How to Repair an Atlanta Chain Link Fence

Chain link fencing has always been extremely popular due to its low price and durability. Chain link can stand up to a lot of punishment and still look good but that doesn’t mean that it is indestructible.  Over time kids will climb on it, pets will run into it, wind will push it and limbs can fall on it along with a myriad of other factors that bend the mesh out of shape. This not only looks bad but it weakens the overall strength of the fencing. Luckily, the repair process is fairly simple.

Before you start your repairs you will need bolt cutters, a pair of pliers, replacement wire mesh and a new top rail. Once you have everything together, just follow these steps:

  1. Pet Fence 300x207 How to Repair an Atlanta Chain Link FenceTo replace the top rail you will first need to pry loose the ends of the wire fence ties securing the rail to the mesh. After that you will need to remove the ties from the support posts in the area that you will be replacing the rail or mesh.
  2. Since the top rail is bolted to its terminal posts, you will have to use the pliers or a socket wrench to remove the bolts.  Once that is done, remove the rail ends from their brackets. Then remove the rail ends from the damaged top rail. Check the terminal posts to make sure they are aligned and undamaged.
  3. Put the rail ends that you removed from the damaged rail onto the new replacement. Place the ends back into the brackets and bolt them into position.
  4. To replace the mesh, you will need to go about two links to the left and right of where the bend is in the fence mesh.  Take out the loose inner links from each of these places to remove the damage section of mesh.
  5. Measure and cut a new section of mesh to act as a replacement piece.  Align the new piece along the left side and weave the links back together, then do the same for the right side.  Once it fits nicely back into place you can bend the ends of the chain link to secure it and finish the repair.
  6. All that is left now is to securely reattach the mesh to the posts and top rail using fence ties from step one.

How to – Paint your Alanta Chain Link Fence

If you live in Atlanta, painting your chain link fence can bring new life to your home and neighborhood. Choose a metallic colored paint if you want it to look new, or go with a fun color to lighten up the space. A green, for example, will help the fence blend in with the grass, making it less of an eye sore.

chain link fence green How to   Paint your Alanta Chain Link Fence

Green chain link fence

Tips for Painting your Atlanta Chain Link Fence

For those Atlanta residents ready to paint their chain link fence fence, consider the following steps. Before getting started, remove all grass and weeds from along the base and take a wire brush to thoroughly to remove any rust.

  • Chose an exterior oil based paint that has rust inhibiting features to it. In most cases, you can find paints for fencing, but ensure it is for a metal fence. Also, realize that you will get about twice as much coverage from a gallon since you are not painting a solid surface.
  • Place a drop cloth under the edge of the fence. You will drip paint due to the ground frequently.
  • Work on one section at a time. Using a brush, tip the brush into the paint and then apply to the posts and rails. Once a section of this is done, do the chain link fence. Ensure you get into all sides and crevices created.
  • You can use a roller to do the chain link portion of the fence. Use a quality roller if you do as it will hold onto the paint better, giving you a more even covering.
  • Go from side to side painting the fence. Keep the amount of paint to the reduced level to ensure a good amount of coverage.

And there you have it, folks. For those considering painting there chain link fence in Atlanta, this should get you up and going. Just be sure to store the paint properly when finished and allow the fence to dry thoroughly before touching it. Also, try to avoid painting when there is a threat of rain for the day of the painting and the day after.

Chain Link Fence Building in Atlanta GA

Chain link fence building in Atlanta GA can be a breeze with a little help.  When installing a chain link fence in Atlanta GA it’s important to know exactly what to do.  There are a million books out there making this list of do’s and don’t’s too complicated.  For those who want a safety fence that the homeowner and police can see clearly through in case of trouble:

Commercial Chain Link Fence 150x128 Chain Link Fence Building in Atlanta GA

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1)      Mark off where posts go and measure it multiple times for accuracy.

2)      Double check the property line with neighbors.

3)      Look into a neighborhood charter and local zoning laws to make sure all applicable rules are followed.

