May. 27, 2024
Among the popular choices for residential and commercial fencing, the chain link fence stands out for its durability and versatility. It consists of steel tubing used as a top rail connected to steel posts on the side. This framework is held together by rail clamps and topped with post caps. The wire mesh, made of individual metal strands woven together to form a diamond pattern, is hung and stretched between the two end posts.
Click here to get more.
Light chain link fences are not built to withstand extreme wear and tear. The fence's framework might bend, or the fabric could be damaged. Everyday activities such as people sitting or climbing on the fence, as well as heavy winds, can cause harm. While structural damage is possible, a poor coating can also lead to rust. Light chain link fences are designed for temporary, light-duty applications. Consumers might opt for these due to their lower cost or a lack of understanding about the different types of chain link fences available.
Return to Top
The Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute has conducted tests on light-gauge chain link fences. Their findings indicate that a 75-pound dog and a 100-pound child could potentially damage the fence or cause it to fall. However, once consumers are educated about the differences in chain link fences, they tend to opt for heavier gauge fences.
Return to Top
When selecting chain link fence fabric, three main criteria should be considered: the gauge of the wire, the size of the mesh, and the type of protective coating.
Chain link fabric gauge: The gauge or diameter of the wire indicates the amount of steel in the fabric. A smaller gauge number means more steel and therefore higher quality and strength. Common gauges range from 13 to 6, with 11-1/2 to 9 being typical for standard chain link fences. Temporary fences can use 13 or 12-1/2 gauge, while industrial fences require a 6 gauge.
Chain link fabric mesh: Mesh size measures the distance between parallel wires in the fabric. Smaller diamond sizes mean more steel in the fabric. Typical mesh sizes range from 2-3/8" to 2". Smaller mesh sizes are used for specific purposes like tennis courts and swimming pools.
Chain link fabric coating: Various coatings protect and enhance steel chain-link fabric. Zinc is the most common, offering a self-healing property that protects against rust. The longevity of the fence directly relates to the amount of zinc applied. Chain link fabric can be galvanized after weaving (GAW) or before weaving (GBW), with GAW being more common for larger manufacturers.
In addition to zinc, aluminum can also coat chain link wire, acting as a barrier rather than a sacrificial coating. For color and additional corrosion protection, polyvinyl chloride can be applied over the zinc coating. This enhances the fence's appearance and protection against corrosion. Polyvinyl coatings may be extruded, bonded, or thermally fused.
It's essential to understand the gauge and steel core wire of the finished product, with a recommended diamond size mesh ranging from 1-3/4" to 2-3/8".
Return to Top
ASTM specifications for chain link fence fabric include:
A392-96 Standard Specification for Zinc-Coated Steel Chain Link Fence Fabric
A492-96 Standard Specification for Aluminum Coated Chain Link Fence
F-96 Standard Specification for Zinc-5% Aluminum-Mischmetal Alloy-Coated Steel Chain Link Fence Fabric
F668-96 Standard Specification for Polyvinyl Chloride Coated Steel Chain Link Fences
Return to Top
When selecting the framework for a chain link fence, consider the gauge or thickness of the steel, the diameter of the pipe, and the type of protective coating.
Chain link framework gauge: The strength of the framework depends on the gauge of the steel. Common residential chain link fence gauges range from 20 to 15, with a minimum yield strength of 45,000 pounds per square inch.
Chain link framework diameter: The diameter of the pipe affects the strength of the framework. Larger diameters require more steel, providing stronger support. Common diameters include 1-3/8", 1-5/8", 1-7/8", and 2-3/8".
Chain link framework coating: Different protective coatings are available for chain link fence framework. The most commonly used coating is inline flow-coat galvanized, which involves coating the steel with zinc and an organic polymer for additional protection. Other methods include pre-galvanized pipe, hot-dip galvanized pipe, and color coatings like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyester. These additional coatings offer protection against corrosion and enhance the fence's appearance, with standard color options including black, brown, and green.
