Chain link fencing is one of the most popular types of fencing for residential yards, commercial properties, and industrial sites. However, like all equipment exposed to the elements, a chain link fence will degrade over time without proper maintenance and care. Performing routine maintenance on chain link fences will extend their lifespan, enhance their appearance, and improve their effectiveness as a perimeter barrier.

There are numerous good reasons to properly maintain a chain link fence. First, an intact fence keeps people and animals where they belong. Holes in the fence provide easy access for trespassers, and gaps at the bottom enable pets to squeeze out or wildlife to get in. Additionally, laws and regulations often govern the fence requirements for pools, construction sites, and public areas. If your fence fails to meet the code, you could be faced with fines or even liability in the case of accidents. Finally, a well-maintained fence simply looks nicer and contributes to an overall tidy landscape. Taking the proper steps outlined in this guide will help keep your chain link fencing functioning like new.

Inspect Regularly

Regular inspection and maintenance are key to keeping your chain link fence in good working order. Set aside time each season to thoroughly inspect for any issues.

• Look closely at the fence wires and mesh. Look for any loose or sagging wires. Also, check for missing or damaged tension bands and ties. Loose wires can create gaps in the fence or leave sharp wires sticking out, creating unsafe conditions.
• Inspect the posts carefully as well. Make sure posts have not become loose or tilted, which compromises the stability and strength of the fence. Posts that are loose need to be re-secured into the ground.
• Also check closely for any signs of rust on the wires, mesh, and posts. Rust indicates the metal is corroding and weakening. Areas with heavy rust will need to be sanded and repainted to prevent further damage.

Catching and repairing minor issues quickly through regular inspection can prevent more headaches down the road. Set a reminder on your calendar each season so you don’t forget this important maintenance task.

Tighten Hardware

It’s important to periodically check and tighten any loose hardware on your chain link fence. Things like tension bands, wires, rail ends, and fittings can become loose over time due to weathering effects and fence movement.

Use the proper tools for tightening fence hardware to avoid damaging the galvanized coating and causing rust down the line. A pair of pliers or adjustable wrenches will allow you to grip and turn fence tension bands and hardware fittings. Tighten tension bands until the fence mesh is taut. Tighten any loose wire ties or rail end fittings as well. Avoid over-tightening, as this can bend or break hardware. A few turns is often all that’s needed.

Visually inspect the fence as you tighten the hardware. Look for any sagging or bulging areas and tighten those spots. Go section by section until the entire fence is checked. Proper hardware tightening keeps your chain link fence looking great, maximizes lifespan, and improves security by eliminating gaps.

Check for Rust

Rust can rapidly damage and degrade your chain link fence, so it’s important to routinely inspect for any signs of rust or corrosion. Pay particular attention to fence posts, wires, tension bands, gates, and any other metal components.

Look closely at the posts and feel for any pits, flakes, or rough areas, that indicate rust is forming. Check places where two metal parts meet or are joined together, as moisture tends to collect there. Examine anywhere water might gather and sit after rain, such as the hollows of posts or low spots in the fence line.

If the rust is surface level, quickly clear it off with a wire brush or sandpaper to prevent further spreading. For more severe rust, you may need to sand down to bare metal and repaint to seal it. Badly corroded posts or fence parts will require replacement.

Addressing rust issues promptly helps maintain strength and prevent irreparable damage. A regular rust inspection and taking action at the first sign of corrosion will go a long way in extending the lifetime of your chain link fence.

Clean the Fence

A clean chain link fence makes a positive impression and allows you to spot issues before they become serious problems. Make it part of your regular maintenance routine to clear away debris buildup and wash the fence.

• Remove debris buildup: Walk the perimeter of your fence and check for places where debris, dirt, or yard waste has accumulated. This is most likely to happen along the bottom rail or where the fence connects to the posts. Use a small shovel or garden trowel to scrape and clear away any buildup.
  Pay extra attention to areas around play equipment or landscaping that can trap and accumulate dirt and leaves over time. Remove any vines growing through the links. A clean start helps keep future maintenance easy.
• Wash down the fence with water and mild detergent: About once or twice a year, be sure to wash down the entire fence using plain water from a garden hose. Concentrate on any areas with significant dirt or buildup.
  For tougher grime and buildup, mix a few spoonfuls of mild detergent like dish soap into a bucket of water. Use a soft scrub brush to gently scrub the fence links while rinsing with the hose. Avoid using a pressure washer, as this can damage the galvanized coating. Work section by section until the fence is cleaned top to bottom.

