As a business owner or property manager, the safety of your assets genuinely concerns you. After all, theft or other mishaps could set you back and cause you to lose valuable time and money.
That is why it’s so important to secure your business or property before mishaps occur.
Remember – prevention is always better than cure!
Here at DRYCO, we put together an article for you going over the basics of commercial fencing: from reasons you might want to install a fence, types of fences, and things to think about when installing a fence at your business.
When we are done, you will have an idea of how you could use a fence to protect your business or property from accidents and misfortune.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
1. Seven Reasons To Install A Commercial Fence
2. Three Main Types of Commercial Fences
3. Factors To Consider When Installing A Fence
7 Reasons To Install A Commercial Fence
There are plenty of reasons you would want to install a fence at your property, from pure aesthetics to vital security.
Here are a few of the main reasons you might need a fence:
-
Security
A fence can protect your assets from theft, vandalism, or other misfortunes.
Nobody thinks they will get robbed – that happens to other people, right? But in reality, there is nothing to keep you from being that person others hear about. And there is not a city on the planet without crime, including yours.
It’s never too early to take safety precautions to secure your property, which is a primary reason to put up a fence.
-
Privacy
If you live in a highly-populated area, you might get tired of constant publicity!
The good news is that a fence can provide you with some much-needed privacy. Maybe you don’t want business rivals to see what you are up to, or perhaps you are just tired of being watched. Either way, a fence could help!
It’s not just about you, either. A fence helps protect your clients’ privacy too. For example, setting up a privacy fence at a home renovation site or a daycare would be well advised.
Installing various kinds of privacy fencing are great options if you want a barrier between you and all the watching eyes, such as chain-link fences with privacy slats. We will talk more about these types later in this article.
-
Access control
Maybe you aren’t necessarily afraid of theft, but you simply don’t want everyone to have free access to your property. A low-key fence is a way to keep people from taking advantage of your property in small ways, too, like unauthorized parking or loitering.
-
Aesthetics
Beyond security purposes, fences can really improve the look of a property!
Maybe your property has an unsightly area such as a propane tank, gas well, or swampy patch in the yard. A fence can effectively put it out of sight.
Or a classy wrought iron fence could make the front of your business look that much more professional and polished. A fence can both clean up and dress up a property.
-
Safety
Some properties include safety hazards like pools, sewer facilities, or electrical apparatus. Or perhaps you have equipment or sites at your business that could be dangerous if tampered with. In these cases, a fence is a priority.
In fact, California laws require you to have a sturdy fence around your property if you have a pool.
Other things you might need to secure at your property or business include:
- Dumpsters
- HVAC equipment
- Expensive equipment or large tools
- Inventory
-
Critter control
Wildlife like deer, groundhogs, and rabbits can be fun to see in the wild, but you don’t want them on your property! They can wreak havoc on buildings, foundations, and even vehicles kept outside. It also helps keep stray dogs and cats from getting on the parking lot and into warehouse or storage areas.
If you want to keep these critters out, a sturdy fence is a great solution. A chain link, vinyl, or wooden fence around your property keeps the critters from getting into other things they shouldn’t.
-
Add value to your property
Even if you plan to sell your property within the next several years, it can still be a good idea to install a fence because a quality fence can add value to your property. Fences increase security, curb appeal, and privacy, which can impress and appeal to potential property buyers.
Types of Commercial Fences
Now that we know why you might want to install a fence on your property let’s look at some common materials and types of fences.
We will explore several pros and cons for each one.
Let’s get on to option #1!
-
Chain link
Chain link fences are a common choice for several reasons. They are tough, effective, and inexpensive. (Wondering how much a chain link fence would cost you? Here is a price calculator.)
Chain link fences won’t require any maintenance over the years and can resist the toughest weather. And although chain link fences don’t provide much aesthetic appeal, you can make them into a privacy barrier by inserting vinyl privacy slats between the links.
To sum it up, here are the pros and cons of chain link fencing:
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Effective at keeping out animals and low-moderate intruders
- Durable and low-maintenance, even in extreme weather
- Extremely customizable!
- Customize with two colors: one for a vinyl chain link coating and one for the slats
- Choose the strength and thickness of the wires
- Add barbed wires or razor wires
- Use in conjunction with welded cattle panels
Cons:
- Not super classy
- Doesn’t add as much value to your property as some types of fencing
- A plain chain link fence doesn’t add any privacy
- Least secure type of metal fence
A chain link fence is an excellent choice for an easy and effective solution. If you want to increase the security of a chain link fence, you can always add extras such as razor wire, electricity, and gates.
-
Decorative Chain Link
If you want to take your chain link fence up a notch, you can opt for a vinyl-coated chain link. Choose a color that matches your building, or go with a classic black to mimic the sophistication of wrought iron.
The vinyl coating also adds a layer of durability to your fence, which is particularly useful in areas where there might be salt spray or other rusting factors.
