When it comes to securing a construction site in New Jersey, selecting the appropriate fencing is important for safety, compliance, and efficiency. Different types of fences serve unique purposes, from demarcating boundaries to controlling sediment runoff and ensuring nighttime visibility.

Here are the various types of construction site fences, including temporary chain link fences, safety fences, silt fences, super silt fences, reflective fences, and snow fences. Knowing their uses and benefits will help you choose the right fence for each phase of your project, ensuring compliance with local regulations and enhancing site management.

New Jersey Construction Site Fence Options

A construction site fence is a temporary barrier erected around a construction site to prevent unauthorized access, secure the area and ensure safety. It serves as a boundary between the public and the work in progress, keeping both parties safe. Additionally, it also protects valuable materials and equipment on-site from theft or damage.

Construction site fences come in various shapes, sizes, and materials depending on the specific needs of the project. They are typically made of durable materials such as chain-link, pvc or another weather proof plastic material, durable filter fabric or metal and can be customized with additional features like barbed wire or privacy screens. While they may seem simple at first glance, construction site fences are important in maintaining safety and security on the site.

Plus, complying with local construction regulations and obtaining necessary permits may require the use of specific fence types. A well-chosen construction site fence not only ensures safety and security but also helps in maintaining a professional image for your project.

Types of Construction Site Fences

There are several types of construction site fences, each with its unique characteristics and purposes. The most common ones include:

Temporary Chain Link Fences:

Temporary chain link fences are versatile and durable barriers used on construction sites to enhance security and safety. They are made of interwoven steel wires forming a diamond pattern, supported by metal posts. These temporary fences can be quickly assembled and disassembled, making them ideal for short-term projects or sites with changing requirements.

Best Uses on Construction Sites

Security: These fences help secure the construction site, preventing unauthorized access and theft of materials and equipment.
Safety: They create a clear boundary, keeping pedestrians and vehicles away from potentially hazardous areas.
Traffic Control: They can guide vehicle and foot traffic around the site, ensuring safe and efficient movement.
Crowd Control: During public events or in high-traffic areas, temporary chain link fences can manage crowds and keep people safe.

Safety Fence

Safety fences are lightweight, high-visibility barriers typically made from plastic mesh. They are used to indicate hazardous areas and protect workers and the public from potential dangers. Safety fences are often bright orange, but they can come in other colors for increased visibility.

Best Uses on Construction Sites:

Hazard Marking: Safety fences highlight dangerous zones, such as open trenches, excavation sites, or areas with heavy machinery.
Pedestrian Protection: They guide pedestrians around the construction site, preventing accidental entry into hazardous areas.
Temporary Barriers: They are used to create temporary walkways, block off restricted areas, or protect landscaping and other sensitive areas from construction activity.
Event Management: In construction sites near public events, safety fences help manage crowd flow and ensure public safety.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation: Both temporary chain link and safety fences are easy to install. Chain link fences require driving posts into the ground and attaching the mesh, while safety fences can be quickly set up with lightweight posts or stakes.
Maintenance: Regular checks are essential to ensure the fences remain intact and effective. Damaged sections should be repaired or replaced promptly.
Removal: Once the project is completed or the specific hazard is no longer present, the fences are dismantled and removed, leaving no lasting impact on the site.

By using these fences appropriately, construction sites can maintain a safer environment for workers, protect the public, and comply with safety regulations.

Silt Fence

A silt fence is a temporary sediment control device used on construction sites to prevent soil erosion and manage water runoff. Made of a permeable geotextile fabric supported by wooden or metal stakes, it is installed along the perimeter of the construction area. The fabric allows water to pass through while trapping sediment and debris, preventing them from washing into nearby water bodies, storm drains, or onto roads. Silt fences are typically used for smaller construction sites or areas with less severe erosion issues.

Super Silt Fence

A super silt fence is a more robust version of the standard silt fence, designed for larger construction sites with higher erosion risks. It combines the geotextile fabric of a regular silt fence with additional support from chain-link fencing, making it stronger and more durable. The chain-link fence provides extra reinforcement, allowing it to withstand higher volumes of water and sediment. Super silt fences are used in areas with steep slopes, heavy rainfall, or where more significant sediment control is required.

Usage on Construction Sites

Installation: Both types of fences are installed around the perimeter of the construction site or in areas where runoff is expected. They are typically placed along contour lines to intercept flowing water and trap sediments.

Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to ensure the fences are functioning correctly. This includes repairing any damage, removing accumulated sediment, and ensuring the fabric remains properly anchored.

Removal: Once the construction project is completed and the site is stabilized with permanent erosion control measures, the silt or super silt fences are removed. The collected sediment is often spread back over the site or disposed of according to local regulations.

