Purpose of a Fence

When planning a fence project for a Commercial, Industrial or Public Project, what the fence is designed to accomplish is often the first consideration. Choosing the proper material for the fence will make a substantial impact on the success of the project.

A variety of fence uses is described below.  

SECURITY:

A fence designed to protect property from intruders must be sturdy enough to withstand attempts to remove or cut into it, and in some cases, made of material with the structural strength to create a high barrier.

Steel (including Steel Grate, Ornamental Iron, Palisade (corrugate pale), Welded Wire, and Security Mesh) is an excellent material for a security fence. It can be adapted to height and appearance requirements. Fortified Palisade is also available for very high security needs.

Chain Link is also common for security fencing…consider how prison facilities use this material…but is generally less attractive and secure.

INVENTORY CONTROL:

Inventory control requires a sturdy fence to protect goods from theft, and must be adaptable to what are often small areas. Like a security fence, it must be strong enough to withstand attempts to remove or cut it.

Steel Grate, Welded Wire and Security Mesh and Chain Link are the most commonly used materials. Steel Grate is stronger, and can be far more attractive, while Chain Link is far less expensive.

PERIMETER BOUNDARY:

To set a visible boundary to property - or within areas of property - virtually any type of fence can work. The attractiveness of the material used is often a key part of the decision when addressing this purpose for a fence.

All Architectural Metal Fencing is powder coated, rather than painted, to provide lasting beauty, and can be ordered in a wide variety of colors. Available choices include Ornamental Iron, Aluminum, Steel Grate, Palisade and Welded Wire.

Many of these options can offer perimeter security as well. Steel Grate, Palisade and Welded Wire are common choices for their remarkable strength and durability.

Vinyl fencing is extruded with special additives, which help it retain its appearance for many years. While not as strong as a metal fence, it can be an excellent choice for setting an attractive boundary, including as a privacy fence, yet provides very little security.

Wood fencing comes in a wide variety of styles, most commonly pine, cypress and cedar. Wood fences require more maintenance for lasting beauty (staining or painting) than other types, but are still a popular choice, particularly for residential purposes.

Chain Link is the most economical material, and will retain its form for many years, but is less visually appealing than other fence types.

PUBLIC PROJECTS - TRANSPORTATION:

For securing transportation areas, a sturdy and durable fence is required. Ornamental Iron, Steel Grate, Aluminum, Palisade and Welded Wire are common to this fence purpose, and can offer an attractive solution to transportation fencing.

Chain Link may also be used, providing an economical approach, but lacks visual appeal.

If the purpose of the fence is purely as for perimeter boundary, wood fencing may also be used, noting that this type of fence lacks the security or lasting durability of metal fences.

PUBLIC PROJECTS - PARKS:

Combining the qualities of security and attractiveness, Ornamental Iron and Aluminum are popular choices for fencing in many public parks. Projects requiring higher levels of security may call for Welded Wire or Palisade.

Custom Fence designs in an Ornamental Iron or Aluminum can bring added visual elements to the project, and are available in a wide range of colors.

Vinyl can also be an attractive part of park landscape design, noting that it lacks the security and durability features of metal fencing.

PRIVACY:

To provide privacy, a fence needs to have slats or louvers fixed closely enough to impede vision through the fence.

Wood and Vinyl fencing are the most common types used for a privacy fence, particularly for residential use.

For industrial, commercial and public project applications, Steel or Aluminum Louver fencing may be preferred, for the additional strength, durability and security this type of fence provides.

POOL:

Child drownings are the second leading cause of death to children under the age of five, according to the U.S. Consumer Project Safety Commission. Many communities have regulations or ordinances requiring pool fences. Even if your community does not require a pool fence, it is highly recommended, and can play an important role in preventing a heartbreaking tragedy.

Ornamental Iron, Aluminum, Vinyl and Chain Link are all suitable materials for creating a pool fence, noting the relative differences in attractiveness between chain link and other options.

For more information regarding pool safety, please refer to these web sites:

General Pool Safety Tips for Children (American Academy of Pediatrics):

http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm

Pool Safety (American National Red Cross):

http://www.redcross.org/news/hs/aquatics/010628poolsafety.html

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml89/89052.html

The staff of the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission has stated that the recommendations in this document are minimum requirements and that you should check with your local ordinance regarding height and other requirements.

http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/Pool.pdf

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