Anti-Climb Fencing vs Anti-Climb Paint

One of the biggest threats to any site that needs security is intruders climbing over fencing to gain access. There are different solutions available to help reduce the risk of people climbing, including anti-climb fencing, and anti-climb paint – here we look at the advantages and differences between each solution.

What is anti-climb fencing?

Anti-climb fencing encompasses all fencing and barriers which are difficult to climb due to their design or features.

A note about security toppings:

There is a wide range of barbed wire and spikes which can be added to the top of most fencing types to deter and prevent people from climbing over. An inexpensive and simple solution to add retrospectively, but they should not be relied upon to reduce the risk of climbing. If an intruder has made it to the top of the fence knowing it has spikes on, it’s likely they are willing to go all the way and throw a blanket or coat over the spikes to get over. The fence itself should have a design that is difficult to climb. Never install security toppings on a fence that is already failing. This will draw more attention to your site, and end up costing more money when the fencing or perimeter inevitably needs replacing. Fix or replace any base fencing first. If climbing is a threat to your site, consider installing one of the following fence types.

Types of anti-climb fencing include:

Acoustic barriers – these have a flat, solid vertical surface with no foot or hand aids and are generally very tall so they are extremely difficult to climb. If you’re looking to reduce noise or privacy while increasing security, acoustic barriers are probably the best solution. There are also government approved and LPS 1175 variations of acoustic barriers, browse our high security acoustic barriers.

Close knit, double skin mesh – double skin 358 mesh, or Securi-Mesh® Plus, is very effective against climbing. Unfortunately, there are tools available which assist with climbing single skin 358 mesh fencing, but these do not work with Securi-Mesh® Plus due to the overlapped panels and extremely small apertures.

Vertical bar fencing – narrow pales carefully spaced makes this type of fencing difficult to climb especially if the top of pales are cranked or have built-in barbed spikes. Browse Barbican Defender Xtreme® and Barbican® Barbed Top if you’re looking for a strong fence with a smart appearance that prevents climbing.

Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS) – fence mounted systems which can be installed onto the fence which should be in good condition allow vibrations to travel to the seismic analyser and alert to any attempt to climb or cut the fence. This will obviously not stop someone climbing the fence but will alert security instantly.

Tested and certified fencing – Trident® is our range of government approved fencing which has been tested against climbing, cutting, and digging. Note that LPS 1175 certified fencing has not been tested for climb resistance but is effective against a range of tools and attempts at forced entry.

What is anti-climb paint?

Anti-climb paint is used to coat surfaces making them slippery and difficult to climb. It is also known as anti-vandal paint or non-drying paint. While it’s cheaper and quicker than installing an anti-climb fence, it’s recommended that this is only used as a temporary solution. Anti-climb paint needs re-applying every few years so it requires maintenance and upkeep which would incur additional costs, while a high quality anti-climb security fence with a 25 year guarantee generally only needs a few checks over its lifetime. Like with security toppings, warning signs are legally required to be displayed with anti-climb paint. Anti-climb paint can only be applied high up so that the public can’t accidentally come into contact with it, as it stains clothing and skin, so it’s only suitable for the top of fencing, guttering, and window ledges. Some consideration should be given to wildlife when applying this paint as you run the risk of them spreading the paint and potentially harming them.