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Installing a fence around your cannabis operations provides a good layer of security and the peace of mind that your assets are safe from burglars. Whether it’s for your grow field, process facility, lab facility, or dispensary, maximize your fencing’s effectiveness by incorporating design elements like the ones below, that keep intruders out and your valuables in.
Get An Anti-Climb Fence
An anti-climb security fence is specifically designed to prevent individuals from easily climbing over it and into your cannabis grow house, dispensary or facility. To determine the right one for you, start by looking at your unique needs, the size of your perimeter, and what kind of security issues you have had in the past or anticipate in the future.
Make your fence difficult to climb over, get one that:
- Is at least 8 feet tall. The taller the better. While higher fences are effective at keeping intruders out, also make sure you’re aware of local regulations regarding maximum height.
- Doesn’t Have Horizontal Rails. Horizontal rails can serve as footholds for potential climbers, giving burglars a leg up when trying to scale your fence.
- Has Pointed or Spiked Tops. Consider choosing fences with spear tops or add razor wire or anti-climb spikes to the tops of flat-topped fences.
Image by phanasitti via iStock
Fences That Aren’t Effective at Preventing Climbing
Not all fence types offer the same no-climb security, but still provide some protection.
Chain Link Fences
Constructed from heavy-duty steel wires that are interlocked, chain link fences are known for their strength, durability, and ease of repair. They’re also cost-effective and relatively simple to install. A significant drawback of this fencing type is that it can be easily climbed. To discourage climbing attempts, consider adding coiled barbed wire or razor wire along the top edge of the fence.
Wooden Fences
Wooden fencing should only be used as a temporary option. Wood is more easily penetrated and can be climbed with minimal effort. While wooden fences can be effective for providing privacy, they are not reliable for preventing climbing and should primarily be used for concealment rather than security.
Heras Fences
Made with galvanized steel, Heras fencing is usually sold in panels and is primarily designed for temporary use, such as in crowd control or at construction sites. Since this type of fencing is so portable, it is more often used as a safety measure to keep people from an area, rather than being used around a permanent building or perimeter.
Metal Hoarding Fences
Metal or steel hoarding is a flexible security enclosure that provides better security than standard metal panels. It’s easy to install and durable, making it reusable for different projects. However, it can be expensive to install and is mainly used at temporary sites.
Recommended No-Climb Fencing Solutions
Metalco provides a variety of robust, high-performance no-climb fencing options that can adapt to your aesthetics and your safety requirements.
Mesh Panels
Mesh panels provide unrestricted visual ability since you can easily see through them. They can be made from strong materials and are also attractive.
Palisade Fencing
Palisade fencing comprises strong vertical pales that are secured to horizontal pales to form strong fencing that is nearly impossible to climb. They are often constructed higher than traditional fencing and can be designed in different finishes and colors.
Image by kmatija via iStock
You’ve stopped them from getting over your fence into your cannabis business. But can they go around it, under it, or through it?
What’s the point of a security fence for your cannabis facility if a burglar can bypass it by going around, digging under, or cutting through it. To make sure that doesn’t happen, get a fence that:
- Is secured into the ground with concrete.
- Can’t be cut through.
- Includes secure gates.
The following two types of security fences meet the three security requirements outlined above and come highly recommended:
- Metal security fences
- Wire mesh fencing
Enhance Security for Your Cannabis Business with Smart Electric Features
Adding electronic security features to your fence is a great way to make your fence smart and protect your cannabis business. Integrated perimeter security systems like monitored electric fences, taut wire fence systems, and fence detection systems can be connected to security equipment in a guardhouse or similar, so your security team will always know what’s happening. If you don’t have on-site security, many will plug into an alarm system, to alert you and the authorities when things go wrong.
Elevate High Security Fencing Even Higher
It’s not just the type of fencing you choose that ensures high security, there are other things you need to consider too, such as:
High-Security Fence Hardware
A fence is only as good as the fittings that holds it together. If your fence is built using ordinary hex nuts and bolts, it will be easy for anyone with a wrench to remove sections of it. So, pay attention to the fittings and hardware used on your fence.
Underground Security
The dirt directly under your fence is another vulnerable point, which is why many clients install underground security. This might be something like a cast-in-place concrete beam or slab, or you might choose to bury the bottom of the fence.
Lexan
Another common security addition to many types of fencing is to add a sheet of Lexan on the attack side of the fence. Lexan is a specialized commercial plastic that can be retrofitted onto a security fence, providing an additional layer of protection. This material is strong enough to withstand most blows. Some sheets, if thick enough, are even bulletproof!
Be Safe by Being In-the-Know
Understanding fence security is essential for protecting your property and enhancing safety. By considering factors like height, material, and design, you can choose the right fence to protect your cannabis business and your assets. Whether you’re looking to prevent unauthorized access, ensure privacy, or enhance the overall safety of your space, investing in a quality security fence can provide peace of mind and a secure environment.
Speak with a Security Expert Who Understands Your Industry.
Discover how security can protect the future of your cannabis business.
Contact Tim Shafer
Detex Corporation
Access Security Expert | Sales Leader | Community Advocate
(830) 629-2900
Email: tbs@detex.com
