5 Best Tips on Proper Chain Link Fence Maintenance

A chain-link fence is a low-cost option for securing your property and keeping your dogs and children contained. Your chain link fence can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance (particularly if it's powder-coated).

Fortunately, you won't have to do much maintenance on your chain link fence to keep it in good shape. Here are some maintenance suggestions to help your chain link fencing survive a long time.

Apply for Rust Protection Annually 

If not treated properly every year, chain links can rust. This can be accomplished by applying a rust-resistant coating to your chain link fence yearly, particularly at the bottom, where moisture from grass and dirt collects.

Inspect your fence for any symptoms of rust and, if you find any, contact a fencing professional for repairs. If left untreated, rust will eat through your chain link fence, causing weak places or holes.

Don't Grow Plants in Your Chain Link Fence

While growing vines, flowers, and other ornamental plants on your chain link fence may be tempting, it is not a good idea. Plants grow on the chain link and lift the bottom of your fence, or they can burst through and shatter the links.

If you come across "sucker" tree seedlings near your fence, remove them as soon as possible to avoid them growing into your chain link and destroying it.

Make Any Necessary Repairs

The connections to your chain link fence in Edmonton, AB posts are likely to wear out first. Connections can become loose as the fence is dragged on or climbed over, and entire lengths of chain links can peel away from the posts.

When you open and close gates, you could notice that they begin to sag or dig into the earth. If your gates are uneven due to heavy use, check if the hinges are tight and no bolts are missing.

Call your fencing professional for repairs if you notice any chain link beginning to sag or pull away.

Maintain Your Fence Regularly

Cleaning the chain link is simple, as it requires only water to remove light dirt and debris and ordinary dish soap to remove bird feces and other stubborn stains. Spray down your fencing with a high-powered hose for quick cleanup, or clean difficult spots with a cotton cloth or scrub brush and soapy water.

Prevent Climbing on Chain Link 

While it may appear easier to climb over the fence rather than use the gate, this behavior should be avoided. Climbing on a chain link exposes you to the risk of bending support posts and dragging the chain link away from its bars, weakening large fencing sections. Add vinyl slats to your chain link fence or remove all climbing aids near your fences, such as cinder blocks, logs, and ladders, to keep children and pets from scaling it.

Conclusion

Your chain link fence in Edmonton can survive for decades with proper maintenance and upkeep. Consult your fencing contractor if you're thinking about upgrading or performing minor repairs to your chain link fence. They can suggest various ways to reinforce your current chain link fence to remain appealing and functional on your property. 

At Atlantic Fence, we provide fencing and fence building services, particularly chain link fences in Edmonton, AB. We only use premium-grade chain link fence material. We offer industrial fences, gate operators, commercial fences, repairs, residential fences, and powder-coated fences. Make an appointment with us for repairs or installation.