Chain Link Fencing
Chain link fencing for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. Galvanized or coated fabric, privacy options, security toppings, and integration with gates and access control.
Chain link is the workhorse of commercial and industrial fencing. It handles most applications at a lower cost than ornamental or welded wire, lasts decades when specified correctly, and takes gates, operators, and security toppings without structural modifications. We install chain link systems from basic property lines to high-security perimeters with detection integration.
What We Do
- Galvanized and vinyl-coated fabric in standard and custom colors
- Heights from 4 to 12 feet, gauges from 6 to 11.5
- Privacy slats, windscreen, and screening mesh
- Barbed wire, razor ribbon, and anti-climb toppings
- Athletic enclosures,tennis, baseball, soccer, basketball
- Temporary construction fencing and panels
Best Fit For
- Equipment yards and outdoor storage
- Construction sites and staging areas
- Athletic facilities and sports complexes
- Municipal properties and public works yards
- Industrial perimeters where appearance is secondary to function
How We Deliver
- Specification based on security level and environment
- Posts set in concrete at depths matched to soil and wind loads
- Fabric tensioned to manufacturer specs for long-term performance
- Gate locations coordinated with traffic patterns and operators
- Permit coordination and inspection scheduling
Standards & Compliance
- ASTM F567 for chain link fabric
- ASTM F1043 for posts, rails, and fittings
- CLFMI installation guidelines
- Local height and setback requirements
When Chain Link Makes Sense
Chain link works best where function matters more than appearance. Equipment yards, storage compounds, athletic facilities, construction sites, municipal properties,places where the fence needs to define a boundary, provide security, and hold up under use without demanding a premium budget.
It's also the right choice when you need flexibility: temporary installations that might become permanent, sites that will add gates or operators later, or perimeters where screening or security toppings may be added down the road. The framework handles modifications better than most alternatives.
Specification Variables
Chain link systems have more specification options than most people realize. The differences between a light-duty residential fence and a commercial-grade perimeter come down to fabric gauge, post diameter and wall thickness, concrete depth, and hardware quality.
- Fabric gauge: 11.5 gauge is residential-light. 9 gauge is commercial standard. 6 gauge is heavy industrial. Lower numbers mean heavier wire.
- Mesh size: 2-inch diamond is standard. Smaller mesh (1-inch, 3/8-inch) adds anti-climb properties and costs more.
- Height: 4 to 12 feet common. Heights over 8 feet typically require engineering for wind loads.
- Coating: Galvanized is standard. Vinyl coating (green, black, brown) adds corrosion protection and appearance. Galvanized-then-coated is best for longevity.
- Posts: Terminal posts (corners, ends, gates) are larger diameter than line posts. Schedule 40 is commercial standard; Schedule 80 for heavy-duty applications.
Privacy and Screening
Standard chain link is see-through by design. When privacy or wind screening is needed, the options are slats, fabric screening, or solid panels.
Slats,aluminum or PVC strips woven through the mesh,provide 70-90% opacity depending on style. They add wind load, so post spacing and concrete depth may need to increase. Fabric windscreen attaches to the fence and provides similar screening at lower cost, but it's less durable and needs periodic replacement. Solid panel inserts are rare in chain link but available for specific applications.
Security Toppings
The top of a chain link fence is its most vulnerable point for climbing. Standard top rail with a smooth surface offers minimal deterrence. Options for increasing security include barbed wire (3-strand is common, angled outward or in a V), razor ribbon (more aggressive deterrent, liability considerations apply), and extended frameworks that angle outward to make climbing over more difficult.
Toppings add height, which may affect permit requirements. Some jurisdictions restrict barbed wire or razor ribbon in certain zones. Check local codes before specifying.
Durability and Maintenance
Galvanized chain link lasts 15-20 years in most environments before significant corrosion. Vinyl-coated systems extend that to 20-30 years, sometimes longer. Coastal and industrial environments with salt or chemical exposure shorten lifespan; specify heavier coating or stainless components in those conditions.
Maintenance is minimal: periodic inspection of fabric tension, post condition, and hardware. Damage from vehicles or impacts should be repaired promptly,small holes spread under tension. Gate hardware and hinges are the most common failure points.
Gates and Access Control
Chain link accommodates swing gates, slide gates, and cantilever gates. The framework needs to match the gate load,heavier posts and deeper concrete at gate locations. If gates will be automated, plan conduit runs during fence installation and confirm the gate fabrication meets ASTM F2200 for automation compatibility.
Pedestrian gates can include standard hardware or integrate with access control,card readers, keypads, mag locks. The chain link framework makes mounting straightforward.
Permitting
Chain link fencing requires permits in most jurisdictions, same as other fence types. Height limits (typically 6-8 feet, less in front yards), setbacks, and material restrictions vary by zone. Security toppings like barbed wire may be prohibited or restricted to industrial zones.
Athletic facility enclosures often need additional permits or engineering, particularly for tall backstops or enclosures over 10 feet. We handle permit applications and inspection coordination as part of the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What gauge should I specify for commercial use?
- 9 gauge is the commercial standard,heavy enough for durability, cost-effective for most applications. 6 gauge adds strength for high-security or high-abuse environments. 11 gauge is adequate for low-traffic areas where budget is the priority.
- How long does chain link last?
- Galvanized chain link typically lasts 15-20 years before significant corrosion. Vinyl-coated systems last 20-30 years. Environment matters,coastal and industrial sites see faster degradation. Posts and hardware often outlast fabric if properly installed.
Related Services
Perimeter fencing for commercial properties,office buildings, retail, medical facilities, schools, and multi-tenant buildings. Built for durability, code compliance, and integration with gates and access control.
High-security perimeter systems for industrial facilities, warehouses, and critical infrastructure.
Fence and gate repair, modification, and upgrade services,from storm damage repairs to security enhancements and automation retrofits.
Code compliance and permitting information.
Ready to Get Started?
Request a quote for your commercial, industrial, or residential project.