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Frequently Asked Questions of
our Chain Link Fence System |
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What is Chain Link Fabric?
Fabric comes in a variety of gauges. Gauge
is the diameter of the wire; the higher the gauge number the smaller the
wire diameter. Standard mill diameter tolerance is + or - .005. Common
gauges and diameters are as follows:
- 6 gauge=.192
- 9 gauge=.148
- 11 gauge=.120
- 11 ½ gauge=.113
- 12 gauge=.106
- 12 ½ gauge=.099
Chain link fabric is available in
heights of 36, 42, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 120, and 144. The fabric
is formed by weaving a series of spirals together. How the top and
bottom of fence is finished is referred to as the selvage. Fences less
than 72" must knuckle both ends by industry standard (KK). Heights of
72 and higher, are generally twisted or barbed at one end and knuckled
(BK) on the other. For high security enclosures, chain link can be
obtained with both ends twisted or barbed (BB).
Zinc coatings may also differ. There are
two different processes for applying zinc to wire. Galvanized after
weaving (G.A.W.) is a process in which wire rod is drawn to the finished
gauge, then woven into chain link fabric. The fabric is then pulled
through a pot of molten zinc. This process applies 1.2 ounces of zinc
coating per square foot of fabric and conforms to ASTM standards.
The other process for applying zinc
coating to chain link is called galvanized before weaving (G.B.W.). In
this process the wire rod is drawn to gauge, and the strand wire is then
pulled through a pot of molten zinc. The wire is then woven into chain
link fabric. Generally chain link fabric made using this process carries
a zinc weight of .8 ounces per square foot or less.
The distance between two parallel wires
in the fabric is referred to as the mesh size. The most common mesh
sizes are 2 or 2 Ό, but smaller meshes of 3/8, 5/8, 1, 1 Ό, 1 ½
and 1 Ύ are available for projects that require a higher degree of
security.
The quality of chain link fence fabric
is determined by both the gauge of the wire and the weight of the zinc
coating applied to the wire. The American Society for testing material
has established standards for residential and commercial chain link
fence fabric under designation A 392-96. |
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What is Frame Work?
Frame work is the tubular steel frame that
chain link fabric is attached to. The frame work is comprised of three
components; top rail, line posts, and terminal posts. Terminal posts are
set in concrete and are end, corner, and gate posts. Line posts are
smaller in diameter than terminal posts and are the intermediate posts
between terminal posts. These should also be set in concrete. The top
rail is attached to the terminal posts and passes through fittings which
are attached to line posts. This provides a horizontal frame that
supports that fabric.
The chain link fence frame work is also
zinc coated to provide protection against corrosion. There are two
methods of coating tubular products. In the first method, coils of steel
are slit to the proper width, then formed into pipe and the seam is
welded. After the pipe is formed, the pipe is then taken to a pot of
molten zinc and submersed. Both the interior and exterior of the pipe
are zinc coated. This method is referred to as the hot dip process.
In the second method, the slit to width
coil of steel is formed into pipe and then seam welded. The pipe then
passes through an in line vat of molten zinc, which coats the exterior
with zinc. A clear organic coating is applied over the zinc, providing
additional protection from corrosion. The interior of the tubing is
coated with a zinc rich paint. This method is referred to as in line,
flow coat galvanizing.
Both methods of manufacturing conform to
ASTM F669-92. The quality of tubular products is relative to the
thickness of steel, as well as the zinc coating. Please refer to chart
one for further information on tubular products and typical
applications. |
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What are fittings and how are they used?
To assemble a chain link fence systems
several types of fittings are required. Master-Halco first started as a
fitting manufacturer and still takes pride in the quality of fittings
produced. Fittings can be classified into three types; those used in the
line of fence, those used on terminal posts, and those used in
conjunction with gates. All residential fittings are made from a die
cast aluminum or steel that has been galvanized. Industrial and
commercial fittings are made from galvanized steel, cast iron, or
malleable steel. Fittings are an integral part of the fence, as they
secure the components of the fence system. Gate fittings are especially
important. The gate is the only part of the fence that moves and that
people come into contact with on a regular basis. It is very important
that they fit and do not move on the gate post once installed. This will
keep the gate from sagging. For security, barbed wire can be added to
all types of commercial projects. Fittings should conform to ASTM F
626-96. |
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What types of residential gates are available?
