So you like the look of a chain-link fence, but want something a bit nicer than basic chain link for your yard. Researching different options will make you want to climb a wall (or a fence). But there’s one option you should consider: vinyl-coated chain link. There are a lot of pros and cons to vinyl-coated chain-link fences.
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A vinyl-coated chain-link fence is simply a chain-link fence that is coated in vinyl. First, let’s discover what a chain-link fence is exactly.
A chain-link fence is a woven type of fence made from galvanized aluminum or steel mesh wire. Rust and corrosion protection is added during the galvanization process. The wire is bent into zig-zag patterns that it hooks with the wire next to it. This hooking pattern runs vertically, forming a diamond shape. This finished product is referred to as “chain-link fence fabric.”
The top edge and the bends of the wire mesh fabric are called the selvage. The selvage is in a knuckle (folded) or twisted pattern. The finished fabric is then attached to the framework, which includes the posts and rails. Fence posts are the vertical poles, and the rails are the horizontal poles.
Vinyl-coated chain-link fences are extremely popular, especially to define property lines. You’ll find them everywhere, including sports fields and dog runs. They come in several colors, including brown, white, green, and black chain-link.
The vinyl coating is applied to a galvanized chain-link in one of three ways.
Of all the fence types, vinyl-coated chain-link fences are the go-to choice for a new fence for many people. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, low maintenance, durable, and customizable.
Next to wire fencing, chain-link is the cheapest fencing available. Including professional installation costs, chain-link fencing costs about $10 – $17 per linear foot.
Vinyl-coated chain-link fencing is a little more expensive. Vinyl-coated chain link fencing costs about $13 – $20 per linear foot.
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Compare this price to other materials (price includes professional installation).
Keep in mind, like all fencing, other factors will affect the final price tag.
If you decide to DIY your fence installation, it’ll cost you about $2,330. This is for a standard-sized yard and includes equipment and all the fencing materials.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider the pros and cons of chain-link fencing.
A vinyl-coated chain-link fence installation is relatively quick and easy. The longest part of the installation process is the framework – the fence posts and rails.
The chain-link is pre-fabricated, manufactured in advance, and comes in large rolls. Once the framework is built, the chain-link fence is unrolled and attached to the posts and rails. No individual slats or panels to slow down the installation process.
Although no fence is maintenance-free, vinyl-coated chain-link fences are very low-maintenance. There are only a few things you need to do:
Vinyl-coated chain-link fences are very durable for two reasons.
Vinyl-coated chain-link fences have a surprising amount of customizable options.
Looking for more? There’s a mile-long list of custom chain-link fence ideas.
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While there are tons of benefits, a vinyl-coated chain-link fence does have some drawbacks. Depending on your priorities, the low privacy, security, and curb appeal can be a deal-breaker.
Due to the holes in the design, a vinyl-coated chain-link fence is not a privacy fence. People can easily see through your fence and into your yard. However, there are a few things you can do to increase chain-link privacy.
If you’re looking for more ideas, these landscaping ideas will help increase your privacy.
A vinyl-coated chain-link fence isn’t the best security fence. They’re made at varying heights, but invaders can gain access by climbing or cutting the chain-link fabric. The lack of privacy also weakens your residential security.
Even if you add customized features, vinyl-coated chain-link fences can have a negative connotation. They’re sometimes seen as cheap and industrialized. Therefore, chain-link fencing won’t add much to the resale value of your home. An inexpensive fence like chain-link may imply that your home has subpar features.
For more information, please visit vinyl coated chain link fence.
If adding to your value to your home is a high priority, check out the best fences to add property value.
Vinyl-coated chain-link fences last at least 15-20 years. With proper maintenance, many last for well over 20 years. For the best results, be sure to clean regularly and address fence repairs as soon as they become noticeable.
Can you paint a vinyl-coated chain-link fence?Yes! You can paint your vinyl-coated chain-link fence. However, there are a few things you should do for the best results.
● Clean your fence: Clean your fence so it’s free of dirt and grime using a pressure washer or soapy water and a brush. Then, allow enough time for your fence to fully dry.
● Use a roller and brush: Use a paint roller rather than a sprayer. Because of the big gaps, using a sprayer on a chain link fence is messy and wasteful. Use a brush to get in tough-to-reach places.
● Use vinyl-safe paint: For long-lasting results, use a vinyl-safe paint. Forgoing the “vinyl-safe” label may cause premature peeling and flaking.
For the most part, yes, a vinyl-coated chain-link fence is safe for dogs. It’s durable, difficult to break though, and won’t scratch your fur baby. However, there are a few things to watch out for.
● Climbing: If your fence is short or your dog is large, your dog may be able to climb the fence using the fence holes as a ladder.
● Fence bottom: If your fence doesn’t have a bottom rail, that could be a weak point. If your pooch tends to be an escape artist, they may dig and wiggle under your fence. You can reinforce the bottom of your fence with a tension wire.
● Fence holes: Although it doesn’t happen often, your dog’s collar can get stuck on the fence fabric. Even less likely, their paws can get stuck in the holes. Although both of these scenarios are rare, accidents happen.
Whether you’re beginning the research process or elbow-deep in information, choosing a fence is no easy task. But you don’t have to take on the load, mental or physical, alone. There are experienced, highly-rated fencing contractors that are happy to help. For more information, contact a local fencing professional today.