Rinsing will help keep your fence looking neat and tidy in between deeper cleanings. A fresh coat of sealant or paint also works wonders on a freshly cleaned chain link fence.

Trim Vegetation

Overgrown vegetation can damage and deteriorate your chain-link fence over time. Regularly trim back any trees, shrubs, or branches that are touching or hanging over the fence to prevent this. Ensure that any encroaching vegetation is cut back at least 30-60 cm from the fence to prevent potential damage.

It’s also important to weed around the fence posts and along the bottom of the fence line. Weeds can eventually weaken the posts by loosening the soil and cause issues like rusting or decay at ground level. Carefully pull any weeds by hand or use an herbicide to prevent regrowth. Just be cautious not to spray weed killer directly on the fence itself.

Keeping vegetation trimmed back will help your chain link fence look tidy, last longer, and function as intended without interference. Set reminders on your calendar to trim regularly, especially during growing seasons when foliage is fullest. Taking the time for preventative vegetation maintenance will save you bigger headaches down the road.

Repair Damaged Areas

Fencing will inevitably endure wear and tear over time. Check periodically for any damaged areas that need repair. Some common issues include:

• Bent or broken wires – Use pliers to straighten any bent wires. Cut away and replace broken or damaged wires. Obtain replacement fence wire from your local hardware store. Untwist the end of the new wire and use wire cutters to remove any sharp edges before splicing it with the existing wire using metal clamps.

• Missing tension bands – Tension bands help keep the chain link mesh taut and in place. Replace any missing bands with new ones, threading the wire through the fence mesh openings. Use a pair of pliers to crimp the ends together securely.

• Loose posts – Posts can become loose over time due to soil movements or degradation. Tighten any loose posts by holding the post steady and using a wrench to tighten the bolts and re-secure it. You may need to reset the post in concrete if the issue persists.

• Sagging gates – Adjust sagging or misaligned gates by tightening the hinges and making sure the gatepost is plumb. Lubricating the hinges can also help.

• Rust/corrosion – Use sandpaper to remove minor rust from chain link, poles, and fittings. Prime and paint rusted areas to prevent further corrosion. Replace extensively rusted poles or mesh sections.

• Extensive damage – For more substantial repairs like a collapsed fence or storm damage, it’s best to hire a professional fencing contractor. They have the expertise to properly reinstall posts, stretch new chain link mesh taut, and ensure the fence is securely restored.

Regular upkeep and timely repairs will keep your chain link fence looking its best while getting the most value from your investment. But know when to call in a pro for major fixes.

Lubricate the Moving Parts

Proper lubrication is key to ensuring your chain link fence continues to function smoothly for years to come. Focus lubrication on any parts that move, such as:

• Gate hinges – These allow the gate to swing open and closed. Hinges should be oiled 1-2 times per year. Use a lightweight oil like WD-40 or tri-flow. Spray or wipe a thin coat of oil onto the hinges. Open and close the gate a few times to distribute the oil evenly. This prevents rust and keeps the hinges moving freely.

• Gears or pulleys – Some chain link gates utilize gears or pulleys as part of the latching/locking mechanism or to connect the gate to a motorized opener. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to lubricate these parts properly. Typically a heavy gear oil is recommended once or twice per year.

Proper lubrication prevents friction, rust, and wear & tear on moving metal parts. This allows your fence to continue functioning smoothly for years to come. Just be sure to use the manufacturer-recommended lubricant for any motorized or mechanical parts. Wipe off any excess oil when finished to prevent dirt buildup. With just light periodic lubrication, your fence will stay in top shape.

Seal/Paint

One of the most important maintenance tasks for a chain link fence is sealing any exposed metal with paint or another protective coating. This prevents moisture from causing rust and corrosion, which can weaken the fence over time.

When preparing to paint, first clean the fence thoroughly. Use a wire brush to remove any loose rust or flaking paint. Wipe down with a solvent like mineral spirits to remove dirt, oils, and other debris.

For bare metal, use a rust-inhibiting primer specifically formulated for metal fences and gates. Allow the primer to fully dry before applying the topcoat.

For previously painted fences, assess the condition of the existing paint. If it’s largely intact, you can probably get by with spot priming any rusted areas, and then applying a new topcoat. If large sections are flaking off, it’s best to strip the paint and start fresh with primer and paint.

