What type of fence lasts the longest? A chain-link fence will outlast any other type of fence. You've been trying to decide what type of materials you want to use to build your fence. With the assortment...
You've been trying to decide what type of materials you want to use to build your fence. With the assortment of fences to choose from, it's no wonder consumers are left feeling perplexed. Our fencing expert, Mark Williams, says if you're looking for durability there is only one way to go.
"Chain-link is maintenance free. It's going to be a galvanized finish. It won't rust. The poles, everything is steel, and everything is galvanized. There is no maintenance," Williams says.
According to the American Fence Association, chain-link fences are economical and secure. They are also a lot different than they use to be. More now than ever before, there are new colors and designs available.
Williams agrees that chain-link creates a versatile fence with many possibilities.
"You can get a vinyl look or you can get brown, black, green, yellow, or white- any color that you want. You will easily get 25-30 years out of it," Williams says.
The American Fence Association says chain-link fences act as great barriers to protect children and your home. They also allow for the homeowner to see who is on their property without leaving the home. On the other hand, privacy or concrete fences can greatly reduce your visibility.
Tim Carter, from www. askthebuilder.com , says if you want durability, chain-link is the perfect product. It's one of the strongest fences on the market. Carter says the only material that might be better is a masonry wall fence. This, however, doesn't allow for homeowners to see who is coming onto their property.
Not all chain link fences are made the same. They look similar, but some are better built than others. The wire fabric, metal line posts and top rail come in different thicknesses. In the fencing industry, this term is better known as the gauge of the fence. As the gauge number gets smaller, the thickness of the material increases. High quality chain link fencing will often be constructed with fabric that is 11.5 or 11 gauge. The line posts and top rail that keeps these posts straight will have a wall thickness gauge of 15 or 16.
So, if you're planning to build a chain-link fence or someone is going to construct it for you, keep the gauge of the chain-link in mind. The better the quality of your fence the longer you and your family don't have to worry about replacing it. Williams says a good idea is to call around and see what people are charging. If you feel you can do it for a lot cheaper and you're handy, then get started. If you have never tried to build a fence, however, Williams suggests that you don't start now. The project takes time and patience. He says the worst thing you could do is start the project and leave a partially installed chain-link fence. If you're going to do it, then do it right.
