Types of Temporary Fencing and Their Uses

Types of Temporary Fencing and Their Uses Temporary fencing is essential for security, crowd control, and safety across various industries. Whether for construction, events, agricultural, or emergency situations, selecting the right type of temporary fencing is crucial. In this guide, we will explore the most common types of temporary fencing, their features, and where they are best used. Before looking at the various types and options, we will touch on a couple of common questions about temporary fencing.

What is Temporary Fencing?

Temporary fencing refers to movable barriers designed for short-term use to secure or delineate specific areas. Unlike permanent fencing, these structures are free-standing and self-supporting, allowing for quick installation, repositioning, and removal as needed. Common materials include chain-link, steel, or wire panels, often held together by couplers that interlock the sections, providing flexibility for various applications.

Advantages of Temporary Fencing

One of the key benefits of temporary fencing is enhanced security. It acts as a physical barrier against trespassers, protecting property and the public. In construction, it prevents unauthorized access, minimizing risks of theft, vandalism, and accidental injuries. Another major advantage is flexibility and adaptability. These fences can be easily installed, moved, and removed, making them ideal for projects or events with changing requirements. Their modular design allows for customization in size, shape, and configuration to suit specific needs.

Temporary fencing is also a cost-effective solution. It is often more affordable than installing permanent structures, especially for short-term projects or events. Renting temporary fencing eliminates storage, transportation, and maintenance costs, providing a budget-friendly option. Additionally, temporary fencing helps businesses and event organisers comply with regulations. Many industries are required to secure their sites to meet safety standards, and temporary fencing ensures compliance with land use and zoning laws.

Finally, temporary fencing is excellent for efficient crowd control. At events, it helps manage the flow of attendees, preventing overcrowding and ensuring a more controlled and enjoyable experience for everyone present. By incorporating temporary fencing into site or event planning, businesses and organisers can enhance safety, security, and overall efficiency while keeping costs manageable.

Types of Temporary Fencing

We will now look at the different types of temporary fencing, their features, and the best situations to use them. Whether you need a sturdy barrier for a construction site or lightweight mesh fencing for an event, understanding the options will help you make an informed decision.

Heras Fencing (Temporary Mesh Panel Fencing) 

Heras or Express temporary fencing consists of lightweight mesh panels connected by metal couplers, making it one of the most used temporary fencing solutions. It provides a good balance of security, visibility, and ease of installation. 

Features 

• Galvanised steel for corrosion resistance 
• Easily transportable and quick to install 
• Can be reinforced with stabilisers and anti-lift devices 
• Plastic covers can be added for increased privacy, aesthetics and noise reduction 7
• Easily joined together with temporary fence clips/couplers
• Gates available

Best and Common Uses 

• Construction sites 
• Outdoor events (festivals, concerts, sporting events) 
• Security perimeters 

Plastic Covers for Privacy and Noise Reduction exist for sites requiring additional privacy or sound control, plastic covers can be attached to Heras panels. These covers help reduce noise pollution and block visibility while also allow for promotion or branding, making them ideal for urban construction sites or sensitive areas. 

Thank you to Leon and the team at LSB Fencing for this image

On-Ground Temporary Fencing Systems 

On-ground temporary fencing systems provide an alternative to traditional in-ground fencing by using weighted bases, eliminating the need for ground penetration. These systems are ideal for areas where digging is not possible or where minimal ground disturbance is required. Most systems work with all standard types of mesh security fencing.

Features 

• No need for digging or ground penetration 
• Quick installation and removal 
• Weighted bases provide stability, even in high-wind conditions 
• Can be combined with anti-climb or reinforced security panels 
• Gates available

Variations

• Various containers that weigh the fence down are available.  Small tidy indoor versions, with larger plastic versions that are filled with aggregate for outdoor uses.

Best and Common Uses 

• Infrastructure and rail projects
• Sites with hardstanding surfaces (e.g., concrete, tarmac) 
• Temporary security perimeters in urban environments 
• Heritage or archaeological sites where ground penetration is restricted
• Fencing Installed Indoors where digging is not possible

On-ground Fencing Systems are more common outdoors but this example shows a solution protecting an indoor demonstration safe room

Hoarding Panels (Standard & Branded) 

Hoarding panels provide solid, non-permeable barriers that enhance site security, privacy, and noise reduction. They are typically made from metal or timber and are widely used in construction, events, and commercial applications. These panels can also be customised with branding, offering advertising opportunities while maintaining a secure perimeter. 

