Tips for Hiring Fencing Contractors

Below are a few tips that you should follow when employing fencing contractors to repair or install fencing on your property. You need to ensure that the end result is secure and safe, therefore it is important to use reputable fencing contractors.

1. Getting a Quote

When obtaining a quotation for the work to be carried out ensure that a surveyor visits your property prior to providing you with the quotation. For an accurate quotation a good fencing contractor will visit the site to assess the ground, access to the property and to take measurements. Finalise everything that is included in the price ie. materials, labor, delivery etc.

2. Ask for References

Ask the fencing contractor for a minimum of two recent references and follow them up. This can give you an overall impression of the company and the way they work. Ask questions regarding time and budget and also if any problems arose and how these were dealt with.

3. Public Liability Insurance

Most Fencing Contractors will expect you to ask about public liability insurance and request for proof of policy.

4. Qualifications

A typical fencing training scheme in the UK is the Fencing Industry Skills Scheme (FISS), which is run alongside the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSC). For a Fencing Contractor to register with the program, workers must complete one of the training levels below.

Qualification Levels:

• Green FISS/CSC card = fencing operative
• Red FISS/CSC card = trainee fencer
• Blue FISS/CSC card = skilled/experienced fencer
• Gold FISS/CSC card = supervisory level fencer
• Black FISS/ CSC card = management level fencer
  
  
  Visit expert Fencing Contractors at www.steelfencinguk.ltd.uk

Timber Panel Fencing Benefits & Usage

Timber fencing is used for wide range of purposes for both residential and commercial uses, mainly used for residential properties as they provide an aesthetically pleasing and relatively secure boundary demarcation and a very cost effective price. Panel fencing is suitable for level ground but can be fitted on sloping ground by stepping the panels, for sloping ground a Closeboard fence is more suitable.

Panel Fencing components will comprise of either timber or concrete posts with panels fitted between, these panels can either be lapped (slats running horizontally) or closeboard (slats running vertically).

Lapped Panels are the cheapest option of full panel timber fencing but are not recommended for exposed locations or sloped ground as life expectancy is not as long as closeboarded fencing

All Timber Panel fencing is formed with FSC-Certified timber sourced from managed resources, and is supplied pressure treated

Preparation:

Prior to any installation of panel fencing you must ensure that you have sufficient materials to complete the work, accurately measure the distance that you require to fence, taking note of any end posts that may be required.

From these measurements you can determine the number of posts required based on the centres of the posts, standard lapped or closeboard fence panels are 1.8m so post centres must be set at this, Make sure that you remember an extra post to end the run or if any special corner posts are required. Panel fencing can be fitted between either timber or slotted concrete posts.

Finish:

All panel fencing is supplied pressure treated brown, further timber treatments should be applied during the life of the fence to ensure a prolonged life.

For further Timer Fencing advice contact Steel Fencing (Gates & Railings) Ltd.

Why Choose Timber Fencing?

When budget is the key consideration when deciding what type of fencing you would like, then a Timber panel fence is the way forward. There are various styles of Timber Fencing available on the market with the highly popular closeboard fencing.

By storing Timber products inside, you can rest assured that the materials have not been exposed to harsh weather conditions that can cause timber to twist and rot. Timber fencing has been the traditional backyard fence support in the UK for decades and although a lot of new fence materials come on the market, demand for this type of fence is still substantial. There are now a number of panel options available, because there is always an urge for customers to want something different.

Timber fencing offers excellent privacy whilst protecting your garden and may be easily erected without the help of a professional.

Other Timber Fencing benefits include:

• Fast and Easily installed
• Height adjustable by trimming the fencing panels.
• Can be incorporated with railings and brickwork
• A huge variety to suit all budgets and requirements
• Easily painted and treated to suit surroundings.

Contact our fencing team to further discuss the Timber fence best suited to you!

Palisade Fencing Suppliers

Steel Fencing (Gates & Railings) Ltd Palisade fencing – has a strong, robust construction providing brilliant prevention against cut-through and climbing. The durable structure is the ideal choice for the highest form of security in the UK for Boundary Fencing, Schools, Campus, Industrial Sites, Electric/Gas Installations, Defense Installations.

