Let's talk Chain Link Fencing!

Residential Grade - Black, Vinyl Coated Chain Link!

      Is Chain Link, Right For You?
                 

        First of all, Chain Link is still the best selling fence in America! It has many and varied uses in residential, commercial, and security applications. It gives a clean and neat appearance and shows off your yard and it's landscaping, while still providing containment and security for your small children, pets, and property. In this article we'll go through the Pros and Cons of having a Chain Link Fence.
        Sometimes called a Hurricane fence, Chain Link is an all metal  fence. Very sturdy and long lasting when installed correctly by a Fence Professional.


Fence Coatings:
        It comes with a galvanized coating to prevent the metal from rusting. All the posts, rails, fabric, and fittings, are coated to the same thickness. This coating will last from 15 to 20 years depending on which method is used in the coating process. In addition to the regular Galvanized Chain Link there is also Polyvinyl coated chain link fence. The Vinyl coating is sprayed to the already galvanized fence. It comes in three primary colors: brown, black and green. More colors may be coming in the future! 

Grades:  Residential or Commercial
        Depending on the application the Fence is being used for, there is different material thicknesses in the Posts, Rails, and also the wire fabric. Check this link for the sizes that are recommended for the purposes listed:
Superior Services Deck and Fence - Chain link Fencing!

Maintenance:
        While galvanization is a really great technique to protect metal in the outdoor environment, as the saying goes, nothing lasts forever and the Fence will rust with age. In order to prolong it's life, it should be painted when the very first signs of rust appear. Usually around  the 15 year mark. That's a lot of use for the cost prior to it starting to rust.

Toppings: 
        A Chain Link topping is commonly found on Commercial and Security fences. Toppings are not allowed to be installed in residential applications. Toppings are of 2 types, Barb Wire, and Razor wire. There are various designs in the attachment of these toppings to suit the level of security they are used for. Check your specific state, city or county codes to determine what specific type of topping can be used per the specific application.

Colored Slats:

Some Chain Link manufacturers can add Slats at the factory!

        Colored slats can add the element of privacy, and decorative beauty to your chain link fence. They come in a variety of colors, styles, and grades. Slats are made from Polyethylene or Aluminum, are very fade resistant, and will last as long as the fence will last. A fence that will have slats or may have slats in the future must be taken into account in the planning phase, as the post may be required to have a different thickness,

and also be longer in order to be set deeper into the soil. This is due to the extra wind shear being placed on  a Chain Link fence with slats.

Chain Link Fencing vs Other types of fencing: 

Pros:                                                                             Cons:
Priced right                                                                     Does not provide visual privacy,  
Fairly quick installation                                                    unless you install privacy slats
Very little maintenance                                                    Not all home owner associations allow them
Great for pets and small children
Excellent for small yards
No wooden parts to rot.
Can be used on any terrain.
Easy to remove at the end of it's life
Great for front yards
Easy to repair
Color choices

        If you live in an area with a Neighborhood Association, you should check with them to make sure the type of Fence you want is within their rules. For any other codes your Professional Fence builder should be very familiar with, and able to answer your questions.