Chain Link Fencing: Not Just for Baseball Diamonds
Baseball is the quintessential American sport. Every year, millions of fans nationwide gather to watch, play and talk baseball. But among all the superstars and legends of the game, there’s one hero that rarely gets its due: chain link fencing.
Without a protective chain link backstop guarding home base, thousands of baseballs would be needlessly sacrificed to the parking lot—not to mention putting spectators at risk. Yet chain link fencing isn’t just for baseball diamonds. If you’re thinking of installing a new fence for your home, yard, or garden, chain link could be the unsung hero you’re looking for.
Why Chain Link Fencing is a Home Run
Maybe you don’t have time to paint and stain a fence. Or maybe you don’t want to block the view of your yard. When installed correctly, chain link fences have most of the advantages of conventional wood fences, with several distinct advantages:
Low cost. Chain link fences are a great low-cost alternative to wood or vinyl fencing. Whether you’re installing a fence for your home or looking to cover acres of land, the economical price point of chain link makes it an excellent candidate. If you’re up to the challenge of installing it yourself, prepare to save even more.
Durability. Chain link fences are built to last. The wire mesh cloth that gives chain link fencing its signature look is galvanized with a corrosion-resistant zinc coating for superior protection against rain, snow or frost. In case of breaks in the mesh, a chemical treatment process called cathodic protection allows the individual wires to self-heal to prevent rust from forming.
Low maintenance. Unlike wood fences that require regular maintenance to keep looking sharp, chain link fences don’t require any additional care and will last for years. If you choose chain link, you won’t need stain, paint or sealer—just soapy water, a brush, and a hose.
Security. A major benefit of chain link fences is the ability to see the other side. You can rest easy knowing your home is protected from intruders, trespassers, and wild animals.
Keeping Your Bases Covered
When planning your chain link fence, consider what its purpose will be. Not all chain link fences are the same, and there are several slight variations that are better suited for different purposes.
First is the type of gauge. Chain link fence wire comes in a variety of thicknesses, from the thinnest available (11 gauge), medium thickness (10 gauge), to heavy-duty (9 gauge).
The diameter of the wire mesh is another aspect to keep in mind, as a fence built primarily for security may need a heavier, tighter wire than one for establishing a play area.
Making the Right Call
Chain link fences aren’t one-size-fits-all – there are many creative ways to customize your fence to stand out from the crowd.
Vinyl coating. Looking for extra protection against weathering? Choose vinyl-coated wire mesh for stronger resistance against the unpredictable outdoors. Vinyl-coated chain link fences come in a variety of colors and are especially resilient to tampering. When choosing a vinyl-coated fence, make sure the posts and top rail are reinforced. Without stronger supports, the extra weight of the vinyl coating can lead to sagging over the years.
Gate options. The wide variety of chain link gate options available means there’s a fence for every situation.
- Single walk-through gates: The most popular choice, single walk-through gates fit one person at a time. Wider models can even let riding lawn mowers pass. Single gates are typically available in 36-, 42-, and 48-inch widths.
- Double drive gates: Double drive gates open extra wide to allow cars or trucks through. They’re a great choice for driveways or field fences. These gates are made up of two gate halves that connect in the center, and they generally come in 10- or 12-feet widths.
- Rolling opening or sliding gates: Rolling opening gates provide a boost of convenience when installing a gate over a large opening. These gates sit on rollers on the ground, letting you walk them closed. Because they don’t have to swing out to open, rolling opening gates take up less space than double drive and are a great choice for tight spaces.
- Automatic: For larger gates, you can install an automatic opener for added convenience. Nothing beats being able to stay in the car when the weather takes a bad turn.
- Lockable: All types of chain link fence gates can be fitted with locks for extra security.
With so many options for security and privacy, and nearly zero maintenance required, chain link fencing is a solid choice for any fencing project. Whether you’re looking to keep out grounders or just want to be safe at home base, a chain link fence will knock it out of the park every time.
~Ben Serviss, 2010
I have a black vinyl coated chain link fence and it is great. Looks real sharp.
A friend told me I should be spraying it with some sort of oil to help the life of the vinyl. Is this true and what oil should I use?
Thanks for commenting! Glad you’re enjoying your chain link fence. To answer your question, the manufacturers of the vinyl coated chain link fencing we purchase do not suggest any application to their product for maintenance. It is designed to look relatively new for many many years. The best advice is to keep the fence clean and free of debris and plant growth.
If possible, we recommend following your manufacturer’s recommendation for maintenance.