For residential applications two types of
gates are commonly used; single walk and double drive. Single walk gates
are generally used for people to pass through, although they can be made
up to 12 wide and are always the same height as the fence. It is a
single panel that is hinged from one terminal post and latched to
another. Double drive gates consist of two panels that latch in the
middle of the opening. Both single walk and double drive gates for
residential enclosures are made from 1 3/8 diameter tubing. Bent frames
with rounded corners, aluminum ell corners, and square welded corners
are also available. The quality of the chain link and frame work used
should match the rest of the fence. Automatic closing mechanisms are
available to shut and latch the single walk gate after passage.
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Are there different types of gates for commercial
projects?In addition to
single walk and double drive gates, several types of sliding gates are
available for commercial and high security applications. Sliding gates
are used where there is no room to swing the panel of a single or double
gate. In areas where snow and ice are not a problem rolling gates are
not recommended. Rolling gates roll on a pipe track that is attached by
track brackets to the gate post and line posts and is on a ground
carrier that is attached to the front of the gate. Sliding gates are
made from 1 5/8 or 1 7/8 diameter frame work. For security, barbed
wire or barbed tape can be added to all types of gates.
Commercial single and double drive gates
are usually welded, but can also be made with gate ells.
In area where snow and ice are a problem
cantilever gates a generally used. A cantilever gate is 1.5 times the
length of the gate opening and is suspended by four malleable rollers,
which are attached to two posts. Rollers are attached to the gate and
first line post, one at the top and one at the bottom of each post; this
allows the gate frame to slide between the rollers. Cantilever gates are
very heavy and are usually installed on 4 diameter posts and
constructed from a 2-3/8 diameter top and bottom rail.
We also handle a complete line of
residential and commercial gate operators that can be used with any of
the gates mentioned. |
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Are chain link fence systems available in Colors?
Master-Halco offers two different types of
color systems. First, we have our Spectra product line. It is the
perfect choice for property owners who need a fence that delivers the
strength of chain-link, but desire a fence that blends beautifully with
the environment. Spectra represents the ideal choice for a fence that
does it all. No other fence provides as much security, lasts as long, or
safeguards the beauty of your home and its surroundings quite like
Spectra. This product is available in forest green, midnight black, and
sierra brown.
Master-Halco produces chain-link fabric
with a tough polyvinyl over a galvanized steel core wire. We produce
wire that has 95,000 P.S.I. breaking strength, which is unique in that
most other manufacturers only have wire with a breaking strength of
75,000 P.S.I. The wire has a .15 ounce per square foot zinc coating,
which is then coated with 20 mils of polyvinyl.
Spectra framework is our galvanized
framework that has a 3 mil polyester powder coating on it, giving double
protection from the elements and corrosion. The framework is prepared
for coating by going through a six stage chemical conversion process. It
is then electrostatically powder coated and thermally bonded at 450
degrees to provide a superior color coating.
Permafused II is for commercial
applications with an interest in beauty. Permafused II provides the
protection, security, and durability that is expected from quality chain
link fences, but adds good looks. No other fence combines utility with
aesthetic luxury like Permafused II available in forest green, olive
green, midnight black, sierra brown, and tan.
Master-Halco's Permafused II combines a
tough polyolefin coating over galvanized steel, which results in a fence
that will withstand harsh elements, as well as provide maximum security
and protection.
Our Permafused II chain-link fabric used
in Permafused II systems is .148" steel core wire with a minimum of .30
ounces per square foot of zinc; over which 6-10 mils of polyolefin is
applied to the wire. The wire conforms to ASTM F 668-99a Class 2b.
Permafused II framework has 10-14 mils of polyolefin coating and
conforms to ASTM F 1043. |
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How expensive are chain link fence systems?
Although prices vary from one area to
another, some typical system price ranges are as follows:
- 4 high residential galvanized
fence system-$3.50 to $5.00 per lineal foot
- 6 high commercial galvanized fence
systems-$10.00 to $12.00 per lineal foot
- 4 high residential color
systems-$6.50 to $8.00 per lineal foot
- 6 high commercial color
systems-$13.00 to $15.00 per lineal foot
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Are Master-Halcos products warranted?
Our galvanized systems are warranted for 12
years. Spectra color chain-link systems are warranted for 12 years and
Permafused II color systems are warranted for 15 years. The best thing
about our warranties is that they warrant the protective coatings. Many
manufacturers offer warranties that apply only to the loss of structural
integrity of the steel, meaning the product has rusted to the point that
the strength of the steel is no longer there. Master-Halco warranties
apply if the protective coatings fail, which will occur much sooner than
loss of steel integrity. |
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