The Best Styles Of Chain Link Fencing!

Chain link fences are among the oldest fence types in existence but remain popular today. This traditional fence style is a practical choice for residential and commercial applications. Not only is chain mesh one of the most economical materials, but it is also versatile, durable and affordable.

While some people dislike how chain link fencing may appear aesthetically, there are many different options for the style of mesh fencing you can buy.

In this blog, we’ll look at the most popular styles of chain wire fencing for homeowners and business owners and fence maintenance tips to keep your new boundary in top condition.

Styles of chain link fencing

Colour-Coated Fencing

Colour coating a standard steel chain link fence is another popular method to reinforce the longevity of a boundary while improving its aesthetics. Colour-coated chain link is formed when a durable layer of colour material is applied to the top of the mesh. Coatings can be made from vinyl or polymers and are UV (ultraviolet) stable so that colours won’t fade over time.

Marketable colours include brown, green and other earth tones to allow the fence panels to naturally blend in the environment. Meanwhile, black chain wire fencing is an economical boundary option that gives a property a modern, cleaner appearance. It is popular for sports centres and commercial amenities, including tennis courts, security fencing, boundary fences and rural fencing.

PVC powder coated fencing

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) powder coating is one of the three primary types available for chain wire mesh and is the most durable. As PVC powder coatings are immune to high levels of acid, alkaline and salt, it is most suitable for chain wire fencing near swimming pools with chlorine, coastal locations, or water desalination plants. Compared to galvanising, powder-coating is also used to colour and provide a double protective coating to chain wire mesh.

Powder coating should not be confused with painting a mesh fence. When metal is powder-coated, it is first electrically charged. It is then sprayed with a fine powder of PVC plastic. As the plastic and metal are charged oppositely, the two will cling. The loosely coated metal is then heated, causing the powder to melt and flow into the pores on the metal surface, resulting in a long-lasting coating.

Diamond Tennis Court Fencing

The most popular fencing style for tennis courts is diamond-woven chain mesh secured to metal poles. This chain wire fence will usually feature a top rail with either strainer wires or railings to the bottom of the fencing panels. The additional bottom rails give tennis court fencing a more aesthetically pleasing look while preventing the chain wire from curling up on the ends, impacting the players if they run near the fence. In Australia, black PVC powder coated posts and rails are the most common choice of tennis court fencing.

When selecting a chain mesh fence for your tennis court, you will need to consider the colour, height and number of the rails required to give you a full uninterrupted view of your tennis court when it’s not in use.

Galvanised Steel

The most common chain link fencing sold worldwide is galvanised steel fencing. As chain mesh fences are manufactured from metal, rust is the biggest concern. By galvanising the metal material, it gives consumers a more reliable and durable product protected against corrosion and rust. The chemical element zinc is used in the galvanising process. Unlike iron oxides, zinc carbonate is resilient, chemically stable and adheres well to steel. It acts as a protective barrier to prevent moisture and air from contacting the substrate underneath and mitigating further deterioration.

Maintaining your chain wire fence

A chain link fence can last upwards of 20 years with proper maintenance and care. Luckily, you don’t need to invest too much in time and costs to help it last. Here are five care you can consider to help extend the lifespan of your fence.

1. Regularly apply rust protection: Standard steel chain wire mesh can rust if not correctly treated yearly. Spraying a rust-resistant coating yearly at areas where your fence gathers moisture can maintain the longevity of your fence. Left untreated, rust will eat through your fencing and create weak spots in your chain link. Inspect your boundary for signs of existing rust, and call your fencing experts if you find any.
2. Regularly clean your fence: Chain link fencing is easy to clean, requiring only water and a mild detergent to remove dirt and debris. We recommend using a high-powered pressure cleaner for effortless cleanup.
3. Avoid growing plants around or in your chain link fences: While tempting to grow decorative vines and flowers onto your mesh wire fence, it can lead to premature damage. Plants grow through the chain link and lift the mesh upwards or can burst through the links and break them.
4. Make repairs as needed: The connection points to chain wire fencing posts can wear out first. When your fence pulls or gets climbed over, connections eventually loosen, and lengths of chain wire mesh can come away from the posts. Another structure issue that can occur is when gates begin to sag or dig into the ground after frequent use over the years. If gates are becoming uneven, ensure that their hinges are secure and no bolts are missing.
5. Avoid climbing on your chain link fence: Avoid climbing over your chain wire fence at all times. This action can lead to bent support posts and pulling the chain link away from its bars. This weakens the integrity of your fencing. Deter children and pets from climbing the chain link by adding vinyl slats or removing all climbing aids near your fence, including cinder blocks, logs, and ladders. Additionally, add ‘do not climb signs’ throughout the main sections of your fence.

At Longain Fencing, we deliver a range of popular chain link fence styles to surround your residential or commercial property. Our range is cost-effective, easy to install, easy to maintain and can last you for years.

If you need assistance with every aspect of your next fencing project, don’t hesitate to contact our sales team today.