4)      If a professional in fence installation is doing the work, do they have all the proper paperwork licensing them to do the work?

5)      Does everyone involved know where the utility lines are?

6)      Know how close the fence posts can be to utility lines before there’s an issue.

7)      How big do the fence post holes have to be?

8)      How deep do the post holes have to go?

9)      Is all work the installer providing necessary and are they doing it to code?

10)  Is all labor and materials covered by the contractor’s warranty?

11)  Does the company space the posts far enough (or close enough) to stand up against the elements?

12)  Are top quality materials being used?

13)  Is the work being done on schedule?

14)  Are the posts strong enough to keep the chain link from sagging?

15)  Does the individual or company pull the links tight enough the first time it’s installed?

16)  Did the homeowner test the chain link to make sure all binding is tight?

17)  If there is a fence, does it match what was promised?  Does it fit correctly?

18)  Did the company take away all garbage and leftover materials?

19)  Does the bill look the same after the job is done as what was promised before it started?

20)  Were all aspects of the design and integrity tested to make sure it was done correctly?  Was the warranty covered one last time before the workers leave?

Contact a great fence contractor if chain link fence building in Atlanta GA is on the “to do” list this spring.  Yet, there’s no reason with a little help from neighbors and friends it can’t be done without a fence company.  There are no limits to what a bit of elbow grease can accomplish.

Repairing a Fence in Atlanta GA

Repairing a fence in Atlanta GA is inevitable for anyone who has already built one on their property.  The first rule of thumb is:  Fix it now than later.  The longer one waits to repair any small problem can cost a lot more money when the issue becomes worse.  The weather and time are the two biggest enemies of materials.  Wood products swell, shrink, or split while chain link begins to sag.  There are do it yourself ways to handle these issues and save money on building a new enclosure.

Saddle Picket Fence 150x115 Repairing a Fence in Atlanta GA

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If the wooden posts or slats begin to lean:

1)      Use a shovel or spade and work dirt away from the leaning object.

2)      Pull the post or slat straight again and hold in place.

3)      Use fresh dirt and pack it in firmly to keep the slat or post upright.

Be sure to replace the rail that runs across the slats between slats.  These are very important to the overall integrity of the fence.  These keep the slats from tipping over.  Check all the rails regularly for rot due to moisture or extreme weather conditions.  After heavy storms or snowfall, go over the fence to be sure there’s no long term damage.  If there are any issues, address them at that time.  It’s much cheaper to repair an existing fence than paying for a new one.

If there are any questions about fence repairs, contacting a leader in installation is a great place to start.  No one knows better than the experts.  If planning to make the fence already in place more individualized, someone who installs fences for a living would know new ways to make it really pop.  Again, if the job appears too big, or the fence came with a new home and falling apart, ask about cost and warranties on getting them to do the work.  Nothing is better than the best job done for the best price.  Whether doing the work alone or by hiring a company, repairing a fence in Atlanta GA is very important for safety and beauty.

Building a Fence in Atlanta GA

Building a fence in Atlanta GA is an exciting project to think about with spring around the corner.  Yet, there is more to it than just picking out random materials with a vague idea of where the fence will go.  There must be careful planning and product knowledge to be sure the right kind surrounds the property, pool or pet enclosure.  There’s no doubt that there are many fences to choose from.

For those looking into building a fence in Atlanta GA, here are a few hints:

Ornimental Fencing 150x150 Building a Fence in Atlanta GA

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1)      Before even thinking about visiting the local home improvement store, first check with the local zoning laws.  Every city is different, so if one just moved to the area, what the rules were in the old town may be different in the new one.

2)      If living in a planned neighborhood, look into the charter where rules on building any number of things are outlined.  Also, it’s a great idea to check with neighbors as well to make sure there are no objections that may cause problems later.

3)      When talking to the neighbors, make sure everyone involved agrees on the property line.

