Security is becoming an increasing concern and fences are the most popular means of protecting properties ranging from homes and businesses to production plants and utilities. With the many choices currently on the market, homeowners don’t have to eschew style when seeking security.

Aluminum

One of the benefits of aluminum is that it can be customized and fashioned into a myriad of decorative designs that rival wrought iron creations. The pickets can be spaced to prevent anyone from climbing it and the fencing can even be equipped with spikes at the top to further deter would be intruders.

Aluminum fencing is available in multiple colors and heights. People on the outside can still see inside your yard, but won’t be able to access it. Potential trespassers also won’t have a place to hide, since you can see through it. Aluminum fencing is virtually maintenance free.

Wire Mesh

Aluminum upright supports can be combined with tightly woven wire mesh to create a fence that’s stylish and offers no purchase for intruders to climb over. An additional feature is that it can be extended all the way to the ground level to prevent people from crawling under it and it’s effective for containing children and pets. The mesh provides many of the same attributes of chain link, but is far more aesthetically pleasing than chain link, and comes in multiple colors. Maintenance is minimal.

Vinyl

A vinyl fence can be customized in multiple ways and it’s offered in a variety of different colors and textures. Also known as PVC fencing, there are more than 30 different decorative and unique styles. It forms a solid barrier that prevents would be intruders from seeing in. It’s effective for keeping children and pets inside the yard and requires little to no maintenance.

SimTek®

Another type of fencing that provides a solid barrier is SimTek® You can customize it in a variety of ways and in multiple colors. It’s eco-friendly, resistant to graffiti, can withstand 110 mph hurricane winds. and gusts up to 130 mph. It’s also maintenance free and is effective for keeping children and pets safe from prying eyes.

Barbed wire is a powerful deterrent to would be intruders in any environment. The drawback is that while it may be legal, police warn against barbed wire and similar methods in certain circumstances as the owner could be held legally responsible for any injuries that an intruder sustains. Even posting appropriate warning signage may not be enough to absolve businesses from responsibility and the potential for litigation.

Barbed wire, like razor wire, is prohibited when adjacent to public right-of-ways in a wide variety of commercially zoned districts. Florida has very stringent laws governing the use of barbed wire in any capacity since it can be so dangerous. In non-residential areas, barbed wired can be used for security purposes on top of walls, fences and gates, but must be installed a minimum of six feet off the ground.

Due to its dangerous nature, barbed wire fencing is typically prohibited for use in a number of business environments. It’s usually found atop chain link fencing in industrial and construction settings to aid in the protection of equipment, tools, materials, and to protect against injuries by the general public that may intrude into areas that could prove dangerous. It may also be found to protect utility installations.

No business owner should attempt to hang barbed wire unless they’re fully cognizant of the rules for their specific industry and within their location. Barbed wire is typically the least preferable solution in a variety of situations due to the business owner’s potential liability for injuries should someone attempt to intrude on the property.

There’s a wealth of other options available and the ultimate choice will depend upon the business, usage, and location. The best solution is to consult with a fencing professional who will be knowledgeable of the regulations governing the use of barbed wire in multiple settings.

From scam artists and porch pirates to intruders, people are giving more thought to installing security measures for their homes. Some individuals choose to install selected methods, while others opt to have a full security system installed with all the bells and whistles. Individuals can also choose to transform their abode into a smart home that can be programmed, controlled from smartphones, and include a video feed.

Alarms

An alarm can and should be installed on all doors and windows. Homeowners can choose from wired systems that are integrated into a home’s electrical system, wireless systems that utilize radio frequencies, and unmonitored types that will emit audible/visual signals and are dependent upon reliable cellular reception.

Cameras

Many individuals choose to install cameras and that includes doorbell cameras. They’re an excellent deterrent and can even provide a means to prosecuting offenders. Cameras can be installed as part of an overall security system or independent models can be selected that constantly records.

Fencing

Attractive and effective fencing is available that will make intruders think twice before trying to enter a property. Fencing can encompass a wide variety of options, materials, and heights that combine beauty with functionality, though the most widely utilized is chain link.

Lights

Illuminating a property is a definite deterrent to would-be burglars that like to work in the dark. Homeowners can choose to light specific areas of their property with illumination that automatically turns on when a specific level of darkness is achieved. Motion sensor lighting is also effective and turn on anytime movement is detected.