Features

• Blocks visibility for security and aesthetics 
• Reduces noise and dust from construction areas 
• Customisable with printed branding, logos, and artwork for marketing purposes 
• Easy to install like the above mesh panels
• Gates Available

Best and Common Uses  

• Construction sites in urban areas 
• Temporary site offices or restricted zones 
• Public events requiring privacy 
• Retail store renovations 
• Event sponsorship promotions 

Branded hoarding panels are particularly useful in high-traffic areas where companies want to showcase their brand while ensuring security.

Crowd Control Barriers (Pedestrian Barriers) 

These metal barriers are designed to manage pedestrian flow and maintain order at events. They interlock to form a continuous barrier and are commonly seen at concerts, parades, and sports events. 

Features 

• Compact and easy to transport 
• Helps prevent overcrowding 
• Galvanised steel for durability 
• Gates Available

Variations

• Various feet available, attached bridge or cross feet.  They can also use temporary mesh fencing feet.
• Connectors can also be built into the fence or they can use the same temporary mesh fencing connectors

Best and Common Uses

• Concerts and festivals 
• Sporting events 
• Public demonstrations and parades

Temporary Water-Filled Barriers 

These plastic barriers are filled with water or sand for stability. They are used mainly for roadworks, traffic management, and pedestrian safety. 

Features 

• Highly visible, often in bright colours 
• Lightweight when empty for easy transport 
• Impact-resistant, ideal for road safety 

Best and Common Uses   

• Roadworks and construction zones 
• Traffic and pedestrian management 
• Race tracks and sporting events

Concrete Barriers 

Concrete barriers are transported to site and positioned in the location required. They are also used mainly for roadworks, traffic management, and pedestrian safety. 

Features 

• Impact-resistant, ideal for road safety 

Best and Common Uses   

• Roadworks and construction zones 
• Traffic and pedestrian management 
• Race tracks and sporting events

Temporary Vehicle Attack Protection Barriers

These barriers are designed to prevent unauthorised vehicle access and protect pedestrians from potential threats. They provide a temporary but robust solution for high-risk areas.

Features 

• Made from strong, impact-resistant materials
• Rapid deployment and easy repositioning
• Available in modular designs for flexible coverage
• Can be weighted or anchored for enhanced stability

Best and Common Uses  

• Protecting event perimeters from vehicle threats
• Securing pedestrian zones in busy urban areas
• Enhancing security at government or commercial sites
• Temporary road closures and traffic redirection

The example shown of  a Vehicle Security Barrier manufactured by Rosehill Security

Orange Plastic Barrier Mesh Fencing 

Also known as safety barrier fencing, this lightweight plastic mesh is bright orange for high visibility. It is frequently used to mark off restricted areas and hazards. 

Features 

• Made from durable, weather-resistant plastic 
• Highly visible for increased safety 
• Easy to install with metal stakes or wooden posts 

Best and Common Uses  

• Construction sites and excavation areas 
• Crowd control at events 
• Hazard warning in public spaces

Electric Fencing 

Electric fencing is used for high-security applications and provides a strong deterrent to trespassers. It can be combined with other fencing types for added security. It is also used in agricultural applications to create temporary fields. 

Features 

• Acts as a strong deterrent in high security applications
• Can be used with other fencing types 
• Requires minimal maintenance 

Best and Common Uses 

• High-risk construction sites 
• Secure temporary enclosures 
• Agricultural and equestrian applications

Temporary Wooden Fencing 

Wooden fencing is often used for aesthetic or eco-friendly applications. It can be quickly installed and removed while providing a natural look that blends well with outdoor environments. A type of traditional wooden fencing, cleft chestnut fencing (or post and rail fencing) is made from split chestnut logs and bound with wire. It is particularly popular for rural and conservation projects. 

Features 

More visually appealing than metal fencing 

• Provides some noise reduction 
• Can be custom-built to suit specific needs 
• Chestnut wood is sustainable
• Others gates have to be used

Best and Common Uses 

• Private events and weddings 
• Film and TV production sets 
• Heritage site protection 
• Agricultural applications 
• Wildlife conservation areas 
• Temporary livestock enclosures 
• Perimeter fencing for outdoor events

Choosing the Right Temporary Fencing 

When selecting temporary fencing, consider your security requirements. Do you need to prevent trespassing or theft? Think about visibility. Should people be able to see through the fencing, or is privacy important? Ease of installation is another factor. Will the fencing need to be moved frequently? Additionally, consider the weather conditions. Will it need to withstand strong winds or heavy foot traffic?

From construction sites to public events, choosing the right temporary fencing ensures safety, compliance, and efficiency.  Temporary Fencing can be purchased online from various manufacturers.