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Nicki DeStasi is a writer, author, and teacher who grew up in western Massachusetts and currently resides in the Austin area. She enjoys flower and vegetable gardening, reading, cooking, listening to true-crime podcasts, and spending time with her husband, three children, dog, and cat.
In this blog, you’ll learn the life expectancy of a chain link fence. Property owners who choose a chain link fence are primarily motivated to secure their property and all that is held within. It could be because of a bad neighbourhood or to ensure their children’s and pets’ safety.
Although not as aesthetically pleasing as wood and metal, chain link fences have become increasingly popular due to their strength, durability, and affordability. When weighing different fencing materials, chain link usually comes out on top from the perspective of practicality and cost-efficiency.
Despite these attributes, many people still wonder how long a chain link fence is expected to last. Before we answer that question, let’s look at the components of a chain link fence:
Typically made of galvanized steel, these posts are designed to stay in place and support the entire structure. Galvanization adds an extra layer of protection which helps prevent rust and corrosion. No chain link fence these days can last without strong fence posts.
The top rail is also made of galvanized steel and helps to keep the chain link fence taut across its length. The design concept here is to keep the fence from sagging over time.
The wire mesh, is likewise created from galvanized steel strands woven in a diamond pattern. Some fences use a vinyl-coated material, which provides additional protection against rust and corrosion. Vinyl also adds some aesthetic appeal to the fence.
These keep the chain link fabric firmly attached to the posts and rails, respectively. They also help create tension across the entire structure of the fence.
A chain link gate is used as an entrance into a yard or to keep children and pets safely inside. The gate serves as the entrance to the property and should be of good quality since it’s constantly in use.
These components work together to create a sturdy structure that withstands harsh weather conditions. Accordingly, the life expectancy of a well-maintained chain link fence is 20-30 years.
However, some factors will affect the longevity of your fence.
A chain link fence exposed to intense sunlight or extreme temperatures will degrade faster than one with some shade and protection from the elements. The reason is that galvanization will ultimately wear away over time, leaving the metal susceptible to corrosion.
If your chain link fence is close to salt water, it’ll likely corrode faster than one away from a body of saltwater. Saltwater accelerates the oxidation process, leading to rust and corrosion. To remedy this, you can apply an epoxy coating to protect the metal from saltwater damage.
Fences overly exposed to human activity will suffer from more wear and tear than a fence with less foot traffic. Activities such as children playing on the fence or people leaning against it will cause some components to break down sooner. Putting a heavy strain on the fence will cause the metal to break down faster. Climbing is a big NO as it can damage the fence and make it less secure. Unlike a steel or wood fence, a chain link variety is not designed to withstand extra weight.
Natural occurrences, i.e., wind, snow, and rain, will also affect the fence’s components. Because Seattle is especially known for its wet weather, your job is to check your chain link fence annually, repair any broken components, or tighten the wire mesh if needed.
Snow and rain speed up the oxidation process, so a fence in Seattle will need more attention than one in warm and dry climates. And if your fence is located near trees or plants, it’s suggested you trim them back to avoid damage from branches.
The most common repairs for chain link fences include tightening or replacing the wire mesh, patching any holes in the fabric, and replacing corroded posts. If your fence is older, consider coating it with epoxy to preserve its longevity.
The wire mesh is susceptible to loosening because of the way it’s woven together. If you notice any looseness in the fabric, it’s best to re-string it as soon as possible to prevent further damage. It’s not like you’ll need an expert to do this maintenance task. Grab some pliers, and you’re good to go.
Damaged and loosened wire mesh may not appear as an immediate concern, but if you hope to extend the life of your chain link fence, it’s best to fix them as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, a hole in the fabric may appear due to human activity or a rusty post. If the hole is small enough, use galvanized wire mesh to patch it up, but if it’s bigger than two inches in diameter, you’ll want to replace the section with new wire mesh. Again, this job doesn’t require much skill or effort.
Corroded posts must be addressed the soonest as well. If the post is beyond repair, replace it with a new galvanized steel post or one coated in epoxy for protection from saltwater. You probably don’t realize it, but corrosion quickly weakens the integrity of the entire fence. And when that happens, the lifespan of your chain link fence is cut significantly.
Adding vinyl in chain link fences is becoming a common practice and for good reason. Vinyl-coated fabric provides extra protection against weather and other elements that could cause corrosion. It also adds a little bit of aesthetic appeal to the structure. It allows for additional colour options, thereby addressing the typical downside of having a bland fence.
One downside is that vinyl can get brittle over time. You may need to replace it depending on how often it’s exposed to extreme temperatures or sun. But remember this: an added layer of vinyl doesn’t compromise the fence’s structural integrity in any way. So, if you’re willing to invest a bit more money, it may be worth the added layer of protection.
So, the key to extending the life of your chain link fence is proper maintenance. Keep an eye on the fabric, posts, tie wires, and tension bands occasionally. It means more work in the short term, but your effort will certainly pay off in the long run with a fence lasting up to three decades.
For nearly six decades, Town and Country Fence has stood as the premier fencing authority in King and Snohomish Counties in the Seattle area. If you are looking either for a chain link, please give Town & Country a call at 425-775-0531. We give free estimates and no money down.
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