4)      Pay close attention to any damage building a fence will do to the root systems of shrubs and trees that surround the property.  This is another great thing to speak about with neighbors who may have planted the surrounding greenery.

5)      Carefully plot on paper where the fence will go as far as posts on the property line.  This is a great way to make sure the way the project started looks the desired way at the end.

 6)      Decide on what the fence will be used for whether it’s for security, privacy, or purely ornamental.

 Once a fence is decided upon, there are a few choices in style to choose from:

1)      Chain link – a great choice for keeping intruders out while pets and kids are kept in the yard.  It doesn’t provide much in the way of privacy, but vines can be added to climb the links for a more attractive look.

2)      Picket fences – these are the traditional fences for those with the idealized suburban home front dream.  They are easier than many because they often come “ready-made”.

3)      Ranch style fence – this is a great ornamental choice for those who want a more western appearance to their property.

4)      Panel fence – this choice provides a great deal of privacy by placing high slats close together.  This, like chain link, keeps the kids and pets safely inside while potential trespassers are prevented to see in or enter.

5)      Board fences are the extremely pricey and by far the most expensive of all these choices.  They can be built as high as a panel fence, but it is constructed from more study materials that won’t shrink. 

These are just a few hints on how to choose a fence, where to start planning construction and how to keep peace with the neighbors while doing so.  Building a fence in Atlanta GA is a big project and should be done with care.  If the job appears too big, consult a fence installation professional to the job done right the first time.

Safety Checklist for a Pool Fence

Pool fences are not the same as any other type of fencing because of the special nature of their use. If you are looking into building a fence to surround your pool then here are a few things to remember:

  1. Check your local building codes and regulations to see what is allowed and what is restricted. These regulations will tell you the types of materials that are allowed and what the minimum height requirement is for a pool fence in your area.
  2. Use the right materials for the job. You would never want to use a wooden fence around a pool because the constant exposure to moisture would cause deterioration and splintering. This could be dangerous for people dressed only in swim suites. You also do not want to use chain link fencing because it is so easy for a child to climb it and they could fall onto the concrete apron.metal pool fence Safety Checklist for a Pool Fence
  3. Choose a style of fencing that was design to be used near a pool. A pool fence should be open enough to see what is happening on the other side but it should not allow easy foot holds for children to climb. They are normally at least 4 feet high but the taller the fence is then the more protection it provides. Using a design with vinyl or metal slates is best for visibility and safety.
  4. Invest in a self latching gate lock. The handle should be placed high enough on the door to make it difficult for children to gain access. These locks can be used on any style of pool fence.

Chain Link Fencing as a Privay Fence

Chain link fencing is one of the most prevalent types of fencing in use today. It is relatively cheap, easy to install and gives a good amount of security to a property. The only downside to chain link is that it provides no privacy and isn’t very aesthetically pleasing. It was built to be used in a more commercial setting so it is not as pretty as the wooden and wrought iron fencing that was designed to be used around homes. With a little effort you can get all of the benefits of chain link and have privacy as well. You will just need to add a few plants into the mix.

chain link fence Chain Link Fencing as a Privay FenceLook in the local nursery to find which flowering vines and ivy grow best in your area. Once you have found the right combination of plants, place them along the fence in a pleasing pattern. Make sure that it is concentrated in the places where you will want the most privacy. Then loosen the soil around the base of the fence but not too close to the posts. Plants the seeds and cover them back up with soil. Water them according to their care directions and wait till they start to bud.

Once they have grown enough to reach the bottom of the fence, weave them through the chain link. You may need to lightly tie some strands in place to keep them going where you want. As they mature they will continue to weave themselves through the chain link fence and it will produce a beautiful privacy fence.

Fences for Dogs

One of the first things that a good pet owner will do is fence in their yard for them to play in. You have to be careful in your choice of fences because pets spend all their spare time trying to stage a jail break.

