Education is the key to improvement, and that is never more true than with security. If you want to set up a protective fence around your property, you first need to understand the details of fencing.
By familiarizing yourself with the names of all types of security fencing and other key vocabulary terms, you can get the best possible protection for your property.
Top Fence Construction Terminology
When educating yourself on fencing terms, you should start with the names of key fencing types, such as:
- Chain Link– This type of fencing uses chains made from steel or aluminum linked to steel posts.
- Lattice– This fencing consists of prefabricated panels of lattice, which are usually made from cedar.
- Vinyl & PVC– These synthetic fencing materials are almost indestructible and mimic the appearance of other fencing types.
- Wrought Iron– Made from steel that has been welded and hardened, this is among the strongest fencing materials on the market.
- Wire– Typically used for agricultural purposes, wire fences consist of wire lines that are woven tightly between fence posts.
- Underground Fencing– Rather than provide a physical barrier, these “fences” consist of underground electronic devices that send signals to animals’ collars, causing the collars to deliver electric shocks. They are used to prevent pets and other animals from escaping.
- Wood– Wood fences are usually made from cedar or pine. They must be stained or painted to avoid weather damage.
- Temporary Fence– These temporary structures control access to any jobsite area. From plastic to privacy screens, these fences can either be for short-term or long-term projects.
- Netting– Often made of wire, this lightweight fence is easily installed for short-term jobs.
- Fence Mesh– Blocking visibility from unwanted viewers, this fence is perfect for high security barriers.
- Aluminum Fence– This lightweight material resists corrosion and is able to withstand all kinds of weather.
In addition to types of security fencing, you need to know the names of materials used to support fences, such as:
- Corner Posts– These posts support the fence at points where two different lines of it meet.
- Bottom Rails– These horizontal rails are located at the foot of a fence and typically run along every inch of it.
- End Posts– These posts constitute the end of a fence, and thus only have fencing holes in one side. The other side is often used to support a gate.
- Fabric– This refers to wire fencing material that is woven together into ties or knots.
- Galvanizing– This is the process of coating iron fencing structures with zinc so as to make them more resistant to rust and other forms of damage.
- Gate Frame– This consists of the structural pieces that support the gate.
- Gate Latch– This piece holds the gate in position when it is closed.
- Cantilever Slide Opening– This is a gate that does not make physical contact with the ground, but is held up with counterweights.
- Electric Gate– An electric security gate is connected to an access control system that opens and closes the gate remotely.
- Double Swing Gate– Often used in driveways and apartment complexes, this gate has a hinge and two leaves, allowing it to open up widely for entering and exiting.
Electronic Security Gate Terminology
- Photo Eye– A photoeye uses the retroreflective detection method to protect an automatic gate operator from coming into contact with foreign objects. The Omron E3K is the preferred photo beam sensor as wires do not need run to both sides of the driveway. Wires from the door or gate operator only need run to sensor side of drive. It is used for safeguarding automated gates.
- Miller Edge– A Sensing Edge is a touch sensitive switch that sends a signal to start, stop or reverse a motor or even to ring a bell. These are placed along the bottom or side of a gate to provide as a safety feature when the gate is in operation.
- Cellular Dialer– Cellular Dialer control boxes provide an alternate to standard POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) phone lines that are expensive to install and maintain and are becoming increasingly scarce and unreliable for data transfer via obsolete modem technology. The cellular control box eliminates the need for expensive long wire runs (trenching) that typically provide voice and data communications. Cellular service is used in place of a landline to allow you to “push” the programming data directly from your computer to the entry system via the cellular network – a true machine to machine (M2M) connection.
United Fence & Construction Co. offers fences, gates, and other security resources to keep your Arkansas property secure. For more information or to request a free quote, visit our website today or contact us by calling (501) 222-1503.