Galvanized Fences vs Vinyl Coated Chain Link Fences

First, let&#;s cover what these terms mean.

Here&#;s the difference between vinyl-coated and galvanized chain-link fences:

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Galvanized fences

While many chain link fences do not rust easily because of their zinc coating, galvanized fences take the protection to the next level. Galvanized fences do not corrode easily because the metal is coated so it lasts longer and is much stronger than a regular chain link fence. Galvanized fences are the most common type of fence you will see around town. Typically silver in color, the metal is visible and the overall aesthetic look is industrial.

Vinyl Coated Fences

Another option to protecting your chain link fence is to coat it in vinyl. Vinyl coated fences keep the chain link metal from being corroded similar to galvanized chain link fencing. There are multiple color options when you select vinyl coated chain link fences. The overall aesthetic look is much softer than the industrial metal vibe.

Both types of fences provide security for the yard or area being fenced in, and both will work with our privacy chain link slats to add privacy. However, there are some key differences that you should consider when deciding between the two.

So Which is Right for You?

How can you pick the right chain link fence for your yard or project?

Pros of Galvanized Fences

Classic chain link fence. Most people are familiar with galvanized fences. It&#;s the classic chain link fence.
Cheaper price. Galvanized fences are a more economical option compared to the vinyl coated chain link.
Industrial look. If you are fencing an industrial area, the galvanized chain link will fit right in.

Cons of Galvanized Fences

Slightly less durable. Because the metal is exposed to the air and weather, it will wear down slightly quicker. Chain link fences have a long lifespan no matter which type you choose, though.
Industrial look. If you are fencing a residential property, the chain link fence might look out of place. The silver color usually stands out from the environment.

Pros of Vinyl Coated

More customizable. Vinyl coated fences come in many colors and can be colored to blend into the surrounding environment or match landscaping.
More attractive. Vinyl has a softer feel than galvanized fences and looks better around homes.
Increased durability. Because the metal is wrapped in a protective layer of vinyl, these fences will be slower to rust or break down.

Cons of Vinyl Coated

Price. Vinyl coating is more expensive than galvanized chain link fence. If your project is one where the appearance of the fence doesn&#;t matter as much as the price, this is not the best choice.
Vinyl breaking. While the vinyl coating is sturdy, in some situations it may start to break off or tear, which is very unattractive. This is more common when the fence sees a lot of physical contact, such as at a baseball field.

Both types of fences can have privacy slats inserted into them, so that shouldn&#;t be a factor. What might be a factor is whether or not you want the color of the slats to match the color of the fence, in which case choosing a colored vinyl coated fence is best.

So you like the look of a chain-link fence, but want something a bit nicer than basic chain link for your yard. Researching different options will make you want to climb a wall (or a fence). But there&#;s one option you should consider: vinyl-coated chain link. There are a lot of pros and cons to vinyl-coated chain-link fences.

What is a Vinyl-Coated Chain-Link Fence?

A vinyl-coated chain-link fence is simply a chain-link fence that is coated in vinyl. First, let&#;s discover what a chain-link fence is exactly.

A chain-link fence is a woven type of fence made from galvanized aluminum or steel mesh wire. Rust and corrosion protection is added during the galvanization process. The wire is bent into zig-zag patterns that it hooks with the wire next to it. This hooking pattern runs vertically, forming a diamond shape. This finished product is referred to as &#;chain-link fence fabric.&#;

The top edge and the bends of the wire mesh fabric are called the selvage. The selvage is in a knuckle (folded) or twisted pattern. The finished fabric is then attached to the framework, which includes the posts and rails. Fence posts are the vertical poles, and the rails are the horizontal poles.

Vinyl-coated chain-link fences are extremely popular, especially to define property lines. You&#;ll find them everywhere, including sports fields and dog runs. They come in several colors, including brown, white, green, and black chain-link.

The vinyl coating is applied to a galvanized chain-link in one of three ways.

• Extruded Vinyl: Extruded is pulled over the wire like pants, but can be sliced and peeled off like the red wax on Babybel cheese. This is found primarily in temporary or residential fencing.
  
• Extruded and Bonded Vinyl: The extruded and bonded uses powerful glue to bond the coating in place. In this case, you&#;d have to slice off the vinyl like peeling a potato. This is found on many commercial properties.
  
• Fused and Bonded Vinyl: With fused and bonded, the vinyl is fused to the metal. Like welding two pieces of metal together, they&#;re nearly impossible to separate. These are found in industrial or government settings.

Pros of a Vinyl-Coated Chain-Link Fence

Of all the fence types, vinyl-coated chain-link fences are the go-to choice for a new fence for many people. They&#;re inexpensive, easy to install, low maintenance, durable, and customizable.

Affordable

Next to wire fencing, chain-link is the cheapest fencing available. Including professional installation costs, chain-link fencing costs about $10 &#; $17 per linear foot.

Vinyl-coated chain-link fencing is a little more expensive. Vinyl-coated chain link fencing costs about $13 &#; $20 per linear foot.

For more Plastic Coated Chain Link Fence information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.

