The frame of a chain link fence is made of a top rail, wires, line posts, and terminal posts. Most of these fences are made of galvanized steel wire or LLDPE. The fence wires run vertically, bending into zigzags such that every zig hooks with a wire on one side. The result is a characteristic diamond pattern for the fence.
Often, contractors, homeowners, and engineers do not know that they have options when looking for a chain link fence in Salt Lake City. Aside from the fabric of the fence and the framework, there are gauges, finishes, and grades that differentiate the fences. These include the following:
Residential grade
These fences are light duty. They are made of line posts, top rails, and end posts in the frame. The smallest frameworks carry .065 inch thick walls. There are grades in the market that come at lower prices than the residential grade, but they will often have complications that cause them to end up more expensive. A smaller framework could offer .035 inches, but it will bend easily, beating the purpose of having a fence.
In most cases, the mesh of residential grades has an 11 to 12 range fabric. The maximum mesh size is three inches. The smaller and thicker the gauge, the stronger it will be. Differences in gauges are often half an inch, but they influence the strength of the fence and the finishing you can do. Thicker wires can be coated, for example.
Light commercial grade
Otherwise called heavy residential grades, these light commercial grades offer high-quality fences that last longer. They are efficient for use in light industrial applications, presenting options that are 20% lighter and 30% stronger than structural pipes. In most cases, the customer will opt to have 11 gauge fabrics or more substantial options. You can also choose a lighter option and keep upgrading the framework until you have a fence you can be proud of.
Most commercial grade fences go above six feet in height. Three-inch fences are for specific cases and will be manufactured on order. Be sure that the terminal posts and the intermediate posts are strong enough to support the fence. People also install bottom rails to strengthen the fence.
Commercial heavy-duty grades
The best framework for these grades is an HF40 framework, especially with industrial applications. The HF40 structure is the most superior of all available options and can be made to meet different specifications. Consider having the links made of galvanized steel. The terminal posts need to have a maximum diameter of eight feet and stand as high as ten feet. You can then adjust the size of intermediate posts, as their job is to provide support.
Note that terminal posts sizing will vary by the specific project and its layout. As for the fabric, an 18 gauge mesh is perfect for commercial installations. Other applications will demand six gauge fabrics if security is not an issue. You may need to include ‘no-climb’ applications to make the fence more secure.
Chain link fences for use in sports fields will have specified requirements. For instance, softball fields will have specific height configurations that will differ from baseball fields. There are also requirements for a home run and sideline fences. Often, sideline fencing will be more than six feet but will need player benches and dugouts.
