What is the Purpose of a Construction Site Fence

What is the Purpose of a Construction Site Fence

When there is an ongoing construction, it is not unusual to see it being bordered with fencing. Although there is nothing worth robbing inside, nor is it a site where valuable stuff is being held, it raises the most wondered thought- what is the purpose of a construction site fence? The project may be residential or commercial, on a large or small scale, but the one thing that will always be seen on the location will be the security of fences. There are many answers to that question, and in this article, we will list down all the reasons why a construction site will have a barrier. Keep reading to uncover the importance of temporary fences on a continuous or halted construction project.

Key Purposes of Using Temporary Fences in Construction

This part of the article will dive into the key purposes of a construction site securing itself with temporary barriers.

1) Public Safety: A construction location is full of risks and accidents that can occur if a person enters the site. Installing barriers with signs boldly written to stay away from the area protects curious teenagers and trespassers from open trenches or blunt tools on the floor, especially at night.

2) Legal Order: The areas where the construction is taking place send a legal order to the team requiring secure fencing at the site as per the strict regulations by law.

3) Site Security: Without the site properly secured, everyone other than the managers and workers can have access to the place. Fencing makes it readily possible for project managers to keep an eye on who can enter the site and who can not.

4) Equipment Security

Even when a construction site does not have anything valuable to purchase, the expensive equipment can still be the target of thieves. A barricade all around the area prevents the expensive machinery from getting in hold of burglars by keeping them safe and secure inside the perimeter.

5) Smooth Workflow

A fence not only has a role outside the site but also inside the site by dividing the working areas. The division keeps the different workers doing their jobs to clash, ensuring a smooth workflow. Plus, with the work now being organized, the project can be finished on time or even before the deadline.

6) Confidentiality

A fence maintains the level of privacy for the construction workers and the task that is undergoing. The privacy experienced prevents disruptions that could catch the laborer’s attention elsewhere, other than their job.

7) Reduce Noise Pollution

In more populated areas, noise pollution caused by the construction is a central problem. The barriers secure the heavy noises of the drills and machinery inside the site, making the surrounding areas quieter for the residents.

8) Eco-Friendly

Environmental issues are a real thing, and when construction happens there is pollution that consumes the environment. During the building, demolition, and excavation dust and debris is everywhere, which causes damage to the surrounding environment and trees, soil erosion, and other toxic substances. Fencing reduces pollution, keeping the environment safe.

9) Insurance Reasons

If a project manager wants their site to have insurance, it is crucial to have fencing as it protects the area from thefts and other accidents. That makes a good impression on the insurance companies, making it easier to get insurance.

The Various Choices in Fencing

There is an indefinite amount of choices in fencing for construction sites, each with the same purpose. Here is a complete list of barriers you can choose to install for the safety of your construction project.

Chain-Like Barrier

Chain-like barriers are intertwined steel wire. That is the first choice of construction managers for privacy and safety due to its easy installation.

Hoarding Panels

These are made of wood or steel, making the inside completely invisible to the outside, offering a high level of privacy to the construction work, the passersby, and the residents.

Mesh Barriers

Mesh barriers are lightweight fences. Since they are made with mesh, the site is see-through. However, they act as a perfect barrier, especially for short-term projects.

Silt Barriers

Constructors mostly install silt barriers on sites that are close to the sea. It is to filter out the construction grime and watery soil from washing away, protecting the environment.

Concrete Fence

A concrete fence keeps the construction site protected from trespassers and onlookers by acting as a sturdy barrier. This type of fence is the top pick for large-scale construction projects.

Noise Barriers

The surrounding areas should be protected from the noise of the structure being built, and noise barriers help with that by blocking the noise from reaching the residential or commercial areas.

Are All Construction Site Protection Barriers Temporary?

While there are many types of barriers to choose from, they can used in two ways- temporarily or permanently. The difference between both is that a temporary barrier is movable, while a permanent protection fence is rigid and used for a long time. Therefore, not all barriers act as temporary fences.

The type of fence used and for how long depends on two things- the project type and its duration. Look at what the project type is: residential, commercial, or industrial. Additionally, what is the length of the project? Projects that take months mostly have temporary barriers and a construction task that has a duration of years uses permanent barriers. Check the needs of your project and choose the correct type of fence!

Read More: How to estimate construction costs?

Final Words

Whether you were curious to know why construction sites have fencing or a residential, commercial, or industrial project leader who was searching for more information about site security, your question has been answered. Every factor involved in the construction process has a purpose, including fencing. It is installed for the protection of the building, the equipment used, and the workers responsible for making it possible, along with the environment and the public. Create a safe place from the site and let the work be done smoothly!