Fencing serves an important purpose for both industrial and commercial properties in the UK. However, there are key differences in the factors that influence the choice of fencing for industrial versus commercial settings.
When deciding on the appropriate fencing solution, property owners often rely on the expertise of fencing contractors. These professionals can assess the unique requirements of industrial and commercial properties and recommend suitable fencing options based on factors such as security needs, budget constraints, and aesthetic preferences.
Defining Industrial and Commercial Fencing
Industrial fencing refers to fencing erected around industrial facilities and complexes such as factories, warehouses, storage yards, and manufacturing plants. The primary purpose of industrial fencing is security and protection. Industrial fencing is typically tall, durable, and made from high-strength materials designed to prevent unauthorized access and withstand weather or impacts.
In contrast, commercial fencing encompasses fencing installed around retail stores, shopping centres, office buildings, restaurants, hotels, schools, and other commercial property. While security is still important for commercial fencing, there is also an emphasis on aesthetics and visual appeal to attract customers or align with an establishment’s brand. Commercial fencing utilizes a wider variety of materials, features customized decorative elements, and complies with regulations regarding appearance.
Key Characteristics of Industrial Fencing
Industrial fencing prioritizes function over appearance. The most important characteristics of quality industrial fencing in the UK include:
High Levels of Security
Keeping unauthorized individuals out is the top priority. Industrial fencing utilizes tall heights, secure construction, and tamper-resistant materials. Common security features include:
- Anti-climb designs: Smooth, angled metal tops prevent climbing over
- Anti-cut mesh: Heavy-gauge welded mesh resists cutting or piercing
- Intrusion detection systems: Sensors trigger alerts if fences are breached
- Secure access points: Gated entryways have advanced locks and are carefully monitored
Durability and Strength
Industrial fencing must withstand years of weather exposure and potential impacts from equipment or vehicles. Robust materials like steel and reinforced aluminum provide maximum durability without compromising security.
Minimal Maintenance Needs
Frequent repairs or maintenance checks are inconvenient and costly for industrial settings. Quality industrial fencing is engineered for longevity with corrosion-resistant, weather-resistant, and tamper-proof construction to remain secure with minimal upkeep.
Types of Industries Utilizing Industrial Fencing
Industrial fencing is commonly seen around facilities for:
- Warehouses and distribution centers
- Manufacturing plants
- Mining complexes
- Power stations
- Construction yards
- Junkyards and scrap metal recycling centers
- Oil refineries and pipelines
- Chemical plants
- Food and beverage production facilities
These industries require protective perimeters with restricted access for both safety and security reasons. The specific height, density, and material of fencing may vary depending on the nature of operations, value of stored goods, environmental factors, and government regulatory requirements.
Materials Used in Industrial Fencing
Durability and strength are top priorities for industrial fencing materials. Some of the most common options include:
Steel
Steel is an ideal industrial fence material thanks to its exceptional strength and durability. Common types of steel fencing include:
- Welded mesh steel: Strong, rigid, and cost-effective
- Wrought iron and black steel: Decorative yet secure for gates and entryways
- Powder coated steel: Durable color finishes deter rust
Aluminum
Aluminum provides security coupled with its lightweight corrosion-resistant properties. Options include:
- Industrial-grade aluminum mesh: Sturdy and low-maintenance
- Clear-coated aluminum: Sleek protection against corrosion
Reinforced Concrete
Poured concrete and concrete masonry units (CMUs) provide robust structural stability perfect for high-security and environmentally exposed settings.
In many cases, industrial steel barriers combine the strength of steel posts and frames with aluminum or welded wire mesh infill panels. This strikes an optimal balance between security and maintenance requirements.
Specialized Features of Industrial Fencing
In addition to strong, rigid materials suited for security applications, industrial fencing also incorporates specialized functional and protective elements including:
Defensive Top Guards
These rounded crossbars, prongs, or sharp vibrant tips protrude outward along the top of fences 10 feet or higher to prevent climbing or scaling from either side.
Bottom Rails
Concrete or steel bottom rails secure mesh fencing to prevent breaches by digging underneath or prevent vermin getting inside the perimeter.
Privacy Slats
Solid or translucent plastic, vinyl, fiberglass or metal horizontal slats inserted into chain link fencing prevents visual access into facilities for enhanced security and safety.
Barbed Wire/Razor Ribbon
Barbed or razor wire coils attached to outward-angled arms, crossbars or directly to mesh fencing provides a formidable barrier to climbers and intruders trying to breach perimeter from outside.
Electric Fencing
Electric wires or mesh fencing connected to alarm systems or low voltage current creates a non-lethal but potent psychological deterrent and physical barrier if touched by intruders.
Installation Factors for Industrial Fencing UK
Proper installation is critical for industrial fencing to fulfill security and protective functions. Key requirements include:
Height Standards
Typical industrial fence heights range from 2.4 metres up to 5 metres. Greater heights are possible but may require council approval or special architectural specifications. The appropriate height depends on:
- Level of security risk
- Asset value
- Vulnerability to specific breaching methods
At minimum, industrial fencing should eliminate visibility and access over the barrier. Facilities storing highly valuable goods or at high risk for theft may incorporate double row fences with barbed wire topping for extra assurance.
