Archive for February, 2015

Benefits of Turnstiles for Security

Monday, February 23rd, 2015

Commercial High Security ProjectsTurnstiles are a great way to maximize security in a perimeter of an area. You may see them at high security buildings or premises such as the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Maryland. Hercules High Security has installed many turnstile security systems for specific businesses and agencies. Custom fencing is what we can offer for safekeeping of your property.

What is a turnstile security system?

A turnstile is a gate usually made of metal that connects to a fence and only allows one person at a time to enter. The horizontal bars that you see on turnstiles make up the revolving “door” on the gate. Some turnstile security systems have a place to swipe a badge to enter and others have a code. Facilities can also have a guard present to easily monitor the people coming in and going out of the premises.

There are various types of turnstile security systems to choose from.

  • The MST turnstile is one of the most commonly used gates. It reaches full height at 91.5” and automatically turns itself into place after someone has gone through it. This ensures that no one else will be able to sneak through. When one pushes softly on the gate, they may enter. When someone is trying to get in with force, the door becomes harder to open.
  • The MSTT is similar to the former model, but occupies less space and offers two turnstiles. One person can enter while another is exiting, creating a convenient flow of foot traffic. This model reduces the noise level of the metal locking in place.
  • The CLST turnstile gives a more inviting look and feel. The frame is aluminum and has the same benefits as the MST turnstile. The turnstile will integrate with just about any access control system as it is electronically controlled.
  • The CPST turnstile is eye-pleasing and usually used in high-profile facilities. It impresses visitors but still gives protection for the higher-ups inside the building. It has a clear side and arms that allow you to see what is on the other side. It is more affordable and secure than installing a revolving door. We may actually recommend this type of entrance for upscale hotels in the city.

Install a turnstile suited for your needs.

Hercules High Security can install a turnstile security system customized to what you want. Parts can be added to pre-existing structures for maximum security. We have installed hundreds of turnstiles varying in size, shape, and applications. Whether your security solution requires a galvanized, powder coated, manual or electric turnstile, Hercules can provide it for you.

We have six convenient locations and there is a Hercules High Security professional ready to serve you from Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan area to North Carolina. Our branch offices are in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.

Check out Hercules High Security Fence on FacebookTwitterGoogle+ and YouTube.

Types of Anti-Climb Strategies for your Fencing

Saturday, February 14th, 2015

employs multiple anti-climb strategiesThere are many different strategies to make a fence more difficult to climb. Intimidation factor, the size and shape of posts, the post tips, and barbed wire are some of the more common anti-climb strategies. Each has its own set of benefits that you should consider when in stalling your high security anti-climbing fence.

Intimidation Factor

The intimidation factor of a fence is its first line of defense. Make a fence intimidating enough and no one will even try and climb it. Several factors go into the intimidation factor of a fence. The warning signage, security cameras, height of the fence, how sturdy it looks, and whether or not it’s topped with apparent anti-climb devices all have an impact on how intimidating a fence is. The only problem with intimidation factor as an anti-climbing strategy is that you might want to provide security to your business without intimidating and deterring public visitors, employees, customers, or potential investors.

Size and Shaping of the Post

The size and shaping of the fence posts go a great way towards determining whether a fence can be scaled or not. With the right size or shape of post it can be difficult to comfortably grip a fence in order to scale it. Posts that are very large make them difficult to grab, or posts with hard sharp edges are uncomfortable on the hands. The advantages of having a post sized and shaped to be difficult to climb is that it makes spur of the moment climbing difficult, without making the fence intimidating. The disadvantage of it is that on it’s own it can be defeated as an anti-climbing strategy by sufficiently determined climbers with tools.

Sharp Post Tips

Sharpened or shaped post tips are classic anti-climb strategies for fences. By sharpening or shaping your post tips you can make them dangerous for climbers who are trying to go over the top. They might cut their hands on the tips, or have clothing get snagged on the post tips when they try to go over. As with altering the posts shape and size, this is an excellent strategy for deterring spur of the moment climbers. However, it shares the same disadvantage of not being able to stop the sufficiently prepared or skilled.

