High security fences define and defend perimeters around protected or restricted-access areas by using advanced engineering, design and materials. High security fences also legally define property perimeters (demark boundary) and for specific locations, like military bases or embassies, they are actually required by the Department of Defense (DoD). Such fencing creates an intimidating psychological and physical deterrent against attack.
Perimeter security encompasses not only high security fencing but also a networked strategy that includes:
Given an adequate amount of manpower, time, weapons and tools, no fence is impenetrable. Therefore, the primary purpose of a perimeter security fence system is to delay attacks long enough to increase the probability of detection and institute defensive or evacuation counter-measures.
In concert with this priority, high security fences also create the infrastructure needed to install surveillance and perimeter intrusion detection equipment such as motion detectors, infrared, thermal cameras, security lighting, and alarms.
There are several types of fences depending on the threat posed to a facility. Each location might have a different type and level of threat, such as vehicle ramming (called a Hostile Vehicle Attack), physical attack (breaching), small arms fire or even non-aggressor protection for electrical dangers or radar interference. Protogetic highly recommends that a threat risk and vulnerability assessment be performed on Day One of your project.
High security fence manufacturers can address your identified security requirements with several protective fence options:
The overarching standard is the Unified Facilities Criteria -- UFC 4-022-03 Security Fences and Gates. However, there are numerous fence standards depending on the fence type and material. For instance:
Fence infill, or “fence fabric as the Department of Defense calls it, refers to the material covering the area that creates a barrier between the fence panel’s frame posts and top/bottom rails. Essentially, infill is what makes a fence look like a fence. Most commonly, this space is filled by chain link. However, there are many other infill options that address more rigorous security requirements as well as the aesthetic considerations and budget of your project. Infill options include:
The most common fencing in the world is by far chain link. You see it everywhere, every day. The vast majority of chain link fencing is standard consumer/residential grade and is made from helically wound wire that is then interwoven to create a continuous mesh. Unfortunately, in terms of providing high security, standard chain link provides only about 7- 15 seconds of delay before being breached or completely compromised.
That is why there is high security chain link available that uses stronger gauge wires and smaller mesh openings to delay or prevent use of breaching/cutting tools. High security, heavier gauge chain link is obviously more expensive than the kind you buy at big box DIY stores.
Welded wire mesh sounds just like how it’s made – a grid of longitudinal and horizontal steel wires arranged at 90-degree angles are welded together. Compared to chain link, welded wire fencing is stronger and more resistance to penetration or cutting. It is also more climb resistant because the smaller welded wire mesh openings prevent an intruder from gaining a toe or finger hold.
No. Welded wire is technically known in the industry as welded wire mesh, which frequently causes confusion with woven wire mesh (too often abbreviated to just wire mesh). While both infill materials get called “mesh”, they are very different.
Welded wire uses electric resistance welding to affix the metal wires. Woven wire mesh sounds precisely like it is made – literally weaving steel wires together like a piece of fabric. Another difference, depending on the wire gauge (thickness), welded wire is stronger whereas wire mesh is more pliable.
Like welded wire, expanded metal fencing also gets its name from the process employed to manufacture it. Numerous slits are cut into a sheet of steel and then mechanically stretched, creating a distinctive pattern of small diamond-shaped openings. These small diamonds are excellent for resisting climbing and cutting, making expanded metal fencing an excellent choice for providing medium and high security.
Palisade fences have been in use for centuries and were sometimes called stake fences because the wooden pales were imbedded in the ground. The stockade forts of the American frontier used this method to create protective walls.
The steel palisade fences used today for perimeter security no longer need to bury the pales in the ground. Instead, the pales (much like pickets) are attached to the fence’s top and bottom rails. The pales are extremely strong as they are fashioned from roll formed steel.
In addition to threat-specific fence types, there are numerous security options available that can be added to your perimeter security fence system, including but not limited to:
Ballistic shields are panels made of laminated fiberglass and resin composites. Their design is to absorb the kinetic energy of a bullet by systemic delamination. These panels are attached to the fence to protect occupants inside the fence line.
Barbed wire is made by twisting two wires into a strand and wrapping very sharp barbs with 2 points (or 4 points) onto it at regular intervals. Barbed wire is most frequently used as a “fence topper” to add an additional and painful deterrent to a would be attacker seeking to scale the fence perimeter.
Concertina is typically a metal strip of very sharp razor-like points that look somewhat like little butterflies or “X’s”. Concertina wire comes in large coils that can be expanded across the top of the fence. It is often used along with barbed wire for enhanced deterrence.
There is no “best fence”. Nor should security be approached with a “one size fits all” mentality. There is, however, the best fence for your project. Protogetic always recommends having a qualified engineer or security professional perform a threat assessment to determine your project’s attack risk. This evaluation examines the building design, location, on-site personnel (military or civilian), threat risk and numerous other factors.
You can instantly find Department of Defense approved vehicle barrier fences on Protogetic’s groundbreaking, 100% digital/searchable, DoD Anti-Ram Vehicle Barrier List.
High security fencing is more expensive than residential for obvious reasons. You can get custom quotes for your project quickly at Protogetic.com by using the no-obligation “GET A QUOTE” button on the product page. If you have additional questions, the “CONTACT MANUFACTURER” button will establish a direct messaging link with their representative. Nothing could be easier. Get accurate, up to the minute information and find exactly what you need without wasting hours of your time. Shop for high security fences now!
Your account has been successfully created.
Please verify your email to ensure the best user experience.
Didn’t receive our email? Resend
Please provide the following information so that your inquiry can be processed. The Protogetic team representative will be notified.
By submitting this form, you agree to share the above information with the manufacturer. Protogetic does not sell user data.
