When it comes to renting a temporary fence for your jobsite or event, you have choices to make about the type of fence, how it’s installed and add-on features that can boost privacy, safety, security and even the site’s appearance. A traditional chain link fence may be perfect for one site, while another site demands temporary fence panels or a driven-post chain link fence with custom wind screens and security cameras along the way.

Use this quick guide to learn how to customize temporary fencing for the project, including the terrain, environment and budget.

1. Choose the right type of temporary fence

The most common types of temporary fencing are panel, chain link and post-driven chain link. Each offers distinct advantages.

Temporary fence panels: Fast and effective

Fast to install and easy to relocate, temporary fence panels are generally used for shorter-term projects. The panels rented by United Rentals feature strong, anti-climb, small-aperture mesh wire welded to reinforced frames and held in place by sandbags or base weights. They work well in urban areas, at paved locations and at emergency repair or remediation sites.

Chain link fences with cement footings: Economical

The good old-fashioned chain link fence, which is attached to above-ground posts embedded in a concrete base, is the traditional, budget-friendly choice, especially for large sites. It takes more time to install than fence panels do, so it’s usually reserved for longer projects. The cons: Cement footings are subject to cracking and heaving over time. Eventually, the fence may become less straight and less stable depending on the terrain and weather conditions.

Driven-post chain link fences: Stable and durable

The posts for these fences aredriven deep into the ground for maximum stability and durability. The cons: Before the posts are driven, you’ll need to call 811, the national “call before you dig” phone number, to check for underground utilities. Identifying and marking buried lines can delay fence installation by a few days. Once these fences are installed, they can’t easily be moved.

2. Improve stability for weather or crowd control

A temporary fence that’s unsteady in the wind or sways when someone presses against it is a risk to the safety and security of the people inside and outside the fence.

To help keep posts upright and steady in all types of weather and crowd conditions, consider placing sandbags or base weights on both the interior and exterior sides of the posts. Base weights designed for temporary fencing look neater than sandbags and won’t wear down or break, as sandbags can. Base weights from United Rentals feature yellow stripes to minimize tripping hazards. Stabilizers can be added or used on their own to provide maximum support on difficult terrain or in extreme weather environments.

Installing additional posts in the middle of 12-foot sections of temporary fence panels or shortening the distance between chain link fence posts will also help keep the fence erect under challenging conditions.

3. Screen it in

Wind screens, also called privacy screens, keep out not just the wind but also the dust, debris and cold air it can carry. Blocking the wind while allowing for air flow keeps workers more comfortable and protects sensitive parts of expensive equipment. Wind screens also hide expensive tools and equipment from view, which helps prevent theft.

4. Add security features as needed

When keeping intruders out is a top priority, adding extra protection at the top of the fence is worth considering.

Fence panels, already a good security choice because of their no-climb construction, can be increased to a height of 8 feet with the installation of a 2-foot extension panel. On a chain link fence, installing a security topper such as tension wire or barbed wire will discourage break-in attempts.

Some temporary equipment providers, including United Rentals, can provide security cameras and install them on top of the fence to allow perimeter monitoring and discourage breach attempts.

5. Consider gate needs

Fences require an access gate to let pedestrians or vehicles through. Gate choices include swing gates, rolling gates and pedestrian-only gates. Installing separate gates for people and vehicles minimizes the risk of struck-by accidents. Depending on the size of the site, you may want more than one gate for pedestrian access.

Keep in mind that swing gates need a large enough footprint for the gate to fully open. They may not work when space at the perimeter of a site is tight.

6. Polish up the image

First impressions matter, and a fence provides one, for better or worse.

Driven-post chain link fences tend to look more professional than traditional chain link fences, not only because they eliminate the cement base but also because they are more likely to remain straight and upright over time in challenging environments.

Professional, high-quality installation also counts. A first-rate temporary fence provider will take the time to visit the site, evaluate the site conditions, recommend the best type of fence for the application and install it so it's straight and sits flush.

Customized wind screens or fence wraps provide the finishing touch. Add the logo of the construction company or event sponsor, a rendering of the finished construction project or an image of featured event performers. You can wrap the entire fence or just certain sections.

7. Rely on the right temporary fence provider

Whether you need a temporary construction fence or temporary fence for an event or other commercial application, choosing a highly reputable vendor is key to renting the fence that will work best for the site and getting it installed fast.

With more than 1,400 branch locations in North America, an extensive temporary fence inventory and installation crews standing by, United Rentals can often deliver a fence to a site and install it in a matter of days rather than weeks.

United Rentals will walk the site with you, advise on terrain considerations and make recommendations on fence types and customizations. The installation team will then install the fence properly and remove it when it’s no longer needed.

Request a quote for a temporary fence from United Rentals today.