The pros and cons of vinyl-coated chain link fencing are similar to the pros and cons of normal fencing. But here are a few pros and cons specific to the vinyl coating:
Pros:
- Looks more attractive
- Adds extra protection so your fence lasts longer, especially in harsh climates
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than regular chain-link fencing
If you want a budget-friendly option that still looks decent and matches your building, vinyl-coated chain link fencing may be a great option for you. Add colored slats if you want to add more color or increase your privacy!
-
Wrought iron
Wrought iron fences are timeless. Not only is their elegant beauty always in style, but they last for generations!
Iron is an excellent material for a security fence because it’s very strong and won’t be easily destroyed like wood or cheaper aluminum. For even more security, choose the popular picket-and-rail design that’s difficult to climb.
If you want your business to look classy and sophisticated, you can’t beat a classic wrought iron fence!
Rust is a real concern with iron fencing, but a proper powder coat and high-quality galvanized steel can significantly reduce the risk of your fence rusting.
The “Rackability” Factor
One important pro of wrought iron fencing is its “rackability.”
What is rackability?
Let’s put it this way: If you are trying to build a fence on a sloped yard, you face a problem. If your metal fence panels come in rigid squares, the space at the bottom of the fence will be larger at one end of the panel than the other because of the slope.
Rackable fence panels can rack out of the square shape so the bottom follows the ground slope. That way, the fence follows the contours of your yard, and the gap at the bottom is consistent.
Wrought iron is an excellent material for making rackable metal fence panels! The one caveat with rackable panels is that usually, they only come in a few designs.
Here are a few more of the pros and cons for wrought iron:
Pros:
- Long-lasting and durable in all weather
- Extreme/high-level strength and security
- Timeless, sophisticated look
- Incredibly tough and up to a beating
- Adds the most value to your property of any kind of fencing
Cons:
- Rusting can be an issue
- Quality iron fencing is pricey
- It’s hard to install iron fencing on a slope
- May need some maintenance to avoid rusting and pitting
Wrought iron fencing does not offer privacy, but if you want security this can be a pro because even if an intruder climbs your fence they are still in plain sight with no place to hide.
Ever heard of the halo effect?
The halo effect is the idea that first impressions really do matter. If you perceive one good characteristic in a person or thing, you may mentally surround them with a glowing “halo” and assume everything else about them is good as well.
For instance, if you meet someone and perceive them as good-looking, you may also assume they are smart, funny, and likable, even if this is not true. The fact that they are good-looking surrounds them with a halo that affects your impression of them.
The halo effect can apply to objects too! You can use it to your advantage by keeping your business and parking lot in good maintenance.
Factors To Consider When Installing A Fence At Your Business
Now that we’ve overviewed the types of fencing material out there, let’s figure out what’s right for you!
Here are the factors that will determine the fencing you ultimately go with:
-
Security
If your fence is meant to secure something, you’ll need to consider which materials will actually keep people or animals out (or in).
How much security do you need? Will a short wrought iron picket fence be enough, or do you need something more, such as a chain link fence and razor wire? Will you need extra security features like electricity or a strong gate with surveillance?
You may not find all security features attractive, but they are beneficial if safety is your primary concern.
If you want some tips, here is how to choose the best security fence.
-
Appearance
If safety is not your foremost concern, you may worry more about aesthetics.
You’ll need to ask yourself questions like “What style of fence goes with the overall aesthetic of my building?” and “What type of fence fits into the scenery around my property?”
-
Building codes in your area
Sometimes codes or regulations dictate what kind of fence you may build or what type is appropriate for a particular purpose.
It’s always good to check up on these codes before you start building! Here is an overview of the fence laws in California as of 2021.
-
Surroundings
Some materials are not compatible with certain weather or landscape conditions. For example, if you live near the sea, where your fence may get sprayed with salt water, a wooden fence may not be a great choice. Or, if you live on a sloped property, a rackable aluminum fence would be an excellent choice, whereas rigid iron may not be as suitable.
-
Maintenance requirements
How much work are you willing to put into your fence over the years? Are you willing to do a little more work for a certain look?
You should also think about how much your surroundings will affect how much maintenance your fence will need.
Conclusion
It’s always better to prevent accidents and misfortunes before they happen!
Installing a fence is one way you can safeguard yourself from bad luck and give yourself a little more peace of mind because you know you did everything you could to protect yourself.
And whatever it is you need enclosed, secured, separated, or contained, DRYCO can help!
We install all types of fences and enclosures, including security fencing, playground and athletic fencing, privacy fencing, estate fencing, and security/utility cages.
And remember, DRYCO estimators are here to help! We take pride in helping you find solutions to your problems. Simply give us a call, answer a few questions, and watch as our skilled estimator guides you to the perfect product!
We also offer other construction services:
And more! Contact us today to get started with your project.
We look forward to hearing from you.
DRYCO Is Here for All of Your Fencing Needs
Click here to read more about DRYCO’s fencing service