When it comes to keeping intruders from entering your property, it isn’t enough to just have a fence. You need to have the right type of fence. This means having a fence that not only defines the perimeter of your property but also stops intruders from breaching your property. This is precisely what a no-climb fence is designed to do. In this guide, we will break down the differences between a no-climb fence/wire vs a no-climb fence with mesh panels, discuss which is better to prevent unauthorized access to your property, and what you should consider when selecting the right no-climb fence wire system for your property.
What is a No-Climb Fence?
A no-climb fence, also known as anti-climb fencing, is a type of security fencing specifically designed to prevent people from cutting, gripping, or climbing through the fence. Intruders can typically scale a traditional chain-link fence in a matter of seconds. A no-climb fence system is nearly impossible to scale.
Anti-climb fences utilize tight mesh spacing to ensure there is no available space to grip or grab with fingers or to place feet. The surfaces of this type of fence are vertical or smooth, providing absolutely no traction. Scaling attempts are discouraged through a design along the top of the fence that may be spiked, angled, or curved. No-climb fences are constructed of strong, durable materials that are tamper-resistant.
The Ways in Which Intruders Exploit Weak Points in Fencing
The reality is that not all types of fencing are designed to withstand threats. Intruders purposefully look for any weak points in a fencing system to gain access. Such weak points include:
- Low fence heights
- Coverage gaps
- Materials that can be easily pried or cut
- Structures that can be easily climbed
- Some types of fences can create interference for security cameras
A basic fencing system can be effective for defining property perimeters and stopping trespassers who might otherwise wander onto a property, but a basic fence is not sufficient for preventing a determined intruder with intent.
How a No-Climb Fence with Mesh Panels Stops Intruders vs a Wire System
A no-climb fence mesh panel system is far more effective at preventing intruders than a no-climb fence/wire system. First, there are zero grip points on an anti-climb fence with mesh panels. The design of the no-climb fence ensures there is nowhere for an intruder to latch onto the fence.
Anti-climb fences also feature a design with increased height, and in some cases, an increased angle that makes it difficult to scale the fence without the use of ladders or tools. Even if an intruder attempts to climb a fence using tools or ladders, the process is time-consuming and creates a significant time delay. The longer it takes for an intruder to breach a fence, the more time first responders have to act. This design of this type of no-climb fence alone acts as a strong visual deterrent. In many cases, a no-climb fence is also combined with cutting-edge technology such as lighting, surveillance cameras, and motion sensors. As a result, an anti-climb fence with mesh panels is not only more difficult to breach, but it simply becomes not worth the effort involved to even attempt.
Benefits of No-Climb Mesh Panel Fencing
When compared to no-climb fence/wire systems, mesh panels offer a wide range of benefits. Since there is no room to gain traction or to grip the fence, this type of no-climb fence offers enhanced protection by stopping intruders from breaching the fence. Constructed from highly durable materials, a no-climb mesh panel fence provides long-lasting durability. There is also the benefit of less maintenance than traditional fencing. Mesh panel fencing is also appropriate for a wide range of versatile applications, including not only government facilities, but also residential and commercial properties. Compared to wire fencing, mesh fencing is also much more cut-resistant. The rigid and welded construction of wire mesh fencing is much more difficult to breach using bolt cutters. This type of fencing also helps to reduce the need for additional security patrols and manpower, providing a cost-effective security solution.
Where No-Climb Fences Are Primarily Utilized
Photo by Veer Shah on Unsplash
Anti-climb wire mesh fences are used in a variety of environments where it’s critical to ensure that access is not only discouraged but made unacceptable. Such environments include:
- Utility facilities and substations
- Military sites
- Airports
- Data centers
- Power plants
- Industrial zones
- Schools
- Public facilities
What to Consider when Choosing No-Climb Security Fencing
Selecting the right type of no-climb security fencing begins with considering the environment in which it will be placed. For instance, think about the layout of the perimeter. Is it uneven, or is it flat? Are there gates or corners that need to be secured?
You should also consider the level of protection the site requires. Some facilities only require a basic deterrent level, while other sites require maximum resistance and delay to forced entry by an intruder. The type of material used, along with coating type and corrosion resistance, are all important considerations in terms of long-term security fence performance.
It’s also important to think about the required height of the fence. Additionally, consider whether you will need add-ons for the fence. In some high-risk facilities, it’s necessary to add such features as curved extensions, anti-dig skirts, or even barbed wire. At MFR Manufacturing Corp, we find that such additions can all provide an additional layer of vital protection.
Do not forget to consider visibility. See-through fencing can be vital in some circumstances for allowing surveillance. In other instances, however, line-of-sight limitations may be more appropriate.
Finally, make certain the fencing type you select meets standards set by relevant agencies, if your site is part of a regulated industry.
Final Thoughts
If you are in need of a no-climb fence that will provide the highest level of deterrence for intruders, contact us at MFR Manufacturing Corp to learn more about our no-climb fence systems. We would be happy to analyze your security needs and provide a durable, effective, long-term security solution for your facility.
