Chain Link Fences

Chain link fences date back to the late 19th century when fencing was mostly used to maintain livestock pens and separate gardens from other areas of a person’s property. Known for its characteristic metal mesh weaving, chain link fences have come a long way since they were first pioneered. Today’s chain link fences are galvanized to reduce corrosion and can be dipped in zinc in order to further protect against the elements.
The mesh that makes up a chain link fence can be woven so the top and bottom edges include barbed wire or twisted ends for an added security element. The standard within the industry is to knuckle, or ensure there are no sharp wire ends exposed at the top and bottom for fences that are less than six feet and have twisted ends or barbed wire for fences over six feet.

Beyond the type of finish in a chain link fence, these fences come in a variety of heights, color finishes and wire gauges, and mesh sizes depending on style tastes, property types and security needs.

Chain link fences are among the most affordable fencing option on the market. However, it is not just the cost of installation where a person saves by choosing a chain link fence. Wood fences, which are known as being the next least expensive fencing option, require periodic staining, painting or treating in order to maintain their integrity year after year. This can add significant costs over the course of several years to an otherwise affordable fence. Not so with chain link fences. Once they are installed, they are corrosion resistant and ready to use for years to come. It is not uncommon for a chain link fence to remain sturdy for more than 50 years without significant repair or maintenance.

Chain link fence installers will first measure the property to ensure the fence line is compliant with your County assessor’s property map. Next, they will ensure they will not run into any underground utilities while digging to install posts where the wire mesh will attach. For fences over six feet tall or those that surround a pool, a permit must be obtained before construction can begin and an inspection must be complete before the job is completed or the pool is filled.

Next, holes are dug where the fence posts will rest and filled with the zinc-coated fence post as well as cement to hold the post in place. Once the cement has properly cured, the installer attaches the fence at one end, stretches it, attaches it to the other and then ties the fence to the line posts in between the terminal posts with aluminum wire. Depending on how tall the fence is, top, bottom or intermediate horizontal rails may be required to add stability to the fence.