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There are four core elemental qualities to a chain link fence. These are the framework, the fittings, the gates, and the fabric used. These can be combined to make a unique chain link fence.
Each one of the components can be found in a wide array of gauges and different kinds of protective coatings. The most common coating is galvanized zinc, as zinc is a highly protective and “self-sacrificing” element. However, there are also chain link fences with polyester and vinyl color coatings that are put on in addition to the zinc. The idea behind these colored coatings is to allow the fence to blend in better with the landscape, gardens, homes, buildings, and so on and so forth. Additionally, these give added protection against rust.
If you have a light chain link fence, it will probably not be able to hold up for all that long. The framework can easily be bent, the fabric can easily become distorted, and it is open to animal damage. Everyday events like a human being sitting on the fence, a dog leaping up against it, or a strong wind carrying a lot of debris against it can cause damage to a light chain link fence. If a chain link fence has a low-quality coating on it, this coating will actually promote rust and decay. There are manufacturers that make light chain link fences because they know they have customers who want a fence up for only a temporary period, and they don't want to spend the money on a more lasting fence. However, most customers want a permanent or long-lasting fence, and it is a mistake for them to buy a light fence. tudies on chain link fences and their differences and qualities were carried out by the Chain-Link Fence Manufacturers Institute. These studies showed forth that a 100-pound child or a medium-weight animal could easily and severely damage or even bring down the lightest-gauge chain link fences.
You want to choose your chain link fence based on the wire gauge, the mesh size, and the type of protective coatings used.
As far as coatings, you want the fence to have zinc for its primary protector. If you are going to want the fence to look pleasing, then get a fence with a colored vinyl or polyester coating over the zinc.
When it comes to gauging the wire, you want a gauge anywhere from 11.5 to 9. The lower the number, the more steel is in the wire. Ther is a gauge 6, but this is typically for commercial purposes.
The “diamonds” formed by the mesh indicate how much steel is in the fence, too. The smaller the diamond's width, the more steel in the chain link fence. |
