How to Choose a Chain Link Fabric

Select your chain link fence fabric based on these three criteria: gauge of wire, size of mesh and type of protective coating.

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1. Check the gauge:

Gauge or diameter of wire is one of the most important factors - it helps tell you how much steel is actually in the chain link fabric. The smaller the gauge number, the more steel, the higher the quality and the stronger the wire. From lightest to the heaviest, common gauges for chain link fence are 13, 12-1/2, 11-1/2, 11, 9 and 6. Unless you are building a temporary chain link fence, we recommend your chain link fencing to be between 11 and 9 gauge. 6 gauge is typically for heavy industrial or specialized uses and the 11 gauge is a heavy residential chain link that stands up better to kids and pets.

2. Measure the mesh:

Mesh size tells you how far apart the parallel wires are in the mesh. That is another indications of how much steel is in the chain link. The smaller the diamond, the more steel is in the chain link fabric. From largest to smallest, typical chain link mesh sizes are 2-3/8", 2-1/4" and 2". Smaller chain link meshes such as 1-3/4" is used for tennis courts, 1-1/4" for pools and higher security, the mini chain link meshes of 5/8", 1/2" and 3/8" are also available.

3. Consider the coating:

Several types of surface treatments help protect and beautify and enhance the look of steel chain link fabric.

• The most common protective coating for chain link fabric is zinc. Zinc is a self-sacrificing element. In other words, it dissipates while protecting the steel. It also offers cathodic protection which means that if the wire is cut, it "heals" the exposed surface by developing a white oxidation layer that prevents red rust. Typically, galvanized chain link fabric has a 1.2-ounce per square foot coating. For specification projects requiring greater degrees of longevity, 2-ounce zinc coatings are available. The longevity of the protective coating is directly related to amount of zinc that is applied.
• There are two primary ways that chain link fabric is galvanized (coated with zinc). The most common is Galvanized After Weaving (GAW) where the steel wire is formed into chain link fabric first and then galvanized. The alternative is Galvanized Before Weaving (GBW) where the strand of wire is galvanized before being formed into the mesh. There is some debate over which is the best method. GAW ensures that all of the wire is coated, even the cut ends, and galvanizing the wire after is formed also tends to increase the tensile strength of the finished product. GAW is typically the method of choice for the larger manufacturers, since it requires a higher level of manufacturing expertise and capital investment than simply weaving the wire, and it yields efficiencies only available wit this method. GBW is a good product, provided it has a diamond size, weight of zinc coating, gauge and tensile strength.
• You also will find aluminum-coated (aluminized) chain link wire on the market. Aluminum differs from zinc in that it is a barrier coating rather than a sacrificial coating and as a result cut ends, scratches, or other imperfections are prone to red rusting in a shorter period of time. Aluminized is best suited where esthetics is less important than structural integrity. Another metallic coating sold under various trade names that uses a combination zinc-and-aluminum, uniting the cathodic protection of zinc with the barrier protection of aluminum.

4. Want color? Look for polyvinyl chloride applied in addition to the zinc coating on the chain link. This provides a second kind of corrosion protection and blends aesthetically with the environment. These color coatings come in three principle coating methods.

Extruded-the vinyl jacket encompasses the steel core-suitable for most residential/ light commercial applications.

Extruded bonded- an adhesive bonds the vinyl jacket to the core wire.

Thermally fused-the vinyl coating is fused to the galvanized steel core-suitable for all application.

Be sure that you understand both the gauge of the finished product and the steel core wire. a product that is produced in an 11 gauge finished diameter which, with most coating processes, means that the steel core is very light - not recommended for normal installations of 1-3/4" to 2-38" diamond size mesh.

James Dulley/Creators Syndicate

Dear James: I have a young child and a small dog, so I need to fence in my yard. A chain-link fence would probably be best for both. Please give me some basic ideas on what materials and components I will need. - Terri A.

Dear Terri: Chain-link is one of the most affordable fencing options for children and pet safety - plus, it provides added security from prowlers and thieves. If you like to garden, the open weave functions nicely as a trellis for vines and climbing plants.

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Other than the fact that the rolls of the chain-link mesh are somewhat heavy, installing a chain-link fence is a job that most do-it-yourselfers can handle. All of the specialty tools needed, like a fence puller to make the mesh taut, are available at tool rental shops.

Everyone is familiar with the reasonably priced standard galvanized chain-link fence mesh that is commonly used for homes. Although it is not particularly attractive, it is extremely durable and corrosion resistant.

For a more attractive look, but at a substantially higher price, chain-link mesh coated with colored vinyl (usually green) can be installed the same way. For additional privacy and to improve the appearance even more, colored slats can be slipped in the mesh after it is installed.

Check your local codes first. Many areas have strict requirements on the type, height and lot-line positioning of a fence. The requirements also often vary depending on whether the fence is in the front, side or backyard.

All chain-link fences are going to use some basic components, so you should become familiar with the terms and how they are used. Most of the materials used for chain-link fences are available in varying gauges (metal thickness). Taller fences usually require a heavier gauge for added strength.

Corner or main posts (galvanized pipe) provide the basic support for a chain-link fence. They are available in either 1-7/8 or 2-3/8-inch diameters. The larger diameter is often used for fences over four feet high or if extra strength is required. Since you are using it to contain a small dog and young child, the larger diameter is probably not required.

Line posts are smaller, usually 1-5/8 or 1-7/8 inches in diameter, and are used as intermediate supports between the main posts. Four-foot spacing for the line posts is usually adequate and they will be slightly shorter than the main posts when installed.

Top rails run the continuous length of the fence between the main posts. For residential use, 1-3/8 inch diameter pipe is strong enough. For long spans, sleeve connectors are used to attach the top rails.

The chain-link mesh itself is available in many sizes and gauges of wire. The size of the open diamond pattern also varies. Chain-link mesh, with a 2-inch diamond weave using 11-gauge wire, should be adequate for your needs. Fifty-foot long rolls are typical in standard heights of 3, 3-1/2, 4, 5, 6, and 8 feet for residential use.

Post caps fit over the main and gate posts to finish off the tops. Eye caps fit over the intermediate line posts. The top rails slide through the eye caps to secure them to the line posts. Rail-end-bands and sockets are used to finish the ends of the top rails and to secure them to the main and corner posts.

The final components are the flat vertical tension bars, tension bands and tie wires. The tension bars slip into each end of the mesh. Tension bands attach the tension bars (and thus the mesh) to the main or corner posts. Tie wires are used to attach the mesh to the top rail and the intermediate line posts.

Send questions for James Dulley to Here's How, Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati OH or visit www.dulley.com.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website galvanized steel chain link fence.