The differences between permanent and temporary may seem obvious, but when it comes to fencing it is worth noting that there are differences – a temporary solution is one that should make way for one more permanent as soon as feasible – and below we will examine why. Also, check out security fencing suppliers if you require it for your buildings.
Future Proof Fencing
Making the choice of which type of temporary fencing is best suited for the job can provide a challenge due to the sheer number of different types that are available. However, temporary fencing should not be left in place for as long as the panels in the image indicate – but it is a testament to how resistant our fencing is to the forces of nature.
Making the right fencing decision is dependent on just how the site will be used once the construction process has been concluded. There is a multitude of reasons to install a temporary fence, for instance, it could be used to section off a particular area prior to the installation of a more permanent fencing solution, to ensure that access to machinery is limited, or in cases where the public needs to be kept away from a construction site. If a permanent fencing solution will be required it is best to start planning for installation as early into the construction project as possible. This will ensure that the fence can be set up either before or during construction activities. This will have a variety of benefits including enhancing security at the site. Temporary fencing will therefore only be required for a short period of time. If the need for a permanent fencing solution has not been agreed then it becomes even more challenging to agree on the benefits of investing in costly, high-quality temporary fencing, especially in cases where the duration of the project is subject to change. However, it is worth noting that (in general) the larger and more complex the site of the build, the higher the demands on temporary fencing will be due to the extended timeframe of the project – and the higher the quality of the temporary fencing should be.
Project management in search of the ideal temporary fencing solution should be aware that there is a class of fencing called ‘semi-permanent fencing.’ This foundation-free fencing offers a higher level of security than standard ‘express’ type panels – but is still no substitute for a permanent solution. This type of fencing does represent risk. It has no guarantee and does have its flaws as far as security is concerned (therefore increasing risk) and it can be extremely expensive.
Typically, a permanent fencing solution will be secured to the ground or sunken and any weakness will usually be found at the connections between the panels to the posts – and the pales to the panels. The quality of these connections is one of the ways that a quality, well-designed permanent fencing solution can be differentiated from a cheaper product. Those connectors should be highly resistant to vandalism and be placed on the interior of the fence or hidden in some other way. A well-designed permanent fence will not have exposed bolts holding pales to panels – they will be designed as an integral part of the panel.
Any fence that is identified as ‘semi-permanent’ will have the same design features as the above, however, there will be weaknesses at the posts and foundations. If said posts are not secured to the ground there is an alternative of securing them to something else that is stable and weighty. This is an area of potential weakness as if the anchoring weight can be removed then the fence can be toppled, exposing the site to criminals. The weight itself is another area of vulnerability. One usually finds that the weight is supplied by a filled container such as a used oil drum or a container made from plastic. These are filled with sand, water, or rubble/aggregate. It is common practice for the fill material to be packed in bags to make placement and removal easier. This makes it far easier for criminals to simply remove the contents from the container – thereby increasing the vulnerability of the entire fencing system.
The Need for Noise Reduction and Privacy
The sheer volume of noise at the average construction site means that noise reduction is a secondary function of temporary fencing, as is guaranteeing privacy. Noise reduction will be enhanced through the use of acoustic blankets.
