High Security in Rochester, MN FAQ

Why should I hire American Fence Company for my high security fence in Rochester?

We have been in the fencing industry for more than 50 years and now security technology inside and out. What’s more, we have expert design personnel to assist you in selecting your layout and security products.

• Field Security Installation – Employing certified fence installers in Rochester, we have installed over 200,000 running feet of razor wire. Our installation crews can build your security fence in a timely manner.
• Security Maintenance – Our staff includes full-time gate operator repair personnel, and we own the largest inventory of gate operator parts in the entire Midwest. We also service automated gates, so if you have questions or concerns, just talk to us, the number one security fence contractor in Rochester, MN.
• CAD – Our seasoned CAD designers will provide you with illustrations of your security fence and gate.
• Specialty Fabrication – Employing certified welders and having access to our 10,000 square foot fabrication shop, this fence company in Rochester will be able to put together sallyport systems, crash barriers, shooting stations, grenade barriers, explosion deterrents, and more for you. Whatever security you need for your facility in Rochester – airport, data center, etc. – we can help.

What is available today in the high security industry?

Ever since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, high security needs have expanded across the globe. This includes in the fields of security fences, security gates, access control, barriers, and cable restraints. The number of options for securing your commercial property are astronomically high, and to help you get started, we are listing a few of the most popular security installations employed today.

Vehicle Barriers: Vehicle barriers are categorized as either passive or passive. Active and passive barriers can be transported or fixed in place, depending on their making, method of operation, or use. There are some commercial barriers that are dual-classified, meaning they’ve met requirements for both categories (e.g., fixed-active, portable passive, etc.) No industry-wide standard terminology exists for vehicle barriers.

Passive Barrier Systems: Passive barriers have zero moving parts, relying upon their ability to absorb energy and transmit it to their foundation. Highway medians, guardrails, posts or bollards, reinforced fences, tires and ditches are examples of passive barriers.

Active Barrier Systems: Active barriers require action, in the form of moving parts – either by equipment, personnel or both – to permit or deny vehicle entry. Active barrier systems include gates, moving bollards, active tire shredders, barricades and beams.

Portable/Movable Barrier Systems: Portable/movable barrier systems live up to their name in that they can be relocated from one spot to another. In some cases, heavy equipment may be necessary to smooth over the relocation. Examples of portable/movable barrier systems include hydraulically operated, sled-type, barricade systems, highway medians, or filled 55-gallon drums that are not set in foundations. Portable/movable barrier systems can be either active or passive.

Fixed Barrier Systems: A fixed barrier is permanently installed or requires heavy equipment to move or dismantle. Examples include hydraulically-operated rotation or retracting systems, pits, and concrete or steel barriers. Fixed barrier systems can be either active or passive.

Cable Restraint Systems: These are typically ¾” to 1 ¼” diameter cables installed at such a height to capture and stop a vehicle. Systems may be both certified or uncertified. Certified systems carry a K-Rating which boils down to how far a vehicle of specific size and weight traveling at a specific speed will stop once the vehicle has encountered the cables. The cables are strewn between posts to keep the system at a specific height. At specified lengths, the cables are terminated with the use of a deadman system.

Hydraulic Crash Bollards: Hydraulic crash bollards are steel bollards that can be recessed to ground level. Able to rise in under three seconds, these bollards are useful for stopping vehicles moving at dangerously high speeds, able to work in conjunction with a simple three button station or sophisticated security system, and are easy to operate. Hydraulic bollards have been used to protect United States embassies and federal facilities both domestically and abroad.

Hydraulic Pop-Up Barriers: These immovable barriers sit at or below ground level, rise quickly to divert vehicular threats, and generally run the length of the drive. Our fence installers in Rochester can install these barriers on a temporary basis in 15 minutes or less.

Barrier Arm Gates: Much like a parking arm gate, these barrier gates raise and lower with a large tubular steel boom that has a cable assembly running through the tube. Once in the closed position, the cable automatically is looped over a large steel saddle horn. Again, these barrier arms are designed to stop a vehicular threat traveling at an excessive speed. These gate arms are available in electrical /mechanical or manual operation.

Crash Barrier Cantilever Gates: Crash barrier cantilever gates are designed to stop both pedestrians and fast-moving vehicles. For this reason, they are common installations at airports. These gates require an electrical gate operator to move the gate at a speed of two feet per second to meet FAA requirements.

High Security Prison Gates: High security prison fencing must be tall and devoid of gaps, and the gates must be foolproof. In today’s correctional facilities, TyMetal Corporation’s Plus System is the nation’s leading overhead track fully enclosed gate system. Operated from a remote site, this gate, complete with a unique locking column and fully enclosed track and chain assemblies, is impenetrable to hands-on intervention.

Concertina Wire: Concertina wires, the severe form of commonly know “razor wire,” are used at almost every U.S. correctional facility and nuclear power plant. Available in many diameters and varieties, it has found its way into the private sector as an impenetrable security installation in Rochester. Formerly used only in prison facilities, it stops today’s criminal, as they are unprepared to deal with this barrier. Please note that public safety must be taken into consideration before security installation in Rochester, MN.

Gate Access Control: Gate access control today exists in many forms, including fingerprints, retina scans, anti-passback, three strikes and tail gating. Entry devices also come in the form of personal PCs and telephone entry. With so many options, you can decide who can access your facility, at what time, and how often.

Whom do I need to contact for requirements on high security fencing, gates, and barriers in Rochester, MN?

Public facilities should start by contacting their primary agencies for requirements and specifications on security fencing in Rochester. In general, public high security applications are governed by specifications or specific intents (i.e. airports abide by the FAA, and nuclear power plants abide by the NRC). If you are aware of your requirements or are a private institution, feel free to contact any of our Rochester fence company’s service centers. We can help with design and installation. After all, with over 55 years of securing our nation’s federal buildings, prisons, nuclear power plants and airports, American Fence Company is the premier choice for fence contractors in Rochester, MN and the Midwest.

Can American Fence Company provide turnkey installation for my security fence in Rochester, MN?

Yes. Our fence company in Rochester has all the experience, knowledge, and leadership needed for high quality fence installation, maintenance, and repair. Our staff knows Rochester security fencing inside and out. For example, if you hire us to install an automated gate operator, you will receive the gate, the gate operator, and also all necessary gate access control devices. Telephone entry, proxy readers, keypads, intercoms, etc. Our contractors will also be brought onboard to put together everything – this includes telephone, communications, electrical, and all site work.