A chain link fence is a great way to secure your property. It’s durable, inexpensive and can be used for a variety of purposes.
Make sure to check all local building codes, homeowner’s association guidelines and zoning laws before installing a fence. Choose a color and design that fits your landscape. Contact All American Gutters and Fences for professional help.
A chain link fence is a classic for any residential front yard, but they are also used in schools, parks, sports fields and professional locations. This popularity stems from their versatility, affordability and durability.
The key components of a chain link fence are the mesh and the hardware. The mesh is made of interlocking metal wires that can be either galvanized or vinyl-coated. Galvanized is silver in color and offers rust protection, while vinyl-coated offers additional sturdiness.
Other factors that influence the strength of a chain link fence include its mesh size, wire gauge and height. A higher mesh size and wire gauge creates a thicker fence, which offers more security. The final decision on the mesh should be based on the intended purpose of the fence.
Many hardware components make up a chain link fence, including caps and finials, loop caps and tension bars. These components are important to maintain the structural integrity of a chain link fence, as they keep the wires secure.
Caps and finials protect the top of the terminal posts from water damage and add a decorative element to the finished product. Loop caps and tension bars are used to connect the rail ends to the terminal posts, ensuring a secure attachment that prevents sagging. The tension bar distributes the weight of the fence evenly, keeping the mesh taut and intact. Fence ties, clip and fence gate latches are other components that work together to provide a functional and durable chain link fence system.
The Posts
The posts of a chain link fence are the foundation of the structure, holding the rest of the fencing in place. They need to be firmly anchored in the ground, not only for stability but also to ensure that the fence stands up against weather and physical impacts. Properly installed posts, in particular those made of galvanized steel, are also more durable and resistant to rust or corrosion.
Terminal posts, also known as corner or end posts, are the larger diameter vertical poles positioned where the fence ends, turns, or has gates. These posts need to be firmly planted and anchored in the ground, regardless of their material, for strength and stability.
Line posts are the intermediate supports between terminal posts, usually placed around four feet apart. These are typically a smaller diameter than the terminal posts, allowing them to be connected to the top rail using sleeve connectors. Top rails run the length of the fence, connecting the line and terminal posts to the mesh fabric. These are often capped with rail end caps for protection and a finished appearance.
Tightly tensioned mesh is secured to the rail and poles with the use of fence ties, which are spaced 12-24 inches apart and properly secured to prevent shifting or sagging of the chain link fabric. Tension bands and tension bars, which are long flat metal strips inserted into the fabric, hold the tension in place to keep the fence firm and secure.
The Rails
Like posts, rails are an integral component of chain link fences. They run horizontally across the top of the fabric, connecting and supporting it to prevent sagging. Most commonly, they’re made of galvanized steel to match the durability of other parts of the fence.
While galvanization helps prevent rust, it’s not completely foolproof. If you notice the color or finish of your rails fading, consider repainting them for a longer-lasting, more attractive appearance. Some homeowners also choose to add a vinyl coating in green or black for visual appeal and to blend with landscapes.
A metal alloy of zinc, 5 % aluminum and mischmetal, used as a protective coating for steel wire or steel sheet used in the manufacture of chain link fences, fence framework materials and other products. The mischmetal provides strength, the zinc prevents rust and corrosion, and the aluminum increases resistance to corrosion and fatigue.
During installation, you’ll attach the chain link fence fabric to the rails using wire ties, also called cable ties or tie wires. The ties are available in different lengths, so make sure you’re purchasing the correct size. Once the ties are attached, you can begin to stretch and secure the fabric. You can also use a wire cutter to cut off any loose ends of the fabric. This step will help prevent the ties from becoming detached or damaged during the installation process.
The Ties
Chain link fences are among the most common types of fencing available to consumers. They’re affordable, customizable, and durable, making them ideal for many property applications. They’re also versatile, allowing you to add privacy and security enhancements such as barbed wire or windscreens that insert into the mesh to keep unauthorized people and animals from entering your yard.
The ties of a chain link fence are the wires that connect the mesh fabric to the posts and other components of the structure. They’re typically made of galvanized steel, matching the durability of the posts and fabric. They’re shaped to create a diamond pattern and inserted into the mesh to hold it securely in place. They’re also commonly attached to gates to help them open and close easily.
The ties are a vital component of a chain link fence, but they’re not as complicated as the rest of the system. They’re simple to install once the posts and concrete footings have been poured and set. First, slide a tension bar through the last link on each run of fabric, then secure it to the terminal post using carriage bolts with the head oriented to the outside. You can then tighten the diagonal tension bars to produce proper tension. This pulls the fabric taut and keeps it from sagging, preventing wildlife or people from pushing through the bottom. It also prevents the fabric from piercing the roadway.
The Slats
Slats are the defining feature of chain link fences, offering privacy and aesthetics that transform the look of the entire fence. Easily installed before or after the fence is built, quality slats reduce visibility by 90% to 98%, transforming bare fences into a visual barrier that keeps private property and personal spaces safe from prying eyes. The slats also provide wind protection by filling open spaces and breaking up the force of gusts, protecting outdoor furniture, delicate plants, and other equipment.
Slated chain link fencing is available in a variety of colors and styles to match any environment or property style. Many manufacturers offer fence fabric with slats pre-inserted, which dramatically cuts installation time and ensures an incredibly secure fit throughout the length of your chain link fence. Reputable suppliers often offer personalized services that stock popular slat types, show actual color samples, and provide professional installation connections for successful fence changes.
Slats are manufactured from durable materials that resist extreme weather conditions, including scorching heat, freezing cold, driving rain, and harsh sunlight. Some are even infused with UV inhibitors to retard the damaging effects of the sun. Other safety-focused chain link fencing accessories include anti-climb spikes for fence tops, which deter unauthorized access and protect against climbing injuries. The Safety Top Cap and the Safety Top Cap Lite cover sharp top wires to prevent injuries, and reflective inserts increase visibility in low-light conditions.