Many homeowners and businesses may install a fence around their property without giving much thought to it. After all, any fence is better than no fence, right? Well, actually, that’s not true. Your safety and security are at stake and we’re here to help you to understand that the type of fence you choose, and the material it’s made of, matters a lot.
Usually, our customers choose to have security fencing installed on their property for two main reasons—to keep their home secure and to add a visually appealing element. JDH Decks and Fences, a top-rated Georgia residential and commercial fence company, and this article will take a closer look at the best types of fencing materials to use to protect your home or business.
Strong Georgia Security Fence Options
Whether you want to protect your family and valuables in your home or secure your business assets and equipment from being burglarized, installing an effective security fence can keep you, your family, and your property safer by deterring or delaying intruders. For your home, a typical privacy fence may meet all your needs, particularly in residential areas where crime is typically low and opportunistic. Georgia security fencing for your home or business property is typically a metal structure that both deters thieves and makes the fence unscalable. These fences may include additional security features such as razor wire and spikes. Metal and chain link fences can provide adequate security and deterrence without reducing visibility.
However, be aware that no security fence can keep out all intruders – with enough time, the right tools, and some patience, an intruder can bypass even the toughest fence, so the idea behind a security fence is to delay the intruder for as long as possible.
Here are three particularly important questions to ask when choosing a security fence for your property:
Does the Fence Have any Concealed Areas?
When choosing security fencing styles and materials, you’ll want to avoid solid panel fencing that blocks the view of the other side of the fence. It is also important that there are no hiding places along the fenceline so you have the opportunity to see if anyone is lurking around, thereby giving you the opportunity to call for help or investigate before they try to breach the fence. Solid, tall fences provide hiding places for intruders and should be avoided, or installing an external monitoring system is recommended.
Is the Fence Easy to Climb?
An effective security fence should be hard to climb and fence height alone can be an effective deterrent to trespassers. A good security fence can be as tall as 6 feet, yet 8 feet is even better. If you can go taller, your Georgia residential fence will prove to be an even more formidable obstacle to scale. However, most ordinances have height restrictions for residences, so if you are limited by height, fences that have spikes or points on the top will discourage potential intruders from climbing them. We recommend that horizontal rails face towards the inside of your property and that the space between them doesn’t allow for easy climbing.
Is the Fence Easy to Breach?
The majority of break-ins are motivated by how easily the business property or home can be entered and exited. A security fence will be ineffective if a burglar can easily climb over, around, or under it. A good perimeter security fence installed by an experienced Georgia fence company, like JDH Decks and Fences, is secured to the ground, is long-lasting, cannot be easily cut, and completely encircles the property. You should also include security gates and driveway gates to ensure that no opening is left vulnerable and exposed.
Here are JDH Decks and Fences’ top recommendations for effective security fences:
1. Aluminum Fencing
For many homeowners, neighborhood associations, and commercial properties, aluminum fencing takes the top spot for security fencing: tough and intruder-resistant yet extremely attractive. In fact, aluminum fencing has long been used for security fencing at the White House! Adding pointed or spiked tops to the fence makes it even more difficult to overcome.
Resistance to Pest and Weather With Low Maintenance
A well-made aluminum fence is your very best option for strength and longevity. While it has the look of wrought iron, it’s more affordable than ornamental iron fencing and is built to last for life. Aluminum fencing isn’t bothered by weather, wind, or insects and won’t rot, rust, or deteriorate. Quality aluminum fencing is manufactured with a protective powder coating, making this metal fencing virtually indestructible.
The upkeep needed for aluminum security fencing is very minimal. You only need to clean aluminum security fencing occasionally to ensure the specialized powder coating is still in good condition. Aluminum fencing won’t rust or rot, and it will stay in great shape for years with only a few cleanings.
2. Chain Link Fence
Chain link fencing is moderately effective at delaying entry to your property by intruders on its own. The diamond-shaped holes in a typical chain link fence are nearly 3 inches wide, allowing a trespasser an easy toe-hold to climb the fence, so you may want a smaller, tighter mesh to make it difficult to climb. A hacksaw, bolt cutter, or even garden loppers can be used to cut anything lower than a 9- or 11-gauge steel wire. You can, however, increase the effectiveness of a Georgia commercial fence for business locations by adding barbed wire or electrical wire to the top of the fence, which will deter would-be intruders from scaling the fence.
You can also select the thickness and style of the galvanized steel wires, with thicker wires providing enhanced security and durability. Choosing a taller fence height enhances the security of your property and the chain link’s open visibility is also a plus. For many homeowners or business owners with a tight budget, chain link fencing may be the best option due to its low cost.
Chain Link is Long-Lasting and Durable
Made of galvanized steel, chain link fences cannot be destroyed by pests or rot. There is also protective PVC coating in several colors to add to the aesthetics of your fence as well as further protect your fence for longevity.
Low-Maintenance Features of Chain Link Fence
Chain link does not attract dirt and debris, and it never needs to be painted or stained, so maintenance is a breeze. Other than occasionally sweeping off leaves and cobwebs, there is little that you need to do to maintain a chain link fence. This makes chain link a particularly excellent choice for commercial applications and homeowners who are not interested in adding to their list of maintenance items.
3. Vinyl Fencing
Certain vinyl fencing styles can act as great fences for the protection and security of your home and also as a Georgia commercial fence option. When considering a vinyl picket fence, getting pointed pickets is a great security design feature. Also, a sturdy, solid vinyl privacy fence is nearly impossible to climb because there are no footholds on the smooth surface of a vinyl fence panel. Be aware that a solid panel fence will not allow for a clear view to the other side so you may want to install exterior cameras so that you have a clear view of your property.
Vinyl is Durable and Low-Maintenance
Vinyl fencing is made of a durable and long-lasting PVC product that won’t warp, bend, or discolor for the life of the fence. It’s also virtually maintenance-free and requires no routine care like painting or staining. A vinyl fence is extremely easy to clean by rinsing it down with a hose or if it gets a bit more dirt and grime, a bucket of sudsy water and a rag will make light work of cleaning your fence.
Assessing Your Property for a Security Fence
To make sure you are going to meet your security requirements for your Georgia commercial fence project or residential property, consider the following:
- Determine the total perimeter of the security fence and which areas need to be enclosed.
- Look for features near the intended fence that may help intruders scale the fence, like rocks, berms, signs, and bushes.
- Assess the ground for solidity. Security fences must be firmly secured and set in concrete.
- Check your fence design against local zoning restrictions and stay within the limitations. You might be required to change or remove the fence if it does not comply with local zoning.
Work With a Top-Rated Georgia Residential Fence Company!
If you are looking for a fence that provides optimal security and long-lasting beauty, then let an expert Georgia fence company like JDH Decks and Fences help you begin planning the details of your new fence for your home or business. Our courteous and knowledgeable staff would be happy to talk with you! You can call us at (912) 748-1907 or you can Contact Us online. We’re ready to help with your security fence project and will gladly answer any questions you may have!
