One of the most common reasons for doing things is, “It’s always been done that way.”
But “always been done that way” doesn’t always mean it’s the best approach. Approximately 95% of fence panels today are constructed using chain-link, but it turns there are much better chain-link fence alternatives like wire mesh fence.
From both your perspective as a rental company and your customers’ perspective as end-users, there are some serious problems with chain-link temporary fencing.
Here are some of them, and along with the best alternative for chain-link fences.
Problem 1: It’s easy to climb
Chain-link fences have an aperture of 2.25-2.50 inches. It’s practically an invitation to climb for children and many adults. Given that the purpose of temporary fences in many cases is to keep people out, this is a serious issue.
Problem 2: It’s unstable
Stability is the most important attribute of any temporary fence. It’s what keeps the fence in place even in harsh weather conditions or if someone attempts to move it.
Chain-link fences are stabilized using sandbags. While cheap and fast, sandbags deteriorate quickly, leading to unstable panels that fall down and sandbags that need to be regularly replaced.
Unstable fences can create safety and liability issues for both you and your customers. They are also a lot easier to move by would-be thieves or trespassers.
Problem 3: It’s ugly
Let’s face it, chain-link is ugly. It gives off an unmistakably industrial, even prison-yard vibe.
You can have fences that are both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. Customers and their communities will appreciate the fact that your fences are safe and secure without being unattractive or threatening.
Problem 1: It isn’t very durable
The first problem with most chain-link fence options for rental companies themselves is that they simply aren’t very durable.
They’re assembled manually—tubes are cut and welded and chain-link is attached to the frame of the panel all by hand. Additionally, it’s often attached to the frame only at certain points, which makes them weaker overall.
Combined with the stress from people climbing, pulling, and hanging on the chain-link, these panels have shorter lifespans than more thoughtfully constructed products—which means you’ll have to repair and replace them more often.
Problem 2: Panels are secured with sandbags
Chain-link fences are secured with sandbags, and sandbags have a variety of issues.
While cheap and fast, they are inconvenient to use and even dangerous.
One of the main problems is that they rip, tear, and deteriorate quickly. This leads to unstable fences and means you will need to replace the bags often, spending time and money on a completely avoidable expense.
Problem 4: Temporary fencing panels are hard to move and store
Your temporary fence rentals are going to be moved around a lot—between your warehouse and customers, and at your customers’ job sites.
Temporary fence panels are stored by stacking them on top of each other. Chain-link has jagged edges that get stuck together, making them time-consuming to separate when unloading. The sharp edges can also be a safety hazard to the people moving them.
Wire mesh fencing is the best chain-link fence alternative. It solves every issue with traditional chain-link as a temporary fence solution.
Unlike chain-link, wire mesh fence panels are built on a fully-automated manufacturing line, with the wire mesh welded to the frame at every point instead of just at certain points.
This manufacturing process ensures that wire mesh panels have several important characteristics.
Benefit 1: Unparalleled strength and stability
The fact that the wire mesh is attached to the frame everywhere increases the strength and support of the overall panel. At ZND, we also employ a SmartWeld process that uses electricity to melt steel together, resulting in joints that are 70% stronger than a typical MIG weld.
Not only that, but our panels are specially designed to be stabilized using cinder blocks instead of sandbags, which don’t have to be replaced and result in a stronger fence.
Benefit 2: Anti-climb temporary fence panels
No fence is climb-proof, but our panels have an aperture of 1.2 inches compared to double that for chain-link panels, making them much harder to climb.
Benefit 3: Easy storage and transport
ZNDUS provides specially-designed storage stillages that solve the issues typically associated with stacking and moving chain-link panels. The stillages can be forklifted directly onto a delivery truck, completely removing the risk of injury by manual stacking and eliminating the risk of damaging panels.
Benefit 4: Aesthetically pleasing
Wire mesh temporary fencing has a clean, pleasing look. There are no jagged edges, twisted wires, or sharp corners. Every fence panel has a clean, symmetrical, and well-engineered feel.
ZND supplies rental companies with state-of-the-art wire mesh temporary fence solutions. Our products are specifically engineered to address the issues with chain-link fence products—and save you money and hassle in the process.
We’d love to talk. Give us a call at 704.981.8660 or send us an email sales@znd.com for more information.