Common malfunctions with chain mesh fences and how to fix them
Chain mesh fencing is a common fencing option for many people, as it's cheap and durable. It also doesn't require very much maintenance, as it doesn't have to be sealed or painted to remain durable. However, there are a few things that can cause a chain mesh fence to require repairs. Repairing chain mesh fencing isn't a very complicated process regardless of what issue you're experiencing with it, and you can often do it yourself. In order to repair you chain mesh fence, you need to know a little bit about the most common malfunctions your fence can experience.
Sagging
One of the most common issues with chain wire fencing is that it can start to sag after some time. This happens as your fence gets older and the mesh gets pulled down by gravity and usage, meaning it pulls the posts along with it making the fence lean and sag. The easiest way to fix this is to fix the posts. Dig around the posts in the affected area and pull them up. Fill the hole with concrete and put the post down. Let the concrete dry before you let the post stand on its own. As the concrete hardens, it's very unlikely that you're going to experience the same issue again, as the mesh won't be able to pull the post out of the concrete.
Rust
If a portion of your fence has become heavily affected by rust, this also needs to be repaired, as rust weakens the mesh and makes it less reliable. If a whole section of the mesh has rusted, you need to cut it out entirely and have a new section reapplied. However, if only one small portion of a section is affected, it might be enough to just cut that particular portion out. Repair the whole by braiding in a new piece of mesh where you've cut out the rusted one.
Stretched loops
Another common malfunction with chain mesh fencing is the mesh loops become stretched. If you've gotten an object through one of the mesh loops, it can enlarge and create a hole in your fence. In some cases, it's enough to use a pair of nippers to pull the mesh back into shape. If that doesn't work, however, you'll need to cut the piece of mesh out and have a new piece braided into the hole. If left alone, a hole in your fence can compromise the safety of the fence and also be dangerous for pets and children that might try to stick their heads or limbs through the hole.