Angled Tops

By having the top of the fence angled outwards are another effective strategy to make climbing more difficult. By having the top of the fence angled outwards it makes climbing awkward and difficult. The climber would have to climb out away from the fence to go over it. This can be done by those of sufficient skill and strength, but is a more difficult feat then can be done by the average passer by. This works best in concert with other methods, such as the sharpened post top.

Barbed Wire, Razor Wire, Razor Ribbon

Barbed wire, razor wire, and razor ribbon are all, in principle, the same thing. They are sharp or pointy things on metal wires that will hurt people who touch them. By having spools of this strung over your fence, it can be very difficulty to get over the top of them. Like with the other methods, it is not guaranteed to stop anyone, a prepared person with wire cutters, or a padded mat can circumvent these anti-climb strategies. However, in combination with other strategies, like the angled fence top, it becomes much more difficult.

Hercules High Security Can Find the Anti-Climb Solution to Fit your Situation

All high security fences designed and installed by Hercules Fence will provide great strength and design. Look around our website to get a corporate overview and tour of our Hercules Fence Facility. Our entire line of fencing comes with extended warranties to ensure you have superior high security products for years to come. Our high security fence contractors truly offer security in every job. We have provided excellent fence designs and exceptional customer service since 1955. Request an estimate today with us to start on your high security project.

We have six convenient locations and there is a Hercules Fence professional ready to serve you from Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan area to North Carolina. Our branch offices are in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.

Check out Hercules High Security Fence on FacebookTwitterGoogle+ and YouTube.

Staying Secure without looking like a Prison, Ornamental High Security Fences

Tuesday, February 3rd, 2015

Ornamental-High-Security-FencingAn intimidating or imposing façade can be as useful for protecting property as the fence itself, as the first step to stopping trespassers is discouraging them from trespassing in the first place. But sometimes an eight foot tall razor ribbon fence sends the wrong message, particularly to public visitors, employees, customers, and potential investors. That’s why Hercules High Security has high security ornamental fencing. High security ornamental fencing offers all the security and protection of a regular high security fence, without the menacing austerity of a normal high security fence.

High Security

Just because our ornamental high security fences are described as “ornamental” does not mean they lack high security features.  We can install an ornamental high security fence with crash ratings K4-K12. A K-12 fence is the highest crash rating and is able to stop a 15,000 pound vehicle traveling at 50 miles per hour. How is that, for ornamental? In addition to being able to install K-12 ornamental fences, the fences may be installed with Anti-climb features more subtle, but no less effective then razor ribbon. For example, the Impasse Trident style of fence has a splayed spear tip with three points at the top of each fence picket. The Impasse Gauntlet has a feature where the top of each picket is angled outward, making it more difficult to climb over, in addition to the trident spear tops. With these features and more, our ornamental high security fences rival any other security fence in the world.

Appealing Frontage

What sets our ornamental high security fences apart from other high security fences is simple; they don’t look like they were ripped from a draconian nightmare.  Our ornamental fences are available in a variety of styles to fit the appearance you’d like your building to project, be it stately, spiky, and ornate, or a more squared or rounded modern look.

Hercules High Security Fence

All high security fences designed and installed by Hercules Fence will provide great strength and design. Look around our website to get a corporate overview and tour of our Hercules Fence Facility. Our entire line of fencing comes with extended warranties to ensure you have superior high security products for years to come. Our high security fence contractors truly offer security in every job. We have provided excellent fence designs and exceptional customer service since 1955. Request an estimate today with us to start on your high security project.

We have six convenient locations and there is a Hercules Fence professional ready to serve you from Maryland and the Washington Metropolitan area to North Carolina. Our branch offices are in Manassas, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.

Check out Hercules High Security Fence on FacebookTwitterGoogle+ and YouTube.