Building Site Fencing: What You Need For Security & Safety

Temporary fencing is used to secure construction sites, control access, separate work areas and protect workers and members of the public. However, specifying a temporary fencing system involves more than calculating the number of panels needed.

The appropriate setup depends on the site boundary, ground conditions, expected wind exposure, access requirements and whether privacy screening or fence covers will be installed. Gates, clamps, feet, stabilisers and ballast must also be considered as part of the complete system.

This guide explains the main types of temporary fencing, how the components fit together and what to consider when planning, installing and maintaining a secure fence line.

Contents

• What is temporary fencing?
• Types of temporary fencing
• Mesh fencing or solid hoarding?
• Temporary fencing components
• How much temporary fencing do you need?
• Planning the site perimeter
• Installing temporary fencing
• Stabilising temporary fencing
• Slopes and uneven ground
• Pedestrian and vehicle gates
• Improving site security
• Legal duties and public protection
• Inspection and maintenance
• Should you buy or hire temporary fencing?
• What affects temporary fencing cost?

What Is Temporary Fencing?

Temporary fencing is a reusable panel system used to create a defined boundary without constructing a permanent fence. It is commonly installed around building sites, infrastructure projects, commercial developments, temporary compounds and public events.

The panels are normally installed in weighted or recycled plastic feet and connected using temporary fencing clamps. Depending on the site and the type of panel, the system may also require braces, ballast blocks, ground pins or purpose-designed stabilising equipment.

Temporary fencing can be repositioned as work progresses, making it suitable for projects where access routes, working zones and secure areas change during the construction programme.

Temporary fencing is sometimes described as Heras fencing. Heras is a recognised brand, but the term is also commonly used informally for compatible temporary mesh-panel systems. Wade supplies Heras-style temporary fencing designed to work with standard temporary fencing layouts and accessories.

What Types of Temporary Fencing Are Available?

The main choice is usually between open mesh panels and solid temporary hoarding. Gates and specialist accessories can then be incorporated into the fence line according to the site layout.

Fencing type	Common applications	Main advantages	Important considerations
Anti-climb mesh panels	Construction perimeters, compounds, infrastructure projects and controlled work areas	Fast installation, clear sightlines and broad compatibility with standard components	May require additional stabilisation depending on location and exposure
Standard mesh panels	Internal segregation and lower-risk areas where an anti-climb mesh is not required	Cost-effective and easy to reposition	Not intended to provide the same climbing deterrence as anti-climb mesh
Solid steel hoarding	Public-facing sites, privacy screening, sensitive work areas and visual separation	Restricts views into the site and helps contain some visual disruption	Creates considerably more wind resistance than an open mesh panel
Pedestrian gates	Designated personnel entrances and controlled pedestrian routes	Creates an identifiable access point within the fence line	Gate sections and adjoining panels may require additional support
Vehicle gates	Plant, delivery and construction-vehicle access	Provides a wide, controlled opening for site traffic	Traffic management, gate security and pedestrian segregation must be considered
Fence covers and printed screens	Branding, visual screening and project information	Improves presentation and provides advertising space	Can substantially increase the wind load acting on mesh fencing

Anti-Climb Round-Top Panels

A standard anti-climb round-top temporary fence panel is approximately 2m high and 3.5m long. Its narrow mesh is intended to make climbing more difficult while retaining visibility through the perimeter.

Round-top panels are commonly used for general site security because they can cover substantial distances quickly and are compatible with standard temporary fencing feet, clamps, gates and support systems.

Anti-Climb Square-Top Panels

Square-top anti-climb panels provide a similar mesh perimeter with a different frame design. The correct choice may depend on the required specification, available stock, planned accessories and compatibility with any fencing already held by the contractor.

Standard Mesh Panels

A standard or economy mesh panel uses a wider mesh and is not classed as anti-climb. It may be suitable for internal segregation, controlled areas or applications where the fence is not being relied upon as the principal anti-climb site boundary.

The intended use and risk assessment should determine whether an economy panel is appropriate. A lower purchase price should not take priority over the security requirements of the site.

