Construction site safety fencing not only protects property under construction, it also protects pedestrians from coming too close to dangerous construction areas. Manufacturers make construction site fencing from chain link or flexible mesh plastic. Chain link fences offer the most protection, but are the most expensive. A plastic construction fence is a good option when you need the fence for a short period of time.

Understanding construction site fences and gates basics will help you to make the best purchase or lease decision for your construction company. Consider the following points as you look into construction fencing:

1. Learn about plastic construction fence benefits and uses.

2. Rely on chain link construction site fences and gates for increased security.

3. Find construction fence wholesale and lease providers.

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Understand the different applications for plastic construction fences

Plastic construction fences are the least expensive type of construction barrier. While these fences are inexpensive, they do not offer long-term solutions for construction sites. There are a large variety of plastic barriers available, research the types of fencing and their intended use before purchasing plastic constructions fences.

I recommend: U.S. Fence is a provider of plastic construction fencing. It provides a guide outlining some of the benefits of this type of fence. For a guide to different types of plastic construction fences and their uses, look to Geo-synthetics. It offers pictures of various types of plastic construction site fences, along with the benefits and intended uses of each type.

Use metal construction fences for durability, safety and multiple uses

Metal construction fences are completely portable, and you can use them multiple times. This type of fence is easier to install and provides more security than plastic or wooden fencing. As with plastic construction fences, metal fences have different options and styles to choose from.

I recommend: BlueLinx is a provider of metal construction products. It has informative information on its site about metal fencing and its benefits. Information on chain link construction fences is available at Academy Fence Company. It has a chain link fence comparison chart, as well as pictures and descriptions of different components of chain link construction site fences.

Locate construction site fence rental companies and wholesale vendors

You can purchase or lease construction fences. Some vendors handle both leasing and purchasing, while others handle only one or the other. It is best to purchase or lease fencing from a local company due to higher shipping costs for heavy items.

I recommend: National Construction Rentals leases temporary construction site safety fencing. It has many fences available, with options to choose from, including barbed tops and swinging construction site gates. Security Fence Company (SFC) is a company that leases and sells temporary fences. Contact this company directly for lease and purchase quotes.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When you need the sturdiness of a chain link fence, but the privacy of a mesh fence, look into purchasing privacy screens. Privacy screens attach to chain link construction fences, so you get the best of both worlds.

Construction fences and gates are the first item that should arrive at a construction site and the last to leave. A construction site fence is important to prevent vandalism and theft at a construction site as well as protect bystanders from injury. There are a variety of types of barricade fences available to meet the requirements of your job site.

Construction site fences are temporary fences, but must be sturdy and well planned in order to allow easy access to employees yet keep passers-by out.

To be effective, construction fences must:

1 Control access to the construction site.

2 Construction site gates must allow easy access for emergency vehicles

3 If they are temporary, fences must still be securely anchored in the ground.

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Have your construction site fences constructed before any equipment arrives on site

Although the main purpose of construction fences is to maintain safety at the work site, theft prevention is also a concern. Before any work begins at a site, have your construction site safety fence erected.

I recommend: Construction site fences and gates can be rented to save money and time. The rental company will set up and take down the construction fence for you.

Use fencing as your first line of defense against theft

Theft from construction sites is estimated to top a billion dollars each year. The most common items stolen are tools, but heavy equipment and copper wiring and pipes also disappear.

I recommend: Develop a checklist that is used at the beginning of each new job. Assess the security weaknesses at your job site before expensive equipment and building materials are moved in.

Have adequate fencing for your project

There are a variety of ways to make fencing more affordable. Plastic construction fencing is more affordable than chain link, and construction site fence rental is less expensive than buying the fencing.

I recommend: Because of its bulk and weight, fencing is often most economical when purchased locally.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Whether you choose steel, chain link or plastic construction fencing, it is important that the fencing be installed securely. Install the fence in concrete footing, with posts set in precast concrete blocks or anchored base plates.
• •  Fencing should not be your only security or safety measure. Keep the construction site well lit and post signs along the fence that prohibit trespassers.
• •  Make sure that your construction site gates are easily accessible and never blocked.