When selecting outdoor fence paint, look for formulations that provide maximum rust and corrosion resistance. Oil-based or alkyd enamel paints work very well. Latex is another option, but may require more frequent repainting.

Apply paint with a brush, roller, or sprayer. Work methodically section-by-section to ensure thorough, even coverage. Two coats are recommended for best protection and durability.

Plan to repaint your chain link fence every 3-5 years, or whenever you notice rust forming. Proper painting is key to preventing further deterioration and extending the lifespan of your fence. With regular upkeep, a chain link fence can provide security and privacy for decades to come.

Conclusion

Maintaining your chain link fence properly is important for longevity and appearance. By regularly inspecting, cleaning, lubricating, and making repairs as needed, you can keep your fence looking great and fully functional.

Some key maintenance tasks include:

• Tightening any loose hardware, like post caps or tension bands
• Checking for and repairing any rust spots
• Removing dirt, debris or rust buildup by cleaning the fence
• Trimming back vegetation that’s encroaching on the fence

Proper care will help prevent future damage and deterioration. It also keeps the fence secure and clearly marks your property line. A well-maintained chain link fence enhances curb appeal and can even increase property value. Plus, completing simple upkeep is much less costly than replacing the entire fence down the road.

At Real Fencing, we understand that maintaining a fence might become an overwhelming task. As highly experienced professionals, we’re geared to provide you with a wide range of fencing services including repair, painting, and installation services that cater to different fencing materials, such as chain link, aluminum, timber, metal, PVC and so on.

Whether you are facing fencing problems or need a new fence in regions including but not limited to Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Hamilton, we’ve got you covered. The best part is that we grant free on-site estimates and create custom solutions that cater to your style and enhance security.

By choosing Real Fencing, you’re opting for top-of-the-line quality with unmatched customer service. Let us handle your fencing needs so that your fencing remains strong and attractive year after year. Remember, a proactive approach with the help of seasoned experts like us saves you time, and money and prevents any fencing worries. Contact us now for a quote and safeguard your property with confidence.

FAQs

How often should I inspect my chain link fence?

It’s recommended to thoroughly inspect your chain link fence during each season – spring, summer, fall, and winter. Look for issues like loose wires, damaged tension bands, tilting posts, and rust. Catching minor problems quickly through regular inspection prevents more headaches down the road.

What hardware on my chain link fence needs periodic tightening?

Over time, tension bands, wires, rail ends, and fittings can become loose due to weather and fence movement. Use pliers or wrenches to tighten these as needed, until the fence mesh is taut. Avoid over-tightening. Also visually inspect for sagging areas as you go and tighten those spots.

Where are the most likely places for rust to develop on my fence?

Pay close attention anywhere two metal parts meet or join, as moisture tends to collect there. Also examine places where water might gather after rain, like hollow fence posts and low spots along the fence line. Rust starts as pits, flakes, or rough areas – address it quickly to prevent spreading.

How can I effectively clean my chain link fence?

Start by clearing away any debris or buildup along the bottom rail or posts using a small shovel or trowel. Then wash the entire fence with plain water from a hose, concentrating on grimy areas. For more stubborn buildup, use a mild detergent, soft scrub brush, and rinse well with water. Avoid pressure washing.

Why should I trim vegetation around my chain link fence?

Overgrown trees, shrubs, and branches that touch or hang over the fence can eventually cause damage. Trim any encroaching vegetation back at least 30-60 cm from the fence to prevent this. It also helps to weed around the posts and bottom rail to protect from loosening or rust issues in those areas.

What are some common chain link fence repairs I may need to make over time?

Bent wires, missing tension bands, loose posts, sagging gates, rust spots, and corrosion damage are typical. You can attempt minor fixes like straightening wires and replacing bands yourself. But extensive issues like collapsed sections often require hiring a professional fencing contractor.

What moving parts of my fence should I lubricate periodically?

Lubricate gate hinges 1-2 times per year using lightweight oil to prevent rust and help them continue swinging smoothly. Gear assemblies or pulleys that are part of gate latches/locks or motorized openers also need lubrication per the manufacturer’s guidelines, typically once or twice annually.

How often should I seal or paint my chain link fence?

Plan to repaint your fence every 3-5 years, or whenever rust becomes visible. First clean and remove any loose paint or rust, then apply a primer and outdoor paint formulated to protect metal. Oil-based enamel or latex fence paints work well. Paint helps seal the fence from moisture and prevent deterioration.