Solid Temporary Hoarding

Solid steel hoarding panels can be used where a site requires greater privacy, visual screening or separation from nearby public areas.

They can help screen welfare areas, equipment, material storage and work that may attract unwanted attention. Solid panels can also be used selectively at the front of a project while mesh panels are installed along less exposed boundaries.

Wade’s solid hoarding panels are approximately 2.14m wide and weigh around 29kg. Because they have a solid face, they should not be treated as equivalent to open mesh fencing when assessing wind exposure and support requirements.

Should You Use Mesh Fencing or Solid Hoarding?

Neither system is universally better. The correct choice depends on what the boundary is intended to achieve.

Consideration	Anti-climb mesh fencing	Solid steel hoarding
Visibility	Allows workers and security personnel to see through the boundary	Restricts views into and out of the site
Privacy	Limited unless a suitable cover is fitted	Provides substantially greater visual screening
Wind resistance	Open mesh allows more air to pass through	Solid face produces greater wind loading
Panel width	Typically around 3.5m	Wade solid panels are approximately 2.14m wide
Panels needed for a given run	Fewer panels are normally required	More panels, feet and connections are normally required
Typical use	General site perimeter security and internal segregation	Public-facing boundaries, privacy-sensitive areas and visual screening
Branding	Can accept suitable printed mesh covers, subject to stability assessment	Can provide a solid surface for project presentation or specified finishes

A mixed system can be effective. For example, solid hoarding may be installed along a busy public frontage, while anti-climb mesh fencing is used along boundaries where visibility is useful and privacy is less important.

What Components Are Used in a Temporary Fencing System?

Fence panels are only one part of the system. The complete requirement should be calculated before ordering so that installation is not delayed by missing feet, clamps, gates or support equipment.

Component	Purpose	Planning consideration
Fence panels	Create the main physical boundary	Select the correct mesh or solid panel for the required security and screening
Rubber or recycled plastic feet	Locate and support adjoining panels	Orientation can affect the space occupied beside walkways and public areas
Fence clamps or couplers	Connect adjacent panels	Two clamps are commonly used at each standard panel connection
Anti-tamper clamps	Reduce the ease with which connections can be undone using ordinary tools	A compatible specialist spanner is required
Anti-lift devices	Help prevent panels being lifted out of their feet	Must be installed correctly with compatible clamps and components
Braces and stabilisers	Support the fence against lateral movement	The appropriate system depends on the panel, ground and site conditions
Ballast blocks or trays	Add weight to a purpose-designed support arrangement	Heavy products require suitable manual-handling planning
Ground pins	Secure compatible braces on suitable soft ground	Underground services and ground conditions must be considered before driving pins
Pedestrian gates	Provide controlled access for authorised personnel	Position them on the intended pedestrian route and away from vehicle movements where possible
Vehicle gates	Provide access for deliveries, plant and site vehicles	Allow adequate operating space and a suitable method of securing the gate
Reflective strips and visibility products	Improve the visibility of fencing near pedestrian or traffic routes	They supplement rather than replace suitable route planning and lighting
Fence covers	Provide branding or visual screening	The additional wind resistance must be considered before installation

Wade stocks a dedicated range of temporary fencing feet, clamps, braces, ballast products and security accessories.

How Much Temporary Fencing Do You Need?

Begin with the total length of every separate fence run. Do not assume that the complete site perimeter will form one uninterrupted line.

For a simple, continuous run:

Approximate number of panels = total fence length ÷ panel width, rounded up

A standard mesh panel is approximately 3.5m wide. A simple 100m straight run would therefore require approximately 29 panels before allowing for gates, overlaps, corners or site-specific adjustments.

A solid Wade hoarding panel is approximately 2.14m wide. A 100m straight run would require approximately 47 panels before making similar adjustments.

