In an average year, US businesses lose about $800 million dollars to burglary and theft.
What does that mean for your business or office building? Well, at the very least, you should take security seriously.
A security fence is one of the best ways you can do that. It’s relatively inexpensive when compared to fancy electronic systems with cameras or the salary of a security guard. Plus, a good security fence is effective at keeping out unauthorized persons.
But there are a lot of options out there. How do you choose the right one? Check out this handy guide to help you pick out the right security fence for your office building.
Security
Security is one of the top priorities you should keep in mind as you shop for a commercial fence. The whole point of going to the expense and effort is to put up a fence that will be effective at keeping thieves out.
Of course, no fence is 100% burglar proof. But a 6-foot-tall fence made of a strong material goes a long way towards deterring would-be intruders.
This is particularly true when they don’t know what’s on the other side. A solid fence like wood or vinyl that blocks the view doesn’t allow potential miscreants to see inside.
This is helpful for 2 reasons
- They can’t see what you have to steal
- They don’t know what might be waiting for them
A strong material is also important to consider. If there’s somewhere they can shelter themselves from the average passerby, that may give them the opportunity to cut through your fence.
Choosing a heavier gauge wire, thicker board, Trex or higher end vinyl and composites will make that process longer and more difficult. Thus, they are more likely to be caught and less likely to attempt to a break-in in the first place.
Budget
The price for security fences can vary widely depending on what type you choose. While important, you shouldn’t make decisions about your security fence based on budget alone.
A cheap security fence might sound nice on paper. But when it doesn’t perform well or falls apart in a short time you’ll see that the money you spent on it was wasted.
Maintenance
Another thing you should consider is how much maintenance the fence will require. Some fencing materials require a lot of upkeep to keep the fence in nice shape. Others need very minor maintenance every once in a while.
You need to consider what kind of a budget you have for performing ongoing maintenance on your fence. Most businesses opt for materials that don’t require much maintenance to avoid this headache altogether.
Aesthetic
Just because it’s a security fence doesn’t mean that it can’t look good. Of course, there are some security fences that are rather plain, boring, and even downright ugly-but they get the job done.
You can also choose a fence that goes to the other extreme. An elaborate, beautiful fence might really do wonders for the appearance of your office building. However, your wallet probably won’t be too happy about it.
Most business owners choose to go with a happy medium. They select a good quality fence that gets the job done, while still maintaining a professional and pleasing appearance.
Privacy
We’ve already mentioned that solid fences help deter crime. Another benefit is that they offer your office building a bit more privacy.
This is a common consideration for office buildings that are in residential areas. It’s nice for both the business and the homeowners to have the separation and privacy provided by a great security fence.
Security Fence Materials
Once you decide how important each of the above factors are to you, it’s time to pick a material. Of course, you want something that is difficult to get through. But there are a few options you can choose from.
Let’s look at some of the possible materials.
Chain Link
A chain link security fence is a popular option for commercial fences. It’s not the prettiest fence you ever did see, but it’s effective and one of the most inexpensive options. Some of our clients have chosen to place artificial vines over the chain link to enhance the aesthetic appeal. Ask us for photos of what that might look like.
If budget friendliness is your top priority, this is an excellent material to choose.
Wood
For something a little more classy, wood is a nice security fence material. Traditionally, wood is perhaps considered the most beautiful type of fencing. It also has the added benefit of providing an extra layer of privacy.
However, wood is not the cheapest option on the list. Plus, it requires regular maintenance to keep it in nice shape. You’ll have to repaint and reseal on occasion and you have to watch out for moisture damage, pest infestation, and rot.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a great material for areas with harsher conditions. That’s because it can take quite a beating before it eventually becomes unusable.
What counts as harsher conditions? Anywhere there are air-born chemicals or corrosive materials. Even being close to the ocean counts because the salt can eat away some fencing materials quite quickly.
Vinyl
Vinyl fencing is becoming increasingly popular because it’s a good, all-around option. It’s not the prettiest fence in the world, but it’s also not the ugliest. You barely have to put any maintenance into it, and it’s very durable.
Higher end composite and vinyl products like Trex, Bufftech, and SImtek are great, durable options with many additional benefits, including the option of appearing to be masonry or wood.
The Right Option For You
We hope this guide has been helpful for you as you decide on the security fence you want for your office. It’s a shame that we have to build fences to protect ourselves. But the bad guys aren’t going to disappear anytime soon so it’s best to be prepared.
We have years of experience installing security fencing, including for schools, businesses, and institutions. We also provide security access gates. The possibilities are endless. To get started with your free consultation, feel free to contact us today. We’re happy to help!