5 Things to Consider Before Picking a Chain Link Fence

Chain link fences continue to be a popular choice for both commercial and residential applications. Although not as pretty as other materials, it serves its purpose by being durable, flexible, and affordable. However, fencing considerations need to go beyond just affordability. Here we offer five things you should consider before deciding chain link fencing is right for you.

1. Purpose

A chain-link fence is a functional fence with many possible applications. However, it isn’t suited to all uses. Some of the most common uses for chain link fences include:

• Perimeter Fences: If you just need to mark your property boundaries, nothing could be simpler or more affordable than a chain link.
• Maintaining Views: If you want a fence that allows you to see out or in for that matter, a chain link is an excellent option.
• Security: Chain links can be installed at various heights providing a sturdy form of security. It allows security guards to keep an eye on the property’s perimeters while making it clear, the area is off-limits.
• Safety: If you want to keep children and pets safely in your backyard, a chain link allows them to watch the world around them while keeping them on your property.
• Animal Enclosures: From dog runs to chicken runs and pens for rabbits to fencing for horses, chain link is the ideal choice for animal enclosures.
• Public Property: Chain link is ideal to create barriers for parks and schoolyards. This prevents balls from rolling into the road, while also helping define perimeters.

If you are looking for privacy or a fence that is designed as a garden feature, however, a chain link is not the best option for you.

2. Understand the Fence Gauge

The fence gauge refers to the thickness of the metal mesh. This is an important detail as it determines how sturdy the fence is. Fences intended to provide security for example will need a thicker gauge while a fence designed to keep in chickens, or a small dog can use a thinner gauge.

3. The Type of Metal Used

Not all chain link fences are made of the same metal. Make sure you consider the difference between stainless steel and aluminum. While stainless steel is more common and lasts long, it does require some maintenance. Aluminum on the other hand is maintenance-free and will keep up its appearance longer.

4. The Types of Metal Coatings

Metal chain link fences also need coatings to protect against the elements. Exposure to the weather in hand with pollution causes metal fences to rust and corrode. Metal coatings such as zinc are used on stainless steel to help protect them from exposure. However, today there are many other coatings available including different types of plastics, PVC, and vinyl. Some of these options come in various tones and hues so if appearance is important to you, you should consider what will fit in best with your design.

5. Functional Concerns

A final consideration is potential functional concerns. For example, do you require a gate of some kind? Would you need to up security by adding something like barbed wire?  These options are available with a chain link.

Looking at these considerations will help you find a) if chain link fencing Calgary is right for you and b) what type of chain link fence you need.