Example fence run	Approximate 3.5m mesh panels	Approximate 2.14m solid panels
25m	8	12
50m	15	24
75m	22	36
100m	29	47
150m	43	71

These are basic planning figures rather than final installation schedules. The required quantity can change because of:

• Pedestrian and vehicle gates
• Multiple separate fence runs
• Corners and changes in direction
• Changes in level
• Panel overlaps
• Existing walls, gates or secure boundaries
• Additional bracing arrangements
• Site access and storage constraints

How Many Fence Feet Do You Need?

For one straight run, a useful starting estimate is one more foot than the number of panels. This assumes that adjacent panels share a foot at each connection.

Separate fence runs, gates, corners and additional bracing can increase the quantity. Gate specifications should be checked individually rather than assuming that every gate replaces a standard panel without requiring extra support.

How Many Fence Clamps Do You Need?

Two clamps are commonly used at each standard connection between adjoining panels. This means the number of clamps should be calculated from the number of connections, not simply by multiplying the panel quantity without considering the layout.

For example, a straight run of ten panels has nine panel-to-panel connections. At two clamps per connection, the basic run would require 18 clamps. Gate connections and separate fence runs would alter the final requirement.

How Should You Plan a Site Perimeter?

Before fencing is delivered, inspect the proposed boundary and identify anything that could affect installation or ongoing security.

Consider:

• The legal site boundary and any neighbouring land
• Public pavements, roads, schools, shops and transport routes
• Existing walls, fences and gates
• Uneven ground, slopes and changes in level
• Overgrown areas and loose or unstable ground
• Underground services where ground pins may be considered
• Vehicle entrances and delivery routes
• Pedestrian entrances and visitor access
• Emergency access requirements
• Exposed boundaries and wind funnel effects between buildings
• Space needed for feet, braces and ballast
• Storage and unloading areas for panels and accessories

The proposed fence line may need to be cleared and levelled before installation. Any work close to a public pavement or road should be properly planned, and relevant permissions may be required where public space is affected.

Site condition	Points to consider	Possible product approach
General level construction site	Perimeter security, access points and routine inspection	Anti-climb mesh panels with compatible feet, clamps and site-appropriate support
Busy public frontage	Visibility, trip hazards, privacy and unauthorised access	Solid hoarding or anti-climb mesh with carefully positioned feet and visibility accessories
Exposed or coastal location	Wind direction, panel type, site exposure and local conditions	Site-specific stabilisation using compatible braces, ballast or tested support systems
Fence covers required	Increased wind resistance and loading on panels and connections	Reassess the complete support arrangement before fitting covers
Soft ground	Ground bearing, services and the suitability of driven fixings	Compatible braces and ground pins where the installation method is appropriate
Hard ground	Space for braces and the ability to use purpose-designed ballast	Ballast trays, blocks or proprietary stabilising systems
Sloping or uneven boundary	Gaps, difficult connections and changes in panel level	Adjusted positioning, overlap or additional panels subject to site assessment
Vehicle entrance	Gate width, turning space, traffic management and securing the opening	Purpose-designed vehicle gate with appropriate support to adjoining sections

How Is Temporary Fencing Installed?

The precise method should follow the relevant product information, site plan and risk assessment. A typical mesh-panel installation follows this general sequence:

1. Confirm the boundary and planned locations of pedestrian and vehicle gates.
2. Clear obstructions and assess the condition and level of the ground.
3. Position the first fencing feet in the intended direction of the run.
4. Lift the first panel into the locating holes.
5. Position the next foot and install the adjoining panel.
6. Connect adjacent panels using compatible clamps.
7. Continue along the planned fence line, checking alignment and gaps.
8. Install gates and any additional support required around access points.
9. Fit the specified braces, ballast or stabilisation system.
10. Inspect the complete fence line before bringing the site into use.

Clamps should generally be fitted from the secure side of the boundary where this is practical. This makes the connections less accessible to someone outside the site.

Do not omit connections to save installation time. Poorly connected panels are easier to separate, lift or displace and are less likely to behave as an integrated fence line.

For a more detailed sequence and common installation errors, read Wade’s temporary fencing installation guide.

How Should Temporary Fencing Be Stabilised?

Temporary fencing is exposed to wind, accidental contact, changing ground conditions and regular site activity. The required support cannot be determined from panel length alone.

