How to Extend a Chain Link Fence?
If you have a chain link fence and want to extend the height to protect your home or keep deer out of the yard, there are several methods you can use. Some are more expensive than others but most will install right on top of your existing fence and posts making them much easier to work with.
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Welded Wire Leaners – $450 (Home Depot)
A simple way to raise your fence is to add welded wire leaners. These are easy to install, look pretty and are very strong so they are great for extending the height of your fence. They are available at most hardware and farm supply stores.
Mesh Fencing Fabric – $450 (Home Depot)
Another way to extend your chain link fence is by using mesh fencing material, also called hardware cloth. There are many different types of mesh to choose from depending on the strength you need for your fence. Some are very thin and easy to bend, while other are very strong and sturdy.
The best type of mesh to use is one that is light enough to bend but strong enough to stay upright at the top of your fence. It’s a good idea to purchase enough to cover your entire perimeter, less any gate openings.
Raising Fence Posts – $350 (Home Depot)
The most common and easiest way to extend your fence is by raising the posts themselves. These post extensions are very strong and are available at most hardware stores.
You will need to know the measurements of your old fence so you can get the correct post extension you need. You will also need to have the proper tools and equipment for the job so make sure you have these handy.
1. Reinstall Horizontal Connectors – $24 (Home Depot)
The first thing you will need to do is reinstall the horizontal connectors that span between your fence posts. This is an easy task and can be done with a hammer or large pair of channel lock pliers.
2. Remove Cap Sections – $18 (Home Depot)
Next, you will need to remove the cap sections from the ends and line posts. This can be done by a simple tap of the hammer or by using a pair of channel lock pliers to twist and break them loose.
3. Extend the Fence Posts – $300 (Home Depot)
The most basic and inexpensive way to extend your chain link fence is by extending the fence posts themselves. You will need to find the right lengths of fence posts to make your new height and then install them in your concrete footer.
4. Stretch the Fence Fabric – $600 (Home Depot)
To extend the fence, you will need to wrap the bottom loops of the chain link mesh with a tension wire. It’s best to space the tie wires about every 24 inches along the fence’s top rail and then run them through the tension bands on your end posts or your line posts every 12 inches to 16 inches.