Compare this price to other materials (price includes professional installation).

• Wire fence: $1 &#; $4 per linear foot
• Wood fence: $14 &#; $31 per linear foot
• Vinyl/PVC fence: $17 &#; $38 per linear foot
• Composite fence: $26 &#; $57 per linear foot
• Aluminum fence: $27 &#; $55 per linear foot
• Wrought iron fence: $28 &#; $56 per linear foot

Keep in mind, like all fencing, other factors will affect the final price tag.

• Height
• Gauge
• Fence post material
• Chain-link materials
• Privacy slats
• Gates
• Permits
• Slope of land

If you decide to DIY your fence installation, it&#;ll cost you about $2,330. This is for a standard-sized yard and includes equipment and all the fencing materials.

If you&#;re looking for a more affordable option, consider the pros and cons of chain-link fencing.

Easy Installation

A vinyl-coated chain-link fence installation is relatively quick and easy. The longest part of the installation process is the framework &#; the fence posts and rails.

The chain-link is pre-fabricated, manufactured in advance, and comes in large rolls. Once the framework is built, the chain-link fence is unrolled and attached to the posts and rails. No individual slats or panels to slow down the installation process.

Low-Maintenance

Although no fence is maintenance-free, vinyl-coated chain-link fences are very low-maintenance. There are only a few things you need to do:

• Clean: Usually, a quick hose down will clean your fence. But if it&#;s got bird poop or caked-on mud, a pressure washer or a soapy brush will do the trick.
  
• Repair: The vinyl coating is very durable but cracking happens. As soon as you notice splits, check the underlying metal for rust. If you see any, scrub it off with steel wool. Then, repair the broken vinyl with plastic paint.
  
• Avoid Climbing: Avoid climbing at all times. Climbing bends the support posts and pulls the chain-link away from the framework.

Durable

Vinyl-coated chain-link fences are very durable for two reasons.

• Weather-resistant: The chain-link design allows wind and weather to pass right through the holes. These fences have little wind resistance and low snow and ice buildup.
  
• Longevity: Vinyl-coated chain-link fences last at least 15 years. But with proper maintenance, many last for over 20 years. The vinyl coating protects against rust and corrosion, increasing the lifespan.

Customizable

Vinyl-coated chain-link fences have a surprising amount of customizable options.

• Color: The coating typically comes in a variety of colors such as white, brown, green, and black vinyl.
  
• Gauge: The gauge refers to the wire thickness. Common gauge options include 6 gauge, 9 gauge, 11 gauge, and 11½ gauge.
  
• Post Caps: Post caps have endless options. A few common styles include dome, acorn, bullet, half ball-chain, pagoda, and solar lights. You also can alternate, making one different from the previous post cap.
  
• Height: Height varies depending on purpose and preference. Common heights include 3 feet, 4 feet, 6 feet, and 8 feet. If you don&#;t like these options, choose a shorter or taller fence.
  
• Privacy Slats: Privacy slats are vertical vinyl slats. They add color and privacy to your chain-link fence. They come in styles ranging from top lock to winged and colors like black, blue, and brown.
  
• Extras: Choose from a variety of extra fencing options like barbed wire, hook bars, and tension bars.

Looking for more? There&#;s a mile-long list of custom chain-link fence ideas.

Cons of Vinyl-Coated Chain-Link Fence

While there are tons of benefits, a vinyl-coated chain-link fence does have some drawbacks. Depending on your priorities, the low privacy, security, and curb appeal can be a deal-breaker.

Doesn&#;t Provide Privacy

Due to the holes in the design, a vinyl-coated chain-link fence is not a privacy fence. People can easily see through your fence and into your yard. However, there are a few things you can do to increase chain-link privacy.

• Privacy Slats: Privacy slats will increase your seclusion but will not entirely conceal you from prying eyes.
  
• Climbing Plants: Climbing plants do an excellent job of providing privacy, but they take a long time to cover your fence. Also, be sure to choose lightweight plants, or you&#;ll damage your fence.
  
• Trees and Hedges: Planting trees and hedges help prevent people from peeking into your backyard. Though, they won&#;t conceal completely.

If you&#;re looking for more ideas, these landscaping ideas will help increase your privacy.

Lacks Security

A vinyl-coated chain-link fence isn&#;t the best security fence. They&#;re made at varying heights, but invaders can gain access by climbing or cutting the chain-link fabric. The lack of privacy also weakens your residential security.

Low Curb Appeal

Even if you add customized features, vinyl-coated chain-link fences can have a negative connotation. They&#;re sometimes seen as cheap and industrialized. Therefore, chain-link fencing won&#;t add much to the resale value of your home. An inexpensive fence like chain-link may imply that your home has subpar features.

If adding to your value to your home is a high priority, check out the best fences to add property value.

FAQ About Vinyl-Coated Chain-Link Fencing

Whether you&#;re beginning the research process or elbow-deep in information, choosing a fence is no easy task. But you don&#;t have to take on the load, mental or physical, alone. There are experienced, highly-rated fencing contractors that are happy to help. For more information, contact a local fencing professional today.

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