Which Type of Security Fencing Should You Choose?

Securing the perimeter of your premises is an important step in helping to keep your assets safe and secure from potential intruders, but which type of security fencing should you choose and why?

It can be daunting when first looking at the range of fencing options available on today’s market, but rest assured that identifying the most suitable fence for the protection of your businesses isn’t as complex as it might sound at first.

For the above reason, we’ve created this guide which offers an explanation of the most common types of security fencing such as chain-link, palisade, and mesh fencing, together with more unique fencing types such as electric and razor wire fences.

Keep reading to explore the benefits of each fencing type and you will gain an understanding of the options available and which one is best suited to your own specific needs.

Chain-Link Fencing

Chain-link fencing is well regarded as one of the most common and cost-effective security fencing options available today.

Made from galvanized steel wire, this type of fence is well known for its durability and flexibility, making it one of the most popular fencing options in existence. Highly versatile, it’s perfect for both commercial and residential properties where a low level of security is required.

Here are some of the reasons why you might choose to install chain-link fencing:

Affordability – Chain-link fencing is a relatively cheap perimeter security solution that’s friendly on your budget. This reason alone makes it one of the most popular choices for the basic demarcation of large areas such as parks, sports grounds and many more communal areas.
Visibility – The large apertures present on a chain-link fence allow you to see through the fence with greater ease when compared to solid fencing options or other fencing systems still featuring apertures, albeit it smaller in nature. This can be an important factor should you need to monitor activity both inside and outside of the protected area.
Low maintenance – A key feature of this type of fence is that it requires minimal upkeep. All you should need to do is perform occasional checks for rust and other damage and rectify this where appropriate. You will not need to paint the fence or replace palings. The low maintenance factor helps to protect your investment over the lifetime of the fence.

It should be pointed out that whilst chain-link fencing is highly durable, it still might not offer the best level of security for your needs when compared to other fencing options, so keep reading to ensure you identify the most suitable one for your needs.

Palisade Fencing

Palisade fencing is known for its robust security features. Made of steel or wood, it consists of vertical pales secured to horizontal rails, creating a formidable barrier, especially where steel palisade is concerned.

Key benefits of steel palisade fencing in particular include the following:

High security – The design of a palisade fence makes it difficult to climb over or cut through.
Deterrent factor – Its intimidating appearance can deter potential intruders, who realise they will probably be injured should they attempt to scale the fence.
Durability – Steel palisade fencing, in particular, is highly resistant to both the weather and physical impacts (whether deliberate or accidental). Durability can be further enhanced by powder coating the steel, which can also offer additional visual benefits.

This type of fencing is commonly used around industrial sites (such as warehouses, factories and utilities), schools, and government buildings where security is a top priority. Lochrin Bain is a company that is well regarded for the design and manufacture of steel palisade fencing systems adhering to a range of security ratings for the UK market, so be sure to check them out should you be looking for security rated products.

Mesh Panel Fencing

Mesh panel fencing is made from welded steel wires, formed into panels that provide a modern and unobtrusive appearance.

Here are some of the main benefits of mesh panel fencing:

Strength – The welded panels on a wire mesh fence are difficult to cut through and can offer good levels of security.
Aesthetics – Mesh fencing provides a clean and professional look and is suitable for various settings, especially public spaces like sports grounds, parks, and other areas.
Visibility – Like chain-link, mesh allows for good visibility of both sides of the fence, a key benefit when it comes to monitoring of the perimeter.

Mesh panel is ideal for commercial properties, sports facilities, and public spaces where both security and aesthetics are important.

Electric Fencing

Electric fencing delivers a high level of security through a physical barrier combined with an electric shock deterrent.

The main advantages of this type of fence are as follows:

High deterrence – The shock feature deters intruders effectively and most people will not even attempt to touch the fence in the first place.
Versatility – An electric fence can be used on its own or as an additional layer to other types of fencing. For example, some manufacturers of steel palisade fencing have systems that allow an electric fence to be combined into the design of the fence, helping to provide two different deterrents.
Monitoring – Many electric fences come with monitoring systems that are capable of alerting you or your security staff of any breaches.

While highly effective, electric fencing requires regular maintenance and can be more expensive due to its advanced features.

Barbed Wire and Razor Wire

Barbed wire and razor wire are often used as additional security measures atop other fencing types. They are made of sharp edges or points that deter climbing. Benefits include:

Cost-effective – Adding barbed or razor wire to existing fencing is relatively inexpensive.
High security – Provides a significant deterrent to intruders.
Flexibility – Can be used in various settings, from agricultural to industrial.

However, these options are less aesthetically pleasing and may not be suitable for residential areas due to their harsh appearance.

Conclusion

So there we have the most common security fencing options available today. To help you determine the correct fence for your own individual requirements, you should consider the level of security needed, the environment, and your budget.

Chain-link fencing offers affordability and visibility, while palisade and mesh panel fencing are likely to provide higher security for the protection of more important assets.

Electric fencing delivers a high deterrent factor but requires more investment and upkeep, and is probably a little too extreme for the average project. Barbed and razor wire fencing offers a good level of additional security at a low cost but might not be suitable for your own environment.

By evaluating these factors, you can choose the security fencing that best meets your needs, helping you to install a fence that offers the perfect balance of safety and peace of mind.