Windscreens vs. Slats for Chain Link Fences | American Security and Gate Company
Of all the fencing types prevalent today, chain link remains the top choice for commercial and sporting venues. It’s no mystery why: the intersecting, diamond-shaped weaves in the mesh create a resilient barrier while, at the same time, permitting airflow and visibility suited for supervision and spectatorship. That said, on blustery days it’d be convenient to have a solid layer of material covering the fence panels, to reduce wind-generated distraction. As the #1 fence contractor in Fargo, ND, American Security and Gate Company recommends two distinct types of chain link fence coverage: windscreens and fence slats.
- What are the advantages of windscreens and slats for chain link fencing?
- Windscreens for chain link fencing: advantages and disadvantages
- Slats for chain link fencing: advantages and disadvantages
- Windscreens or slats: which should I use?
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What are the advantages of windscreens and slats for chain link fencing?
Windscreens and chain link fence slats come with their own advantages and disadvantages, but provide the same general benefits:
- Resistance to wind. Covering chain link fence panels helps reduce wind-generated distraction and interference. A useful fencing accessory to have for sporting venues.
- Enhanced privacy. Reasons for having a fence occasionally change as time passes. For example: when you install a chain link fence, it might be with the intention of providing visibility. A few years later, however, you might decide you want privacy after all. Rather than the more costly alternative of removing your old fence and installing a new one with greater privacy features, you can cover your chain link fence panels and attain the same seclusion—at a much better, more affordable price!
- Improved aesthetics. As Fargo’s top fence contractor, American Security and Gate Company sells and installs prestige chain link fencing—the best on the market! However, you can boost your fence’s curb appeal even further with decorative coverings. Slats are available in many designs, and windscreens can be custom colored.
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Windscreens for chain link fencing: advantages and disadvantages
As mentioned above, windscreen can be custom designed—showcasing specific colors and images such as logos and sponsors’ advertising. This advantage—combined with the ability to lessen wind interference/distraction—has made windscreen a common installation at stadiums and sports venues. Did we also mention you can customize windscreens in terms of opacity—select how dense or transparent you want it to be.
There is an important compromise to note, however. Because windscreen mesh isn’t especially durable—at least when regular use is involved—the lifespan of these coverings tends to be shorter than that of slats. (Constant exposure to the elements results in quicker wear and tear and a shorter lifespan.) Here at American Security and Gate Company of Fargo, ND, we recommend windscreens for seasonal/occasional events such as sporting competitions.
Slats for chain link fencing: advantages and disadvantages
Longevity is the main selling point for chain link fence panel slats. Fabricated using long-lasting materials (wood, metal, plastic, etc.) and installed through the actual chain link weave, these coverings are designed to become permanent components of your chain link fence. The disadvantage of this option, on the other hand, is lack of customization and post-installation options: once in place, the slats are basically permanent. For this reason, you need to decide on your slates’ design and color ahead of time.
Windscreens or slats: which should I use?
Now that we’ve gone over the respective pros and cons—advantages and disadvantages—of chain link fence panel slats vs. windscreens, the remaining question is: Which should I use for my fence? Here at American Security and Gate Company of Fargo, ND, we advise making a selection according to the specific needs—and projected frequency of use—of your situation.
For fences with infrequent/temporary coverage needs—and anything involving branding or advertising—we strongly recommend windscreens. For more permanent installations where the needs are boosting privacy and security, slats are the covering of choice.