The assessment should consider:

• Whether the panels are open mesh or solid
• The height and length of the fence run
• Local wind exposure
• Surrounding buildings and possible wind funnels
• Ground level and bearing conditions
• The presence of gates
• Whether netting, banners or covers will be attached
• How long the system will remain in place
• Potential contact from plant, vehicles or stored materials
• The manufacturer’s information for the complete support system

Ballast Blocks

A purpose-designed 44kg temporary fencing ballast block can add weight to a compatible fence-support arrangement. The blocks have a concrete-filled core within a plastic casing and can be used with suitable braces and support products.

A 44kg unit is a substantial manual-handling load. Delivery, positioning and removal should be planned rather than treating ballast blocks as products that can be moved casually around the site.

Ballast Block Stabilisers

A ballast block stabiliser connects the support arrangement to the fence panel and works with compatible feet and ballast products.

Connections should be checked as part of the fence inspection regime, particularly after high winds, site alterations or impact.

Windbreaker Stabilising Systems

A purpose-designed windbreaker stabiliser system provides an integrated support arrangement with an anti-trip foot, bottom tube, stabiliser and ballast trays.

It can be used with mesh or hoarding panels, subject to the system specification and the requirements of the particular installation.

Fence Covers and Wind Loading

A mesh fence panel allows air to pass through it. Adding printed covers, netting or banners reduces that open area and can substantially increase the force transferred to the panel, feet, clamps and stabilisers.

Do not attach covers to an exposed fence line without reviewing the support arrangement. A system suitable for uncovered mesh fencing may not remain suitable after screening is added.

See Wade’s guide to temporary fencing in high winds for more detailed planning considerations.

Can Temporary Fencing Be Installed on Slopes or Uneven Ground?

Temporary fencing can follow many changes in direction and level, but irregular ground makes maintaining secure connections and minimising gaps more difficult.

Potential issues include:

• Gaps beneath panels
• Misaligned clamps
• Feet that do not sit evenly
• Panels meeting at substantially different heights
• Changes in direction at the top or bottom of a slope
• Braces resting on unsuitable or unstable ground

Where adjoining panel frames cannot be connected normally, a controlled overlap may sometimes be used. This normally requires additional panels, feet and clamps and should be assessed as part of the complete installation rather than improvised after the fence has been erected.

A change from level ground to a slope can be more difficult than a consistent incline. Additional support or a revised panel layout may be needed at the transition.

Large gaps should not simply be accepted because the main panel line appears straight. The perimeter should continue to provide the level of access control required by the site assessment.

How Should Pedestrian and Vehicle Access Be Planned?

Access points are often the most frequently used and most vulnerable parts of a temporary perimeter. They should be planned before the main fence run is installed.

Pedestrian Access

A pedestrian gate built into an anti-climb panel provides a defined personnel entrance while retaining the approximate width of a standard fence panel.

A separate anti-climb pedestrian gate can be installed where the site layout requires a narrower dedicated opening.

Pedestrian routes should be:

• Clearly identifiable
• Separated from vehicle movements where reasonably practicable
• Kept clear of stored materials
• Suitable for the expected number and type of users
• Properly lit where access is required in poor light
• Managed so that gates are not routinely left unsecured

Vehicle Access

Temporary fencing vehicle gates are available in approximately 4.2m and 7m widths for plant, delivery and construction traffic.

Vehicle access planning should account for:

• Vehicle width and turning movements
• Available space inside and outside the gate
• Visibility between drivers and pedestrians
• Gate operation and securing arrangements
• Support to the gate and adjoining panels
• Deliveries waiting without obstructing the public highway
• Whether a banksman or other traffic control is required

Pedestrians should not routinely be directed through a vehicle gate where a separate, safer route can reasonably be provided.

How Can Temporary Fencing Security Be Improved?

A temporary fence provides a visible and physical boundary, but its effectiveness depends on the quality of the installation and how the site is managed.

