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Chain Link Fencing
A chain link fence can be made of three distinct materials namely zinc-coated wires, aluminum wires and stainless steel wires. These different types of chain link fences have very distinct characteristics and are designed to match to the needs and preferences that people require. If this is your first time getting a fence, you must not rush to choose a fence. Forget all the embellishments in the ads in the market; remember that issue of ‘Homes’ magazine? Forget about it! You must first know what the characteristics that match your ideal fence type.
So what are the distinct characteristics of three main fence types?
Zinc-Coated Wires
These types of fences are also known as galvanized fences. This is where fence is dipped in zinc. Zinc is a non-reactive material; this means that it does not react to the elements and it can last for a long time before it is finally replaced. In fact, zinc coated wires have a shelf life of 10 years plus.
There are two distinct processes that yield a zinc fence. They are:
a) Galvanized Before Weaving (GBW)
b) Galvanized After Weaving (GAW)
i) Galvanized Before Weaving
In this type of chain link fence, the different wires are galvanized and weaved together. These types are very popular on account of durability. You can be assured that there will be no open or vulnerable spots on the fence.
ii) Galvanized After Weaving
This is where the chain link fence is galvanized after everything is woven together. Choosing this type means compromising on the finishing. Not all the spots can be coated and be protected.
There has been a lot of debate on which ones are better. This is because there are other qualities that you must consider of the above as well. The main criterion that most fence buyers use is cost. The GBW is a bit more expensive than the GAW but as was highlighted above there is a huge difference in terms of longevity. Thus, when you are at the store are contemplating about either buying a GBW or GAW, ask for more information aside from the information you get from the store. Alternatively, ask for recommendations from people you trust on the way forward in regards to the fence.
Benefits Of Using Zinc Coated Fences
a) It is very affordable when compared to PVC-coated and Aluminum-coated fences.
b) It is very easy to install (aren’t all chain link fences…duh!)
c) Requires limited attention
Aluminum Chain Link Fences
This type of fence is very popular on account of its durability. As long as you install this type of fence, you can rest assured that it won’t be affected by the element. It is weather resistant, corrosion resistant and lightweight.
When you are looking for a fence that will give you 25 years plus, a good aluminum fence should do the job perfectly. Before you buy an aluminum chain link fence that has a 25 year guarantee on it, verify it to be sure.
Why verify something and it is in a store? Shouldn’t I just buy it and wait?
You are looking for a fence that will give you your money’s worth in the market. The problem is that this market is open to counterfeit and substandard fencing materials. In some instances, you are not quite sure about what you are getting.
The influx of imported chain link fences has made it quite problematic for people looking for a good product. Most people are in a hurry to get the product that they bypass every aluminum chain link fence on the shelf and choose the first one they come across. Something that they regret after if not immediately.
It is therefore important to do your research first on the aluminum fences in your local store. Ask the store attendant to provide a detailed description of what you ought to expect when you install the fence. Probe him or her about the quality. If they don’t give you the answers right away, you can scour the internet. This should provide you with information about the product. Its previous users should shed more insight into what it is like and the quality of service they get. Based upon that information, you can decide on whether or not to purchase the fence in question.
While most imports get a bad rap, it is upon you to do your research to find if the quality is high Or Something You Can Live With.
Stainless Steel Chain Link Fences
If you have seen prison movies or have seen the fences at the airport, then you have had the privilege of seeing what a towering stainless steel fence is like. This fence is very expensive. This is attributed to the quality of the fence involved and the properties it brings to the table.
Stainless Steel is heavy. It is almost impenetrable and hence it is used in high security areas. This heaviness also makes it very sturdy. It doesn’t bend, let alone break easily. Neither does it sag nor roll. This retention in shape makes it very secure.
In addition, it is resistant to corrosion and the elements. This basically means that it can stay in the elements for many years before it is actually replaced. Some steel manufactures create chain link fences that last for 20 years plus.
Remember: if you are interested in choose a stainless steel fence, you need to be thorough about how you approach your search. Just employ the steps mentioned above for an efficient and easy.
What are the main considerations of choosing a good chain link fence?
