Chain Link vs Wire Mesh Fence Panels: Which Are Best?

Chain Link vs Wire Mesh Fence Panels

Whether it’s construction, entertainment or any other type of industry, site managers working on any kind of project have a lot of concerns to consider. Chief among these is the security of the facilities they are overseeing and the safety of both the staff and guests which frequent them and the general public which might pass by their vicinity.

For those reasons, setting up a secure perimeter is highly important when planning a major event or works. For construction sites, protecting passers-by from wandering into an area with restricted access could keep them safe from falling objects, heavy machinery and other safety hazards, potentially avoiding costly litigation battles should they suffer an injury.

For festival venues, a perimeter fence can keep visitors without a ticket from infiltrating the premises, while a secure border is essential for ensuring the safety of staff, guests and attendees at all kinds of functions and events – not to mention keeping any valuables protected from the clutches of opportunistic thieves.

Clearly, a strong fence is a vital necessity for events and projects, whatever their purpose. When it comes to choosing the type of materials and the kind of enclosure most suitable to your situation, there are a variety of options to choose from – with two stand-out candidates. The vast majority of people hiring or buying a perimeter fence opt for one of two styles – chain link fencing or mesh fence panels. There are advantages and drawbacks to both, which can make choosing the right one for your needs a tricky endeavour.

Not to worry, however, because LetLoos are here to help. In this informative article, we’ll undertake an in-depth comparison of chain link vs wire fence panels, including the specific differences between them both, the benefits that each offers and advice on which we think is most suitable for your project. Of course, we’re always just a phone call away should any doubts remain about which type of site fencing is most appropriate for your unique needs.

Chain link vs wire mesh fencing: what’s the difference?

The first step to deciding whether a chain link fence or wire mesh fence panels are a better fit for your situation is understanding exactly what differentiates one from another. Both offer site owners and managers a robust and reliable security solution to keep their premises safe, but go about it in slightly different ways.

As the name suggests, chain link fencing is comprised of a series of “chains” or interwoven links of steel wire, which is helically wound around itself to create a continuous and interlocking wire mesh. This type of fencing does not contain any knots, ties or joins, but rather is characterised by the aforementioned “chain links”. At the ends of the fence, the wire is knuckled or twisted in on itself to form the material’s selvage. Generally speaking, chain link comes in lengthy sheets rather than individual panels.

By contrast, a temporary wire mesh fence consists of a series of different panels that are connected together with specially designed brackets. Unlike chain link, which is woven together, mesh fence panels are welded together to create a far more rigid and inflexible structure. Chain link can quite easily be bent or distorted, while mesh fencing panels are typically difficult (if not impossible) to bend out of shape. While this might make them slightly less versatile in terms of matching the contours of the perimeter, they are a sturdier solution than chain link.

One other key difference which separates chain link and wire mesh fence panels is how they are kept in place. Chain link fences must generally be supported by posts, pillars or upright structures, to which they are attached by nails, clips or brackets. On the other hand, wire mesh fence panels are normally simply inserted into heavy ground supports and locked in place, ensuring the panels do not blow over under inclement weather or fall down when pressure is exerted upon them by a would-be intruder.

Chain link vs wire fence: the benefits of each

Now that you’re aware of what constitutes each type of fencing option, it’s a good idea to get a handle on what both of them are bringing to the table. This will give you a better idea whether the unique characteristics and features of each solution is appropriate for the purpose you have in mind. To do so, let’s assess both of them in isolation.

The benefits of chain link fencing

There are a number of reasons why chain link fencing is such a common sight on building sites, private property perimeters and other secured areas all over the globe. These include the following advantages which make it attractive to site managers working in a diverse array of industries:

• Cost-effectiveness. One of the biggest advantages of chain link fencing is its relatively affordable price tag. Since it comes in large rolls or sheets, project managers can acquire enough fencing to surround the entirety of the area they’re managing without breaking the bank. For that reason, chain link fencing is often a favourite among those working on a tight budget.
• Visibility. Because chain link fencing is made up from interlocking wire in a diamond pattern, there are large apertures between the mesh which allows for easy visibility and communication from one side of the fence to another. Of course, this could serve as an advantage or a drawback depending on the site in question and the privacy concerns associated with it.
• Flexibility. By its very nature, chain link fencing is quite malleable and can be fairly easily bent or distorted. This allows those in charge of planning out a site to map its perimeter more fluidly than if a less flexible material was used to provide the barriers. As such, chain link could be a good choice for sites where some “give” in the fence is desirable.
• Availability. Because of its widespread popularity, it’s generally quite easy to find a provider of chain link fencing services, whether it’s for rental or purchase. This means that those sites which require fencing at the drop of a hat or in an area where competition for materials is high can usually access the products they need at the price they’re willing to pay.

