- Chain link fencing is one of the most practical and cost-effective solutions for securing commercial properties.
- Modern chain link is PVC-coated over galvanised steel, making it far more rust-resistant than older versions.
- It can be installed quickly across large perimeters and adapted with security features like smaller mesh and thicker wire.
- Post material choice (steel vs concrete) should be guided by local climate conditions.
- Professional installation is essential to achieve a secure, long-lasting result.
Chain link fencing is a genuinely brilliant idea. It may not have the charm of timber or the brute strength of stone, but for securing a commercial property with a visible, meaningful boundary, it has no serious rivals. It is practical, scalable, cost-effective, and quicker to install than almost any other fencing type.
Our chain link fencing service covers everything from initial assessment through to professional installation, ensuring a clean and secure result every time.
Key Advantages of Chain Link Fencing for Commercial Sites
- Scalable: Supplied in large rolls, it can cover perimeters of any length, including thousands of yards.
- Easy to transport and deliver: The roll format makes logistics straightforward on most commercial sites.
- Cuttable to size: A professional installer can cut and finish it neatly to match any perimeter shape.
- Adaptable: Mesh size, wire gauge, and coating type can all be specified to match the security level required.
- Cost-effective: Significantly cheaper than masonry walls and better value than timber over the long term.
Why Chain Link Fencing Is Relatively Secure
Chain link fencing is rugged. While a professional installer with the right tools can cut through it quickly and cleanly, a casual intruder will not find it so easy. Despite how it appears in films, well-specified chain link presents a real deterrent.
Security can be increased further through several means:
- Smaller mesh openings that are harder to grip or cut
- Thicker wire gauge for additional resistance
- Barbed or razor wire topping for high-security applications
- Integration with security lighting and alarm systems
For properties where access control is also a priority, professional gate installation can be combined with chain link perimeter fencing to create a complete entry management solution.
What About Galvanisation & Rust?
Galvanisation definition: A metal treatment process that coats steel with a thin layer of zinc to inhibit rust and corrosion.
Galvanisation was an early and effective innovation, but it has a weakness. The zinc coating is relatively thin, and once it is abraded through regular use or impact, the underlying steel is exposed and corrosion follows quickly.
Modern chain link fencing addresses this by adding a layer of dark green PVC over the galvanised wire. This dual-layer protection means the steel is shielded even if the outer surface is scratched or worn, resulting in a significantly longer lifespan compared to older galvanised-only products.
Speed & Efficiency of Installation
When a fence needs to go up fast, chain link is the clear choice. It arrives on-site in roll format, can be offloaded without risk of damage, and is cut into working lengths that are taken around the perimeter and attached to the posts.
Post material is an important consideration:
| Post Material | Strengths | Weaknesses | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Strong, fast to install | Susceptible to salt corrosion | Inland sites |
| Concrete | Resists salt, very durable | Can crack in severe freeze/thaw cycles if poorly made | Coastal and high-exposure sites |
The key takeaway is that quality matters throughout the process. Even a seemingly basic component like a fence post can become a liability if it is manufactured or installed poorly.
Chain Link Fencing & Cost
Cost is always a factor in any commercial building project. Chain link fencing performs very well on this measure. It is far cheaper than a stone or concrete wall and typically better value over time than timber, particularly on larger perimeters where material volume makes a significant difference to the overall budget.
Even the best quality chain link fencing fits comfortably within most commercial budgets, making it a clear winner in many situations where the aesthetic requirement is functional rather than decorative.
One important word of caution: erecting chain link fencing looks easier than it is. An enthusiastic amateur can compromise the entire installation by getting the tensioning, post spacing, or fixings wrong. The best course of action is to have the job done professionally. Get in touch with the team at OnPoint Fencing to get started.
You can also explore financing options for your fencing project if you are working within a set budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chain link fencing made of?
Chain link fencing is made from galvanised steel wire woven into a diamond-pattern mesh. Modern versions are also coated in PVC, typically dark green, for additional corrosion resistance and improved appearance.
How long does chain link fencing last?
A professionally installed chain link fence with a PVC coating over galvanised steel can last 20 years or more with minimal maintenance, depending on the environment and quality of the installation.
Can chain link fencing be made more secure?
Yes. Security can be enhanced by specifying a smaller mesh size, thicker wire gauge, and topping the fence with barbed or razor wire. Combining it with security lighting, cameras, and controlled gate access further improves the overall security level.
Is chain link fencing suitable for coastal locations?
Yes, provided the right specifications are used. In coastal environments where salt air accelerates corrosion, concrete posts are preferable to steel, and a high-quality PVC-coated mesh should be specified to protect the galvanised wire beneath.
