When people reach out to us about fencing, they usually have a good idea of the decisions they’ve already made. Where they’re less sure-footed is about the options that they should consider in addition to their preferred choice. Here we’ll discuss the main types of metal fencing that we install, and our thoughts on when to consider them.

Palisade

Fencing that is composed of vertically oriented steel elements fastened to horizontally oriented elements is known as palisade fencing. The elements can be shaped either W or D. Each element can be pointed to create a more difficult surface for climbing.

Palisade fencing is a good visual indicator of a perimeter. For a fencing system to be effective it is important to ensure that all elements of the system are integrated. From a maintenance perspective, palisade fencing is fairly low maintenance. Galvanizing slows the corrosion process. For a fencing system to integrate a security element, it is important that all elements of the system be integrated. For yard security (i.e. a warehouse or distribution center yard) 1.8m or 2.4m palisade fencing systems are effective.

If the concern is security and the element is integrated (i.e. a school or business), bow top railings are a better alternative. Palisade fencing integrated with a building element may create an unsightly security element.

Bow top railings are most commonly used in schools and public spaces. The outward facing part of the railings can make a difference when dealing with planning permissions, and Public Liability. For fences which the public or children may come in contact with, the top of the railing should not be Sharpe. Generally, local authorities will specify bow top fences in their designs for the public realm.

We fit a lot of bow top fencing around public spaces in Sheffield and Barnsley. Bow top railings define public spaces in an attractive manner and can give a better aesthetic than a security fence. Bow top fences can also be found around public schools and public park housing. The fencing should be hot dip galvanized and powder coated to prevent rusting.

Flat top railings, like bow top, are also commonly used fences to provide a barrier.

Weld Mesh and Security Mesh

Weld Mesh fencing is more aesthetically pleasing than other mesh fencing types, and offers a high level of visibility. It can obstruct sight lines less than other mesh fencing, making it ideal in situations where fencing creates a potential concealed area. Weld Mesh can also be used to good effect with CCTV, as it provides a high level of visibility around the perimeter of a site.

A fine mesh that is too small to pass a hand or foot through is difficult to climb and very resistant to clandestine attack. Standard mesh fences provide little protection against determined attack. A mesh security fence of the type used to secure prisons is more resistant to attacks and provides high security. In situations requiring the security of a prison, 358 Security Mesh Fencing is recommended, as it is equally as effective and a lot cheaper than a security palisade fence.

What really determines the choice
What factors influence the preference towards one of the fencing options mentioned above?

For most contracts there are three main constraints. These are the level of threat, planning conditions and the local authorities concerns and finally the aesthetic requirements. The primary requirement for a fence is to secure the site, with this in mind most clients are inclined to recommend a temporary security fence of palisade or a more permanent high-security mesh fence. The aesthetic consideration for a fence may not be as important as the function, however, for fences located at the boundary of a public or an inhabited area, the requirements are such that the fence should be of an anti-climb design, with a bow top. Again cost should also be considered with other factors and, in the case of a site boundary fence, a temporary security fence may be the most economical solution.

The biggest surprise for most clients is the cost of the foundation for the fence posts. The fence panels may cost a few pounds per meter, however the posts may cost several hundred pounds each. Posts should be installed to a specification. The specification dictates the depth of the post foundation and the mix of concrete used to anchor the post in place. Good installation practices may seem more expensive at the outset, but in the long term it proves to be more cost effective.

If you are still unsure of the type of fence you may require, contact us for more information.