Securing Luxury Homes: The Best Metal Fencing Options

Security is not just a concern reserved for commercial or industrial sites. High value residential properties across the UK are increasingly being targeted for opportunistic and organised crime, with luxury vehicles and high-end electronics being common targets. In response, homeowners are investing more in robust perimeter protection. Security fencing is a frontline defence that not only enhances safety but can also add a distinct aesthetic appeal to premium homes with the correct design and product.

The Growing Need for Residential Security Fencing

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there were over 108,000 domestic burglaries in England and Wales in the year ending June 2023. Affluent areas in cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham have seen an uptick in targeted thefts and high profile burglaries, especially involving luxury vehicles. Recent data from the Association of British Insurers (ABI) also shows that a car is stolen every eight minutes in the UK. Criminal methods are becoming more sophisticated, using electronic hacks to access high value vehicles parked in residential driveways and serial burglars are known to be creating hitlists of properties in affluent areas. These figures and recent news articles highlight the urgent need for enhanced perimeter security, especially for properties with high value assets.

Metal Railings as Part of an Integrated Approach

Perimeter security should be an essential part of an integrated approach to protecting luxury homes, much like the strategies used for high security sites or commercial properties. The focus of the security system depends on what needs protecting. If the priority is the safety of the people living in the home, features like panic rooms are important. If the concern is high value assets such as luxury vehicles, then well secured, automated gates become a priority.

Regardless of the focus, a layered approach is vital. Following the principles of the 5Ds (Deter, Detect, Deny, Delay, Defend), an effective setup would include security fencing, automated gates, CCTV, lighting, and Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS). These systems work together to detect threats early and notify residents or security personnel immediately.

Metal railings are now more popular than ever and are often preferred over manned security due to the lower ongoing costs. They also offer a constant physical deterrent, which is especially important given that police response times can vary. A property in central London is likely to receive faster police support than a remote countryside estate. Even so, the inclusion of PIDS can reduce reliance on manned guarding, as long as responders can reach the property quickly when an alert is triggered. The fact that PIDS are now more reliable, with fewer false alarms, and can be integrated with CCTV means they can give responders and homeowners a clear idea of what the threat is in real time. This allows for faster, more informed decisions and a more efficient response.

Metal Railings: Blending Security and Style

Metal railings are a popular choice among discerning homeowners who require both security and visual elegance. An alternative to timber fencing or hedges, metal railings offer a formidable barrier while preserving sightlines and enhancing kerb appeal. Whether your goal is to protect luxury vehicles parked on your driveway, define boundaries, or simply enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, Jacksons’ range of metal railings provide a comprehensive solution.

Popular options for high value residential properties include Barbican Imperial® and Ornamental Railings. Each system is engineered to provide a unique combination of security performance, visual refinement and versatility.

Barbican Imperial® Fencing 

Barbican Imperial is a vertical bar fence with rounded pales and an elegant welded-pale-through rail construction. Featuring no visible fixings and concealed, tamper-proof panel-to-post connectors, it offers a modern and secure metal railing system that provides a strong perimeter fence which doesn’t compromise on aesthetic value.

Ornamental Railings

Ornamental Railings complete the offering for homeowners who prefer a more classical or heritage look without compromising on modern performance. Jacksons’ ornamental railings offer a refined and prestigious appearance; they are available in three distinct styles, and can be specified with a range of decorative finials, including the popular spearhead style as standard. Whether installed around period townhouses or in high end developments where aesthetics value is a priority, ornamental railings deliver a timeless look with 21st-century benefits. Our Ornamental Railings are available to calculate and buy online.

Garden Railings – How demarcation can help security

Shorter garden metal railings are often used to provide security through clear demarcation of boundaries. While they may not prevent a determined intruder, they act as a physical and visual barrier that discourages casual trespassing. For example, they can stop passersby from cutting corners across private land, which helps reduce opportunistic or impromptu crime. By clearly defining the edge of a property, these railings also help to keep people at a distance from vulnerable areas such as ground floor windows, adding a subtle but effective layer of security. These metal railing systems are available to buy online, and we also provide bespoke manufacturing and installation services for those seeking a complete, tailored approach.

Sentry Residential Metal Railings

Sentry® Residential garden railings are available in 1 and 1.25 metre heights, making them ideal for front gardens, private patios, communal spaces, and wall installations. Their clean, modern appearance is defined by 19mm round vertical pales and a flat top rail. The panels are fully welded with a tubular semi pale-through-rail construction. No visible fixings are used in the construction of the railings or the installation on site; the concealed, vandal-proof fixings between panels and posts preserve a sleek and uninterrupted line across the installation. While visually subtle, the railings are an effective deterrent, clearly demarcating property boundaries without creating a fortress-like atmosphere. Shop Sentry Residential railings.

Barbican Imperial® Residential Fencing

Barbican Imperial® Residential metal railings also come in 1 and 1.25 metre heights and feature welded pale-through-rail tubular construction. With 19mm round vertical pales, they present a lighter version of Barbican Imperial® fencing which is used in commercial settings, making them ideal for premium housing projects and residential developments. Their slim profile offers excellent visibility while maintaining strength; this is particularly beneficial for surveillance purposes and supports a sense of openness around luxury properties. Like the Sentry® range, the Barbican® Imperial system is fully welded, offers concealed panel-to-post fixings, and requires no on-site welding, which makes installation quick and provides high aesthetic appeal. Panels can be customised with finials which are welded onto pales for a premium decorative appearance. Shop Barbican Imperial Residential railings.

Built to Last and Easy to Maintain

All three railing systems are galvanised for longevity and can be finished in an architectural-grade polyester powder coating; black and green are the most frequently selected colours and can be ordered directly online. This finish is not only visually pleasing but also highly durable; resisting chipping, corrosion and weathering far more effectively than traditional paints. Unlike wrought iron railings, which require frequent sanding and repainting to maintain their appearance, our metal railings are virtually maintenance free. Each metal railing system is backed by a 25 year Service Life Guarantee, offering peace of mind and long-term value.

Despite their lightweight tubular construction, Jacksons’ metal railings are structurally robust; their tubular construction and welded pale-through-rail design ensures strength and rigidity without the bulk. Installation is straightforward too; panels connect to posts using concealed fixings that eliminate the need for welding on site. Depending on the site requirements, posts can be base plated, dug in, or cranked to fit onto walls. Currently, only dug-in posts are available for online purchase currently but please call us for more options. This flexibility allows the railings to be used in a wide range of architectural contexts.

Beyond Aesthetics: The Practical Benefits

Beyond their visual appeal, metal railings serve a functional role in discouraging trespassers. Criminals are less likely to target a property that visibly signals it is well protected. The presence of a high quality security fence can also lower home insurance premiums in some cases, especially when paired with PIDS, monitored CCTV and alarm systems.

A Long-Term Investment in Safety and Value

Investing in premium metal fencing is not merely a security measure. It is a long term enhancement to your property’s value, aesthetics and peace of mind. As crime trends continue to evolve, high value residential properties must adapt with layered, visible deterrents that send a clear message: this home is protected.

For tailored advice and installation support, our team can assess your property and help you choose the most effective solution from our industry leading range.

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