Types of Security Fences
Types of Security Fences
According to the Chain Link Fence Manufacturer's Institute, a security fence gives visual notice of a legal boundary, creates a psychological trespassing deterrent and---most importantly---serves as a physical barrier between property and unwanted intruders. Some security fences are all business, forgoing aesthetics for utilitarian means, while others balance security and safety with a touch of style. Consider security needs, location and aesthetics to choose the right security fence for your property.
Chain Link
Perhaps the most common and popular form of security fencing, chain link fences came to prominence in the 1940s and 50s. Crisscrossing steel wires in the form of a mesh compose chain link fences, which are supported at intervals by line posts, corner posts and end posts, also of steel material. Chain link fences may also be topped with barbed wire for added security. According to the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute, chain link fences provide "strength, corrosion resistance, 'see thru capabilities,' ease of installation, versatility, variety of product selection and value." Most chain link fences feature a two-inch mesh, but fences with an extremely high security factor may feature as little as a one-inch or three-eighths of an inch mesh; smaller meshes make chain link fences harder to climb, but reduce see-through visibility.
Welded Wire Mesh
Somewhat similar in security features to a chain link fence, the meshes of a welded wire mesh fence are---as its name suggests--joined together via welds (while chain link fence meshes are simply linked together, not welded). Galvanized steel wire generally composes welded wire mesh fences, which often come in a pattern of square or rectangular grids. Though this differs from the diamond meshes of chain link, wire mesh still provides a see-through quality. The smaller meshes of this security fence make climbing unlikely. Welded wire mesh can be supported by steel or wooden posts, or incorporated into outdoor settings by using trees as posts. Welded wire mesh fences can be topped with barbed wire and come in various PVC coated varieties, which offer numerous color options.
Palisade
Palisade fencing offers an aesthetically pleasing security fence option. Composed of hot dipped galvanized steel, palisade fences are straight steel posts that stand vertically in line, held up by horizontal steel supports and often fixed to the ground with base plates. According to manufacturer Beijing Wuzhou Kingda Company, palisade fences are strong, stable and rust-resilient---they also provide a see-through quality. These steel security fences are often tall (up to 3.6 meters) and difficult to climb; posts come in "D" section or "W" section shapes, with the W shape's concave construction making the fence even harder to climb. For additional security, many palisade fence posts feature pointed or multi-pointed tips. Palisade fencing comes in a variety of colors, creating by fixing colored galvanized steel plate to the posts.
