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What can you put on top of chain link fence?

Published in Fence Enhancements 4 mins read

You can enhance a chain link fence by adding various elements to its top, primarily to increase security, boost privacy, or improve its aesthetic appeal.

Enhancing Security and Height

Extending the height of your chain link fence is an effective way to improve property security and deter unauthorized access.

Welded Wire or Barbed Wire

Adding welded wire or barbed wire to the top of a chain link fence is a straightforward yet highly effective method to extend its height. This extra layer not only enhances privacy by creating a more significant visual barrier but also provides substantial added security for your property, making it more difficult to climb over.

  • Increased Deterrence: The sharp nature of barbed wire or the tight mesh of welded wire acts as a strong deterrent to potential intruders.
  • Height Extension: These additions directly increase the overall height of the fence, reducing the ease of scaling.

Fence Height Extenders

Specialized fence height extension poles or sleeves can be installed over existing posts. These extensions allow you to attach additional sections of chain link mesh or other materials, further increasing the fence's height.

  • Customizable Height: You can often choose how much extra height you want to add.
  • Material Versatility: Once the extenders are in place, you can attach more chain link fabric, decorative panels, or even trellises.

Increasing Privacy

For properties where visual seclusion is desired, several options can be added to the top of a chain link fence to create a more private barrier.

Privacy Slats or Screens

Privacy slats are typically made of PVC or polyethylene and are designed to be woven vertically into the diamond-shaped mesh of the chain link fence. Fabric privacy screens, on the other hand, are usually attached to the fence structure.

  • Visual Blockage: Both options significantly reduce visibility through the fence.
  • Windbreak: They can also offer some protection against wind.
  • Color Variety: Available in various colors to match your property's aesthetic.

Natural Cover

While not placed on top in the traditional sense, allowing climbing plants or vines to grow over and through the top of the fence can create a beautiful and natural privacy screen.

  • Eco-Friendly: A green solution that blends with the landscape.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Adds natural beauty and softens the industrial look of chain link.
  • Maintenance: Requires regular trimming to prevent overgrowth.

Adding Aesthetic Appeal

Beyond security and privacy, you can also add elements to the top of your chain link fence purely for decorative purposes.

Decorative Toppers

Various decorative elements can be installed along the top rail or posts to enhance the fence's appearance.

  • Post Caps: Ornamental caps for fence posts can add a finished look.
  • Lattice Toppers: Short sections of decorative lattice can be attached above the existing fence line.
  • Solar Lights: Small solar-powered lights can be placed on top of posts to provide ambient lighting and improve nighttime visibility.

Legal and Practical Considerations

Before adding anything to the top of your chain link fence, it's essential to consider local regulations and practicalities.

Local Regulations and HOAs

Always check your local zoning laws and homeowners' association (HOA) rules regarding fence height restrictions, material limitations, and specific requirements for additions like barbed wire. Some jurisdictions have limits on the maximum fence height or prohibit certain materials like barbed wire in residential areas.

Installation

While many additions can be a DIY project, complex installations or those involving sharp materials like barbed wire may benefit from professional installation to ensure safety and proper adherence to local codes.

The table below summarizes common additions and their primary benefits:

Addition Type Primary Benefit Examples
Security/Height Enhanced Security Welded Wire, Barbed Wire, Pole Extenders
Privacy Visual Barrier Privacy Slats, Fabric Screens, Vines
Aesthetic Visual Improvement Decorative Panels, Solar Lights, Post Caps