These fences are essential for protecting the environment and complying with local and federal regulations regarding sediment control on construction sites.

Reflective Fencing

Reflective fencing is designed to enhance visibility, especially in low-light conditions. These fences incorporate reflective materials, such as reflective strips or mesh, that catch and reflect light from headlights, flashlights, or other sources, making the fence highly visible.

Best Uses on NJ Construction Sites

Nighttime Visibility: Reflective fencing is essential for construction sites that operate at night or during early morning hours, ensuring that the boundaries of the site are clearly visible to workers, drivers, and pedestrians.
Traffic Safety: When construction sites are near roads, reflective fencing helps alert drivers to the presence of the site, reducing the risk of accidents.
Hazard Identification: Reflective fencing can mark dangerous areas within the construction site, such as deep excavations or areas with heavy machinery, preventing accidental injuries.
Event Safety: In areas where construction coincides with public events or gatherings, reflective fencing ensures clear demarcation and guides pedestrian traffic safely.

Snow Fence

Snow fencing is used to control snow drift and manage snow accumulation. Typically made of wooden slats or synthetic materials like plastic mesh, snow fences create a barrier that disrupts the wind’s flow, causing snow to accumulate in a specific area rather than drifting across roads or construction sites.

Best Uses on NJ Construction Sites

Preventing Snow Drift: On construction sites, snow fences can be installed upwind to prevent snow from drifting into work areas, keeping the site more accessible and safe.
Protecting Equipment: Snow fencing can shield critical machinery and materials from being buried under snow, ensuring that work can continue with minimal disruption.
Road Safety: Alongside construction sites near roads, snow fences prevent snow from blowing onto the roadway, improving visibility and driving conditions.
Pedestrian Safety: Snow fences can be used to create clear, snow-free pathways for workers and pedestrians, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Installation and Maintenance:

Installation: Snow fences are usually set up in late fall, before the first snowfall. They are placed perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction to effectively control snow drift. Reflective fencing is installed like regular fencing but includes reflective elements.
Maintenance: Regular checks ensure that both types of fencing remain effective. Reflective materials should be cleaned to maintain visibility, and snow fences should be inspected for damage or excessive snow buildup.
Removal: Snow fences are typically removed in the spring when the threat of snow is gone. Reflective fences can be removed or relocated as needed, based on the construction site’s requirements.

By using reflective fencing and snow fencing appropriately, NJ construction sites can enhance safety, manage snow effectively, and ensure smoother operation throughout different weather conditions.

Tips for Choosing the Right Fencing Solution

Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when selecting a fencing solution for a construction site:

Evaluate project needs and limitations: Consider factors like budget, duration of use, location, and terrain to determine the most suitable type of fence.
Obtain necessary permits and approvals: Make sure to obtain all necessary permits and approvals from local authorities before installing a fence.
Choose a durable material and design: Select a fencing material that can withstand the specific weather conditions and potential hazards of the construction site.
Factor in maintenance requirements: Choose a low-maintenance option to ensure long-term cost-effectiveness. Regular inspections and repairs should still be conducted to maintain the fence’s integrity.
Prioritize safety and security: Fences must comply with all relevant safety regulations and guidelines, especially for high-security projects. Consider additional features like barbed wire or privacy screens if necessary.

Before deciding on a construction site fence, consider your project’s specific needs, location, budget, and any local regulations that may apply. With the right type of fence in place, you can ensure safety and security for everyone involved in your construction project.

Contact Eastcoast Fence For Your Construction Site Fence

Call Eastcoast Fence for expert insights and recommendations on the best fencing options for your New Jersey construction site.

Eastcoast Fence has been providing high-quality, cost-effective fencing solutions in Freehold, New Jersey for over 20 years. Our team specializes in the installation of various fence materials such as wood, vinyl, chain link, aluminum, and more. We also offer a wide range of fence styles including picket, privacy, semi-privacy, post and rail, and lattice fences.

At Eastcoast Fence, we take pride in our decades of experience and commitment to using top-quality materials, ensuring that our fences are built to last. We also have a warehouse stocked with products for immediate availability.

For both residential and commercial projects, our team can help you find the perfect fencing solution to meet your needs and budget. Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate for your fencing project. Trust Eastcoast Fence to provide reliable and high-quality fencing services in New Jersey.

Professional Fencing Sales and Installation in New Jersey

Choosing the right fencing solution is crucial for construction projects to ensure the safety and security of the site and save costs in the long run. Factors like materials, location, durability, and maintenance should all be carefully considered when selecting a fence. It’s best to consult with a professional contractor for expert insights and recommendations on the most suitable fencing options for your project.