When we think of crash-rated fencing, we are looking to specify a fence that minimises the risk of a vehicle passing through the site perimeter, endangering people and damaging the site.

However, in most situations, this fencing can seem intimidating.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t go hand in hand with some site locations where aesthetic and appearance are of high importance.

Mesh fencing is often seen as more aesthetically pleasing than palisade alternatives, which is why it has become a popular choice in recent years.

Many mesh fencing, such as SecureGuard 358 fencing, is often considered to be anti-climb mesh due to its tight apertures.

So, the question arises, it is possible to specify crash-rated fencing that uses anti-climb mesh?

What Makes A Fence Anti-Climb?

The biggest factor to consider when discussing anti-climb fencing is that a fence can have features that make it difficult for a person to climb, but this isn’t always guaranteed to stop the attacker.

The success of the attacker will always depend on the extent of their intent and their expertise.

If you want to make your fence harder to climb, you need to invest in a fence that is not only high, but topped with something that will make climbing really difficult without being injured.

Height

Richard Flint from BRE, the certification body that publishes LPS 1175, suggests: “The higher the fence, the longer it will take to scale (even with a ladder) and the longer an intruder will be vulnerable to detection – whether visually or through technology. They’ll also have further to fall”.

Ultimately, the attacker doesn’t want to be injured as a result of falling or get caught on the fence whilst climbing. By specifying a fence tall enough to suggest this type of danger, you can mitigate the risk of climbing.

If you are mitigating against vehicle impact, the fence can be anything from 1.8metres tall. However, it’s a good idea to look more toward 2.4/3.0 metres high to deter people from climbing.

Anti-Climb Fence Toppers

By adding a fence topper, you can mitigate the risk of entry from an intruder, even if they manage to climb to the top of the fence.

A serrated / sharp topper is likely to stop an intruder from attempting to climb your fence in the first place, due to the risk of danger and injury. Furthermore, when the topping is extending outwards, the depth an intruder would need to get over is extended, making it more difficult to climb over.

Here are some common fence toppers:

• Barbed wire
• Razor wire
• Rotating spikes

Alternatively, something that is rising in popularity is curved pales or panels.

This creates an over-hang, making it difficult to climb the fence without the cost of extra material.

The Synergy of Crash Rated Fencing and Anti-Climb Mesh

In today’s world, a multi-layered defence strategy is crucial to counter a wide spectrum of risks.

Intruders may employ various tactics, from vehicular attacks to determined climbing, to breach security perimeters. By integrating Crash Rated Fencing with Anti-Climb Mesh, security planners address these challenges holistically, mitigating vulnerabilities on multiple fronts.

So, can the two features work hand in hand?

Crash Rated Fencing is designed to withstand the immense force of impact of a 7.5tonne vehicle at 30mph, effectively mitigating forced entry. While Crash Rated Fencing addresses vehicular threats, 358 mesh, also known as ‘Anti-Climb Mesh’ focuses on deterring unauthorised individuals from scaling the fence.

When Crash Rated Fencing and 358 mesh also known as Anti-Climb Mesh are combined, the result is a holistic security solution. This integration ensures that potential intruders face multiple barriers, increasing the complexity and time required to breach the perimeter.

Barkers Fencing: Anti Climb Mesh

Barkers’ SecureGuard™RCS is the only standalone PAS68 accredited mesh fence, tested to stop a 7.5t vehicle at 30mph. In terms of being anti-climb, SecureGuard RCS has a choice of mesh infills to add a guaranteed delay factor.

If you choose to specify this fence, you can benefit from the mitigation offered by being crash-rated (accredited to LPS 1175 A1), alongside the aesthetic features of mesh fencing.

To conclude, anti-climb mesh and crash-rated fencing can team up to create a super strong and smart defence system. However, as clarified, these features only mitigate the risk of intrusion – so take this into consideration when specifying.

Make sure to reach out to a professional such as Barkers Fencing to discuss crash rated fencing, and anti-climb fencing, and the impact it can have on your site.

If you are looking to avoid the negative impact of vehicle damage, or the damage caused by an intruder climbing over your fence, speak to a member of the Barkers Fencing team to understand how to best protect your site!

FAQs

What is Crash Rated Fencing, and how does it differ from regular fencing?

Crash Rated Fencing is a special type of fencing designed to mitigate the impact of vehicles trying to crash through. It’s much stronger and more resilient than regular fencing, which is meant to stop vehicles and protect important areas.

What is Anti-Climb Mesh, and how does it enhance security?

358 mesh has become known as anti-climb mesh as the small apertures give no obvious foot holds. However, it’s important to note mesh is no less climbable than palisade when the pales are close enough together that you can’t get your foot through.

Why combine Crash Rated Fencing and Anti-Climb Mesh?

Crash Rated Fencing stops fast-moving threats like vehicles, while Anti-Climb Mesh makes it difficult for people to climb the fencing. By teaming up, they provide a strong defence against various form of intruder. 358 mesh is also thought to be more aesthetically pleasing than palisade.

Are there industry standards or certifications for Crash Rated Fencing and Anti-Climb Mesh systems?

Yes, you should always choose a crash rated fence that’s undergone an independent physical test to PAS68, IWA 14 or ASTM. Simulations can be useful, but it’s not possible to simulate real life force. The only crash rated mesh fencing on the market is SecureGuard RCS which is also accredited by the LPCB to either LPS 1175 A1 or LPS 1175 B3.

How does Crash Rated Fencing compare to other high-security fencing options in terms of vehicle impact resistance?

Crash Rated Fencing is specifically designed to handle the force of vehicles crashing into it. This sets it apart from regular high-security fencing and makes it a top choice when you need to protect against vehicle threats.