Chain Link Fence1 Fences for DogsIf aesthetics are not your main concern then a chain link fence is a great option. It is easy to keep an eye on your pet through the mesh but the weave is too small for anything but a newborn puppy to squeeze through. When using a chain link, you will want to ensure that the bottom barbs are embedded in the ground or concrete if you can afford it. That will stop them from trying to burrow under the fence.

Wooden fences like a Pickett or Privacy fence are also good options. Privacy fences will definitely keep them in the yard but it doesn’t give them very much to look at and it is hard for you to keep an eye on them. Pickett fences also work great for pets but you have to make sure that the slats are close together. Make the spacing between the slats a little larger than their head but smaller than their body. They will eventually try to shove their heads through it and you don’t want them to get stuck.

There are many more types of fences to look at but keep away from any of the open constructions like a split rail design. You need something that will be too small for them to fit between.

Top 5 Privacy Fence Designs

051410 1633 TheBestLook11 Top 5 Privacy Fence DesignsPrivacy fencing is used in many different locations. They are great for screening a backyard hot tub or providing needed isolation when neighbors are too close. Most people think of the standard wooden palisade type fence as the only choice for privacy fencing but you may be surprised by the many variations. You can have privacy fences made from:

  • Wood with posts – These are the “standard” privacy fence with closely placed slats to block visibility. The posts can be large or small but they generally protrude enough over the fence to have ornamental end caps placed over them. Using cedar will produce a very high end looking privacy fence.
  • Wood enclosed – These are built using the same materials as the fence with posts and look similar. The difference is that the posts are enclosed in the slats so you do not see them. Generally, they do not protrude above the fence and are boxed in on top by a fascia board of some kind.
  • Masonry – Solid masonry or stacked rock fences are not seen as often today. Mainly because they are very expensive but they look fantastic if you can afford them.
  • Chain link – Many people do not realize that a chain link fence can be used as a privacy fence. You can buy pieces made from plastic or vinyl in various colors that you thread through the chain link mesh to provide privacy. The end result can be very eye catching.
  • Woven – A cheap and flexible type of privacy fence that is often used on uneven terrain. Bamboo or some other flexible wood fiber is woven together like you would when building a basket. The fence is surprisingly strong and provides privacy with a tropical feel.

Chain Link Fence Applications

The application of chain link fencing is nearly limitless. They can be used in a residential, commercial or high security setting for a myriad of purposes. It is used regularly in residential settings but it s best know for is security applications. Many times a chain link fence is the first layer of protection for:

  • Parks and recreation areas
  • Pastures that contain dangerous or expensive animals like stallions or bulls
  • Public swimming pools
  • Railway lines
  • Machines with dangerous moving parts

With the small addition of razor wire or barbed wire chain link fences are also used to protect:

  • Prisons
  • Military installations
  • Explosive manufacturers
  • Quarries
  • Industrial plants
  • High voltage transformer stations

The only thing that a chain link fence is not known for is its privacy. Many people like the open weave as it lets the cool breeze and sunlight through while keeping anything undesirable out but what if you need some privacy? There are ways to alter a chain link fence in order to get the privacy that you need.

The easiest and cheapest way to make your chain link fencing more opaque is to let ivy or some other vine like plant use it as a platform. After a while you will not be able to see through it at all and you will add to the natural ambience of your yard. If, for some reason, you can not wait for plants to grow then you can use a product called Max Slats. These are plastic inserts of various colors and lengths that can be woven vertically into your chain link fence. They do a fantastic job of adding privacy but are expensive. To cover up 10 linear feet of an 8 foot tall fence would cost you close to 100 dollars. Many people find that it is worth the money to have your choice of colors for the slats. Fence Weave is another slat type product but it is no where near as reliable as the Max Slats. It is far more economical though. It costs about 20 dollars for 40 square feet but since it is not as durable it may cost you more in the long run. If you want a natural look for your chain link privacy fence you could go with the bamboo reed fencing. It is the least durable of the choices but it is also the least expensive. You can buy enough reeds to cover a 6 foot tall fence that is 25 feet wide for about 70 dollars.