Construction fencing is a must-have for most construction contractors. Construction site fences and gates protect the public from hazards inherent in a job site and clearly define the areas. They also help protect a contractor from liability. Contractors also rely on construction fences to protect their job materials from theft or damage. Unfortunately, it's also one more expense that can cut into their profit margin.

There are several ways contractors can cut costs on construction site fences and gates. You can rent a construction site fence instead of purchasing it outright. Alternatively, it might make more sense to purchase a set of fencing and gates that you can re-use. Of course, it pays to shop around for the best prices on construction site gates and fences.

If you're interested in saving money on construction site fences and gates, consider the following.

1. Save on construction site fences and gates by using the right type of fence for the job, as some jobs may not require high security fencing.

2. Take a look at the benefits of renting construction gates and fencing for your job site.

3. Use comparison shopping quotes available on the web to compare quotes on construction site safety fencing.

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Allow construction site fence companies to compete for your business

Get the best prices on construction fencing by comparison shopping the easy way - letting online websites do your work for you. Another way to save is by holding a company to their lowest price guarantee.

I recommend: Construction Deal makes it easy to save on construction fencing by allowing four construction fencing companies to compete for your business. Fences 4 Less touts the lowest prices guaranteed with barricade fence panels that you can connect with wire.

Choose the right construction fencing for your budget

Plastic construction fencing, the least costly option, can satisfy legal requirements, but does little to protect the job site from trespassers and theft and you will most likely discard it when the job is complete. Wire construction fences are more expensive, but provide better security, which may save you money in the long run.

I recommend: Norfoss offers reusable plastic fencing that comes on a roll, offering you flexibility and saving you money if you can install it on the next job site. Pro Vigil explains the different types of wire fencing available and what is appropriate for each type of job.

Consider construction fence rental as a way to save on costs

Construction site fence rental may be the way to go if you can't afford to invest in your own set of construction fences. You may shy away from fence rental, but one advantage is that you'll save money on labor costs for set-up and tear-down.

I recommend: American Fence Company provides a Rent-A-Fence program as well as permanent fencing options. American Fence Rental can offer competitive rates on construction site fence rental, and will save your payroll costs in terms of set-up and tear-down.

Fences and gates are erected at construction sites to provide security and safety. Securing the site is often required by local building regulations and is necessary to prevent theft, vandalism and injury. Construction site fences are available in various materials and construction. Renting construction site fences is one option for saving on costs. Become familiar with the terminology used in the construction fence business so that you understand your options.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Security

Construction fences should be installed before anything else to keep the site secure and prevent theft and vandalism. When choosing construction fencing, find the right height, mesh size and other security features to keep your site safe.

I recommend: Read information from Pro Vigil to get information about fencing security measures.

Standards

The type and makeup of your construction fence may be dictated by the state or municipality where the construction takes place. Be sure to check all codes before choosing fencing materials.

I recommend: See the University of Kentucky website for an example of fencing performance standards (PDF).

Rental

Choosing to rent construction fencing can save money and provide flexibility on the type of fence you need. Rentals are available in many types of materials and sizes.

I recommend: Check out rental options and fees on the National Construction Rentals website.

Temporary

Temporary construction fencing is usually made of chain-link material. It can be assembled and erected easily, without digging. Check out the opening size of the mesh, pipe thickness and materials used when shopping for temporary fences.

I recommend: Academy Fence offers information and specification comparison data for temporary fences.

Plastic

Plastic fencing is available in different price points, weights and finishes. Some types have smooth edges to prevent damage to the construction site and make the fencing easier to handle. However, plastic fencing does not provide as much security as chain link or steel fencing.

I recommend: See different types of plastic construction fencing at Geo-Synthetics.

Portable gates

Portable gates can be used for construction sites and are ideal for blocking off areas that are under construction or pose other dangers. Made of steel or metal, they can be expanded and attached to other gates or walls and are collapsible when not in use.

I recommend: See Easy Rack for a selection of galvanized and steel portable gates.