Use the Appropriate Panel Type

Anti-climb mesh is generally more appropriate than wide-mesh economy panels where the fence forms the principal security boundary of an active construction site.

Solid hoarding may provide a further deterrent by preventing passers-by from seeing equipment, materials and site activity.

Use Two Clamps at Standard Connections

Using two compatible clamps at each normal panel connection helps keep the frames aligned and makes the panels more difficult to separate or rotate.

Fit Connections From the Secure Side

Where practical, clamp nuts and accessible fixings should face the inside of the site. This reduces easy access from outside the perimeter.

Consider Anti-Tamper Clamps

Anti-tamper fence clamps require a compatible specialist fencing spanner. They can reduce the likelihood of panels being disconnected using ordinary hand tools.

Use Anti-Lift Devices Where Required

An anti-lift device is designed to help prevent a fence panel being lifted vertically out of its supporting foot.

It should be viewed as one element of the system rather than a substitute for properly installed clamps, feet and stabilisation.

Inspect the Whole Boundary

Security can be undermined by one missing clamp, a displaced foot, an unsecured gate or a gap created as ground conditions change. Routine inspection is therefore as important as the original installation.

What Does the Law Say About Construction-Site Fencing?

UK legislation does not prescribe one universal temporary fencing arrangement for every construction site. The measures used must reflect the nature of the work, the site and the people who could be affected.

Under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, principal contractors must take necessary steps to prevent access by unauthorised persons to the construction site. Contractors must not begin work unless reasonable steps have been taken to prevent unauthorised access.

The Health and Safety Executive advises that construction sites require measures to manage access across defined boundaries and steps to exclude unauthorised people. Where a physical boundary is necessary, the type of fencing should reflect the site and its surroundings.

Factors identified by the HSE include:

• The nature and type of construction work
• How heavily populated the surrounding area is
• Who needs to visit the site
• Whether the site may attract children
• Existing boundaries and nearby buildings

In populated areas, the HSE indicates that a two-metre-high small-mesh fence or hoarding will typically be appropriate. This remains subject to the circumstances of the individual project.

Fencing should not be considered in isolation. Site security may also involve controlled gates, warning signs, lighting, secured ladders, locked storage, supervision and arrangements for authorised visitors.

This section provides general information and is not legal or site-specific health and safety advice.

How Often Should Temporary Fencing Be Inspected?

The fence line should be checked regularly throughout the project. Inspection frequency should reflect the site risks, public exposure, weather and level of activity around the boundary.

Additional checks should be carried out after:

• High winds or severe weather
• Impact from vehicles, plant or materials
• Changes to access routes
• Panels or gates being moved
• Installation or removal of covers
• Ground disturbance or excavation near the boundary
• Reports of attempted unauthorised access

Inspection point	What to check
Panels	Damage, distortion, broken welds, excessive corrosion and alignment
Clamps	Missing, loose, damaged or incorrectly positioned connections
Feet	Movement, cracking, poor ground contact or obstruction of pedestrian routes
Braces and stabilisers	Loose connections, displacement, damage or unsuitable bearing
Ballast	Movement, damage, unsafe stacking and correct position within the support system
Gates	Operation, latches, wheels, hinges, locks and support to adjoining panels
Fence covers	Torn fixings, loose material and changes affecting wind resistance
Ground	Erosion, settlement, excavation, standing water or newly created gaps
Boundary	Unauthorised openings, displaced panels and signs of interference

Damaged or displaced components should be repaired, replaced or made safe promptly. Records may be appropriate depending on the site-management system and risk profile.

Should You Buy or Hire Temporary Fencing?

Temporary fencing can be purchased for direct ownership or hired as part of a larger project requirement. The more suitable route depends on quantity, duration, storage capacity and how frequently the equipment will be reused.

