In a time where security threats are becoming increasingly frequent, the need for robust perimeter protection and Hostile & Accidental Vehicle Mitigation has never been more important.
Crash rated fencing, designed to withstand deliberate vehicle attacks, has emerged as a key solution in safeguarding high-risk facilities from the risk of vehicle impact. Furthermore, bollards and street furniture are often used to protect build-up areas such as city centres.
While the initial cost of installing crash rated fencing may seem high in comparison to anti-personnel fencing, it is important to consider the benefits this investment can provide.
In this blog post, we will discuss the key factors that determine the true cost of crash rated fencing and provide information to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right crash rated products for your security needs.
Understanding Crash Rated Fencing
To fully comprehend the true cost of crash rated fencing, such as Crash Rated Mesh Fencing: Secureguard™ RCS, it is crucial to first grasp its purpose and functionality.
Crash rated fencing is specifically designed to withstand hostile and accidental vehicle attacks, providing a robust layer of perimeter security. It also serves as a vital deterrent against unauthorized access and potential attacks.
Crash rated fences are tested using standardized procedures to ensure that they provide the necessary level of protection against vehicle impact. The specific testing procedures vary depending on the level of security required and the type of fence being tested, but in general, they involve the use of a vehicle that is propelled at varying high-speeds, then crashed into the fence.
For example, IWA 14 The test consists of a vehicle being driven into a vehicle security barrier.
The barrier is evaluated based on a number of criteria, including the severity of the breach by the vehicle, the number of debris created by the impact, and the stability of the barrier post-impact.
It is essential to ensure that your chosen crash rated fencing meets the necessary security standards and certificates for your specific needs. For instance, fences designed to protect against vehicular impact must follow standards set by organisations such as PAS68, IWA 14-1 or ASTM International, and they need to be certified by accredited bodies and have carried out a physical test.
Key Cost Factors To Consider
Now that the basics of crash rating fencing have been covered – what are the main drivers of cost when specifying such a fence over a two-solution fence and added elements such as rope?
A crash rated fence will provide you with an anti-personnel fence and a crash barrier. There are alternatives to this system, such as specifying a security fence alongside bollards or a wire rope, which may differ in cost.
So, how do you know you’re efficiently protected whilst specifying the most cost-effective product in line with your business’ needs?
Initial Cost Vs Long-Term Investment
When considering the cost of crash rated fencing, it is important to consider your budget.
Investing in impact tested fencing, rather than a fence and additional crash-rated components such as wire rope, is likely to be cheaper.
One benefit is that high-quality fencing materials can provide reliable and long-lasting security measures, when installed correctly, reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs.
A successful security breach can result in expensive damage to property, stolen belongings, and damage to reputation – which is often the hardest downfall to fix.
Installation and Repair Costs
The cost of installing crash rated fencing can vary depending on several factors. The height of the fence, the complexity of the installation, and the location of the installation can all affect the cost.
It is important to choose an experienced and reputable company to handle the installation to ensure it is done correctly, due to special features required to make the fence efficient.
Regular inspection and maintenance can help identify issues before they become more significant. Common maintenance and repair issues for crash rated fencing include damage caused by weather, attack, or impact.
Installing crash rated fencing over a regular fence with added elements such as rope or bollards will require less labour and materials.
Difference In Materials
When considering alternative fencing solutions, rather than crash-rated fencing, there are several options to choose from. When used alongside a security fence, these additional elements can provide efficient vehicle-based attack protection.
- Physical landscaping can provide a natural barrier but may not be as reliable in preventing forced vehicular impact. For example, it would be easy for a vehicle to drive through certain bushes.
- Bollards can provide a physical barrier against vehicles, but they may not be as effective in deterring intruders on foot. Although effective in HVM, bollards might not provide the all-round protection that your site needs.
- Wire rope systems can provide protection against vehicle impact, and if your threat is 40 or 50mph a wire rope could be a good option. However, a wire rope won’t protect against intruders therefore a fence will also be required.
Crash rated fencing is designed to withstand vehicular impact and forced entry, making it a highly effective solution for high-security areas. Physical landscaping and traditional fencing, on the other hand, can be easily bypassed or breached, making them less effective in preventing unauthorized access.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the true cost of crash rated fencing, such as Barkers’ SecureGuard™RCS, goes beyond the initial price tag.
The decision to invest in crash rated fencing should be based on a careful consideration of all factors involved, including the materials used, installation costs, maintenance needs, and security requirements compared to a two-solution fence including bollards or rope.
By carefully considering all factors involved, specifiers and security managers can make an informed decision about the true cost of crash rated fencing and the long-term benefits it can provide.
Barkers Fencing can provide expert advice on the type of fencing that is worth investing in for your specific premises, so no cost is wasted.
Make sure to get in touch with one of our professionals today to discuss your HVM needs, so you can feel confident in your security measurements.