Available Heights

Available in “W” or “D” profiles and in heights of 1.2m, 1.5m, 1.8m, 2m, 2.1m, 2.4m and 3m.

PaleTops

We supply a range of pale tops to suit your requirements including flat top, single pointed, triple pointed, rounded and round & notched tops.

Pale Thickness

• 'W' profile 2.0mm - commercial application.
  
• 'W' profile 2.5mm - general application to BS 1722 Pt 12.
  
• 'D' profile 3.0mm - general application to BS 1722 Pt 12.

Posts

A technological break through in fence post design which has again resulted in a unique lightweight product. The aesthetic design maintains the appearance of standard posts but offers many advantages;

● compatible to fit standard fish plates

● Pierced at bottom of post to key into concrete

● Lightweight construction for easy handling and delivery

Posts are available Hot Dipped Galvanised, or Polyester Powder Coated.

Palisade Gates

Standard gates are available to suit all requirements. For maximum security our team can automate your palisade gate incorporating remote access and key coded entry. Palisade Gates can be made to open in a swing or sliding motion. The sliding option being the more popular due to greater security and requires less space in the event of opening and closing.

For further guidance on Palisade fencing please contact Steel Fencing (Gates & Railings) Ltd.

Mesh Fencing Installation

Steel Fencing (Gates & Railings) Ltd Mesh fencing – has a strong, robust construction providing brilliant prevention against cut-through and climbing. The wire mesh structure is the ideal choice for the highest form of security at the same time as providing great visibility in applications such as Schools, Colleges and Industrial Sites. Due to the incredible ball rebound capabilities Mesh Fencing is the most common solution to Sports and Recreation Ground fencing in the UK.

Available Heights

Available in heights of 1.8m, 2m and 2.4m.

Mesh Gates

Standard gates are available to suit all requirements. For maximum security our team can automate your mesh gate incorporating remote access and key coded entry. Mesh Gates can be made to open in a swing or sliding motion. The sliding option being the more popular due to greater security and requires less space in the event of opening and closing.

For a FREE Mesh Fencing quotation contact Steel Fencing (Gates & Railings) Ltd.

Protecting your Surroundings

On of the most popular ways of securing your property and protecting it against intruders is to use fencing. 

A popular fence choices is with the use of Wire Mesh as it is available in a variety of heights and thicknesses.

Mesh fencing is significantly cheaper to supply and install than Timber or Brick. There is no need to paint or treat and as it comes in panels mesh is faster and simpler to install. Obviously the thicker wire is the strongest, however more expensive and may be unnecessary in a low security situation.

For more information on Mesh Fencing or for a Mesh Fencing Supplier visit Steel Fencing (Gates & Railings) Ltd.

Why Choose Mesh Fencing?

For public property and gardening applications, Mesh Fencing can be exceptionally versatile, secure and inexpensive. When choosing a suitable type of Mesh Fencing you are required to figure out how you intend to use it, where you intend to fit it, and the budget. There is a variety of Mesh Fencing types available, below are a few of the more popular choices, each with advantages and disadvantages depending on the requirements.

Sports Bronze
Sports bronze Mesh Fencing remains competitive on price and ideal for schools and sports ground applications.

Sports Rebound
Sports Rebound panel gives an incredible ball rebound hence the name. Sports Rebound fencing is suitable for low to medium security requirements and available in various heights. Powder coating ensures a highly durable product and with a wide colour choice available can blend in with current surroundings.

VGuard
Because VGuard provides visibility and light it is the most popular choice of Mesh Fencing. Powder coated to ensure a highly durable product and with a wide colour choice available can blend in with current surroundings.

Pro Guard
A durable and secure system providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance and clear vision where monitoring needs are required. Popular with Architects and powder coated to any RAL colour of clients choice.

