Installing Chain Link Mesh

Installing Chain Link Mesh

Chain link mesh is made of metal wires woven together to form a large square or diamond-shaped mesh that provides visibility and is strong enough to withstand the elements.chain link mesh It’s most often used in commercial, industrial and residential applications. This popular fence type is available in a variety of heights and styles, but the most common material is galvanized steel. Other materials, such as aluminum and PVC-coated steel, are also available, but galvanized metal remains the most popular choice because of its durability, longevity, and cost effectiveness.

The openings in standard chain link fencing are small, which prevents potential trespassers from gaining footholds to scale the fence. In addition, most chain-link fences are topped with barbed or razor wire for additional security. This style of fence is commonly used in parks, schools, prisons, and factories. High security chain link, which has even smaller openings, is often used in military facilities, correctional facilities and other secure locations.

Whether you’re building your own fence or hiring a professional installer, the first step is to mark the location of your end posts. Ideally, you want to space these posts apart about four to ten feet, and make sure that they’re securely set in the ground. When the end posts are set, you’re ready to begin installing your mesh.

Begin by measuring across from one of the end posts, using a tape measure to get the exact length you need for your fence. This will help you determine how much fence fabric to order. Once you have your measurements, you can start putting up the rest of the chain link mesh.

You can either purchase pre-cut wire from a hardware store or buy it in rolls of 50 to 100 feet. Most contractors recommend the latter, which saves time and money. Before you start installing the mesh, check to see if the material is galvanized or ungalvanized. The difference between the two is that galvanized metal has been coated with zinc to help protect against rust and corrosion. Ungalvanized wire is just steel wire that hasn’t been coated, so it can rust easily in damp conditions.

Once you have the mesh in place, it’s important to keep it tightly stretched and positioned correctly for safety and aesthetic reasons. Use a wire fence tie every two feet along the length of the chain link to keep it in place. For added strength, twist the wire fence ties at least twice around each of the tension bars and then use a wrench to tighten them.

Another option is to opt for a non-spec class 1 extruded chain link, which is usually cheaper but doesn’t have the same quality as the higher-end material. For homeowners, this will not impact the functionality or aesthetics of their fence, but it’s important to be aware that you could be buying lower-grade material than what’s recommended for your project. For more information on chain link fences, including specifications and inspection guides, contact the Chain-Link Manufacturers Institute.

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