Locks

There are a great many types of locks that can be installed on homes for elevated security. Deadbolts are effective, but individuals need to ensure that their door frames and hinges are strong. The most popular locks are electronic that requires a code to activate.

Safe Room

A safe room provides people with a secure place to shelter should an intruder enter the home. Depending upon the circumstances, it can also provide a safe place to ride out a tornado or avoid the air-borne debris of a hurricane if people aren’t able to evacuate.

The most common reasons for installing commercial fencing is security, protection of assets, to prevent liability issues, and to comply with anti-terrorism standards set forth by the Department of Homeland Security. Fencing is a highly effective means of deterring would-be intruders, but in some instances additional measures are required to discourage those that would climb the barrier.

It’s important to remember that the taller the fence is the more difficult it will be to breach. A fence of seven ft. or more in height is typically recommended by security experts and a solid barrier that prevents people from seeing inside also increases security. Not every additional climb-proof method can necessarily be employed on every type of fence.

Anti-Climb Paint – Also known as non-dry paint, it never completely dries, will leave a mark on anyone that touches it, and is very slippery. The disadvantage of anti-climb paint is that stray pollen and other particles will adhere to it.

Broken Glass – This is an option that’s implanted in mortar and installed atop of certain types of fencing. It’s a definite deterrent, but commercial property owners may not want to use it as it can be unattractive, requires warning signage, and should only be installed on fences of seven ft. or more in height.

Electrified Wire – A strand or two of electrified wire can be installed on top of a fence as an effective deterrent. Before implementing the measure, owners of commercial properties should check all relevant regulations to ensure the installation meets safety requirements to prevent children, pets, or a random pedestrian from accidentally touching the fence and incurring an injury. Appropriate warning signage will also need to be installed.

Fence Top Rollers – Also known as fence top spinners, they’re essentially vertical or horizontal tubes that rotate to make gaining purchase on a wall extremely difficult and unstable. Some are also available with spikes.

Razor Tape and Barbed Wire – While both items may bring to mind a prison, they’re effective but shouldn’t be used in areas where workers or pedestrians normally have access. Both options may require special permission to install, along with appropriate signage.

Spikes – Fence spikes are the most popular option since they can be added at any time, are fairly affordable, and easy to install. They’re durable and difficult to remove.

Commercial fencing is an ideal way to protect businesses and their assets. Depending on the environment, a fence controls the flow of people and/or vehicles and provides a protective barrier. Fencing can take many forms and is equally applicable for businesses that include stores and housing complexes to production facilities, warehouses, and construction sites.

Aluminum

This fencing is offered in multiple styles, colors, is highly durable, and low-maintenance. Aluminum resists corrosion and damage by the elements. It’s lightweight yet strong and can be a more cost effective solution than steel, wrought iron and similar materials. Aluminum fencing offers a myriad of opportunities for customization to accommodate specific needs. It’s also a decorative option that blends seamlessly with security systems and requirements.

Iron and Steel

Metal commercial fencing encompasses a wide variety of styles and designs, blending those attributes with timeless elegance, strength and durability. Commercial metal fencing of iron and steel can be combined with an extensive range of gates and other security measures. Business owners can choose from chain link styles, along with those that emulate wrought iron.

PVC Vinyl

It’s a highly popular option and is being used in multiple venues encompassing hospitals and restaurants to community centers and swimming pools. One of the reasons for its rise in popularity is its low-maintenance qualities, combined with decorative options.

It can be manufactured from synthetic materials or recycled plastics and is able to withstand Florida’s changing weather without cracking, chipping or peeling. PVC vinyl fencing can be installed in multiple heights and offers a security solution that’s available in multiple colors and styles.

SimTek®

One of the newest materials on the market is SimTek® and it’s quickly becoming a primary choice for businesses due to its unique capabilities. It can withstand hurricane force winds of 110 mph and gusts up to 130 mph, making it particularly applicable in Florida. Through a specialty molding process, it can be created to emulate stone and wood grain finishes.

It also provides superior sound absorption abilities, is very low-maintenance, and it’s impact resistant. SimTek® is a stylish solution that provides safety, security and beauty in a wide range of business environments.

