Tips for Choosing a Good Fence for Your Business

Posted on: 8 June 2016

A good fence can enhance security around any business and may also even increase the aesthetic appeal of your property. Since fences come in such a wide variety of materials and styles, some of which might not be as secure as you may think, it's good to take your time to shop before you have a fence erected around your commercial property. Note a few tips for choosing the right fence for your needs.

1. Security

A chain link fence is a common choice for commercial properties, but it's not always the most secure, depending on its gauge. The gauge refers to how thick the actual fence material is, and a lower gauge means a thicker fence. A higher or thinner gauge for chain link may be easier to cut with a pair of tin snips or bolt cutters, and someone could easily access your property. If you do want a chain link fence for your property, invest in the lowest gauge you can afford so that it's thick and difficult to cut.

2. Aesthetics

You don't want to overlook aesthetics when choosing a commercial fence; if your area looks too industrial, clients and customers may be put off by the appearance and may not be comfortable being in your facility. Rather than chain link, you might opt for wrought iron vertical bars for your fence if you're concerned about your property's appearance; they don't provide a toehold for intruders, and pointed finials at the top can be very uncomfortable for anyone trying to scale the fence, so they're still secure while offering a more upscale look.

3. Privacy

If you want maximum privacy for your commercial facility, you might opt for a vinyl fence. These are made with tall vertical slats that can be placed right next to each other, creating a near-solid panel. Vinyl can typically be stamped with a faux wood grain for better aesthetics so you don't sacrifice the appearance of your property or have it look like a compound, while still keeping out prying eyes.

4. Maintenance

Note that wood fences need consistent repainting and other repair work, so if you must have a traditional wood fence, be sure you've considered the long-term maintenance costs. Vinyl needs little to no maintenance over time and is very durable. Aluminum is lightweight and doesn't rust or corrode, so it's a good choice when you want a metal fence of any style. Chain link fences may corrode over time unless they're galvanized, which means coated with a metal that doesn't get rusty; look for zinc coating or plating for chain link so you know you won't wind up with a rusted, unsightly fence around your property.

Talk with a company like Built By Geoff for more information about various types of fences. Consider which of the above factors are most important to your business to help guide your decision.

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