Understanding Commercial Fencing Specifications

As the name suggests, commercial fencing is used to enclose businesses and other related spaces (such as sports complexes, car lots and factories). Its primary purposes are to increase the security of the site and to discourage trespassing, but it is also useful for marking property boundaries. Because this fencing is so unlike any other that you have probably dealt with before, you must have a thorough understanding of the specifications before proceeding.

We have outlined the four main specifications you should be aware of below:

Type

• There are a variety of different types of commercial fencing to choose from, the most common being chain link (a section of interwoven steel wires that are suspended between two metal posts; the wires form a repeating pattern of diamond-shaped openings). The main reason for this type’s popularity is that it is inexpensive. However, it does possess a weak aesthetic value. Some of the more decorative fencing types include timber, acoustic, barbed wire, tubular steel Colorbond and slat.

Materials

• There are three materials that this fencing is commonly manufactured out of – aluminium (which is resistant to corrosion but not overly strong), non-galvanised steel (which is strong but not resistant to corrosion), and galvanised steel (which is both strong and corrosion-resistant). If you have opted for timber, it is important to note that exposure to moisture can lead to warping, rot and cracking. In these situations, you should opt for a pressure-treated timber or a naturally resistant wood (like cedar).

Height

• It should be noted that commercial fencing can be divided into two categories – those used for security purposes and those used for marking a property boundary (or ornamental). You must be determined which type your barrier fits into, as this will ultimately help you to decide on its overall height. When used for security purposes, the fence should be at least 6 feet high to discourage entry. When applied to mark a boundary, the fence can necessarily be any height you desire.

Tips

• While there are plenty of tips that we could offer, we have stuck with some that we feel are most important. If the purpose of the fencing is to create privacy (such as around a restaurant’s outdoor dining area), it should consist of solid opaque barriers. If the purpose of the barrier is to increase security, however, it should have a more open design. This is because opaque fences can aid in criminal behaviour, as they provide trespassers with something to hide behind.

Now that you have a greater understanding of the specifications surrounding commercial fencing, we hope that you are in a much better position to make your selection. It is also important to remember that, just because the fencing is being used to protect your commercial ventures does not mean it has to be unattractive. There are plenty of materials and designs available that will vastly improve the appearance of your business or other commercial space.