Business assets and resources entail substantial investments, and nothing secures these valuable properties better than commercial security fences.

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Preventing losses is a serious topic among industries. For instance, retail sector companies lose an average of USD$ 46.8 billion from fraudulent activities, including shoplifting, errors, and thefts. While commercial security fences aren't the ultimate solution for these challenges, they serve as a significant deterrent to the commission of specific crimes.

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Enterprise owners remain responsible for keeping their employees, pieces of equipment, products, and raw materials safe from physical and preventable threats. Consider these crucial points if you plan to have security fencing for your business.

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Your security requirements  

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Check your location and immediate environment to determine safety weaknesses and risks in your physical set-up to determine your security requirements.

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After pinpointing your commercial security needs, find the best fence material and ideal style for your office. Security gates often measure six feet, though some fences can be higher, depending on the nature of the business and local government rules.

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If you're in the service industry or need to face customers often, it's vital to consider your fence design for a more welcoming atmosphere. You don't want customers to feel threatened by installing razor wires and spike strips on top of your walls, though you can place them in vulnerable areas at the rear section.  

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Sometimes, you must strike a balance between deterring intruders and maintaining a clean and attractive façade. This holds true even if you're operating a warehouse or a factory.

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The pros and cons of each commercial fencing material

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Fence material and size are two of the most significant cost considerations for commercial fencing installation. Similarly, deciding on the project's cost-effectiveness demands you consider post-installation costs like maintenance, repairs, and replacement expenses.

Below are the most common materials for building a security fence for your business, with the pros and cons relative to their costs:  

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Commercial iron fencing

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Wrought iron is the most expensive option, but its strength and durability make up for its price. Getting an iron fence will also save your business in the long run because it's less likely to need a replacement, and it requires minimal upkeep.

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Commercial chain link fencing

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This material is used in multiple industries as a cost-effective option. On the downside, it offers less security and privacy than the other gate materials, as the links can be easily cut using bolt cutters. Because of its style, a chain link fence can't effectively shield your business from prying eyes.

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Commercial vinyl fencing

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Vinyl may be a popular fencing material for residences because it's maintenance-free. However, it can be vulnerable to extreme temperature changes and, when broken, must be replaced rather than repaired. Improper vinyl fencing installation could lead to some issues down the road.

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Commercial wooden fencing

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Although versatile, a wood fence needs periodic maintenance, like repainting and staining, to prevent deterioration. Wood is also vulnerable to ground movements, insects, molds, and decay when improperly installed and lacks maintenance.    

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Note that your business property requires different fencing materials and styles based on your location, climate, and nature of business. Industrial yards and agricultural farms are often enclosed with high chain link fences, while iron, vinyl, and wooden fencing may be enough for most offices. If privacy is necessary for your business, placing the bars and slats close is best to minimize gaps.

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Material resilience and durability

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Steel and iron have the best durability and resiliency of all the available fencing materials. Thus, while they require the highest upfront costs, they can be the most cost-effective commercial security fencing solution.

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If you don't want to invest in an iron or steel fence, ensure that the material you choose is durable enough to withstand the elements, strong impact, and other issues your business may be exposed to.

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You can also reinforce security and durability by requesting specific add-ons for the materials you plan on using. These may include:

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⦁ Galvanized and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating for chain link fences

⦁ Large metal fence pipes to connect your chain link fence to

⦁ Powder coating for metal fences to fight corrosion

⦁ Mixing and matching fencing materials

⦁ Placing fence tops like barbed wire, spikes, and razor tapes

⦁ Installing a double fence

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While height effectively prevents crimes, it's not the panacea for security issues. Choosing a durable material and installing add-ons like the list above helps boost safety.

A reliable contractor

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As with any construction project, the cost of a security fence installation for your business depends on the materials, height, design, site conditions, and any additional work. It could also vary from location to location and firm to firm.

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Choosing a company offering the lowest price may be tempting, but it isn't always the most cost-effective option. The materials it uses may be of questionable quality, and it may be inexperienced in installing your preferred fencing material. Always opt for a reputable, experienced contractor to work on your commercial security fence.

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Conclusion

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Security and privacy requirements vary from firm to firm. Keeping this in mind, choose a security fence that fulfills your needs comprehensively. This is the key to selecting an enclosure with the right height, material, and design.

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More importantly, ensuring correct installation and high-quality materials is crucial in getting the most out of your investment. Improper installation and inferior materials can lead to costly repairs and replacements in the future, negatively affecting your operational budget.

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References

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1. Safety Culture, https://safetyculture.com/topics/loss-prevention/

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2. The Constructer, https://theconstructor.org/construction/cost-estimation-factors/9316/

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3. Grand View Research, https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/plastic-fencing-market

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4. The Spruce, https://www.thespruce.com/permits-for-fences-1822353

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5. Home Guides, https://homeguides.sfgate.com/maintain-iron-fences-47566.html

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