Robust Structural Support
Industrial fences must withstand considerable wind loads, weather factors, wear-and-tear and potential impacts. Sturdy support posts with deep underground footer foundations prevent detachment or compromise of anchor points. H-frames, Y-posts or terminating posts provide additional structural reinforcement for robustness.
Professional Installation
Proper layout, measurement, post alignment and anchoring techniques require specialized equipment and experience. Certified security fencing contractors employ engineers and tradespeople skilled in adhering to rigorous industrial construction standards.
Defining Commercial Property Fencing
In contrast to the singular security focus of industrial fences, commercial fencing requirements have expanded aims:
Controlled Access and Safety Barriers
Commercial fences regulate public access while keeping employees, customers and legitimate visitors safe from external threats like traffic.
Defined Boundaries
Perimeter fences prevent encroachment between private commercial and public spaces.
Visual Appeal
Unlike industrial fences prioritizing function over form, commercial fences blend security with aesthetics for good business optics. Decorative finishes, landscaping and subtle integrated signage can enhance branding.
Typical establishments utilizing commercial fencing include:
- Retail stores and plazas
- Restaurants and hotels
- Schools and child care centers
- Places of worship
- Medical centers
- Professional service company offices
- Auto dealerships and vehicle rental lots
Appearance, climate, public visibility, surrounding landscape, and applicable zoning laws help determine optimal materials and design features.
Materials for Commercial Fencing
Commercial fencing allows for greater variety of materials versus heavy-duty industrial options. Common choices include:
Ornamental Steel and Iron
Pre-fabricated steel or wrought iron offers security plus customized decorative features like finials, lattice, and scrollwork to complement architectural aesthetics. These are powder coated for durability and color options.
Aluminum
Lightweight aluminum fencing infills or perimeter framing is easy to install, low maintenance, and resistant to corrosion and decay. Stylish designs range from classic picket fences to modern tubular aluminum frames and mesh infill panels.
Wood
Stained cedar, redwood and pressure-treated pine are attractive, moderately affordable, and effective for privacy, security and noise dampening. Although wood requires regular maintenance to prevent rotting, cracking and splitting.
PVC Vinyl
For a wood look without the maintenance, vinyl offers extensive design versatility from simple privacy screens to elaborate gothic picket replicas. Cellular PVC withstands weathering but lacks structural stability spanning long distances.
Composite Fencing
Blended polymer resins fused around wood, bamboo or rice fibers create fencing with the appearance of natural materials but enhanced resistance to moisture, pests, mold and mildew. Brands like Trex are popular composite decking and fencing solutions.
Living Fences
Hedges, vines, bushes and other growing flora can establish naturalized fences and screens. While aesthetically pleasing, living fences require landscaping expertise, regular pruning and will take years to fully establish.
Key Differences from Industrial Fencing
Unlike industrial fencing catering to purely utilitarian specifications, commercial fencing requirements account for other factors like:
Aesthetics and Branding
Materials, styles, and integrated custom graphics allow commercial fences to enhance branding and reflect the visual identity of establishments.
Finishes and Color Options
From classic black powder coated steel pickets to faux reclaimed barnwood PVC panels and finishes, material and stain options enable alignment with building exteriors for continuity.
Lower Heights
Commercial fence heights rarely exceed 2 metres by regulation. Greater visibility promotes accessibility for patrons rather than restricting views like industrial barriers.
Varied Opacity
Commercial fences may incorporate solid panels for privacy then utilize semi-transparent mesh toward retail fronts for visibility.
Signage Allowances
Discrete fence-integrated signage can subtly advertise for passersby without detracting from aesthetics.
Commercial Fencing Compliance Factors
In addition to aesthetics, commercial fencing must adhere to legal and compliance regulations including:
Planning Permission
Depending on height, proximity to roads, location in conservation or green belt areas and other factors, commercial fencing may require council planning approval which can take 8-12 weeks.
Building Regulations
Must satisfy standards for structural integrity and safety to obtain completion certificates. Professional installation is advised.
Highways Acts
Cannot obstruct sightlines from roads, pavements or intersections that could impair traffic views. Setbacks from public byways may be mandated.
Conservation Area Guidelines
Special provisions govern fencing around listed buildings or in designated areas of natural beauty or wildlife habitats per Natural England regulations.
Environmental Protection Act
Construction noise, operating hours and commercial vehicle access may be restricted under legal provisions for statutory nuisances.
Reputable providers skull assess sites and identify any applicable planning permissions or regulations based on proposed fencing site, size, layout and materials.
Factors Influencing Industrial Fence Costs UK
Constructing secure and resilient industrial fencing requires significant material and labour expenses including:
Durable Materials
Heavy gauge welded mesh steel, metal framing and defensive top guards significantly increase costs but deliver critical vandal resistance.
