Description
Chain Link Fencing: A Durable and Long-Lasting Option
Chain link fencing has been a popular choice for various applications due to its affordability and durability. However, the standard galvanized chain link fences may not always provide sufficient protection against corrosion and rust, especially in harsh environments. That’s where aluminum-coated chain link fencing comes in as a better alternative.
Aluminum-coated chain link fences are made of commercial-quality medium-carbon steel wire that is coated with aluminum or zinc-aluminum alloy. The aluminum coating provides excellent resistance against corrosion and rust, making it ideal for outdoor applications. It can withstand exposure to harsh weather conditions, chemicals, and UV radiation, ensuring a long-lasting lifespan of over 25 years.
Advantages
One of the most significant advantages of aluminum-coated chain wire fencing is its versatility. It is suitable for various applications, including residential, commercial, and industrial purposes. The fences are available in different heights, ranging from 4 feet to 12 feet, with a 2″ x 2″ mesh and 8-gauge wire. Moreover, the wide range of wire gauges and mesh apertures provides more choices for specific applications.
Benefits
Another benefit of aluminum-coated chain wire fencing is its ease of installation and maintenance. The fences come in pre-fabricated panels or rolls that can be easily installed by professionals. Moreover, the smooth and uniform coating makes cleaning and maintenance more manageable. The fence can be easily washed with water and soap to remove any dirt or debris.
Finally, aluminum-coated chain link fencing offers improved safety features compared to standard chain wire fences. The selvage, which is the edge of the fence, can be knuckled or twisted (barbed) depending on the fence’s height. The knuckled edge is suitable for fences with a mesh of 2″ or smaller and 60″ or less in height, while fences higher than 72″ require one selvage to be knuckled and the other twisted or barbed. The twisted edge can deter intruders from climbing over the fence, providing improved security for the enclosed area.
Here is a table summarizing the mesh apertures, nominal coated wire sizes, and height of fence fabric for different recommended uses of aluminum-coated chain link fencing:
Recommended Use | Mesh Sizes Available (inch) | Nominal Coated Wire Size (gauge) | Height of Fence Fabric (inch) |
---|---|---|---|
Industrial/Commercial | 2″ | 6 | 36″ – 144″ |
2″ | 9 | 36″ – 144″ | |
2″ | 10 | 36″ – 144″ | |
2″ | 11 | 36″ – 144″ | |
Industrial/Security | 1″ | 6 | 36″ – 144″ |
1″ | 9 | 36″ – 144″ | |
Security | 1″ | 9 | 36″ – 144″ |
1″ | 11 | 36″ – 144″ | |
3/4″ | 9 | 36″ – 144″ | |
3/4″ | 11 | 36″ – 144″ | |
5/8″ | 9 | 36″ – 144″ | |
5/8″ | 11 | 36″ – 144″ | |
1/2″ | 9 | 36″ – 144″ | |
1/2″ | 11 | 36″ – 144″ | |
3/8″ | 10 | 36″ – 144″ | |
3/8″ | 11 | 36″ – 144″ | |
Tennis Court | 1-3/4″ | 9 | 36″ – 144″ |
1-3/4″ | 11 | 36″ – 144″ |
The table also includes properties of the aluminum-coated chain link fence, such as nominal diameter, tolerance, min. aluminum coating weight, and min. breaking strength, which conform to ASTM A 817 for the wire size specified. The wire is aluminum coated before weaving.
The table provides a helpful summary of the different mesh aperture and nominal coated wire sizes available for various applications of aluminum-coated chain link fencing, as well as the recommended height for the fence fabric. It can help customers choose the right fence for their specific needs and requirements.
The production process of chain link fence typically involves the following steps:
- Wire Drawing: The first step in the production process is wire drawing. The wire is usually made of galvanized steel or PVC-coated steel, and is drawn through a series of dies to reduce its diameter to the desired size.
- Wire Galvanizing (Optional): If galvanized steel wire is used, the wire is then coated with a layer of zinc to prevent rust and corrosion.
- Wire Weaving: The wire is then fed through a machine that weaves it into the diamond-shaped mesh pattern of the chain wire fence fabric. The selvage, or the edges of the fence fabric, are typically knuckled or twisted to provide extra strength.
- Wire Coating (Optional): If PVC-coated steel wire is used, the wire is coated with PVC after weaving to add color and further protect against corrosion.
- Cutting and Rolling: The finished chain wire fence fabric is then cut to the desired height and rolled onto a spool for transportation and storage.
- Fitting and Installation: Once on site, the chain link fence fabric is unrolled and fitted to the posts and rails of the fence structure. The fence fabric is stretched taut to provide strength and durability.
Overall, the production process of chain link fence is relatively straightforward, and can be completed quickly and efficiently with the right equipment and expertise.
Installing a chain link fence involves several steps, including:
- Marking the Fence Line: Use stakes and string to mark the perimeter of the fence line. Ensure that the fence line is straight and that any corners are square.
- Digging Post Holes: Use a post hole digger or auger to dig holes for the fence posts. The depth and diameter of the holes will depend on the height and size of the fence, as well as the soil conditions in your area.
- Setting the Posts: Insert the fence posts into the holes and fill the holes with concrete or gravel. Use a level to ensure that the posts are plumb and level.
- Installing Rails and Tension Bands: Once the concrete has dried, attach the top and bottom rails to the posts using tension bands. Use a level to ensure that the rails are level and straight.
- Unrolling the Fence Fabric: Unroll the chain link fence fabric along the fence line, attaching it to the top rail with fence ties.
- Tensioning the Fence Fabric: Use a come-along or tension bar to stretch the fence fabric taut between the end posts. Attach the fence fabric to the rails and posts with fence ties, spacing them out evenly.
- Attaching the Gate: If you are installing a gate, attach it to the fence posts using gate hinges and a latch.
- Finishing Touches: Trim any excess fence fabric using wire cutters, and cap the top of the fence posts to prevent water from collecting inside.
Overall, installing a chain link fence requires some basic tools and equipment, as well as some knowledge of fence construction and installation. If you are not comfortable with the installation process, it is always a good idea to hire a professional fence contractor to ensure that your fence is installed properly and securely.
advantages aluminum-coated chain link fencing:
Advantages:
- Longevity: The aluminum coating provides long-lasting protection, ensuring the fence’s performance and resistance to corrosion elements for over 25 years.
- Cost: Aluminum-coated chain wire fencing is less expensive than vinyl-coated chain wire fencing and is similar or slightly more expensive than zinc-coated chain link fencing. However, when considering the cost of replacing the entire fence, aluminum-coated chain wire fencing is the ideal choice.
- Appearance: Aluminum chain link fencing is more resilient to damage and trauma than other types, including galvanized and PVC coated chain link fencing.
Applications:
- Industrial/Commercial: Aluminum-coated chain link fencing is suitable for industrial and commercial applications, such as factories, warehouses, and storage yards.
- Prison: The high-security features of aluminum-coated chain link fencing make it ideal for prison installations.
- High-security applications: The durability and resistance to damage make aluminum-coated chain link fencing an excellent choice for high-security applications, such as military installations and government buildings.
- Highway and Bridges: Aluminum-coated chain wire fencing is also suitable for highways and bridges due to its durability and corrosion resistance.
- Governments: Government facilities can also benefit from the high-security features and durability of aluminum-coated chain link fencing.
- Marine installations: Aluminum-coated chainwire fencing can also be used in several marine installations.
- Commercial/recreational: Aluminum-coated chain link fencing is ideal for commercial and recreational facilities such as hospitals, airports, tennis courts, golf courses, and athletic fields.