When you think of high-security facilities, you probably picture compounds surrounded by high concrete walls and barbed wire. In reality, however, these foreboding security measures are often unnecessary. Nowadays, wire mesh fencing, hostile vehicle mitigations systems, stylish fence toppings and electronic security measures can be used to create an impregnable perimeter. In fact, we at Zaun believe that security fencing-based perimeters are superior to solid perimeter walls in many ways. Therefore, if you are responsible for creating the perimeter around a high-security facility, such as a prison, military base or political HQ, we think you should consider a mesh fencing solution over a traditional brick-and-mortar one. There are several distinct advantages.
1. Cost
Building a solid concrete or brick wall around a facility can be a very costly process. Profound foundations often need to be laid, and the cost of the materials can quickly pile up. What’s more, integrating additional security measures (such as alarms and CCTV) into a pre-existing concrete wall can also be costly. A fencing-based solution can be far more cost-effective. Our fencing solutions can also have additional security options integrated into them seamlessly at the design stage so that you can save money later in the process.
2. Installation time
If your facility needs to be secured quickly, mesh fencing security solutions are ideal. Large parts of the security system can be prefabricated or manufactured off-site and then sent and installed rapidly. Of course, it’s often necessary to make some adjustments, but this is nowhere near as time-consuming as building a brick or concrete barrier from the foundations up.
3. Customisation
It’s effortless to add additional security equipment to fencing, even after it’s installed. For example, hostile vehicle mitigation systems can be installed to stop automotive attacks; CCTV cameras and alarms can be added at a moment’s notice. The fencing itself can be electrified if necessary. Fence toppings can also be changed if required. Solid-wall security solutions are far harder to adjust.
4. Lines of sight
Security personnel obviously can’t see through concrete walls or barriers, restricting their ability to respond to fast-developing external threats. By contrast, it’s easy to see through mesh fencing, so security personnel will always have a clear idea of what’s going on outside their perimeter.
5. Security and longevity
Of course, solid concrete or brick walls and barriers seem tougher in the short term. This is because they can absorb a lot of physical force. However, damage to a concrete wall is hard to repair. If a mesh fencing panel does become damaged, it can be replaced, meaning that mesh fencing-based security solutions can often hold up better in the long run. What’s more, they can be electrified and adjusted to resist attempts to scale them or cut through them. Concrete barriers can stand up to brute force, but mesh fencing can resist more intelligent attacks, too.
Are you responsible for a high-security facility? If so, it’s time to embrace security fencing. Get in touch with Zaun today.