A chain link fence is an affordable fencing option you can use to protect your property and keep your pets and kids inside your yard. With proper care and maintenance, your chain link fence can last upwards of 20 years (especially if it’s powder coated).
Luckily, you don’t need to do a lot of maintenance on your chain link fence to help it last. Here are some care tips you can consider to help your chain link fencing last for many years.
Apply Rust Protection Yearly
Chain link can rust if it is not properly treated every year. You can do this by spraying a rust-resistant coating on your chain link fence yearly, especially along the bottom where the fence gathers moisture from grass and dirt.
Inspect your fence for any signs of existing rust and call your fencing expert for repairs if you find any. Left untreated, rust can eat through fencing and create weak spots or holes in your chain link.
Clean Your Fence Regularly
Chain link is very easy to clean, requiring only water to remove mild dirt and debris and simple dish soap for removing bird feces and other stuck-on stains. Use your hose on a high-powered setting to spray down your fencing for easy cleanup, or grab a cotton towel or scrub brush and soapy water to clean tougher areas.
Avoid Growing Plants in Your Chain Link
While it’s tempting to grow vines, flowers, and other decorative plants on your chain link fence, it’s not really wise to do so. Plants can grow through the chain link and lift your fencing up on the bottom or burst through the links and break them. If you find “sucker” tree seedlings near your fence, remove them right away so they do not end up growing into your chain link and destroy it.
Make Repairs as Needed
The areas that may wear out first on your chain link fence are the connections to posts. As the fence gets pulled on or climbed over, connections can become loose and whole lengths of chain link can pull away from posts.
Another problem you may notice is gates beginning to sag or dig into the ground when you open and close them. If your gates are becoming uneven due to lots of use, make sure their hinges are tight and there are no bolts missing. If you see any chain link beginning to sag or pull away, call your fencing expertfor repairs.
Avoid Climbing on Chain Link
While it may sometimes seem easier to simply hop over the fence than actually use the gate, avoid this action at all times. When you climb on chain link, you risk bending support posts and pulling the chain link away from its bars, which can weaken entire lengths of your fencing. Keep children and pets from climbing chain link by adding vinyl slats or removing all climbing aids near your fence, such as cinder blocks, logs, and ladders.
Your chain link fence can last for a few decades with the right maintenance and care. If you are thinking of upgrading your chain link fence or making simple repairs, consult with your fencing contractor. They can recommend many ways you can reinforce your existing chain link fence to keep it attractive and useful on your property.
A chain link fence is cost-effective, easy to install, and relatively easy to take care of. Our skilled team of fencing experts is able to install and help maintain your chain link fence so it can last for many years. Call our team at Mills Fence today to set up an appointment for repairs or a new install.
FAQs
Chain link is very easy to clean, requiring only water to remove mild dirt and debris and simple dish soap for removing bird feces and other stuck-on stains. Use your hose on a high-powered setting to spray down your fencing for easy cleanup, or grab a cotton towel or scrub brush and soapy water to clean tougher areas.
How do you care for a chain link fence? ›
Pressure washing your chain link fence is one of the best ways to keep it clean and looking great. With a pressure washer, you can really knock out dirt and grime from every crevice of your fence. The more often you pressure wash your fence, the less time it will take to clean it when you do need to wash it again.
Should I spray or roll chain link fence? ›
Painting Your Chain Link Fence:
Usually, you can place the primer on your fence with a roller. First, take your roller to the top of the fence and paint it down. Continue using this tactic with the rest of the fence to ensure a smooth finish.
Do you cement every post on a chain link fence? ›
Anchoring each fence post in concrete is the best way to ensure your fence will stand straight and tall for many years. It can be tempting to skip the time and expense of setting the posts in cement, but in the long run, the savings usually aren't worth it for a number of reasons.
How do you make a chain link fence look new again? ›
If your old chain link fence looks worn and rusted, but is otherwise structurally sound, you can get more mileage out of it with a coat of paint. Before you repaint a rusty fence, you'll need to scrape off the rust with a wire brush. Then you must apply an anti-rusting solution, so that rust does not grow again.
What is the life expectancy of a chain link fence? ›
Chain link fences tend to be some of the most durable options in today's diverse fence marketplace. Chain link fences last for roughly 20 years, which is about 5 years to 10 years longer than their comparably priced wooden counterparts. They'll last even longer when you choose a fence with vinyl coated mesh.
Does chain link fence need to be stretched? ›
Stretch the Fence Fabric
Chain link fence fabric must be pulled taught or it will sag. You can do this using a come-along cable puller winch and stretcher bar. Insert a tension bar about 3-feet short of the corner or end post you are going to end the mesh on.
What do you put at the bottom of a chain link fence? ›
There are a couple of options available that can be put on the bottom of a chain link fence. The environment or purpose of the fence will help determine what someone may want on the bottom of their fence. There are two main options; tension wire or a bottom rail.
How deep should chain link fence posts be buried? ›
When it comes to hole depth, as a general rule, Fencing Direct recommends at least a 24-inch footing depth for a 4-foot fence, plus an extra 3 inches for every foot of height (for example, 27 inches for a 5-foot post). The minimum hole diameter should measure four times the largest cross-section of the post.
What is better than a chain link fence? ›
an aluminum fence for your home, the clear winner is aluminum fencing. It's more durable, easier to maintain, has various customization options, and can increase your property value compared to chain link fencing. Plus, it's more cost-effective over the long term.
Length of Life: Chain Link
Chain link fencing can last between 25 to 30 years on average, but a well-maintained fence can extend that lifespan. Wood, on the other hand, only lasts about 15 years and, even if properly maintained and repaired, may only last 20 years.
Is it better to dig or drive fence posts? ›
In all climates and soil condition except rolling sand a properly driven post will be easier to install, stronger, and last longer than a concreted post. Key Takeaways: Save time and money on installation by not digging a hole getting rid of the spoils and pouring concrete.
How many bags of quikrete per chain link fence post? ›
The depth of the post should be a minimum of ⅓ of the height of what's above ground. This means that if you want a 6-foot tall fence, you need at least 2 feet of the post to go below ground. If this was the case, you would need at least 2 bags of concrete per fence post, with each individual bag being a 50lb bag.
How often do you put a post in chain link fence? ›
Chain link fence posts are typically spaced a maximum of ten feet apart. For aesthetic reasons, space posts evenly, but do NOT exceed ten feet between posts. If you plan on installing privacy slats or another type of material that will increase wind load, consider using 8' or 6' post spacing.
How do I keep my chain link fence from rusting? ›
Keeping your chain link fence clean can also help prevent rust and corrosion. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate on your fence, trapping moisture against the metal. Regular cleaning, at least once or twice a year, can help remove this buildup and reduce the risk of rust.
How often do you need a line post for chain link fence? ›
Follow the fence manufacturer's instructions for spacing, which typically ranges from 4-10' apart—spacing should not exceed 10' on-center. (fig. 1) The good thing is that you can dig all the post holes at once.