Return to Top
ASTM specifications for chain link fence framework include:
F761-82 Standard Specification for Strength Requirements of Steel Posts and Rails for Residential Chain-Link Fence
F934-96 Standard Specification for Standard Colors for Polymer-Coated Chain-Link Fence
Return to Top
A chain link fence is only as strong as its weakest link. All fittings, including bands, tension bars, nuts and bolts, and gate hardware, must be hot-dip galvanized to prevent corrosion. Many sub-standard fittings are available in the marketplace, so opting for a full system warranty from a reputable manufacturer is essential. Rusting parts can cause unsightly staining on large areas of your fence.
Return to Top
ASTM specification for chain link fence fittings includes:
F626-96 Standard Specification for Fence Fittings
Return to Top
Besides fittings, well-manufactured gate hardware is crucial for the daily operation of the gate. The fabric and framework of your gate should match the rest of your fence. Chain link fence gates can be constructed in various ways:
Bent-frame gates have all four corners mechanically bent.
Square-welded gates have all four corners welded.
Aluminum-corner gates are assembled with four die-cast gate corners, or ells.
Return to Top
ASTM specification for chain link fence gates includes:
F654-91 Standard Specification for Residential Chain-Link Fence Gates
Return to Top
Contact us today for more information about a chain link fence.
Chain link fence is and has been one of the most popular styles of fence for both residential and commercial fencing projects. The fence consists of steel tubing used as a top rail connecting to steel posts on the side. This is called the frame or framework of the fence and is held together by rail clamps and topped with post caps. Inside the fence frame, a wire mesh made of individual metal strands woven together to create the diamond pattern, sometimes called the fabric, is hung and stretched between the two end posts.
The other components, like the clamps and top caps, are called the fittings. Those fittings connect and cap off the fence as well as attach the fabric mesh to that framework.
Due to the affordability and versatility of chain link fences, it is often chosen to fence in residential yards. Businesses looking to add security to their lot also often use chain link due to its relatively low cost, low maintenance, and ease of customizing its configuration to the land. Since the fencing and components can be purchased in any quantity, it is easy to configure any fence based on height, color, grade, and length.
Some common terms you should be aware of:
As previously mentioned, chain link fence is a common choice for residential and commerce fencing projects. This is simply because of its many different applications.
Residentially, chain link adds perimeter security to a property securing children and pets to the designated area. The fence also adds security in keeping people out while not blocking visibility through the mesh so unwanted visitors will be easily seen. Building codes also require that fencing be installed for swimming pools and other uses, and chain link meets those code requirements.
Boya are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.
Further reading:For commercial use and construction applications, chain link is a very common and versatile option. The fence is easily installed and customized to any shape and size needed for the job. It can be used on projects as small as dumpster enclosures and large as huge construction projects. Even large facilities like airports and factories use chain link fences both for perimeter security and internal security.
When higher security is needed for places such as manufacturing facilities and prisons, chain link fencing is topped off with barbed wire arms and barbed wiring. This works to deter potential intruders and make it difficult to get over the fence. This is a cost effect and physically effective way to add security to a property.
There is also an option to temporarily block off non-permanent chain link fence sections or temporarily secure certain sections or areas. These are often used indoors when a new renovation happens or on a temporary work site where a permanent fence is unnecessary.
A common question a lot of potential installers ask is, what heights do chain link fences come in? Chain link fence comes in many heights and can be configured in any desired length. Because the components, framework, and mesh can all be purchased piecemeal, the length and shape of the fence have endless possibilities.
Many manufacturers offer different heights, starting as small as 3' (three feet) tall, and can sometimes make a custom height of 20' (twenty feet) tall. Standard sizes for the fencing usually come in 1' (one-foot) increments until it reaches the height of 8' (eight feet), where it then increases in 2' (two-foot) increments.
Most fencing manufacturers can make custom heights for different project configurations. Custom orders usually involve more steps and a longer lead time in the process. Typically, customer orders come at a minimum total linear footage or amount. Make sure to call your fencing supplier to talk to a salesperson who will help you figure out what will best suit your needs.
A typical chain link comes in a silver or grey-looking color. Most people associate this original and traditional-looking fence with chain link. The steel tubing and mesh on this fence are just standard steel galvanized to help prevent rust and other weather degradation.
