4 Types Of Chain Link Fence Fabric And Gauges

You may be planning to install chain link fencing around your home. However, do you know the different types available and their gauges? To help you make a viable choice, we consulted with the experts to bring you the information below.

The following are the most common types of chain link fence fabrics available:

  1. Stainless steel
  2. Galvanized steel
  3. PVC coating
  4. Aluminum

If you are wondering which chain link fence is most suitable for your home, continue reading to know the different types and gauges available. Also, find out the benefits of this type of fence and the downside. To help you budget, also learn how much the chain-link fences cost.

worker bare hands using tools to build a chain link fence. 4 Types Of Chain Link Fence Fabric And Gauges

What Are The Different Types Of Chain Link Fencing And Gauges?

There’s a variety of reasons you may choose chain link fabric for your yard. There are different types of chain link fences available, which are differentiated by the type of metal wire used. They are also available in different gauges, which we will tackle later in this post. 

Below are the most common types of chain link fencing you can choose from.

White Suburban High Ranch Home in residential neighborhood

1. Stainless Steel Chain Link Fence

Stainless steel is a material that does not rust easily and is the most durable compared to other chain link fencing materials. Thes can maintain their shape for long and do not easily sag, break, or roll.

Whereas they are suitable for residential areas, they are strong enough and are the fence barriers you will find at the airports, railroads, or on the side of highways.

2. Galvanized Steel Chain Link Fence

Purchasing a galvanized steel chain link means it is coated with zinc. It does not rust and can last for many years without being worn down or damaged by the weather. 

3. PVC Coating Chain Link Fence

The PVC coating is increasing in popularity. Instead of coating with zinc, the chain link fence is coated with vinyl, a type of plastic. Though it costs more than the standard galvanized steel, it improves the aesthetic appeal of your outdoors and is the reason they are more suitable for residential fences. 

The PVC coating is a vinyl coating that gives your fence a rubber-like coating on top of the metal, the reason it looks more appealing. It gives it a nice touch and protects against rust and damage from the different types of weather.

They come in various colors, though you can order a custom color, including more than one. 

4. Aluminum Chain Link Fence

This chain-link fence has an aluminum coating, similar to the zinc coating in a galvanized fence. It is corrosion-resistant and can withstand weather elements. 

worker with gloves on wire brushing a chain link fence

What Are The Chain Link Fence Gauges?

The gauge is the diameter of the metal wire and the amount of steel used to make the mesh fabric of the chain-link fence. The smaller the spaces between the parallel wires, the more wire the chain-link has.

Gauge numbers indicate the different sizes of chain link fences. The lower numbers mean they are thicker. For example, a 7-gauge wire is thicker than a 12-gauge wire.

The gauges range from 6 up to 13. A 9-gauge is the most common size of chain link wire suitable for residential and commercial properties.

A 6-gauge is used in areas that need high security and can take more beating. For example, basketball and baseball courts are fenced with a 6-gauge chain link fence because they can bear the strikes from the balls. 

Whereas you can buy any chain link, you may have to consult with a fence contractor to guide you on the gauge you need for your fence. 

Pros And Cons Of Chain Link Fencing

Are you thinking of installing a chain-link fence? You can make a more informed decision by knowing the benefits and drawbacks, and then identifying the type you desire or need.

Advantages

One of the advantages of this fence is that it does not require a lot of maintenance. First of all, it is affordable to buy, and the repairs do not cost much. Furthermore, you do not need much effort to clean it.

Another advantage is that it is safe for your young kids and pets. They can still get a full view beyond your home without crossing the fence boundary.

Disadvantages

It does not offer privacy. Even though you enjoy having a good view of the world outside, the world also gets the chance to view you in your home.

In addition, chain link fences are not available in many creative designs. If you desire something more unique, you are unlikely to get it with this type of fence.

Traditional American house exterior in blue tones. Northwest, USA with low chain link fence

How Long Do Chain Link Fences Last?

These fences can last between 25 and 30 years or more if maintained well. As seen above, repairs on this fence are inexpensive. For example, you can cut off the damaged section and fix a new one.

How To Maintain Chain Link Fence 

For your fence to last longer, you need to properly maintain it. The following are some maintenance tips:

Apply A Rust Resistant

View this product on Amazon.

Your chain link can rust if you do not treat it. You can prevent rust from forming by spraying a rust-resistant coat like the one shown above at least once every year. Be keen, especially at the bottom, where the fence comes into contact with moisture from vegetation and the ground.

Regularly check your fence for rust. If not treated early enough, it can eat through the metal, weakening the affected parts, and creating holes in your fence.

Clean Your Fence

Clean your chain link fence regularly, which is easy to do. Remove debris and dirt by spraying it with water using a high-powered sprayer.

You may use dish soap to remove bird feces or stains stuck on the fence. For stubborn stains, use a scrub brush or cotton towel.

Prevent Plants Growing in Your Chain Link

You might end up destroying your fence if you grow decorative plants on it. The growing plants can lift your fence from the bottom and break the fence, so, avoid it altogether.

Repair Promptly

The connections to the posts are the most likely place to wear out first. If you or your children tamper with the fence many times, it can become loose, leading to lengths of your fence pulling away from the posts.

Also, the hinges and bolts in the gates can become loose and come off, but you can replace them with a gate hinge set like the one below. Don't delay the repairs to avoid damaging your fence more.

View this hinge and bolt set on Amazon.

Avoid Climbing On The Chain Link

You may find it easier to jump over the fence instead of using the gate. But, this is an action you need to avoid. When you climb on the chain link, the support posts can bend, causing the chain link to pull away from its bars. 

Children and pets are the most likely culprits. If this is the case, remove all aids that help them climb over, such as ladders and logs. 

How Much Is A Chain Link Fence?

The thicker the wire in your chain link fence, the more expensive it is. For example, a 2-inch mesh that is 5-gauge costs between $1.50 and $7 per linear foot, while a 9-gauge one cost between $2 and $10 per linear foot. 

If the space between the mesh is 1 inch, the price for the chain link can double, and sometimes triple up to $55 per linear foot. 

Depending on the height, a galvanized chain link costs range from $1.50 to $5 per linear foot. A PVC chain link on the other hand ranges from $5 to $20 per linear foot.

The fence may appear simple to install, but if you are a novice in fence installation, it's best to hire a professional for a quality job.

Construction worker building a fence. 4 Types Of Chain Link Fence Fabric And Gauges

In Closing

With many reasons to install a chain-link fence, you can make a more informed choice by knowing the types available. In addition, it’s good to know the pros and cons to help you decide if a chain-link fence is what you need.

Chain link fences are durable and can last longer by taking good care of them, like repairing any damage as soon as they appear.

The cost of installing this type of fence varies depending on the material used to make the chain link, the gauge, the height, and if you opt to hire a professional or not.

We invite you to read our previous posts and find out if chain link fences can move in the wind and the cost of installing one on half an acre:

Cost To Chain Link Fence Half An Acre

Should A Fence Move In The Wind