Professional Installation
Qualified security fencing contractors charge premium rates but optimize lifespan plus performance. They utilize heavy machinery for deep concrete footings.
Height and Support Rigidity
The taller, stronger and more fortified fences become, the greater the material and construction costs. Each added foot of height amplifies wind shear forces.
Terrain and Access
Complex demolition, uneven terrain, underground utilities, poor soil, special site access arrangements, or remote locations add expenses.
On average, industrial fencing costs between £55-£120 per linear metre including materials and professional installation. For a 100x100m secure industrial compound, average total costs range from £55,000-£120,000.
What Influences Commercial Fence Pricing
Myriad factors shape pricing for commercial fencing:
Materials
Ornamental metal, masonry, exotic hardwoods, or composite blends exceed basic chain link and rot board fencing materials exponentially.
Height
The industry benchmark for commercial fencing spans 1.2-1.8m on average. Greater heights increase sizable material costs.
Length
Long spans exceeding 30 metre runs entail further structural fortification adding expenses.
Accessibility
Sites with poor equipment access for digging and concrete pouring like congested urban areas lead to higher labour costs.
Decorative Features
Specialized decorative elements such as finials, caps, lattice, custom patterns or signs add costs but enhance aesthetics.
Automated Gates
Electronically controlled vehicle and pedestrian gates suited for retail settings come at a premium.
For standard box store retail perimeter fencing, cost estimates typically run £20-£60 per linear metre depending solely on fencing selection. More specialized commercial fence projects with ornate metalwork, stonework, or decorative flourishes often reach £250+ per linear metre.
Maintenance for Industrial Fencing
The intense demands of industrial sites mean facility managers must inspect and proactively maintain fencing to maximize functional longevity. Essential upkeep practices involve:
Regular Inspections
Frequent perimeter walkarounds checking for emerging holes, faults, debris buildup, vegetation overgrowth and other issues ensures minor problems won’t escalate into major weak points.
Damage Repairs
Promptly fixing dents, severed mesh, broken supports, malfunctioning gates and any other defects maintains integrity against opportunistic intrusions.
Gate Servicing
Ensure smooth gate opening/closing plus functioning locks, hinges, motors and sensors for entryways. Lubricate hardware as needed to prevent seized components.
Snow Removal
Clear heavy snow loads before fence collapse risk, especially for large expanses on windward direction.
Overgrowth Clearing
Trim back encroaching tree branches or invasive vines to prevent obscured sightlines or gradual envelope breach points.
With advance planning and attentive maintenance, robust industrial fencing solutions can remain reliably intact for 15-25 years.
Commercial Fencing Maintenance
Like any infrastructure exposed to weathering, commercial fencing requires basic periodic inspection and repairs:
Visual Inspection
Patrol perimeter a few times yearly checking for warping boards, loose fasteners, vegetation contact or soil buildup which accelerates wood rot over time.
Paint Touch Ups
Reapply protective stains/sealants to wood and metal elements every 2-3 years to mitigate material degradation, especially key points like fence-soil contact zones prone to excess moisture.
Drainage Upkeep
Ensure rain or irrigation systems keep water flowing away from fence posts and concrete footings plus clear debris from gutters/drains near fences. Trapped moisture significantly accelerates infrastructure decay.
Damage Repair
Promptly mend holes, detached posts/fasteners, cracks, peeling paint or other deficiencies to restore aesthetics and security integrity.
Gate Adjustment
Ensure pedestrian, parking and automated vehicle gates open/close smoothly plus locks, codes and sensors function reliably for access control.
With consistent repairs and protective treatment, commercial fencing lifespans average 10-15 years depending on climate and materials selected. Wrought iron, steel, aluminum and advanced composites last decades.
Frequently Asked Questions About Industrial Fencing UK
What are the key security features of industrial fencing?
Industrial fencing is specially engineered to prevent unauthorized access with features like anti-climb designs, cut/pierce-resistant mesh, monitored gates, intrusion detection systems, robust materials and anchored posts. Customized selection provides tailored protection.
How tall should industrial fencing be for optimal security?
Typical industrial fencing spans 2.4-5m in height. As height increases, so does security but also project costs and wind shear challenges. Assess factors like stored assets value, likelihood of theft, climbing vulnerabilities and acreage before selecting ideal specifications that balance expenses and protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Fencing
Are there restrictions on the appearance of commercial fencing?
Fencing around retail, hospitality, professional services and other public-facing businesses may be subject to planning permission conditions regarding aesthetic suitability. Conservation area fences especially require tasteful design. Always clarify local regulations first.
What materials are best suited for a commercial property fence?
It depends on cost, longevity, climate, maintenance, and desired aesthetics suited to adjacent buildings and landscaping. Classic ornate steel offers timeless security. Natural wood conveys an inviting impression that requires upkeep. Composite and PVC strike a balance between durability and organic appearance. Seek expert guidance matching fence material to needs.
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