However, chain link fencing is now available in different colors. It is now possible to purchase chain link fence mesh and its components in brown, white, green, and black, quickly becoming the new favorite. Just like using different heights, these colors will come with some additional cost due to the extra steps in the process they must undertake.
That grey or silver color typical on steel fencing comes from the coating that covers the base metal. That coating is zinc coated through a galvanization process. Galvanized is the most common and popular coating type. The covering helps to protect against rusting and any other form of degradation from the weather.
Like with other exposed metals, the metal would oxidize when exposed to the elements without the galvanized coating. Eventually, it would start to rust out and fall apart. That process is greatly slowed by adding zinc. The galvanized coating will also oxidize when exposed to the elements. However, unlike uncoated or raw steel, it won't rust but will rather have the shiny surface begin to fade and turn into a dullish grey color.
When there are special requirements for the fencing, sometimes galvanized coatings don't meet those requirements. In this instance, the fence installation company will choose to go with an aluminized coasting, an alternative the manufacturer offers. Most people cannot tell them apart from galvanized fences because they share a similar look. However, aluminized will differ because it is more resistant to temperature fluctuation and abrasion. This does come at a higher price point.
Aluminized coatings are often used in areas where they may be exposed to chemicals in the air. Those chemicals can cause faster erosion in chain link that is not aluminized. One commonly seen example is where there is a chain link fence next to a roadway that experiences winter conditions. The salt or chemical spray makes aluminized fence a better choice to stand up to time.
Sometimes, a homeowner or business owner does not like the old industrial look of that silver fence in their yard or around their property. Therefore, manufacturers offer different color options for those customers. These colored options are darker than the original Silver and blend in with their surroundings far better. They are more eye-pleasing and create a more minimal look. They still have the original components as steel but are coated in either vinyl or a powder coat.
These two types of coating, vinyl and powder coat, offer a similar look but provide different benefits. They both will provide a rubber-like smooth texture to the finish. It will also help the fence to hold up better to the elements, especially with temperature fluctuation during season changes. They will be priced higher than a traditionally styled galvanized fence, but the vinyl coating will still be less than the powder coated. This is because the powder coating is far more durable of a coating.
Many customers opt to use a different colored coated mesh or fabric while still using the galvanized framework. This will help to change the overall look but keep costs down.
Chain link fence comes in different grades. In general, there are three different grades, residential grade, industrial grade, and industrial grade.
What is it that makes them different grades? Well, that grade is largely determined by two different components. The first is the gauge, or the thickness, of the wire, used to make the mesh fabric. The next is the size of the framework or the pipe tubing used. This referenced size also includes the diameter and the wall thickness of the pipe used.
Chain link fabric, the diamond-shaped woven steel, sometimes called mesh, is offered in different gauges. The individual wire thickness is what is used to determine the gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker, heavier, and stronger the wire mesh. For example, an 8 gauge wire is stronger than a 12 gauge wire mesh but will be heavier.
Residential fences typically have a wire fabric gauge of between 9 gauge and 11.5 gauge. Commercial-grade fencing projects typically use 8 to 9-gauge wire fabric. Industrial chain link fence most often uses a 9 gauge wire but occasionally uses a heavier chain link like the very thick and strong 6 gauge.
The fencing fabric, or the mesh, also comes in different sizes. This size is determined by the space measured between each link. The most common sized mesh is around 2 inches; however, many other sizes are available.
For certain projects, small mesh, often called mini mesh, is available when a finer woven pattern is needed. This is common in dog kennels, tennis courts, and other applications where a stronger, tighter mesh is needed with less possibility that anything can pass through it. Like the idea behind chain mail, the smaller the diamond, the tighter the weaver and the stronger the mesh.
Many customers will ask, does pipe size matter? Can't you use any pipe to make the frame of the fence? The simple answer is yes. The size of the pipe matters. Only three parts make up the framework part of a fence. The first part is the terminal post, consisting of
Previous: Stainless Steel Sintered Fiber Felt For Industrial Filtration
Next: Top Wire Mesh Fence Exporter: Everything You Need to Know
If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!
All Comments ( 0 )