Twin Guard
A popular fencing system for sports grounds and schools as it satisfies the need for a highly secure perimeter fence with great ball rebound capabilities. With anti climb and anti cut-through mesh, Twin Guard is great in preventing crime and vandalism to your property.

Secure Guard+
A secure fencing system that provides excellent protection against theft and vandalism. Available in various heights and can be Powder coated to any RAL colour providing a highly durable fence that compliments surroundings.

Secure Guard 358 Mesh
This is the strongest welded mesh fencing system available. Providing visibility for monitoring purposes and a great deterrent against thieves and vandalists. The small gaps between the mesh makes it incredibly difficult to climb as hands or feet can not fit into the fencing. Where height is an important factor 358 Mesh is ideal as it is available in heights of 5.2 meters plus barbed wire fixing.

Fast Guard Mesh
Similar to Chainlink Fencing, designed to suit a smaller budget and quick to install. Fast Guard is ideal for a low security situation.

Steel mesh is highly durable, and when galvanized or powder coated, it becomes resistant to air water damage. Mesh fencing can be heavy, however, Aluminum wire mesh for fencing is much lighter and in some cases less expensive, but it will also be less durable than Steel.

For further information on the types of Mesh Fencing available visit our website.

Palisade Fencing

Palisade Fencing is a fairly new concept and widely used throughout the UK to add maximum security to the property. Palisade Fencing is an aesthetically pleasing, high security permanent fencing for industrial and commercial premises. Increases in theft and vandalism causes the need for a highly secure perimeter fencing system.

With a unique anti-climbing structure, pointed pales and bolt locking mechanism creates the perfect security product. Powder coating is available in a wide range of RAL colours, to compliment your property and surroundings and protect your fencing against corrosion and rust. Providing a fencing system with strength and durability at an affordable prices offers peace of mind and assurance to our clients.

Eliminating the need for welding makes the Palisade Fence less time consuming to install saving time money and efforts on site. Thus enabling the Palisade Fencing system to be a popular choice in situations where a large amount of fencing is required promptly.

For further information on Palisade Fencing visit our website, where are team will be happy to assist you and provide you with a quotation.

Choosing the Right Type of Timber Fencing

Timber happens to be the best material to make fencing from, compared to iron, steel or aluminium, it is still important to choose the right kind of wood for your Timber fence panels. If you don’t select the best type of fencing panel you could find the durability and longevity of the panels become unfit for purpose.

Teak Timber is by far the best quality plants to make fence panels from. However, manufacturing costs are high and you should be take this into consideration when searching for fence panels. If you want to cover a large area such as a field, then fence panels that are simple to install and cheap to manufacture are perfect. If you are fencing around a residential property then you might want to think about using a wood that is better quality, and perhaps sustainable sourced. This type of panel will add a natural feel, elegance and warmth to your home.

Closeboard Fencing 

Timber Closeboard fencing is used for wide range of purposes for both industrial, residential and commercial applications. Providing an aesthetically pleasing boundary demarcation and has benefits in that the fencing can be used on both level and sloping ground, Closeboard fencing is also commonly used for fencing situated above a wall.

Matching Closeboard fence gates can be made to suit and Closeboard panels can be purchased as ready made panels, or in component form to be put together during installation.

Closeboard components will comprise of either timber or concrete posts, arris rails, and Featheredge boards to infill, to help protect the base of the fence from rot gravel boards in either timber or concrete can be fitted.

All Timber Closeboard fencing is formed with FSC-Certified timber sourced from managed resources, and is supplied pressure treated.

Timber Panel Fencing Benefits & Usage

Timber panel fencing is used for wide range of purposes for both residential and commercial uses, mainly used though for residential properties they provide it provides an aesthetically pleasing and relatively secure boundary demarcation and a very cost effective price. Panel fencing is suitable for level ground but can be fitted on sloping ground by stepping the panels, for sloping ground a Closeboard fence is more suitable.

Panel Fencing components will comprise of either timber or concrete posts with panels fitted between, these panels can either be lapped (slats running horizontally) or Closeboard (slats running vertically).

