When fencing in your commercial property, there are a few questions that must be answered before you can choose the type of fence to install.

1. Does Appearance Matter?

Fences in a high visibility area or that are part of the customer-facing grounds need to be designed with aesthetics in mind. A plain chain link or wooden fence may not work well when appearance is a major concern. In this case, consider cast iron look-alike aluminum fencing if you want visibility into the commercial property, or opt for vinyl solid picket fencing if visibility isn't a concern. 

2. Are There Security Concerns?

If the main reason for fencing is security, then there are a few things to address. First is height — you want a fence tall enough to discourage easy climbing. Next is climbability. Avoid fence designs that provide plenty of footholds unless anti-climbing accessories, like razor wire, are in place. Finally, consider bottom gaps that someone could squeeze through. Choose a fence design that sits flush to the ground or is embedded into the ground. 

3. Is Landscaping a Challenge?

A commercial fence only looks as good as the landscaping around it. If the wind tends to blow in garbage that gets trapped against the fence or if maintaining grass and weed growth along the fence line is a problem, then you need to be careful with the fence style. A concrete threshold or open flower bed planting can be easier to maintain than grass or bare earth next to the fence. Solid fences are easier to clean up around as well since garbage doesn't get entangled in them as it can in a chain link fence.

4. Do You Need Privacy?

When privacy is a concern, the best options are solid wood or vinyl panels as opposed to aluminum picket styles. Surprisingly, chain link can also provide a pretty good option if it is paired with privacy slats or screening. In fact, chain is also a very cost-effective option and it can be combined with a variety of security features as well. 

5. Will Access Be an Issue?

Consider how your commercial property needs to be accessed. Do you need to manage access to employees and authorized vendors only, or will the property or building be open to the general public during business hours? Automatic code-controlled gates work well for managed access, while a manual gate that is closed at the end of the day may be sufficient if access is uncontrolled when your business is open. 

Contact a commercial fence builder if you have further questions or concerns. 

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