Insightz

Is Temporary Fencing Right for Your Project?

Purchasing and storing fencing for construction sites and events can be costly. It also requires transport and storage logistics. For many construction companies and event managers, the project won’t have a line item in the budget for purchasing new fencing outright, and permanent fencing is almost never practical. That’s why so many companies turn to renting temporary fencing solutions.

Benefits of temporary fencing

Businesses and government organizations use temporary fencing as a reliable and cost-effective means for creating a short-term secured area. Whether you’re securing equipment and supplies, or you need crowd control measures, temporary fencing provides an easy solution. Many project managers rent temporary fencing for:

• Long- and short-term construction sites
• Demolition sites
• Outdoor music and sporting events
• Municipal events like fireworks displays and city celebrations
• School events
• Conventions
• Weddings
• Outdoor markets
• Disaster relief efforts
• Work Zones

Types of temporary fencing

There are many types of temporary fencing to choose from, including chain-link fencing and free-standing fence panels. Chain-link fencing can be locked and provides a longer-term solution for construction projects. Temporary fencing also has a wide variety of accessories, including privacy screens, and vehicle access gates. To improve stability, wind braces and sandbags are available to keep fencing in place. Reflective delineators can be added to improve safety.

If you’re unsure whether to purchase and store fencing your own fencing or to rent a portable fence, here are five questions to consider when making your decision.

What’s your budget?

If you have the money available in your budget, and you can store and transport fencing from site to site, then buying your temporary fencing may be a wise investment. These fences can be broken down, put in storage, and taken to the next project whenever needed. In most cases, budgets are tight and the added expense of not only buying temporary fencing but also storing and transporting it, adds to the bottom line. To see an overall profit in the company, managers have to watch potential ongoing costs like storage and replacement fees when you own your temporary fencing. Renting it instead may help keep your company in the black. We provide a transparent guide to temporary fencing rental fees.

How much fencing do you require?

If your event only requires a few panels, and you know you’ll reuse it and you have a place to store it inexpensively, you may be able to purchase temporary fencing without breaking the budget. However, if you need thousands of feet of fencing, renting is probably your best option. Evaluate your site and consider what areas need to be secured to determine how much temporary fencing you need. Equipment, open work areas, private sections, and mobile offices should be included in the protected regions with temporary fencing. It’s often not economically feasible to buy, store, and transport that much fencing on your own. Temporary rentals are the way to go.

How long will you need the fencing?

For events or construction projects that last six months or fewer, renting temporary fencing will likely save money. If the project is going to last longer than that, you may or may not save money by purchasing temporary fencing outright. However, you’ll be responsible for removing all the fencing when the project is finished. You’ll also have to figure out what to do with it when you no longer need it. For your specific project, compare the cost of renting temporary fencing vs. buying a fence to make the best decision.

Will you need to use it again?

Temporary fences are made of high-quality materials and are built to last. You could purchase temporary fencing if you know you’ll need it regularly. On the other hand, temporary fences can be set up, delivered, broken down, and picked up by a professional fencing company quickly and easily. If you have a standing event, you can schedule regular deliveries and pickups in advance, so you don’t have to worry about it every time. For one-off events like an event or a short-term construction or demolition project, renting temporary fencing makes the most sense, and you can order all kinds of fencing in advance.

What about quality?

Do some research. You may see low fencing prices on the internet but remember the adage: buyer beware. Cheap temporary fencing may not be very high quality, especially when it comes to plastic fencing. Flimsy, poorly constructed panels can lead to ineffective fencing. Worst-case scenario, it could blow away! To prevent this, rent from a reputable company that will ensure you get the quality fencing you need. When you order, ask the representative what types of fencing products they deliver. Ask them if they recommend accessories like sandbags for the kind of fencing you’re requesting. And if something happens with the fencing after it’s delivered, find out the company’s policy on damage and replacement. If something goes wrong, make sure they’re willing to have a new fence delivered as soon as possible.

Temporary fencing from ZTERS

ZTERS is your partner in construction and outdoor events. In addition to quality temporary fencing rentals, we also provide dumpster rentals, portable toilet rentals, and storage container rentals. Give us a call to speak with one of our account managers about all the ways we can make your project easier.