To the surprise of maybe no one, it’s certainly possible for a car to drive straight through a chain link fence – even when it’s travelling at a lower rate of speed.
There are some factors that play a role in how easy it would be for this to happen – like the size and weight of the car, the thickness and strength of the fence, and the speed at which the car is traveling.
But at the end of the day, if a car wants to get through this kind of fence (or any fence, really) it’s going to be able to pull it off more often than not.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the hows and whys below.
Strength and Durability of Chain Link Fences
Chain link fences are known for their strength and durability, which are achieved through a combination of factors.
First, chain link fences are made of high-strength steel wire that is woven together to form a mesh pattern. The wire is typically galvanized, which means that it has been coated in a layer of zinc to protect against rust and corrosion.
This makes the fence strong enough to withstand wind, rain, and other weather conditions, as well as the weight of people and animals leaning or climbing on it.
Second, chain link fences are installed with posts and other support structures that help to hold the fence up and keep it in place.
These posts are typically made of steel or another strong material, and they are anchored in the ground with concrete or other stabilizing materials. This helps to give the fence additional support and stability, allowing it to withstand the forces of wind and other external pressures.
Finally, chain link fences are often designed with a mesh pattern that allows for some flexibility and movement. This can help to absorb the impact of things hitting or leaning against the fence, reducing the risk of damage or breakage.
All that said, we’re still talking about a car (multi thousands of pounds at minimum) barreling through these kinds of fences at speeds that reach 100mph or more.
Chances are good even the best made chain link fence alone isn’t going to stand up to a vehicle.
Factors That Affect a Chain Link Fence’s Resistance to Vehicle Impact
Chain link fences are not inherently more susceptible to vehicle damage than other types of fences. However, they can be damaged by vehicles if the vehicle is large enough and traveling at a high enough speed, or if the fence is not installed properly or is in poor condition.
One reason why chain link fences may be more susceptible to vehicle damage is that they are made of relatively thin wire, compared to other types of fences such as wood or vinyl.
This can make them more prone to bending or breaking if they are struck by a vehicle or subjected to other forces.
Another reason is that chain link fences are typically not as tall as other types of fences, which means that they may not provide as much protection against a vehicle that is traveling at a high speed. This can make them more vulnerable to damage if a vehicle were to collide with the fence.
Finally, the overall strength and durability of a chain link fence can be affected by how it is installed and maintained.
If the fence is not anchored securely in the ground or if the wire is not tensioned properly, it may be more susceptible to damage from a vehicle or other external forces.
Overall, the susceptibility of a chain link fence to vehicle damage will depend on a variety of factors, including the size and weight of the vehicle, the speed at which it is traveling, the thickness and strength of the fence, and the condition and installation of the fence.
Ways to Reinforce a Chain Link Fence for Enhanced Security
Luckily, there are a couple of things you can do to better protect your fence – and your property – from car damage.
- Install stronger posts: One way to reinforce a chain link fence is to use stronger posts, such as those made of thicker steel or concrete. These types of posts can provide additional support and stability to the fence, helping it to withstand the impact of a vehicle or other external forces.
- Add reinforcement bars: Another option is to add reinforcement bars to the fence, which can help to distribute the load and prevent the fence from collapsing if it is struck by a vehicle. These bars can be attached to the fence using brackets or other fasteners.
- Increase the mesh size: Larger mesh sizes can also help to make a chain link fence more resistant to damage from vehicles. By using wire with a larger diameter or spacing the mesh farther apart, you can create a stronger, more durable fence that is less likely to bend or break when struck by a vehicle.
- Use a thicker gauge of wire: Using a thicker gauge of wire can also make a chain link fence more resistant to damage from vehicles. Thicker wire is stronger and less likely to bend or break when subjected to external forces.
- Install a gate: Installing a gate at the entrance to the fence can provide an additional layer of protection against vehicles. A gate can be made of stronger materials such as steel or concrete, and it can be equipped with hinges and other hardware to help it withstand the impact of a vehicle.
Precautions to Take When Installing Chain Link Fence Along a Roadway
If you absolutely have to install chain link near a roadway there are a couple of things to consider as well:
- Traffic volume and speed: It is important to consider the amount of traffic that the roadway will experience, as well as the average speed of vehicles traveling on the road. A fence that is located on a busy roadway with high-speed traffic may be more susceptible to damage from vehicles, so it may be necessary to use a stronger and more durable fence material.
- Visibility: Chain link fences can be difficult to see at night or in poor visibility conditions, such as fog or rain. If the fence will be located on a roadway, it is important to consider the visibility of the fence for drivers and pedestrians.
- Impact on traffic flow: The presence of a fence on a roadway can also affect the flow of traffic. It is important to consider how the fence will impact the visibility of drivers and pedestrians, and whether it may cause any traffic bottlenecks or other issues.
- Maintenance: Chain link fences require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. If the fence will be located on a roadway, it is important to consider the maintenance needs of the fence and how they will be met.
- Permits and regulations: Installing a fence on a roadway may require special permits or approvals from local authorities. It is important to research and follow any relevant regulations and guidelines to ensure that the fence is installed properly and legally.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, getting your chain link fence up – and protecting it from vehicular damage – is at the same time easier and harder than you might have guessed.
There are a couple of things you can do to protect your fence from a vehicle hitting it, but when you get right down to it, all of the precautions and interventions in the world might not be able to stop your fence from getting damage – just because of the way it’s designed and the material it’s made of.
Keep the things we highlighted in mind when setting up your fence, though, and you’ll have less to worry about for sure!