Requirement	Purchase may be more suitable	Hire may be more suitable
Small quantity	Yes, particularly where the equipment can be collected or stored for reuse	Small hire requirements may not be commercially practical
Large construction perimeter	Suitable where the contractor regularly reuses fencing across projects	Suitable for substantial project-based requirements
Short project	May still be economical for smaller requirements	Potentially suitable where the quantity is large enough
Long-duration project	Ownership may offer stronger long-term value	Can reduce the need for storage after completion
Regular use across multiple sites	Purchase is often the more practical route	Can supplement owned stock during peak demand
Storage and transport unavailable	Requires a plan for handling equipment between projects	Collection at the end of the hire can simplify site clearance
Bespoke or branded equipment	Purchase may provide greater control over repeated use	Depends on project scope and agreed hire specification

Wade supplies temporary fencing products for purchase and can support hire requirements for larger construction sites and substantial project-based fencing packages. Smaller requirements are generally better suited to direct purchase.

For a project quotation, provide:

• The site postcode
• The approximate perimeter length
• The required start date
• The expected project or hire duration
• The number and type of gates
• Whether mesh fencing, solid hoarding or a mixed system is required
• Any known ground or exposure issues
• Delivery, offloading and collection requirements

Wade operates a range of delivery vehicles, including HIAB-equipped trucks for larger and more complex deliveries. The most suitable delivery method depends on the load, site access and offloading arrangements.

What Affects the Cost of Temporary Fencing?

The total cost is not determined by panels alone. A complete estimate should include every component needed to install, support and operate the fence safely.

The main cost factors are:

• Total perimeter length
• Mesh panels or solid hoarding
• Number of separate fence runs
• Rubber feet and clamps
• Pedestrian and vehicle gates
• Anti-tamper and anti-lift security products
• Braces, ballast and stabilising equipment
• Fence covers or printed screening
• Delivery vehicle and offloading requirements
• Purchase or project hire
• Hire duration and collection requirements
• Bulk or full-load quantities

Specific prices in an evergreen guide can become outdated as product and transport costs change. For current costs, view the temporary fencing collection or contact Wade for a complete project quotation.

Temporary Fencing for Events and Public Areas

Temporary mesh fencing can also be used for event boundaries, restricted compounds, backstage areas and separation from operational zones.

Event fencing requirements should be distinguished from lightweight pedestrian barriers used for queue management. A full-height temporary fence creates a more substantial boundary, while pedestrian barriers are designed primarily to guide people and define routes.

Event organisers should consider:

• Expected attendance
• Emergency and evacuation routes
• Public entrances and exits
• Vehicle access
• Wind exposure
• Ground conditions
• Potential crowd pressure
• Security outside operating hours
• Whether screening or branding will be fitted

Read more about temporary fencing for events and venue security.

Temporary Fence Covers and Site Branding

Printed temporary fence covers can display contractor branding, project information, directional messaging or promotional graphics. They can also reduce direct views through a mesh boundary.

However, a fence cover changes the behaviour of the panel in the wind. Before installing a cover, check that:

• The fencing system is suitable for the additional loading
• The cover material and fixing method are appropriate
• Braces and ballast have been reassessed
• Loose sections cannot create hazards
• The fence will be inspected after strong winds

View Wade’s temporary fence covers and printed fencing screens.

Choosing a Temporary Fencing System

Begin by identifying what the boundary must achieve. A general site perimeter may require anti-climb mesh, while a public-facing or privacy-sensitive boundary may justify solid hoarding. Gates, security accessories and stabilisation should then be selected around the site layout and assessed conditions.

For purchase enquiries, Wade supplies:

• Anti-climb round-top and square-top panels
• Standard temporary mesh panels
• Solid steel hoarding
• Pedestrian and vehicle gates
• Rubber and high-visibility fence feet
• Standard and anti-tamper clamps
• Anti-lift devices
• Ballast blocks and trays
• Braces and stabilising systems
• Fence covers and visibility products

For larger construction projects, Wade can also discuss temporary fencing hire, delivery, collection and full-site requirements.

Shop temporary fencing and site-security products, or contact the Wade team with your site location, perimeter length and project requirements.

References and Further Guidance

• Health and Safety Executive: Protecting the public
• Health and Safety Executive: HSG151, Protecting the public – your next move
• Health and Safety Executive: Summary of duties under CDM 2015
• The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015