Walls used as fences, or other types of fencing are normally built around a construction or building for security or privacy purposes. These walls are also constructed for safety reasons – for instance to prevent children or pets from escaping to the outside or from entering a swimming pool area. They also act as measures to prevent access for criminals and provide perimeters and boundaries around areas.
Wall fences need to be robust, strong, and long lasting. Some additions such as electric fencing or razor wire may be added to the solid wall to render it more secure in areas where high security is required. Historically, broken glass was cemented into the tops of walls to prevent criminals from scaling these, however this is now illegal. Where very strong walls are required, security walls are quite often built with cement or precast concrete. These are available in a wide variety of styles and appearances and sizes, and can be painted or textured to enhance the surrounds.
Walls or concrete fences are also used as barriers to sound where buildings are placed close to roads or industrial areas. They are widely used by municipalities around their buildings in order to reduce noise and increase security while still looking attractive. Usually these are installed in panels which are made off site and installed piece by piece. Different textures and styles enhance appearance and can be painted in just about any colour.
The suitability of the type of wall or fencing has to be considered before building or installation. Wall fences are robust and can be attractive, but they can also provide hiding places for criminals, and if the walls are surrounded by vegetation it does make it easy for criminals to scale the walls without being seen. In these cases it is recommended that palisade or other fencing is used where there is greater visibility through the fencing. However these tend to provide must less privacy. They do however provide a good perimeter fence and their appearance can be improved with paint. They can also be strengthened and their security ability updated with electric fencing or alarm systems.
