Chain Fence Maintenance: Ensuring Longevity and Safety

A chain link fence marks a property line, secures a property, and brings privacy to the area surrounding the property. However, installation and a proper fence line do not mean the the fence will last. Eventually, a fence will need maintenance and care to continue to provide the benefits the fence was built to provide. If maintenance is neglected, it will result in a number of problems that go beyond small issues, like a patch of rust. Overtime, the issues will add up. The fence will have large holes, and it will become unstable due to multiple areas of the fence failing. The fence will no longer be able to provide the security that it was built to provide. Maintenance, in this case, will not add longevity, but neglecting to do maintenance will shorten the fence's longevity. Knowing the proper maintenance schedule will save the fence, but it will also save managers and property owners the hassle of having to do a large replacement. It is also a great way to keep the property looking nice, and above all, it helps keep the people inside the fence safe.

Regular Visual Inspections

Being able to visually assess the condition of your fence is arguably the most effective of maintenance options, and probably the simplest too. No specialized competence is required, just some affinity to routine walking and a sharp eye. Seasonal visual inspections are of utmost importance, as climate conditions can trigger different weaknesses. It is best to assess the minor obstacles through visual inspections to prevent escalated issues.The visual assessment of the following areas is of utmost importance. Look closely at the metal fabric itself for signs of rust, corrosion, or bending of the wires. Look for tension in the mesh, as sagging sections can compromise security and appearance. Inspect the bottom and ground where rust, cracking, or loosened soil can be present. Look for hinges, latches and locks and inspect for smooth rust nonexistence and doing so at a wear level of slow operation. Finally, assess the horizontal tabletops and the fence overall for overall alignment. Leaning posts or sections that are no longer straight can indicate problems with the foundation and soil stability. Consider documenting these observations mentally to create a priority list for repairs.

This proactive habit makes maintenance from being a reactive, expensive chore to a manageable, preventative maintenance management system.

Washing and Avoiding Corrosion

Grime, dust, organic growth, pest infestations, and moisture all combine to greatly accelerate the wear and corrosion of outdoor fences. One of the main aspects of chain fence maintenance is to keep the fence clean. Keeping the fence clean is, thankfully, quite easy for fences with a vinyl coating or polymer based chain link. A removable dirt, dust, and mildew coating can be washed away with a garden hose, then scrubbed with a soft-bristled brush dipped in a solution of mild detergent and water. This can also keep appearances up and prevent the moisture-trapping materials from accumulating. When it comes to fences made of uncoated galvanized steel, keeping an eye out for corrosion is the most important aspect of cleaning it. During inspection, if areas of the fence with rust spots can be seen, corrosion control actions must be taken immediately. All rusted areas of the fence must be scrubbed with wire brushes until all the rust, and flakes of rust, are removed. Wipe the area down with a clean cloth, then apply a rust-inhibiting primer, followed with an exterior-grade paint that matches the existing paint. Every several years, galvanized fences need a coating of a paint or a specialized protective spray made for fences to keep the life of the fence prolonged. This provides an extra layer to protect it from wear and corrosion that comes with rusted fences.

Limiting how much plant growth on fences gets pruned during the growing season helps to improve the fences and plants growing on them. Less moisture remains near the fence caused trapped moisture. Increased circulation and density stress on the frame.

Dealing with Repairs Promptly and Correctly

Even with perfect inspections and cleanings, repairs will be needed eventually. The golden rule of maintenance is to fix problems right away. A small tear in the fabric, or a post that is a little loose, are easy and cheap problems to fix. However, if they are ignored, a small tear will turn into a huge gap, and a loose post can result in lots of structural failure. Common repairs consist of restoring a sagging, professional look to the mesh and fabric of the fence with a fence pull bar and tension bands. Damaged, rusted sections of the mesh fabric may also need to be replaced, and that involves cutting out the bad section and weaving a new piece in with a coil of fence wire. If soil around loose posts needs to be tamped down, that can be done, or in extreme cases, it may be needed to set them in new concrete. Of all repairs, gate repairs are the most important, and a gate that is out of order is often the weakest link in a system of security. A simple, useful preventive measure is to lubricate with a silicone-based lubricant (not grease, which attracts dirt), hinges and latches. Weathered, durable hardware should be used to replace hinges or latches that are broken, and they should be done with at the same time as the lubricating.Property managers can keep fencing functional and safe throughout the year by having a basic repair kit and knowing a few simple fixes. Or, if they'd like, they can establish a relationship with a dependable contractor to manage the bigger problems.

The Long Term View: Professional Assessment and Material Choice

Periodically soliciting professional assessment service on top of regular DIY care can prove beneficial and worth the cost, especially with large commercial or industrial installations. Though professionals may assess simple structures, an experienced professional can inspects certain structures and discover hidden intricacies that can turn out to be substantially damaging, such as erosion of the soil under the fence line, corrosion starting from the inside of the posts, and wear of the components that aren't visible from the ground. Such evaluations can be used to ease the burden of operational and maintenance budgeting with him or her for the long term. Also, with her or him, the idea of maintenance can go in line with the selection of products to determine the materials that are used. For example, chain link fabric that is made from or coated with high density polyethylene or other polymers with UV stabilizers can prove to be long lasting and even lower demand upkeep. These materials are made to withstand sun, moisture, and temperature and changes frequently, thereby needing less maintenance than painting or treatment for rust. Investing in such quality material from the start can really reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run and be from a trusted supplier like Blue Ocean Plastic.

Conclusion: Maintenance as an Investment in Security

A chain link fence is reliable, but only when it is looked after with care. Chain fence maintenance is a requirement, not an option, in order to preserve and protect the property's security, beauty, and the owner's monetary investment. With the adoption of a strategy for systematic timely inspections, thorough cleans, and informed choice of premium quality durable materials, fence owners can protect their investment for decades. With this strategy, the fence is more than a passive investment that defines a property; it becomes an active investment that performs security functions. Ultimately, the investment of time and money into proper maintenance is recouped by the fence durable and functional life remaining, it far exceeds that which it would otherwise have with neglect.