What are the ideal qualities for residential chain link fabric?
Pick out chain link fence fabric according to the following criteria:
- Mesh size. Mesh size determines spacing between parallel wires in the mesh. The smaller the diamond, the more steel is in the chain link fence fabric. Out recommendation for residential chain link fences, here at the top fence company in Grand Island, is nothing less than 2 3/8” mesh. Mesh comes in multiple sizes, ranging from 3/8”, 5/8”, ¾”, 1” 1 ¾”, 2”, 2 ¼”, 2 3/8” to 3 ½”. Larger meshes are used in residential chain link fences.
- Wire gauge. The gauge (ga.) or diameter of chain link fence wire tells you how much steel is in the fabric. The smaller the gauge number, the more steel and the higher the quality and the strength of the wire. For residential chain link fencing, American Fence Company recommends nothing less than 11 ½ gauge chain link wire. For vinyl coated wire, always refer to the core gauge of the wire and then reference the coating. Depending on the type of vinyl coating, residential vinyl coated wire using an 11 ½ gauge core wire may have a 9 gauge finish.
- Core wire coating. Core wire coating comes in three types.
- Galvanized Before Weaving. For this type of core wire coating, the wire has been galvanized before the weaving process begins. This smooth, consistent, dependable coating is also available in 1.2 and 2 oz. GBW is popular in backyards and athletic applications for its smooth finish.
- Galvanized After Weaving. After being woven, GAW wire is dipped into a kettle of hot melted zinc. GAW coating is available in 1.2 oz of coating per square foot or 2 oz of coating per square foot. This coating process tends to leave icicles and nubs from the zinc dripping-off.
- Aluminized Coating. Aluminized Coating, applied before weaving, providing a dull aluminum finish. Its soft metal properties makes it ideal for highly acetic environments.
- Vinyl coating over finished core wire. According to ASTM 668, vinyl coated chain link fencing is specified and ordered by the metallic core wire with the specified coating to follow.
- Class 1 Extruded. Your residential chain link is typically “non-spec class 1 extruded” wire. The vinyl coating is pulled over the wire like a sock. The increased thickness of this wire is because it is not bonded to the chain link and can easily tear or peel.
- Class 2A Extruded and Bonded. Class 2A extruded and bonded” wire is thinner than the Class 1 Extruded wire, may appear in some specifications, and is generally used in commercial applications. However, the extruded and bonded wire is bonded to the wire by means of an intense glue, thus less likely to peel or tear from the core wire.
- Class 2B Fused and Bonded. Class 2B Thermally Fused and Bonded has the thinnest coating yet has the greatest strength in resisting cracking, peeling and tearing. The vinyl coating is literally fused and bonded to the steel like welding two pieces of steel together. This is the superior vinyl coating, most commonly specified with architects, engineers, city, state and federal.
How do I select residential fence framework from American Fence Company of Grand Island, Nebraska?
Start with the outside diameter of the pipe and the gauge. Use the table below in helping select the fence framework. “Terminal Posts” is a generic term for end, corner and gate posts. Gate posts will vary based on the size of the gate.
Application | Light Duty | Medium Duty | Heavy Duty | |
3’-4’ high | Top rail | 1-3/8” 17 ga. | 1-3/8” 16 ga. | 1-3/8” 15 ga. |
Line Posts | 1-5/8” 17 ga. | 1-5/8” 16 ga. | 1-5/8” 15 ga. | |
Terminal Posts | 1-7/8” 17 ga. | 1-7/8” 16 ga. | 1-7/8” 15 ga. | |
5’-6’ high | Top rail | 1-3/8” 17 ga. | 1-3/8” 16 ga. | 1-5/8” 15 ga. |
Line Posts | 1-7/8” 17 ga. | 1-7/8” 16 ga. | 1-7/8” 15 ga. | |
Terminal Posts | 2-3/8” 17 ga | 2-3/8” 16 ga. | 2-3/8” 15 ga. |
Are all chain link fences the same?
No. American Fence Company of Grand Island, Nebraska offers the following in chain link fencing: fabric, framework, fittings, and gates. The combination of these four elements is what makes an ideal residential Grand Island chain link fence. Each component comes with a variety of weights (gauges), not to mention protective coatings. American Fence Company use the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) in following the minimum recommendations. Galvanized—or zinc—is the most common chain link coating, but coating options also consist of vinyl or polyester color. Fence color treatments can be used to accommodate trees and other foliage, as well as to enhance the appeal of your Grand Island landscaping. Color treatment can also offer further rust resistance.