Safety in your new home is one of the thoughts that should be paramount in your mind. There are some basic measures you can take to help deter would-be prowlers and intruders. The methods are equally effective if you’re going on vacation or if you have long commutes and work hours. In the excitement of moving in, it’s easy to forget that 73 percent of burglaries and break-ins occur in residential neighborhoods.

Alarm Systems

Installing an alarm system is a basic safety precaution that may also save you on homeowner’s insurance costs. If your new home comes equipped with an alarm system, change the code immediately. Ensure windows have a sticker indicating the home is protected by a security system and place one in the front yard. It’s proven to discourage anyone targeting the home.

Landscaping

Be sure to keep hedges trimmed and growth around doors and windows to a minimum and at a height of no more than three feet to deter crime. Planting prickly or spiky bushes near windows also helps. Mulch them with gravel – the sound of crunching gravel is a definite deterrent.

Lights

Homes that are well-lit are unappealing to thieves and burglars. Invest in some inexpensive timers for different areas of the home. It’s also helpful to alternate the rooms that are lit. The same light in the same window every night establishes a pattern that can be easily tracked by intruders. TVs can typically be set to go on at specific times from the device itself. Smart timers are also available that can be set and monitored from your phone.

Locks

Changing the locks should be at the top of every new homeowner’s to-do list. You never know who might have a key to the existing locks, from local teens to the neighbor across the street.

Motion Detectors

For outdoor usage, few items are as effective and inexpensive as motion detector lighting. The devices should be installed on all four sides of the dwelling. Additional motion detector floodlights should be installed in particularly dark areas or those where people could easily hide.

Video Doorbell

Video doorbells are a smart way to monitor who comes to your door, whether it’s a delivery driver or the mailman. A common ploy used by burglars is to ring the doorbell first to see if anyone answers. A video doorbell will notify you if anyone is at the door via your phone no matter where you happen to be and allow you to respond. You’ll never have to open the door without knowing who is on the other side.

Fencing is available in so many colors, styles and materials it can be difficult to decide what to choose. Fencing materials run the gamut from wood, aluminum and PVC/vinyl to SimTek, chain link, and wrought iron. One characteristic will be fairly easy to decide – if the fence will be solid or see-through.

The materials can be utilized in a variety of ways to create solid or see through fences, though some perform best when used in specific ways. Much will depend on the reason the fence is being erected, local regulations, and taking into account personal preferences.

There are advantages and drawbacks to each type of material. Wood will need to be stained, painted, or replaced periodically. Aluminum and PVC/vinyl won’t rust and doesn’t need painting. It’s a relatively low-maintenance option that’s also economical. SimTek is eco-friendly and one of the most versatile and durable materials available.

See-Through Fencing

A stand-alone see-through fence can provide security, safety for children and pets, and doesn’t prevent natural light from entering. The biggest benefit of see-through fencing is that it enables people see out. It can keep intruders and unwanted wildlife out. The fencing styles have the advantage of being decorative and aesthetically pleasing.

Solid Fencing

A solid fence has a variety of benefits, not least of which is privacy and the ability to completely block activities from neighbors and the street. They provide increased security to prevent wildlife and intruders from entering and it’s equally effective for keeping children and pets inside and safe.

Solid fencing can be used in a myriad of situations to address specific problems. It buffers street sounds and noises for a more tranquil environment. It’s also effective as a windbreak and for coastal dwellers as a barrier against blowing sand and debris.

Pick the Purpose

One of the most important decisions individuals can make is why they want a fence. It doesn’t have to provide privacy, safety or a barrier against noise. It can simply be ornamental, decorative, and enhance the aesthetics and value of the property.

Florida is home to a wide variety of unwelcome and dangerous wildlife and one of the best ways to provide children and pets with protection is with a chain-link fence or alternately, an iron or PVC fence. It keeps youngsters and pets from venturing too close to a situation that has the potential to be dangerous and the ability to keep wildlife predators off the lawn.

A chain-link fence is strong, durable, and cost-effective. As an added benefit, Zepco Fence installs all of its gates with self-closing springs and childproof locks, along with a bottom cable to keep unwanted wildlife from digging under the enclosure while keeping children and pets inside.