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Chain link is a reliable choice for schools, sports courts and light industrial sites in Colchester. It offers clear visibility for safeguarding and supervision, resists impact, and needs little upkeep. Local conditions matter: coastal salt air, exposed winds across open estates, and seasonally moving Essex clay all affect specification and lifespan.
Decide early on height, mesh aperture, wire gauge, coating, post type, post centres and the straining layout. PVC-coated mesh blends in and slows corrosion; heavier gauges cope better with traffic and forklifts. On exposed runs, closer post centres and well-braced strainers keep the fence tight. For broader material comparisons, see our guide to choosing fence materials in Essex. At Essex Concrete and Fencing, we build durable, low-maintenance systems suited to local ground and weather.
Know the difference between core and finished diameters on PVC-coated chain link. A 2.5 mm galvanised core finishes at about 3.55 mm with PVC; a 3.15 mm core finishes near 4.0 mm. Typical commercial specs are 2.5 mm or 3.15 mm in galvanised, or PVC-coated cores from 2.24–3.15 mm.
Choose 50 mm aperture for schools and courts to improve ball retention and reduce footholds; 60 mm suits general industrial yards. Chain link should meet BS EN 10223-6 with zinc coatings to BS EN 10244. For Colchester and along the coast towards Harwich, prefer GAW (galvanised after weaving) over GBW (before weaving). GAW seals the cut ends and handles marine air better.
Selvage (top/bottom edge) matters: use knuckle/knuckle for schools and public areas; consider barbed selvage only where security and risk assessments allow.
PVC-coated mesh (commonly RAL 6005 green or 9005 black) blends into schools and courts, reduces glare and adds a sacrificial layer over the galvanising—useful near the coast. It is also quieter against balls on courts. In high-traffic areas, specify a heavier core beneath the PVC to resist impact and deformation.
Heavy galvanised mesh is economical and tough for inland yards away from salt spray. Step up to a 3.15 mm core where forklifts or plant operate near the fence. Maintenance is simple for both: rinse salts and grime a few times a year; inspect tension wires and bindings and replace if worn.
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Typical heights: 1.8–2.4 m for school or industrial perimeters; 2.75–3.0 m for tennis courts and MUGAs (usually 50 mm mesh). Standard runs use a tight top line wire. In high-traffic areas or where people lean, add a top rail or a heavier-gauge top wire for rigidity and longer life.
Top edges: pick knuckle/knuckle for schools; use barbed wire or cranked extensions only where appropriate and compliant. In the UK, fences over 2.0 m may need consent, especially near highways. Read our plain-English guide to the 2 m fence height regulations in the UK before you commit.
Keep chain link tight in Essex winds with a robust layout. Place straining posts at ends, corners, gate posts, direction changes and every ~30 m on straights. Always fit struts to brace each strainer. Steel tubular or concrete strainers both work well. If you are using concrete systems, review our guide to concrete post types: end, corner, 3-way and inters to match your layout. For supply, see concrete end posts.
Set intermediate posts at 2.5–3.0 m centres; close to ~2.5 m for 3.0 m-high fences or exposed sites. Fit two line wires on low fences and three on 2.4–3.0 m heights. Use high-tensile line wires (typically 2.5–3.15 mm), tension with proper strainers/turnbuckles and tie the mesh at regular intervals so the load spreads evenly.
On Colchester clay, embed posts about 600 mm for 1.8 m fences and 750–900 mm for 2.4–3.0 m, with 250–300 mm holes. Bell-out tall or exposed runs for stability. Use quality concrete and allow full cure before tensioning. For more on depths, post mix and drainage, see fence post depth, Colchester clay, post mix and drainage.
Provide drainage around each footing. Avoid neat “bowls” that trap water; instead, finish slightly proud or create weep paths. Expect clay movement; brace strainers well and avoid shallow pads. On hardstanding, only use bolt-down supports with engineer approval and suitable anchors.
Specify framed chain link gates to match the fence height. Common sizes are 1.0–1.2 m for pedestrians, 3–5 m single-leaf or up to 6 m double-leaf for vehicles. Use oversize, strutted gate posts. For schools, choose safe closers and locks that suit safeguarding. For yards, add drop bolts and ground sockets.
Transitions are simple: tie chain link to closeboard or palisade where you need privacy or a stronger front-of-house line. Match gate colours and hinges/latches across the site for a consistent look and simpler maintenance.
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To stop animals getting under, bury the chain link 300 mm with a 300 mm horizontal toe (towards the at-risk side), or add rabbit wire as a skirt tied to the bottom line wire. Keep the bottom edge tight with a tension wire to prevent sagging and gaps over time.
Where strimmers damage the base, consider a low concrete mowing strip or a gravelboard. Manage drainage near ditches and banks so water does not sit against posts. For more setups, see our guide to rabbit and stock wire configurations in Essex.
Add 5–10% extra binding wire/ties to cover waste and repairs. For budget checks across the market, see our round-up of fencing prices in Essex.
Visit Essex Concrete and Fencing to view chain link, posts and gates before you order. We will help you confirm lead times and a buildable bill of materials.
50 mm aperture. It is harder to climb and holds balls better on courts and MUGAs while keeping visibility.
About 2.5 m centres on exposed runs or 3.0 m-high fences. Use well-braced straining posts every ~30 m.
PVC over galvanised is usually best near marine air. It adds a sacrificial layer and reduces glare, while GAW mesh improves longevity.
Often, yes. Fences over 2.0 m can need consent, particularly near highways. Check with your local authority early.
Embed 600–900 mm by height and exposure, with 250–300 mm holes and good concrete. Provide drainage and avoid “bowls” that hold water.
Only with suitable base plates and fixings, and usually with engineer approval. Ground-embedded posts are stronger in most cases.
Quality GAW mesh—with PVC where needed—plus well-built posts and footings can last decades with basic inspection and cleaning.
