Industrial Perimeter & Security Fencing
High-security perimeter systems for industrial facilities, warehouses, and critical infrastructure.
Industrial sites demand fencing that provides real security. We design and install perimeter systems that deter intrusion, define boundaries, and withstand industrial environments.
What We Do
- High-security chain link with barbed wire or razor ribbon
- Anti-climb fence systems
- Crash-rated barriers and bollards
- Perimeter intrusion detection integration points
- Double-fence corridors for high-security zones
- Vehicle and pedestrian control points
Best Fit For
- Manufacturing plants
- Warehouses and distribution centers
- Utility substations and infrastructure
- Data centers
- Ports and logistics facilities
- Critical infrastructure sites
How We Deliver
- Security assessment and threat analysis support
- Engineered designs for high-wind and load requirements
- Coordination with security system integrators
- Phased installation to maintain site operations
- Documentation for compliance and insurance
Standards & Compliance
- ASTM F567 for chain link fence specifications
- ASIS Perimeter Security guidelines
- DOS/DoD crash-rating standards where required
- Local fire department access requirements
What Makes Industrial Different
Industrial fencing exists in a different category than commercial or residential work. The threats are different,theft, sabotage, liability, regulatory non-compliance,and so are the consequences of failure. A fence around an office building deters casual trespass. A fence around a substation, data center, or chemical facility needs to delay determined intrusion long enough for response.
This changes everything about specification: material weight, post depth, topping selection, detection integration, and gate design. Industrial perimeters are engineered systems, not just property boundaries. We approach them that way,assessing threats, defining security objectives, and building to meet them.
Materials and Construction
Industrial perimeter fencing uses heavier materials than commercial applications. Chain link fabric is typically 6 or 9 gauge rather than 11. Posts are Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 steel, set deeper with larger concrete footings. Framework is designed for wind loads, snow loads, and in some cases, vehicle impact.
- High-security chain link: 6-gauge fabric, 2-inch mesh, with bottom tension wire and concrete mow strip to prevent digging
- Anti-climb mesh: Small aperture welded wire (1/2" x 3" or similar) that eliminates hand and footholds
- Palisade fencing: Steel pickets with anti-climb profiles for maximum deterrence
- Welded wire panels: Rigid mesh systems offering visibility with cut resistance
- Crash-rated barriers: Bollards, cables, planters, and active barriers engineered to stop vehicles
Security Toppings
The top of any fence is its most vulnerable point. Industrial applications typically require aggressive toppings that provide both deterrence and delay. Options range from standard three-strand barbed wire to concertina razor ribbon, Y-arms that extend the effective height, and rotating anti-climb devices.
Topping selection depends on the threat profile and jurisdiction. Razor ribbon provides superior delay but creates liability considerations and is prohibited in some areas. Barbed wire is more universally accepted. Some high-security sites use multiple layers,barbed wire at mid-height with razor ribbon at the top.
Detection Integration
Modern industrial security treats the fence as one layer in a system. Perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS) can detect climbing, cutting, or lifting attempts before an intruder breaches the perimeter. These systems require specific fence construction,tensioned fabric, isolated mounting, and clear zones,that must be planned during design, not retrofitted.
We coordinate with security integrators to ensure fence construction supports detection technology: proper fabric tension for fence-mounted sensors, standoff distances for microwave or infrared beams, and conduit runs for sensor wiring. The fence contractor and security integrator need to work from the same drawings.
Crash-Rated Barriers
Some industrial sites require vehicle barriers rated to stop specific threats. The Department of State and Department of Defense publish crash ratings (K-ratings, now M-ratings under ASTM F2656) that specify vehicle weight and speed. A K4 barrier stops a 15,000-pound vehicle at 30 mph; a K12 stops the same vehicle at 50 mph.
Crash-rated systems include fixed bollards, operable barriers, reinforced gates, cable systems, and hardened planters. These are engineered products with certified performance,not standard fence posts set in extra concrete. We install crash-rated systems from manufacturers with test certifications and provide documentation for compliance.
Gates and Access Control
Industrial gates handle heavier traffic, larger vehicles, and higher security requirements than commercial applications. Slide gates and cantilever gates are common because they handle wide openings and high cycle counts. Gate operators are industrial-grade units sized for continuous duty.
Access control integration is standard: card readers, keypads, intercoms, license plate recognition, and guard stations. The gate system needs to interface with site security systems,opening on valid credentials, logging access events, and failing to a safe state during power loss. Fire department access (Knox switches, Opticom receivers) is a code requirement at most industrial sites.
For high-security applications, sally ports (double-gate interlocks) and vehicle inspection areas add layers of control. These require coordination between gate systems, barriers, and security protocols.
Durability in Industrial Environments
Industrial sites present environmental challenges that accelerate fence degradation: chemical exposure, salt spray, vibration, heavy equipment traffic, and debris. Material selection must account for these factors.
Galvanized steel handles most industrial environments. Sites with chemical exposure or coastal locations may require additional protection,vinyl coating, specialized primers, or stainless steel hardware. Posts in areas with vehicle traffic need protection from impacts. Fabric near loading docks or equipment areas takes abuse that would destroy residential-grade materials.
Properly specified industrial fencing lasts 25-30 years. Under-specified systems fail in 5-10 years,a poor return when installation costs are substantial.
Permitting and Compliance
Industrial fencing operates under different requirements than commercial work. Height limits are often higher (10-12 feet or more with variance), security toppings are typically permitted, and some jurisdictions have expedited review for critical infrastructure.
Beyond local permits, industrial sites may have regulatory requirements: NERC CIP for utilities, CFATS for chemical facilities, MTSA for port facilities. These regulations specify minimum security standards that affect fence design. Insurance carriers may have additional requirements.
We provide documentation packages for compliance: as-built drawings, material certifications, installation photographs, and maintenance recommendations. These records matter for audits and insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What security level does our facility need?
- Security level depends on what you are protecting, the threat environment, and regulatory requirements. We can support threat assessments or work from security specifications provided by consultants. The typical progression is: basic perimeter definition, deterrence (height, toppings), delay (anti-climb, detection), and denial (crash-rated barriers). Most industrial sites need at least deterrence and some delay capability.
- Can existing fencing be upgraded to higher security?
- Often, yes. Common upgrades include adding security toppings, installing detection systems on existing fabric, adding crash-rated barriers at gates, and improving gate access control. Some upgrades require replacing fence sections,anti-climb mesh cannot be retrofitted to standard chain link posts. We assess existing systems and recommend the most cost-effective path to the required security level.
- How do you coordinate with security system integrators?
- We work from shared drawings and specifications. For detection systems, we need sensor requirements before finalizing fence design,fabric tension, post spacing, and isolation details affect sensor performance. We install conduit and junction boxes per integrator specifications, and coordinate installation timing so sensors can be installed and tested before project completion.
Related Services
Perimeter fencing for commercial properties,office buildings, retail, medical facilities, schools, and multi-tenant buildings. Built for durability, code compliance, and integration with gates and access control.
Custom-designed and fabricated gates for vehicle and pedestrian access,swing, slide, cantilever, bi-fold, and vertical pivot configurations built to site requirements.
UL 325-listed gate operators for swing, slide, cantilever, and barrier applications, sized for your gate weight, cycle frequency, and operational requirements.
Code compliance and permitting information.
Ready to Get Started?
Request a quote for your commercial, industrial, or residential project.