A residential chain link fence has many utilitarian purposes. It keeps pets and wandering toddlers in, keeps unwanted critters and creeps out, and delineates properties.
As an OEM fence manufacturer, you should think like your customers when coming up with a design. Fences can’t simply be an afterthought to the yard. They’re part of the landscaping, and something that homeowners and guests see as they hang out on the patio or take in the view from the bedroom. Chain link fence design must also be pleasant (or at least tolerable) to look at -- a yard accessory that blends in with the natural views.
Depending on where your customer base is, the residential chain link fence must be able to stand up to the wear and tear of:
- Heat
- Rain
- Snow
- Cold
- Saltwater
Today’s fence manufacturers have to keep a lot in mind, while still offering the product at a reasonable cost to the end consumer. When looking for chain link fence manufacturers, USA-based companies always get the emotional edge, but they still have to live up to consumer expectations.
With these goals in mind, here are some ideas for OEMs trying to improve their residential chain link fence design.
Quality Choices Lead to Quality Fences
To make a chain link fence that stands up to the elements, manufacturers have to carefully choose materials for the chain links as well as the posts.
The mesh links are usually made from LLDPE-coated or galvanized steel wire. Some homeowners choose to intertwine plastic slats within the wire diamond pattern to increase personal privacy, while others prefer the more open design. The fence is given structure and strength by setting fence posts into the ground and attaching the mesh wiring. Although the posts may be made of several types of material, most manufacturers find that steel tubing easily meets all their needs for:
- Strength
- Durability
- Formability
- Looks
- Cost-effectiveness
Corrosion Resistance in Residential Chain Link Fencing
Residences in coastal areas need to factor salt and moisture into every outdoor design consideration. Metal structures usually survive longer inland due to lower levels of salt and moisture. Most metals are resistant to corrosion on at least some level, but higher degrees of resistance result in higher costs.
Some of the most corrosion-resistant metals for outdoor use include:
- Galvanized steel
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Brass
- Bronze
- Stainless steel
Wind Speed Factors in Residential Chain Link Fences
Some parts of the United States can be very susceptible to high wind speeds (coastlines and Tornado Alley come to mind). Solid fencing may easily be blown over, while chain link fencing can withstand higher wind speeds as long as you take certain engineering factors into consideration.
According to the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute’s Wind Load Guide, factors which influence the size and spacing of line posts include:
- Height of fence
- Style and size of fabric
- Material strength of post
- Shape of post
Updated footing analysis of soil type and bearing loads.
Benefits of Aluminum Tubing in Chain Link Fences
Circular tubing can be used for the posts and the top rail of the fence. The Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute recommends meeting the minimum standards for residential fencing established by the American Society for Testing and Materials, a nonprofit organization that establishes minimum standards for many materials.
One popular choice for many metal fabrication needs is aluminum tubing because it’s lightweight, making it easier to handle for shipping and installation. It also maintains an attractive natural finish. Best of all, homeowners will appreciate the fact that while aluminum might corrode, it does not rust.
For different appearances, posts and chain link fabric can be metallic-coated or color-coated. Metallic-coated chain link fences are available in aluminized, galvanized, and galvinal coatings, with vinyl and polymer coatings available in other colors.
All-in-1 Manufacturing
A chain link fence manufacturer will achieve the best results by working with a supplier that specializes in 100% American-made metal manufacturing. An all-in-one shop provides insights on tube production and bending that will take into account your needs for
- Durability
- Cost-effectiveness
- Attractiveness
Don’t just rush out a poorly thought-out product. Make your chain link fence design one that keeps good stuff in and bad stuff out for decades -- or even longer!
