How To Attach Corrugated Metal To Chain Link Fence

Having a chain link fence for your property is great, but there might be instances when you feel like a little extra privacy would benefit you. We've researched ways how you can do this and in this post, we will be talking about how you can add corrugated metal to make your fences more private.

Chain link fences are fantastic for keeping your property safe, but it does lack privacy. A corrugated metal panel attached to the chain-link fence should help remedy that.

How to Attach Corrugated Metal to Chain Link Fence:

  1. Measure the length of your fence and gather enough corrugated metal to cover your property.
  2. Install strips of 1" wide steel bars horizontally near the top, the middle, and the bottom of the fence.
  3. Once you've set up the support of your corrugated metal fence, set the panels vertically and drill through the panel and the strip together. Run bolts through them so you will sandwich the chain link fence fabric between them.
  4. Install fender washers on the other side of the bolt to strengthen the hold on the chain-link fence.

We know that everything sounds a little too complicated right now. This is why we will thoroughly discuss installation ideas in this post. Keep on reading as we talk more about the benefits of corrugated metal fencing as well as the kinds of corrugated metal you can use.

Metal sheet Fence of Construction Site, How To Attach Corrugated Metal To Chain Link Fence

How To Attach Corrugated Metal To Chain Link Fence

Adding privacy to your property can be a challenge especially if your original fences were made to be open. This is an issue a lot of homeowners with chain link fences face, and an easy way to fix this is to add privacy measures to the fence.

One of the ways to do this is to use corrugated metal as a cover for the chain-link fence. This material is typically used for roofs, but it is very versatile and practical, which makes it perfect for fences such as these.

corrugated fence of yellow metal sheets with screw

Installing corrugated metal to chain link fences is simple, but first off, there is a small issue that needs to be addressed before proceeding with the project. Most of the time, chain link fences do not have structural support in the middle, so it is important that you should install a support for this purpose.

If there is enough budget, the best way to go about this is to install a separate frame to which your corrugated metal can be attached. You can install this flush against the chain-link fence and it will not weaken or affect the structural integrity of your original fences.

However, if this isn't possible, there is nothing to worry about. You will only need to install additional strips of metal to your chain link fence so that the corrugated metal has something to hold on to. If you are looking to raise the height of your fence, you might have to install additional framing on the posts.

Materials needed:

  • 1-inch wide metal strips or perforated metal strips
  • Electric drill with a steel drill bit
  • Hammer
  • Punch
  • Tape measure and pencil
  • Bolts, nuts, and fender washers
  • Silicone sealant
  • Corrugated metal sheets

Instructions:

  1. Using your tape measure, measure out the length of your fence and calculate the number of corrugated sheet metal panels you will use. Decide on whether you will install the metal panels vertically or horizontally because this will affect the number of panels you will need.
  2. Drill and screw metal strips to the chain link fence posts. If you are installing the panels vertically, make sure to install the strips to the top, middle, and bottom of the chain-link fence. If installing the panels horizontally, install the strips vertically, spacing them out every six feet or so.
  3. Mark the spaces where you plan to bolt the panels to the metal strip. Use a hammer and a punch to mark these places.
  4. Install the panels. Set the metal panels vertically or horizontally and drill through the sheet metal and metal strip together. Bolt through both materials and put a fender washer on the other end to strengthen the hold.
  5. Make sure to overlap the sheet metal with at least two or three ridges together to prevent it from being flimsy. Apply a line of silicone sealant in between the overlapped sheet metal.
  6. Drill holes through the overlapped sheet metal, spaced out at least 12 inches from each other. Bolt the sheet metal together and don't forget to use a fender washer on the back to make it sturdy.

If you are looking to raise the height of your fence, you will need to add additional framing on top of your chain link fence. It can be done by adding lumber posts to the original metal posts of the chain-link fence.

However, it would be better if you install a separate frame for your corrugated metal fence because this will be more structurally sound than installing it on an extended post. This will be sturdier and it won't cause additional issues to your chain link fence.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Corrugated Metal Fence

stacked metal steel zinc-plated or galvanized wave shaped profile sheets for roof and roofing construction

There are many different purposes for installing a corrugated metal fence on your property. Here are some benefits and disadvantages you might want to consider if you're planning to use corrugated metal for your fencing.

Pros

Large Coverage

Most sheet metal sold is wide (it typically comes in 24, 26, or 36-inch widths) making it practical to use when fencing large properties. You can also have them customized if your desired area needs bigger sizes.

Long-lasting

One of the biggest pros of using corrugated metal is its long life. Sheet metal typically has a 25-30 year service life, so this one is already a great investment. If you decide to get thicker panels, you can even get them to last for up to 50-75 years, depending on the coating and maintenance.

Easy-to-install

Sheet metal is lightweight, so it makes for an easy material to work with on your property. You can also DIY your way to building a corrugated metal fence because of its straightforward approach to installation.

Versatile

Rusty corrugated metal with clipping path

This material is very versatile, and you can manipulate it in different ways to fit your fence. You can even cut it easily by simply using tin snips or circular saws. Sheet metal can also be incorporated with different materials such as wood, concrete, or metal.

Affordable

Corrugated metal is pretty affordable and because it is lightweight, transporting it doesn't add too much to the cost. It also typically comes coated and treated, so it effectively removes any other costs you might worry about.

Cons

Flimsy

Since sheet metal is lightweight, it does have the tendency to be flimsy. This is particularly obvious when you work with sheet metal and you don't have a structurally sound fence frame. However, this can easily be remedied by creating solid posts and frames for your fences.

Sharp Edges

rown metal plate against blue cloudy sky

If you have children or pets that tend to roam about your property, this might be an issue if you use corrugated metal for your fence. The edges of the metal panels tend to be very sharp, so make sure to put a protective barrier on the edges to avoid accidents.

It Can Get Rusty

The primary disadvantage of using corrugated metal is its weakness against rust and corrosion. If left alone without maintenance, corrugated metal fences can get rusty so you will need to repaint or re-coat the panels. Extreme damage may even need complete replacement.

Reflects Sound

One of the problems people complain about when it comes to corrugated metal fences is their tendency to reflect sound. It can cause loud noises to bounce off the metal, making it even louder than it usually is.

Can Be Hard To Acquire

Sometimes, sheet metal can be hard to acquire because many people have taken an interest in using it. On some occasions, this material needs to be pre-ordered, so do consider this as a disadvantage if you are looking for a fencing project with a short lead time.

In Conclusion

Metal sheet Fence of Construction Site

Choosing to put privacy measures on your fence can be tedious work, but it certainly has a lot of benefits for you and your family. Corrugated metal can certainly add this privacy that you need without breaking the bank, plus it can give your property a completely different look.

Are you thinking about installing chain link fences on your property? Look no further because we've got articles you might enjoy:

How To Stretch A Chain Link Fence?

How Long Does A Chain Link Fence Last?