Comparison of Types of Chain Link Fences

Residential Chain Link Fences

• Homeowners often outline their property line with low profile chain link fences that also provide a medium level of security. Residential chain link fencing is often 4 feet tall to keep the view of the home unobstructed, but some people choose 6-foot-tall fences for added security. Home fence panels are often no more than 10 feet long.

Commercial Fence Types

• Businesses use chain link fences to provide security for their commercial buildings and lots. The fences range in height from 6 to 20 feet and are constructed with 10-foot panels. Sports facilities such as baseball and softball backstops, tennis courts and other recreational buildings and fields use chain fences to deter unauthorized use and vandalism.

Security Fences

• Chain length fences that have razor or barbed wire at the top protect commercial properties in danger of high rates of thievery such as heavy equipment distributors, automotive vehicle dealers and salvage operations. Jails and prisons use the same type of fence to prevent detainees from escaping.

Chain Link Fence Options

• The three major factors to consider when choosing a chain length fence are the gauge of the wire, the size of the mesh pattern in the panels and the finish. The lower the gauge of the steel wire, the stronger the fence is. For maximum security, 6-gauge is appropriate. If you are only trying to keep children or pets from wandering, 11-gauge is sufficient. The size of the mesh pattern also contributes to the strength and security of the fence. Meshes range between 3/8 inch for high security fences up to 2 3/8 inches for minimal security. Finishing options for chain link fences include aluminum or zinc coated steel as well as zinc-clad steel coated with vinyl. Vinyl coatings come in many colors to match the exteriors of homes and buildings or help the fence blend in with natural surroundings.

Fittings and Gates

• Fittings hold the fence together and are as important as the fence material and design. Hardware and fittings should be galvanized so they don’t rust and compromise the integrity of the fence and heavy enough to fully support the weight of the fence. For aesthetic reasons, fence gates should be the same gauge, color and pattern as the fence material.