Importance of Fencing Stability

So you've got an idea of what fence panel you need and you're looking to get the best stability for your site or project to ensure safety and security.

There are 2 main considerations to make when choosing stability:

• Wind speed

• Footprint available on-site

From this position, additional considerations are made like ground conditions (incline, flat or decline) & location.

All of our stability options detailed on the Stability Solutions products page are the most popular on-ground solutions but we have other systems available for both on & in-ground so please get in touch with your local branch for more details or e-mail [email protected].

Wind Speed: The best way to find the wind speed for your site is to use our new and freely available Wind Speed Calculator. With this software, you can identify your wind speed and are provided with the most suitable stability solution based on the average wind speed data received.

Security, Safety, Cost and Professionalism

These four features are the main drivers of fencing stability and the reason why it is so important.

• Security: To ensure all sites are secure and have very little risk of pedestrians stumbling onto a construction yard, temporary fencing will be put in place. This is also paired with some stability options, depending on the site terrain or wind speed in the area. Ensuring the fencing doesn't fall over and compromise the security of a site is an important aspect.

• Safety: Fencing is installed as a visible demarcation product to stop members of the public from being able to access the site & part of this is to use a stability method to stop the fencing from being blown over. Additionally, low-quality fencing and stability products can affect the safety of the workforce and pedestrians. Read more about that here.

• Cost: Without stability, there can be increased costs which can also slow down your project timeline. If fencing has no stability then there is a much greater chance of it being blown over & if this occurs, there is a real danger of injury to pedestrians or damage to nearby vehicles/ property. Both of which lead to claims against the company. There is also the cost of labour to re-erect the fencing & replacement of any damaged fence panels caused by their failure.

• Professionalism: Every building site is like a shop window of a construction company. It shows the public & other industry professionals that your site and projects are a professional and safe area to work in. You wouldn't enter a store when the appearance of it puts you off, and that works the same way for fencing and scaffolding.

To find out the best solution for you take a look at our new Wind Speed Calculator. This can help you identify your site's wind speed and then provide you with the best solution for your site.

• What accessories are available to improve the stability of temporary fencing?

Temporary fencing can be stabilised using accessories like stability braces, wind braces, and concrete blocks or feet. These additional supports help secure the fencing panels, especially in areas with uneven terrain, high winds, or other challenging conditions.

• How are temporary fence panels connected and secured to ensure stability?

They are typically connected using interlocking couplers or clamps, such as our most recent addition, the Klipp-It coupler, which allows the panels to be quickly assembled and disassembled. The panels are then secured to the ground using ground pins or weight blocks to provide a stable foundation.

• What are the key considerations for ensuring temporary fencing stability on sloped or uneven surfaces?

On sloped or uneven terrain, additional stability measures like stabilisers and rubber feet may be necessary to prevent the temporary fencing from shifting or becoming unstable. Our most popular stabiliser is the Ballast Block Stabiliser, which allows for weighted blocks to be applied in a way that limits the interference of pedestrian walkways and keeps the fencing stable.

• How do anti-climb features contribute to overall stability and security?

Some temporary fence panels feature an anti-climb design, with rounded top edges and sturdy steel construction, which not only deters unauthorised access but also adds to the overall stability and rigidity of the fencing system.

• What are the benefits of using stabilisers or braces, and how do they work?

Temporary fencing stabilisers or braces provide additional support by linking the fence panels to the ground, either through a baseplate that connects to a foot or ground pin. This helps to prevent the fencing from becoming unstable, particularly in high winds or other challenging conditions.