What should I look for in residential chain link fabric?

When you buy chain link fence fabric in Omaha, make a selection according to the following criteria: mesh size, wire gauge and protective coating type.

• Chain link mesh size distinguishes the gap between parallel wires (in other words: the size of the diamonds that make up your fence). The smaller the diamond, the more steel has been built into the fabric. For residential mesh, we recommend nothing less than 2 3/8.” Of course, there are plenty of mesh sizes available, from 3/8”, 5/8”, ¾”, 1” 1 ¾”, 2”, 2 ¼”, 2 3/8” to 3 ½”. Larger meshes are frequently used in residential fencing applications.
• Wire gauge (ga.), or the diameter of wire, is one of the most important factors to consider when building a chain link fence in Omaha. This distinguishes how much steel is actually contained in the fabric. The smaller the gauge number, the more steel and the higher the quality and the greater strength the wire possesses. Here at American Fence Company of Omaha, we recommend using nothing less than 11 ½ gauge chain link wire for residential fencing. When it comes to vinyl coated wire, refer to the core gauge of the wire and then reference the coating. Residential vinyl coated wire using an 11 ½ gauge core wire may have a 9 gauge finish depending on the type of vinyl coating.
• Core wire coating comes in three distinct types:
  • Galvanized Before Weaving provides a smooth, dependable coating for your Omaha chain link fence. It is available in 1.2 and 2 oz. Because of its smooth finish, GBW is popular in backyards and athletic settings.
  • Galvanized After Weaving chain link fencing is first woven and then dipped into hot melted zinc. The speed at which the mesh is dipped and then removed dictates the final weight of the coating. GAW coating is available in 1.2 oz per square foot as well as 2 oz of coating per square foot. GAW coating tends to leave icicles and nubs from the zinc dripping-off.
  • Aluminized coating provides a dull aluminum finish to the core wire. The soft metal properties provide an excellent coating suited for highly acetic environments.
• Vinyl coating over finished core wire, which is specified and ordered by the metallic core wire with the specified coating to follow.
  • Class 1 Extruded. The vinyl coating of this kind is pulled over the wire in the manner of a sock. It’s generally misrepresented due to being thicker than higher grade chain link materials. The greater thickness derives from it not bonded to the chain link. Thus, it can easily tear or peel.
  • Class 2A Extruded and Bonded. This wire appears in certain specifications and is generally used in commercial applications. Its vinyl coating is thinner than the Class 1 Extruded wire; however, the extruded and bonded wire is bonded to the wire by means of an intense glue. This means it’s less likely to peel or tear from the core wire.
  • Class 2B Fused and Bonded. This class of wire is most commonly specified with engineers, architects, city, state, and federal. While the coating is the thinnest of the three, it has greater resilience to cracking, peeling and tearing. The vinyl coating is fused and bonded to the steel in manner akin to welding together two pieces of steel.

How do I select framework for residential chain link fencing in Omaha from American Fence Company?

In selecting framework from us, the city’s top fence contractor, start with the gauge and the pipe’s outside diameter. See the table below for help in selecting your fence framework. “Terminal Posts” is a generic term for end, corner and gate posts. Gate posts will vary based on the size of the gate.

Are all chain link fences in Omaha the same?

Here at American Fence Company, the number one fence contractor in not only Omaha but La Vista, Blair, Valley, Plattsmouth, and other surrounding communities, chain link fencing boils down to four basic elements: fittings, framework, fabric, and gates. The combination of these four components is what defines your fence, as each are available in a variety of weights (gauges) and protective coating types. They can be mixed and matched to reduce the costs as well as differentiate their end result chain link fence. Our minimum recommendations are in line with the minimum practices defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Galvanized—or zinc—is the most common chain link coating. You’ll also find chain link components with vinyl or polyester color coatings. These treatments enhance landscaping and blend naturally with trees, shrubs and bushes. They’ll also give your Omaha chain link fencing even more resilience to rust and corrosion.