7 Outstanding Features of Chain Link Fences

A fence is one of the most important features of a property that enhances its overall aesthetic appeal.  

There are a handful of materials that you can choose from in building your fence that will mainly provide the protection you need for your home.

One of the oldest and most popular fencing materials being used is the chain link, not only for its economic advantage but also for its easy installment and versatility.  

Despite the myths that circulate against the use of chain link fences, it still is one of the best options.  

In fact, chain link fencing has been the product of choice for security fences for over 60 years according to the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute.

Let us explore the most outstanding features of chain link fences that make them a smart choice for your residential fencing needs.

Feature 1:  Chain Link is Aesthetic

Modern chain link fences defy the old chain link fences that rust over time.  

The more popular chain-link fences of the day are those that have protective coatings that prolongs longevity and improves aesthetic appeal such as:

• Vinyl coating
• PVC coating
• Polyester coating
• Metallic coating (galvanized, aluminized, galfan)

The vinyl coated chain link fence not only is outstanding in aesthetics and design but nearly eliminates fence maintenance as well.  

It is the most ideal coating for a chain link fence if you have pets and children and if you are going to fence a large area.

You can also increase the aesthetics of your outdoor space with chain link fence designs like:

• Installing privacy slats that come in multiple colors, such as black, green, blue, brown, red, white, tan, and gray woven into the mesh with a top or bottom locking system.  These slats are durable and can last for decades.
• Create a living screen by planting fast-growing vines like morning glories that have pink, blue, and purple blooms or climbing roses.
• Add stylish caps on your chain link posts to add a final touch of aesthetics and distinction.

Feature 2:  Chain Link Provides Safety

Yes, you’ve seen it in the movies how chain link fences can be easily climbed over.  

But don’t other fence materials as well?  Chain link fencing has an advantage over other fencing materials when it comes to visibility.  

Thus, security guards and cameras can easily capture if there are intruders in your property.

Chain link fences are being used in prisons, zoos, utility outposts, government offices, storage centers, warehouses, and so much more?  

Now doesn’t that tell you how a chain link fence can provide the security you need for your home?

To enhance the security of a chain-link fence, you can make sure that you have these chain link security fence standards:

• Add a razor wire and barbed wire as fence toppers to ward away climbing intruders and animals.
• Use concrete footers for a secure base that prevents digging underneath. 
• Use thicker gauges of chain links that are tough enough and are not easily cut.
• Use color polymer coated chain link fabric to enhance visibility, especially at night.
• Follow chain link fencing specifications: height of 6 feet (1.83 m) or greater and the thickness of the wire is at least 9-gauge.  Check other specifications for line posts, terminal posts, fittings, and rails from the Process Industry Practices or from the American Society for Testing and Materials.  

Feature 3:  Chain Link Gates is a Big Plus

You can incorporate a chain link gate with your chain link fence that can allow easy access for vehicle entry and exit.  

If you need remote security, chain link gates can even be automated with access control features.

Feature 4:  Chain Link Fences are Safe for Pets and Children

A vinyl coated chain link fence is smooth and pointy edges are covered, so they are generally safe for pets and children.  

That is a good reason why chain link fences are used for playgrounds in different parks, in backyards where children and pets play, and in various outdoor sports facilities and spaces.

One thing you can do to increase the durability and safety feature to prevent injury of a chain-link fence is to install PVC piping as a fence topper.

Feature 5:  Chain Link Can Be Enhanced to Provide More Privacy

One versatile feature of a chain-link fence is that it offers both privacy and visibility.  

However, if you are the type of homeowner who wants a privacy fence, you can enhance your chain link fence with add-on privacy features like:

• Adding a black or green windscreen to a vinyl chain link fence will create a nearly invisible barrier that beautifully blends with the surrounding landscape if you have one.
• Adding composite noise panels that block out noise from traffic, neighbors, and other surrounding sources
• Installing a taller chain link fence (make sure it is within the limits of your location’s fencing code requirements)

Feature 6:  Chain Link Provides Visibility

A chain link in security, you can easily see would-be intruders while they’re outside your fence.  

This visibility feature is also perfect if you want to enjoy the view on the other side of the fence like a lake, garden, forest, or mountains.  

This is perfect for rooftop fencing as well if you want to enjoy the sunrise or sunset and the panoramic view of your location on your rooftop. 

While on the ground, a chain link fence will allow sunlight for your garden and wind for hot summer days in your backyard.

Feature 7:  Chain Link is Durable

Galvanized chain-link fences last for a longer period of time compared to other fencing materials.  

A protective layer of zinc is galvanized on the fence making it water-resistant, corrosion-free, and suitable under all atmospheric temperatures.

Color polymer coated chain link fences provide great corrosion-resistance, especially in locations near the seacoast. 

There are also color vinyl coatings that are UV stable making them resistant to fading.

The Zig and the Zag of Chain Link Fences

The chain-link fence, also known as the wire netting, wire-mesh fence, chain-wire fence, cyclone fence, hurricane fence, or diamond-mesh fence, has found its place in the residential and commercial fencing industry.

It’s characteristic and unique zig-zag pattern makes it already naturally aesthetic.  

It remains a popular choice because it is low cost and the open weave design allows sunlight and fresh air into your home’s outdoor space.

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