Variations In Chain-Mesh Fencing
Posted on: 19 February 2020
You've probably seen chain-link fencing along the street, protecting residential and commercial properties. Many of these structures may look the same, but it's likely they differ, as these fences offer various options. Read on to discover what they are.
Diamond Size
The wires on these barriers intertwine to form diamond shapes — these vary in size from a standard 50 ml aperture to smaller shapes. Smaller diamonds create a stronger mesh, but the extra amount of wiring typically adds to the cost of the fence. Narrower gaps are helpful if the fence surrounds a golf course — you can select a diameter less than a golf ball to prevent it from passing through. A barbed finish along the fence top has sharp pieces of wire that can catch on clothes, which is ideal for additional security. A knuckle finish has a rounder and safer edge.
Wire Thickness
Various types of wire thickness go into the construction of chain-mesh fencing. Higher-gauge wire is thinner than lower gauge wire. A typical gauge for residential and commercial fences is 9-gauge. If you simply need a temporary barrier, you could use finer 11-gauge wire. For an extra sturdy fence, though, 6-gauge wire provides greater security.
Mesh Coatings
Chain-link fences not only vary in diamond size and wire thickness but also in protective coatings. Common possibilities include galvanised steel, powder-coated metal or materials such as Galvalume. Steel corrodes over time after exposure to water, but various treatments can protect the metal. Galvanised steel has undergone hot-dipping in a bath of zinc, which creates a protective film. Powder-coated metal has a baked-on layer of polyester paint — typically in black, green, brown and white. In an oven, the paint melts and melds to the contours of the metal, creating a hard, durable cover.
Galvalume has a coating of an aluminium and zinc alloy. Unlike steel, aluminium naturally resists rust so it provides the perfect protection against corrosion. Some mesh uses aluminium as the base wire, rather than steel. You can also cover the diamond netting with wet paint using a brush or spray gun; however, this won't provide the same level of protection as powder coating.
Post And Rail Options
The line and terminal posts as well as the rail along the fence-top use various thicknesses of tubular metal. Thicker metal creates more sturdy fences. Additionally, the diameter of the posts and railings vary, and they have similar coating options for the chain mesh.
Contact a chain-mesh fencing contractor for more information.
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