There’s no way around it, if you’re starting a building project, you’ll need a construction fence to meet safety regulations to protect pedestrians from construction activities. Plus, if you’re interested in securing machinery, tools, or other important items, a fence can protect you from theft.
If you’ve chosen to buy temporary fencing rather than rent it, you’ll need to ensure you have all the right pieces. This includes:
- Fence panels, in the right height, width, and durability
- Hardware, like clamps, bases, and couplers
- Gate systems, deluxe, basic, or with caster wheels
Read on to find out more about temporary construction fencing, including goals, where to use it on your site, and what you’ll need to create the right fence system for your project and team.
Goals of Temporary Construction Fencing
You have a big project coming up. One of the most important steps you’ll need to take is to buy the right fencing. Why? Temporary construction fencing serves several important purposes including:
- Safety: It keeps both the public and workers safe from construction hazards.
- Security: It helps prevent theft of construction materials and equipment.
- Privacy: It blocks the view of the construction area from passersby and nearby properties.
- Regulatory Compliance: Many areas have laws that require fencing around construction sites.
Of course, it’s possible to buy the wrong fence for your job site, so understanding where you’ll be using it and the exact purpose it’s serving is important.
Where To Use Construction Fencing
Using construction fencing around the perimeter of your job site is its most obvious application, but it can serve multiple purposes at the same property, including:
- Surrounding Junk Piles: To keep debris contained and prevent it from becoming a hazard to workers and the public.
- Protecting Heavy Machinery: To secure expensive equipment from theft or vandalism when not in use.
- Designating Safe Walkways: To guide workers and visitors along safe paths away from dangerous areas.
- Containing Hazardous Materials: To prevent accidental contact with materials that could be harmful to health.
- Securing Perimeter: To delineate the construction area from public access and maintain privacy.
- Preserving Vegetation & Sensitive Areas: To protect landscape features and ecosystems adjacent to the construction site.
- Compliance with Regulations: To meet legal requirements mandating fencing around certain construction or renovation activities.
- Event Security: For events at construction sites, like launches or demonstrations, to ensure the safety and organization of the space.
- Noise Reduction: To help buffer the sound from construction activities affecting nearby residential or commercial areas.
Understanding all the locations and situations where your temporary fencing will be needed before ordering is a good idea.
What You Need to Set Up a Construction Fence
Setting up a construction fence involves several components that create a secure barrier. Here’s what you’ll need:
Construction Fence Panels
These are the main parts of the fence. They are typically made from sturdy materials like steel and are designed to withstand outdoor conditions. FenceLine offers the following types of temporary fences:
- New & Used
- Standard & Heavy Duty
- Panel Only & Panel Sets
How to Calculate Temporary Fencing Needs
How can you know how much temporary fencing you’ll need for your construction site? If you have the perimeter measurements of the site you’ll be operating at, this is a great advantage. But if you don’t, use Google Earth to measure. This handy app has a measuring tool you can use to get the approximate measurements of your site.
Once you have the site’s perimeter measurements, divide it by the length of the fence panels you’ll be using. FenceLine’s construction fence panels are 10 feet wide. Here’s the basic equation:
- Perimeter length / 10 feet = number of fence panels to purchase
Want more help? Contact our knowledgeable team at FenceLine Rentals Ltd.
Fence Hardware
Hardware will connect your fence panels and ensure they stay secure and upright. We offer both new and used hardware for sale including:
- Couplers: For continuous, secure fences. You’ll need a minimum of 2 couplers per panel.
- Security Clamps: To secure your panels. We recommend a minimum of 2 clips per panel.
- Super Clamps: An even more durable security solution. Minimum of 2 clips per panel.
- Bases: To stabilize and weigh down your fence panels. 2 bases per fence panel.
- Caster Wheels: Ideal for gate systems. 1 wheel per gate panel.
Gate Systems
For easy access to the site, you’ll need gates. These will help your workers and any visitors enter and exit easily without disassembling the fence panel.
We offer new and used:
- Deluxe gates with hinged frames
- Basic 6’x4’ gates
- Caster gates
- Heavy duty 6’x6’x panel gates
Temporary Fencing Best Practices
Following the best practices for temporary fencing installation, maintenance, and use will help ensure your construction site meets municipal regulations.
Fencing should be installed:
- Before demolition or construction begins
- Within the property line
- With permission from the neighbouring property
- Without obstructing public access to businesses, amenities, or sidewalks
- Able to withstand wind and other types of weather
In addition:
- Fencing can be open while workers are on site, but needs to be secured at the end of the day or if the site is left unattended.
- If there is any damage to your fencing, it should be resolved quickly
Shop Construction Fences at FenceLine
At FenceLine, we offer a variety of construction fencing options to meet your specific needs. Whether you need a basic setup or a more customized solution, we have the expertise and products to ensure your site is well-protected.
Call our qualified team today to discuss fencing needs for your next project.
FAQ
Is it better to rent or buy temporary fencing?
Renting is often more cost-effective for short-term projects or events. However, buying could be a smarter investment if you frequently need fencing for projects, as it can be reused and doesn’t require recurring rental fees.
What is the easiest fence to install?
Panel fencing is the easiest to install because it comes in pre-assembled sections that just need to be connected and stabilized. It’s ideal for quick setup and teardown scenarios.