are identified, and how you will be dealing with access.
For example, if your premises are in a business park or industrial estate, during the day the fencing will need to provide straightforward access, and then at night provide adequate security. Therefore, it is essential to consider gates and access at this stage as well, and how they will fit in with the fencing you have chosen.
High-security fencing might also be needed around things such as storage areas, waste units, and machinery, while low-risk zones might just need non-security options like timber fencing for boundary identification or demarcation purposes.
For low-risk levels, usually ornamental metal railings or timber fencing are sufficient options. For medium risk, some good choices include a vertical bar and V-mesh fencing. For high-security risks, greater protection levels are provided by welded mesh that has reinforced tubular vertical bars.
Step 3: Visibility or privacy?
Since security fencing has to work together with other types of security measures like CCV, it is essential to take into consideration whether blind sports will be created by the type of fencing. Although solid panel fencing might provide privacy for your premises, this issue could be presented. There are different options that provide privacy while also working well with CCTV, including prison mesh and V-mesh. Prison mesh is a closer-knit mesh that has good anti-climb characteristics.
If you want to prevent noise coming from premises to affect the local surroundings, a good option is car park barriers as this will stop people from racing inside. In addition to providing minimal noise pollution, excellent high-security performance and privacy are also provided. They also have a flat profile, so they are anti-climb naturally.
Step 4: Are there any other security toppings needed?
Security toppings can increase the security level that is provided by the fencing option that you choose. For premises that are in higher-risk areas, along with those that are located next to natural climbing aids like trees, walls, and lampposts, security toppings can be beneficial.
Fence toppings work as both visual and physical deterrents, which safeguard against intrusion and vandalism. Examples include drainpipes, walls, fencing rotary systems, steel spikes, and barbed wire.
It is critical to know that installing certain types of fence toppings might require you to comply with regulations. For example, fence spikes must be over two meters and the general public cannot reach them. Warning signs will also need to be displayed so that anyone that is nearing a protected boundary can easily see them. If you install spikes along a fence or wall, then signage needs to be displayed every three meters at least.
Depending on your surrounding environment choosing anti-climb fencing might be a better option if fence spikes and the like appear to be visually unappealing.
