Boarded Up

A shift is happening toward more eco-friendly materials.

Throughout a project’s construction period the site hoarding and fencing provides a number of functions and remains one of the most visible components from street level. Construction Week examines the factors that should be considered when selecting hoarding and the options available.

With so many other factors to consider during the design and construction of a project, the temporary perimeter hoarding may seem insignificant. In fact it provides several important functions that will impact on both the individual project and those firms involved over the longer-term, with security, corporate image and sustainability among the issues that are impacting on the sector’s development.

“Site hoarding and fencing serves a multitude of purposes on sites,” states Paul Grundy, S&B Fencing, “these include aesthetic appearance and promotion of the project. They also prevent unauthorised access, especially of children; security; and a clean appearance.”

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Some factors are still considered more important than others, with safety remaining top of the list and one of the primary factors that determines the local regulations which state the required height and allowable gaps between panels, among other factors.

“The number one purpose is for safety: for the project by keeping the public out, but also for public safety,” stresses Al Ghattaura, CEO, Logical Fencing & Hoarding.

And with public image rising in importance for companies while they strive for clients in the current market, ensuring that their brand is seen clearly and effectively is another vital area where hoarding can be utilised. “A lot of companies put branding onto [the hoarding] to market themselves and the project,” explains Ghattaura.

Material choices
There are three main materials used for site hoarding and fencing - timber, steel and plastics – with numerous configurations of these materials and products available in the Middle East. The choice of material depends on several factors, with each having advantages and disadvantages (see box).

The overall market use has developed alongside advances in the available products, with traditional timber fencing becoming less prevalent due primarily to its short lifespan.
 

“Historically timber fences were used [in the Middle East], but after a couple of weeks these warped and became unsightly and dilapidated,” explains Grundy.

The use of timber can still be seen throughout the region however and this is likely to continue, particularly given the current economic climate, as firms seek to reduce spending where possible. “Timber is out of favour but it is still being used on smaller projects because of the cost factor,” reports Ghattaura.

Of the other materials available, to date steel has been the most abundantly utilised. “Steel is the most popular [hoarding and fencing material] now in the region, with in excess of 3,000 km installed both in panels and continuous systems,” reports Grundy.

“Since 2002 S&B has supplied alternatives [to timber] mainly in steel, which provides long life, aesthetically good appearance and reusability for many years,” he adds.