What are the criteria in selecting high-quality residential chain link fabric?
- Mesh size tells you how far apart the mesh’s parallel wires are. There are a variety of mesh sizes available, ranging from 3/8”, 5/8”, ¾”, 1” 1 ¾”, 2”, 2 ¼”, 2 3/8” to 3 ½”. Smaller mesh sizes are typically used to help prevent personnel from climbing or cutting, so they’re common high-security installations.
- Wire gauge (ga.), or the diameter of wire, is one of the most important factors in selecting chain link fabric in Kansas City. It also tells you how much steel is actually contained in the fabric. The smaller the gauge number, the more steel the wire contains and the higher its quality and strength. We recommend nothing less than 9 gauge for residential fencing. Vinyl coated wire using 9 gauge core wire may have a 6 gauge to 8 gauge finish depending on the type of vinyl coating.
- Core wire coating is critical, and there are three types to choose from.
- Galvanized Before Weaving. This type of core wire coating has improved over the years — resulting in smoother, more consistent, highly dependable coating for chain link fences in Kansas City.
- Galvanized After Weaving. GAW wire is first woven and then dipped into a kettle of hot melted zinc. The speed at which it is dipped and removed dictates the weight of the coating. GAW coating is available in 1.2 oz of coating per square foot or 2 oz of coating per square foot. This coating process tends to leave icicles and nubs from the zinc dripping off.
- Aluminized coating. This core wire coating is applied before weaving. Its soft metal properties provide an excellent coating suited for highly acetic environments.
- Vinyl coating over finished core wire. Vinyl coated chain link fencing in Kansas City is specified and ordered by the metallic core wire with the specified coating to follow.
- Class 1 Extruded. The vinyl coating is simply pulled over the wire like a sock. It is thicker is because it is not bonded to the chain link and can easily tear or peel.
- Class 2A Extruded and Bonded. This wire appears in some specifications and is generally used in commercial applications. The coating is thinner than in the Class 1 Extruded wire. However, the extruded and bonded wire is bonded to the wire by means of an intense glue. This makes it less likely to peel or tear from the core wire.
- Class 2B Fused and Bonded. This class of core wire is mostly associated with architects, engineers, city, state, and federal. Despite featuring the thinnest coating, it also has the greatest strength in resisting cracking, peeling, and tearing. Class 2B Fused and Bonded vinyl wire coating is literally fused and bonded in the same manner as welding two pieces of steel together.
How do I select my Kansas City residential fence framework from AmeriFence Corporation?
Start with the gauge and the outside diameter of the pipe. Below is a helpful table that you may use in selecting your fence framework. “Terminal Posts” is a generic term for end, corner, and gate posts. Gate posts will vary based on the size of the gate.
Application | Light Duty | Medium Duty | Heavy Duty | |
3’-4’ high | Top rail | 1-3/8” 17 ga. | 1-3/8” 16 ga. | 1-3/8” 15 ga. |
Line Posts | 1-5/8” 17 ga. | 1-5/8” 16 ga. | 1-5/8” 15 ga. | |
Terminal Posts | 1-7/8” 17 ga. | 1-7/8” 16 ga. | 1-7/8” 15 ga. | |
5’-6’ high | Top rail | 1-3/8” 17 ga. | 1-3/8” 16 ga. | 1-5/8” 15 ga. |
Line Posts | 1-7/8” 17 ga. | 1-7/8” 16 ga. | 1-7/8” 15 ga. | |
Terminal Posts | 2-3/8” 17 ga | 2-3/8” 16 ga. | 2-3/8” 15 ga. |
How do I select chain link products from AmeriFence, the #1 fence company in Kansas City?
The good news is: the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) has effectively dealt with this issue in helping customers choose from light commercial to industrial-grade materials. You can use the table to choose the grade of your materials. Each grade spells out the diameter and wall thickness of pipe for the application and height.
Are all chain link fences identical?
This is a good question to ask before starting a DIY fence project. Chain link fence materials sold by AmeriFence, the top fence company in Kansas City, include four distinct elements: chain link fabric, framework, fittings, and gates. Having said that, the manner in which you combine them is what ends up making the difference. Each component is available in a range of weights (gauges) and types of protective coatings. Providers can mix and match components in an effort to reduce the cost or differentiate their fence. Our minimum recommendations are in line with the minimum practices defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Galvanized—or zinc—is the most common chain link coating, but you’ll also find chain link components with vinyl or polyester color coatings. Color treatments enhance the appeal of your landscaping. They can also blend in naturally with trees, shrubs, and bushes. That’s in addition to the enhanced protection against rusting and corrosion.