Let’s go over the distinction between security fences and residential fences.
Most people don’t give fences a second thought. They certainly don’t ponder what the difference is between a security fence and a residential fence until they must choose one to secure a commercial, industrial, or institutional property.
Luckily, the experts at Hercules Fence Virginia Beach understand the distinction between security fences and residential fences, and we are happy to share a few key elements to look for.
Security Fence Height
Height is one of the first things that sets a security fence apart from ordinary demarcation fences. A security fence should be at least six feet high. Most security fences are approximately eight or even 10 feet tall, and some sites, such as prisons, require fences that are 14 feet or even higher.
Security Fencing Structure
Residential fences tend to be lighter in weight, as they are designed for demarcation and privacy rather than exclusion or security.
Very often, they are made of wood or vinyl, and even when manufactured from steel, the pipe wall thicknesses and mesh wire diameters are significantly lower. That does make them cheaper, but they will not offer much in the way of security.
Pay close attention to diameters and wall thicknesses when reading a security fence specification. If something seems lightweight, ask if it is a commercial or industrial specification. Remember that the money you save upfront on a lightweight security fence may be offset by repairs later on.
Securing Above and Below the Fence
Many people focus a lot on the security fence itself, but they ignore what is happening above and below the fence.
If your fence is made from something that can be climbed, then you must consider some sort of fence top security. This could be in the form of spikes, barbed wire, razor coils, or even electronic monitoring.
The same applies to the bottom of your fence. If the bottom of your mesh can be lifted or the fence dug under, there is a big hole in your perimeter security. Consider adding a bottom rail to fences that are installed over hard surfaces to prevent digging.
Crash-Rated Security Fencing
Another significant factor in designing a security fence is to limit access to the site by vehicles. Ordinary chain-link and similar fences have posts spaced at up to 10-foot centers, and some do not even have concrete footings. A determined person with a moderate to large vehicle could very easily breach this type of fence.
One way to improve the security of your fence is to increase the size of concrete footings and fence posts, and decrease the spacing between posts. If the posts are made of heavy-duty steel, planted in heavy-duty concrete, and it is impossible to fit a vehicle between them, it becomes significantly harder to gain access to the site. Another option is to choose a crash-rated fence. While this won’t prevent damage, it can prevent or at least slow down unauthorized access to sensitive areas.
Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach Has Everything You Need!
Call Hercules Fence of Norfolk and Virginia Beach for your fencing needs. We have decades of experience in the fencing industry. We can offer you the best in ornamental steel, chain link, wooden fences, and more. Our dedicated teams of fencing professionals are highly trained, skilled, and experienced in providing quality fence installations of any type. We’ll work with you to find a fence that best suits your needs and budget.
Contact Hercules Fence of Virginia Beach at (757) 321-6700. Contact us on our website to learn more about fall and winter fence construction! In addition, you can keep up to date with offers and information.