Lapped Panels are the cheapest option of full panel timber fencing but are not recommended for exposed locations or sloped ground as life expectancy is not as long as Closeboarded fencing

All Timber Panel fencing is formed with FSC-Certified timber sourced from managed resources, and is supplied pressure treated.

Timber Palisade Fencing Benefits & Usage

Timber palisade fencing or picket fencing as it is otherwise know is more commonly used for residential purposes, it provides an aesthetically pleasing boundary demarcation for mainly garden areas and is ideally suited to level ground.

Matching palisade gates can be made to suit and palisade panels can be purchased as ready made panels, or in component form to be put together during installation

Palisade components will comprise of timber morticed posts, either left long for concreting in or shorter to be clamped with post spikes, arris rails, and palisade infill with various options in pale tops available.

All Timber Palisade Fencing is formed with FSC-Certified timber sourced from managed resources, and is supplied pressure treated.

The fence panels themselves can come in two forms, pre-assembled boards or as a custom make design. This can determine the wood used, as something that is mass produced may not be made from wood that a custom builder would use to build a fence.

Whichever timber fence you choose remember that treating regularly will protect your fence against decay and insect infestations. Steel Fencing (Gates & Railings) Ltd fence panels are sourced from FSC Certified Forests and are a durable and practical solution to your fencing needs.

For more information on Timber Fencing visit our website.

Play Ground Safety and Mesh Fencing

Play Ground Safety

Playgrounds are a noticeable addition to our cityscapes and country sides. As our population grows it can be noted that playgrounds have been tucked into every conceivable location. The need for Mesh fencing quickly becomes apparent because of the conflicts and often hazards that exist near these playgrounds.

We often view perimeter fencing as a barrier to keep unwanted individuals out. On the contrary, however it is equally important that fencing performs multiple functions. Fences are very versatile and serve to provide many functions when it comes to the safety of our children. A review of these functions is critical to a safe play environment.

“A RoSPA post-installation inspection helps to ensure that the playground meets modern standards and has been correctly installed. Underground work and some other aspects requiring dismantling or destructive testing are not assessed.”  
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

The separation of play by age group as well as developmental ability helps to eliminate inappropriate interaction and play between different age groups, thus reducing the chance of injury. Another important advantage derived from the use of Mesh Fencing is its ability to allow an adult to visibly see beyond the perimeter fencing, in order to get a clear view of children at all times.

A playground can be an attractive nuisance and a fence helps to define the perimeter of the area where regulations can be set forth and instructional signage can be posted to help prevent misuse and abuse.

Playground and Mesh Fencing Guidelines

• The Mesh Fencing must be safe and in line with all regulatory standards. A site survey must be performed.
• The fencing should be stable, durable, maintainable and attractive.
• The fence should not be climbable and eliminate the chance of cutting through.
• The fencing will withstand impacts.
• The fencing, if chain link, should have a top rail with the diamond of the weave not protruding above the rail and fabric end selvage or knuckled over with ends filed down so penetration or entanglement cannot occur.
• Any ties should not be welded closed.
• Gates should fit flush to the fence uprights
• The fencing should have a maintenance strip along the bottom of asphalt, concrete or other material and have the bottom no more than one inch to prevent foot entrapment.
• The fencing can have a colourful vinyl coating, but of a durable, nontoxic and pick proof coating, which must be maintained.
• The fencing should have no protruding columns, sharp protruding’s or spear point caps.
• The fencing should be a permanent fixture, however as removable as any other fixtures and surroundings.
• The local zoning and building codes should also be reviewed in installing play environments.

In a nutshell, because playground fencing is so versatile, and thereby subject to well-intended and sometimes inappropriate use, the F-14 Committee on Fences of ASTM has accepted the challenge and has evolved a fencing standard. This three-year effort has produced F-2049-00 a Standard Guide for Fences/Barriers for Public, Commercial and Multi-Family Residential Use Outdoor Play Areas.

