Adding vines, plants, and other greenery to your chain link fence provides privacy and increases property value. Regular maintenance includes trimming vegetation to avoid overgrowth that can impact functionality.
Before starting construction, contact your utility company to mark the locations of any underground lines. You’ll also need a post-hole digger, gravel, concrete, and gate hardware.
1. Dig Post Holes
First check local regulations regarding fence setbacks, style, and height. Then call 811 to mark utility lines free of charge. Once that is done, start laying out the fenced area and measuring.
When determining the position of terminal posts (corner, end, and gate) use stakes to mark them. Then dig holes about 8″ in diameter and 30″ deep with sloping sides. Ideally, the height of the terminal post above ground should equal the height of the fabric plus 2 inches.
Next, install the terminal post caps. Then attach tension bands to the terminal, end, and gate posts with the flat side facing the outside. Finally, twist wire fence ties about every foot along the entire length of your chain link. These will hold the fabric to the terminal posts.
2. Prepare the Ground
Before digging, it’s important to have any underground utility lines marked. Doing so protects you from damaging your equipment or harming yourself when you hit one of these lines with a shovel or post hole digger.
You should also check with local zoning laws to make sure your fence is legal before beginning. This is especially important if your property is shared with neighbors or the fence will run along a property line.
Finally, once you’ve completed all of the above steps, you can begin to install your fence. Begin by unrolling your chain link fabric on the ground, stretching it to remove any slack. Then, secure the fabric to your terminal posts and rails using tension bands, wire with hooks on each end, known as “fence ties”. You can also use stakes or U-pins in areas susceptible to animal activity.
3. Install Posts
The corner, end, and gate posts anchor the chain link fence to the ground. They are spaced around 6-10 feet apart depending on the height of the fence. To determine the number of line posts you need for a given section, divide the total distance of that section by 10.
Then use a post hole digger to dig the holes for your wood posts. Use a level to ensure the posts are straight before you set them in concrete.
Once the poles are in place, unroll the chain link fabric and secure it to the tension bars using fence ties. For added security, many installers stretch a bottom tension wire, also known as coil wire, between terminal posts. This helps minimize the in and out movement that occurs between sections of the fence.
4. Install Hardware
A well-thought-out plan for chain link fence installation can save time and money in the long run. This includes determining your property boundaries, mapping out the design, and calling utilities to mark underground lines. It also involves clearing the area and selecting materials that match the environment.
Choosing rust-inhibitive paint and regularly sweeping the fence can greatly reduce maintenance costs. Installing vines, plants, and other greenery can enhance the aesthetics and add privacy.
Posts should be spaced and aligned for a strong, stable fence. Irregularly placed posts may compromise the entire structure and lead to sagging or leaning sections. The use of low-quality components can also affect the overall look and durability. Investing in quality materials will ensure that your fence lasts for years to come.
5. Install the Fabric
Once you’ve set and installed your end, corner, and gate posts, it’s time to put up the chain link fence fabric. First, unroll the mesh along your fence line from one terminal post to the next. The length should be the distance between two terminal posts divided by 10.
When installing the fabric, leave a little slack as you go. This will give you the opportunity to remove any unevenness or gaps that may occur during the installation process.
As you work, secure the mesh with wire fence ties. You’ll also need to install tension bars and brace bands. The flat side of the tension bar should be toward the outside of the fence, and you’ll need to add a rail end band on each terminal post with an offset round side.
6. Install the Rails
Chain link fences boost security for homes and businesses. Their open weave allows you to spot intruders, and they can be fitted with slats for added privacy. They also offer better visibility for your property, making them ideal for monitoring activities and spotting problems faster.
Start by identifying precisely where the damaged portion of the fence starts and ends. Then use pliers to untwist the wires along that bend to free them from the top rail of the fence.
Next, set your terminal posts and line posts. Your terminal posts should be the height of the fabric plus two inches, while your line posts should be one-third of the post length. Lastly, add rail end bands and tension bars to the line posts. Then add rail caps to complete your fence’s look and protect it from moisture.
7. Attach the Gates
Chain link fences can be customized with a wide variety of coatings and slats to add privacy and style. However, proper installation is crucial for a lasting and functional structure.
The corner, gate, and end posts must be firmly set to prevent the fence from sagging or leaning over time. If they aren’t, a crooked fence will look unkempt and can even cause safety issues.
Additionally, the posts should be firmly attached to the concrete base for stability. The standard depth for post holes is one-third the height of the post, but soil conditions should be taken into account. Properly dug holes will ensure strength and stability for years to come. Taking the time to carefully plan the project up front will save costly mistakes down the road.