3rd August 2023

Mesh Fencing vs. Palisade

Exploring the Superiority of Mesh Fencing

Assessing the specific requirements of your property, considering factors such as security level, aesthetics, maintenance costs, and the intended application, will guide you in selecting the most suitable fencing option that will protect your premises effectively. In this article, we explore the advantages of mesh fencing when compared to palisade fencing. Each type of security fencing offers its own benefits, but what factors should influence your choice between the two options? A mesh fence not only enhances security but also adds value and peace of mind to your property.

 

 

Derived from wooden stakes driven into the ground to create a barrier, palisade fencing is still used today as a deterrent of break-ins, theft and more. Through research and innovation, there are now a variety of ways to protect your site, with mesh fencing excelling in providing enhanced security, unobstructed visibility, and low maintenance requirements.

Mesh Fencing: Optimal Security and Visibility

With three different types of mesh available, including 358, profiled and double wire, mesh fencing is the future in security and will continue to evolve over the years. Also known as prison mesh or anti-climb fencing, 358 mesh fencing offers a unique combination of security and visibility.

Enhanced Security with Small Mesh Openings

The primary advantage of 358 mesh fencing lies in its tightly woven pattern. The small mesh openings make it virtually impossible for intruders to gain a foothold or climb over the fence, significantly increasing the security level and making it ideal for high-security areas such as correctional facilities, airports, or data centres. Profiled mesh panels have 30mm projections to prevent scaling, and double wire mesh panels have both 30mm projections and double horizontal wires up to 8mm each to prevent cutting.

Unobstructed View and Natural Aesthetics

With the ability to offer unobstructed visibility due to its open mesh design, mesh fencing is beneficial when maintaining a clear line of sight is necessary, such as for surveillance purposes or areas where visibility is required for safety reasons. Furthermore, where required, the mesh pattern blends well with surroundings, offering a more natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance compared to solid barriers when it comes to securing locations such as educational facilities.

Low Maintenance and Longevity

Mesh fencing is constructed using high-quality galvanised or powder-coated steel, ensuring durability and resistance to corrosion. This low-maintenance solution requires minimal upkeep, reducing long-term maintenance costs. Its longevity makes it an excellent investment for locations where security is a priority.

Palisade Fencing

Although it is a historically popular choice for securing premises, from a security perspective, palisade fencing holds a multitude of disadvantages as an outdated style of perimeter security.

Damage

Palisade fences can be easily dismantled by targeting their two anchoring points, using commonly available tools like a screwdriver or chisel. Once even a single pale is removed from the palisade, it creates a passage for a person to pass through. An important consideration is that once the palisade pale is damaged, it becomes challenging to detect, making it an opportune entry point for criminals over an extended period, until appropriate measures are taken to address the issue.

Cost

While this fencing style is perceived as a more economical option compared to mesh fencing because of the materials used, the expenses associated with regular maintenance, due to its vulnerability to attacks, can become costly over time.

Design

The way palisade fencing is designed means visibility for CCTV and other surveillance measures can be inhibited, creating a secondary issue for the security of the premises it is used for.

Watch a testing demonstration of Palisade vs. Mesh here…

Conclusion

Overall, rigid mesh has continued to disrupt the market place as systems have been developed, and is now specified on a number of projects that may have previously been specified as palisade. Both fencing styles have their benefits, however mesh proves to be the reliable choice to ensure robust security that meets your requirements.

But don’t just take our word on it…

In 2014 the Architectural Liaison Officer for Devon and Cornwall Constabulary; Paul Shepherd raised the following concerns in regards to the proposed use of 2.5m Palisade Fencing on a new biomass energy facility in Plymouth.

He said “On the application (14/01637/FUL), it has been specified that the applicant proposes to install 2.5meter high metal palisade fencing. There are issues with this type of fencing which I have listed below. In place of palisade I would recommend a 2.5 (2430mm) weld mesh fencing system in black. This would allow greater natural surveillance through the fencing into the site.”

He continues by saying “Palisade fencing has been popular with industrial and commercial premises. Although the initial purchase can be considered inexpensive, long-term it can be costly due to higher maintenance/repairs and security experts consider it to be less effective than alternative products.”

So which fencing system will you use on your next project? Why not check out our range of Mesh Fencing Systems and find one that is perfect for your clients.

For more information on our Mesh Fencing Systems, contact us below.

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