Materials & Design: High-Security Fences Explained High-security fences with precision engineering maximize durability and strength
Galvanized and powdercoated steel fencing solutions resist corrosion to stay resilient year after year.
Fences with no visible fasteners and anticlimb features present a more daunting security barrier to deter would-be trespassers.
While artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more integrated into enhancing security on a broad scale, physical security measures remain crucial to safeguarding occupants and property. For many commercial projects, these measures start at the property’s perimeter with a robust, high-security fence, according to Eric Kell, director of commercial sales at Fortress Building Products. He and his team deliver high-performance security solutions across diverse sectors, pairing cutting-edge engineering with tailored solutions to meet an individual site’s threat level without compromising aesthetics. “Able to withstand impact from blunt-force instruments and vehicles, high-security fences offer more protection from would-be trespassers than standard-issue fencing options,” explains Kell. “That said, an effective security fence encompasses more than just sheer strength. It also includes designs that work with other security measures, allow clear sightlines across a property and resist climbing and other non-forceful forms of breach.” Understanding these considerations can help fencing professionals provide accurate and effective recommendations to project owners seeking to enhance their property’s physical security. Kell offers the following insight on key elements for security improvement: Strength is essential to effective security fencing. Since the purpose of a high-security fence is to deter, delay and deny intruders, it must have the physical strength to withstand multiple forms of
abuse. On a material level, steel fencing solutions offer a considerable advantage in this regard. Select systems can withstand vehicular ramming and remain a barrier to trespassers. When steel security fences are galvanized and finished with a weather-resistant powder-coating, they can withstand long-term corrosion, ensuring they stay strong throughout their lifecycle. That said, strength can also include resistance to more sophisticated tampering from semi-skilled intruders. Whereas some fences may do little to hide the connections between picket and rail, industry-leading high-security fencing solutions utilize hidden fastener systems to increase resistance to vandalism and tampering. This, combined with seamless picket to rail connections, contributes to a high-security fence with the strength to withstand a wide range of physical attacks. By explaining how a fence’s material and design relate to resistive strength, fencing professionals can help project owners choose a system that meets their perimeter security goals. Considered design improves security fence capabilities. Similar to how a fence’s design contributes to its strength as a system, highsecurity fences that are engineered to be compatible with other security measures can bolster the overall security a property can have. This can include rails that can accommodate data and communication cables (IDS) to support surveillance efforts. It can also mean fences that do
not obscure sightlines across an entire property. Whether through physical sight or CCTVs, seeing an incoming threat before a perimeter breach buys occupants precious time to contact authorities and engage in established security protocols. Further increasing the amount of time occupants have to respond to an inbound threat, anti-climb fencing makes it more difficult for would-be intruders to scale a fence. When this picket-and-rail design is incorporated into a fence that is rackable to follow changes in landscape, it supports a high-security fencing solution that is resistant to multiple non-violent forms of intrusion to heighten the overall security these fences offer. Enhanced perimeter security with a modern look. While the most important criterion for selecting a high-security fence is how it performs when installed, enhanced property security should not come at the expense of a beautiful exterior. For commercial properties, the aesthetics of a landscape, fencing included, may influence business and contribute to general employee attitudes about the company. When a high-security fence offers a range of design options and a sleek, minimalist design, it can help create an exterior that is both secure and aesthetically pleasing. As a result, these fencing solutions provide enhanced security without raising concerns for visitors and occupants. Learn more at fortressbp.com. Photos courtesy of Fortress Building Products FENCENEWS.COM | OCTOBER 2025
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