While there are a handful of reasons that chain link fencing is one of the most sought-after methods of securing a perimeter, it’s certainly not an infallible solution. To see the relative merits of other alternatives, let’s take a closer look at wire mesh fence panels and the unique advantages that they can offer.

The benefits of wire mesh fencing panels

Although wire mesh fence panels have not been around as long as their chain link counterparts, they’re quickly gaining on their more established rival in popularity. It’s not difficult to see why, either, since temporary wire mesh fences offer a number of unique pros that other fencing solutions simply can’t compete with. These include:

• Strength. Because wire mesh fence panels are welded together using sophisticated welding techniques, they make for a much more rigid and robust solution than chain link fencing. They can’t be bent or twisted in the same way that chain link can, while breaching the latter is far more achievable with even just rudimentary tools (such as bolt cutters) than it is with the former. Breaking through a welded wire mesh fence panel would require much heavier duty equipment than most opportunistic thieves have access to. What’s more, the process of doing so is noisier and more time-consuming, meaning it would be difficult for such an action to go unnoticed.
• Durability. The same strength that is inherent in the structure of wire mesh fencing panels is also responsible for making them a reliable and longer-lasting option than other fencing solutions. It can not only withstand abuse and attempted breakages by criminals who are intent on breaching its perimeter, but it will endure buffeting from the elements without giving an inch – even in the most inclement of British winters. This means that renting a temporary wire mesh fence offers protection and security for the entire duration of your project, while purchasing it can be viewed as investment, since it will stand you in good stead for many moons to come.
• Anti-climb properties. Of course, not all lawbreakers seek to gain access to restricted areas using brute force alone – many will attempt to go over a fence, rather than through it. Chain link can be particularly susceptible to such schemes, since the apertures between the wire are almost always of sufficient size to allow potential trespassers to get good purchase with both their fingers and their feet. Anti-climb mesh panels, on the other hand, have been specifically designed so that the holes between the wire are so small and awkwardly shaped that it’s virtually impossible for even the most impressive of cat burglars to scale them. This enhances the security of your site and makes them an attractive option when keeping unwanted visitors out.
• Ease of installation. Although chain link fences can hug the contours of a site more flexibly than wire mesh fence panels, they’re invariably more difficult to install. That’s because the fiddly nature of attaching the chain link sheets to the support structures requires more than one person and no little amount of time and effort. A temporary wire mesh fence, on the other hand, can be erected in a matter of hours. The standalone nature of the panels, which can be simply slotted into ground support apertures and locked in place using brackets and other bespoke joining mechanisms, makes it possible for just one person to put them up. This is especially useful if the perimeter may be moved over time or if an area requires segmentation within the site itself, since the fence layout can quickly and easily be adjusted.
• Maintenance. As mentioned above, the robust structure and the strength of the materials involved in manufacturing wire mesh fence panels means that they generally require very little in the way of maintenance or upkeep. Having said that, there may be rare occasions when a panel becomes compromised, due to its age, general wear and tear or a brute force attack from a malicious party. Were such damage to affect a chain link fence, it would be much harder to rectify, since the wire may begin to unravel and the entirety of the chain link sheet could require replacement. By contrast, wire mesh fencing panels are specifically designed to be interchangeable, so that the damaged panel can simply be swapped out for an intact one to ensure the site remains as secure as ever with the minimum of fuss.

As you can see, there a wide variety of reasons why wire mesh fence panels make sense for the majority of applications. Their robust and rigid structure means that it’s very difficult for criminals to go through them, while anti-climb mesh panels are engineered to prevent anyone from going over them.

Meanwhile, the solid materials used in their construction and the unique method in which they are made mean they will stay strong and effective over long periods of time – but they can be easily replaced if necessary.

Finally, they’re easier to install and adjust than chain link fencing, making them the perfect option for construction sites, festival venues and many other locations which demand a secure perimeter.

Seek out the wire mesh fence panel specialists

Do you need to secure the perimeter of your premises? Regardless of the industry in which you work or the purposes to which you’ll put your fence, LetLoos is on hand to help. Our site fencing solutions are among the strongest and most affordable options available in the south east of England, meaning we’re here to help you enhance the security and safety of your site with the minimum of fuss.

Would you like to learn more about how we can help? Our friendly team of site fencing specialists are always happy to provide any advice you might need or answer any questions you may have, as well as supplying you with a free, no-obligation quote for our services. To take the first step towards securing the perimeter of your next project or event, get in contact with LetLoos today. We’re waiting to hear from you!