After highlighting the three main materials that chain link fences are made of, it is incumbent on you, as the buyer, to go further. It is not enough to walk into a store and simply buy the first fence you find. No. You must be methodical in your approach if you are in need of a product that promises value for money in both the short and long term.
You must have a set of criteria to consider so that you can get a fence that meets your needs.
The following are the main qualities that must be taken into account:
a) Durability
A good fence must last_ not that anyone looks for a fence that needs quick replacement. Sometimes, it is not simply about what you see advertised but it is more about the experience of using the fence itself. To this end, don’t just take the word of an ad that a fence will last. You must do thorough research. Find out from people that have used the fence before. What do they say about the fence’s durability? Reviews, good and bad, must be read so that you can gauge whether or not the fence you are keen on buying can last.
Stainless Steel chain link fences, as described above, last for a pretty long time because of the way they are made. However, they are not ideal for people on a tight budget. Therefore, you must consider aluminum and if that doesn’t fit, you compromise by getting the galvanized fence instead.
If a durable fence is out of reach, you can opt to buy a fence and use for the time it is viable. By then, you will have probably come up with a way of saving money to buy a new fence.
b) Aesthetics
Gone are the days when chain link fences were limited only to metallic grey. Today, you will find different model fences featuring different colors and designs. The possibilities to choose from are numerous.
More and more people are conscious about their landscaping. They want to use fences to accentuate the look of their property. To this end, they will choose audacious colors that make their property stand out immaculately.
So what goes into the different colored fences in the market?
Well there are painted fences and there are coated fences. Painted fences are popular on account of being very affordable. All the manufacturers have to do is just paint the fence and sell it. That is it. No additional processes that force the consumer to incur additional cost.
On the other hand, coated fences have different colors and different materials. These types of fences are very expensive but worth it in the long run. Why? They don’t chip off like paint. You don’t have to spend countless hours repainting and replacing it due to rust at some point in the future.
There are different coated chain link fences in the market. The most popular is the polyvinyl-chloride (PVC) chain link fence.
c) Security Needs And Concerns Addressed
The gauge or thickness of the wire mesh used in chain link fences determines the use of the fence. When you are looking to get a high quality fence, you must decide on the gauge. You cannot choose a high gauge fence for a residential fence. While it is secure, it is overkill and will cost you quite a lot.
When deciding on the gauge, you must look at the security issue you need solved. If you live in a high risk area, you must adjust accordingly. If you cannot decide right there and then, don’t fret. When you get to the store and are stuck or have a fence contractor, you can ask them to recommend the appropriate gauge for your project.
d) Level Of Sophistication Required For Installation
Chain link fences have evolved in sophistication over the last couple of years. This is in a bid to enhance the security of the place in which they are installed. While the parts have come with detailed instructions, they are easy to put together as long as you have the time and resources to do so.
If you don’t, you can instead to get an installer to do the job for you. Now, getting an installer might seem very easy. After all, you simply close your eyes and choose the first person that you point, right? Not at all, you must seek to have a qualified installer in your corner. They will not only save you time and money but will do a decent job that will last for a long time. There have been countless horror stories about contractors that didn’t finish their assignments. You will do good to avoid such a fate by being very strict about those whom you consider for the job.
Choosing A Chain Link Fence Installer
It cannot be reiterated enough on the importance of having a competent chain link fence installer. There are certain key steps that will ensure you get your money’s worth when you hire a contractor.
a) Get recommendations from people you know - When you are looking for a contractor, ask people who have installed immaculate fences who they used. This saves you time in vetting candidates. Plus, you have a living breathing witness about the quality of the work installers did on the property.
b) Get professionals from professional websites - The reason you should go for people in these sites is that they are vetted before they can list their services. They have undergone thorough scrutiny and background checks. All you have to do is take a few of them and them move forward from there in the vetting process.
c) Ask as many questions as possible - The goal here is to ensure you have all the bases covered. Among the main questions you need to ask is how they intend to go about the install process, how they pick their materials and guarantees about the quality of the work they do. Once you are satisfied with the answers from one party, you can go ahead and work with them.
d) Go over the contract - and be very thorough about their terms and conditions.
There a variety of chain link fences and the onus is on you to choose the best fit for. It won’t be easy but the effort and time you put into it will prove useful in the long run.
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