The playground-fencing standard approved in 2000, contains elements defining such things as:

·         Height, and Perimeters

·         Safe and appropriate spacing between vertical pickets

·         Latch replacement

·         Intrusion impact

The regulations are applicable to all public playgrounds and also applicable to school grounds, apartment complex playgrounds and many other publicly accessed locations.
Private property and family home units have been excluded unless the playground is in a common area accessed by the public. Another intended exclusion is for those playgrounds that are located at least 50 feet or more from a road, path, activity area or other hazardous condition.

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Purposes of Mesh Fencing

Safety of Children

• Restricts children to the suitable equipment for age groups
• Contains additional supplies
• Deters unwanted visitors and intruders

Play Environment Security

• Controls out of  hours visitors or intruders
• Prevents the misuse and abuse of playground equipment

Separates Play

• Eliminates conflict between ages and type of play
• Restricts children to age appropriate skill level
• Avoids collisions of children at busy times

Screening of Area

• Reduces sun glare from other objects
• Deters wind or dust

Stops outside Traffic Intrusions

• Prevents cars driving through
• Control pedestrians, bikes and carriages
• Directs pedestrian traffic around the perimeter.

Every effort should be made to keep children safe in public play areas. Appropriate fencing is an important factor and the use of Mesh Fencing should never be compromised. 

For information on Mesh fencing specifications and products visit Steel Fencing (Gates & Railings) Ltd

About Steel Fencing (Gates & Railings) Ltd

About Us

Steel Fencing (Gates & Railings) Ltd, your No.1 choice for Palisade Fencing, Mesh Fencing, Timber Fencing and Key Clamp devices. We provide a supply only, or supply and install service for our Palisade Fencing, Mesh Fencing, Timber Fencing and Key Clamp options throughout the capital and we stock a wide range of fencing products as well as Bespoke options.

The Whitten family has been in and around the steel business for over 40 years. Using the experience built up over the years finally Whitten Metalworks was founded in January 2000. Over the few years we have been trading, Whitten Metalworks has adapted dramatically to meet the many challenges faced in the increasingly demanding construction environment. We currently work from our factories in Mitcham meeting the demands of our valued clients all over London and the southern counties with the goal to eventually work across the whole of the UK.

In 2008 through the contacts we have made while in the steel business we were able to open Steel Fencing (Gates & Railings) Ltd, although a different company effectively a safe and wise choice in business expansion as it complements our original company by offering a selection of off the shelf steel fencing products,

Health & Safety

Health and safety is taken extremely seriously and is managed from the top down ensuring that from design stage all the way to installation and sign off safety is incorporated through each step. Health and safety is managed internally and externally with regular inspections from an external professional body ensuring we are kept abreast of the fast changing regulations and laws.

Quality Management

Quality is managed throughout the process from the purchasing of materials to the design, fabrication and installation. We have worked hard to increase our supply chain and ensure that our suppliers are on board with providing the certification and authentication of materials required by our clients for the sign off process. This system not only ensures that the job is visually pleasing but the materials, welds and processes are all backed up with the certification giving the client comfort that the job has been correctly engineered, manufactured with the correct materials specified. Testing and inspections are also carried out by external bodies to assure our work when required.

The Environment

Steel Fencing (Gates & Railings) Ltd has been working hard over the last year to manage their environmental footprint. By looking at all our working methods and the way we dispose of waste.

Products & Services

. Numerous fencing products available off the shelf,
. Bespoke and made to measure security Gates and Railings
. Barbican, Securi-Mesh and many more
. Hadley Group products including UltraFENCE, UltraBAR and UltraSECURE
. Armco Crash Barriers
. Key Clamp coming soon
. Residential Gates and railing
. Commercial security including standard and bespoke fencing & gates.

Other Services we can offer through our sister company Whitten Metalworks

. Architectural Metalwork including Glass
. Secondary steelwork and trimming steel
. Mezzanine floors
. Heritage ironwork
. Structural steel up to 40 tonnes
. On site welding services by our fully coded welders
. One off specialist items
. Full drawing service using AutoCAD