Chain Link Fencing in Anchorage, Alaska

A properly installed galvanized chain link fence lasts 25 to 40 years in Alaska. Vinyl-coated chain link can last 30 years or more because the PVC coating adds an extra barrier against moisture, UV exposure, and corrosion. The biggest factors in longevity are post depth (we set them 42-48 inches deep to prevent frost heave), wire gauge, and the quality of the galvanizing. We use domestic-grade materials — not the thin imported wire that rusts in 5 years — so our fences hold up for decades without replacement.

Chain link is one of the best fence types for dogs in Alaska. The woven mesh is strong enough that even large breeds like huskies and malamutes cannot push through, and there are no gaps between boards for a dog to squeeze through. The visibility factor is critical in Anchorage: moose can see through chain link and will walk around it instead of crashing through it the way they do with solid wood fences. For dog containment, we typically recommend 5-foot or 6-foot heights. We can add a tension wire along the bottom rail to prevent digging, and we install self-closing gate hardware so the gate cannot be left open accidentally.

Yes, and we do it regularly. The most popular option is privacy slats — vertical plastic inserts that weave through the diamond mesh and block 70-90% of visibility. They come in green, black, brown, white, and other colors to match your property. Windscreen fabric attaches to the exterior of the fence and reduces both wind and visibility while still allowing some airflow. For a natural approach, some homeowners plant a hedge along the fence line and let the chain link serve as the structural backbone while the greenery fills in. Combining a 6-foot chain link with privacy slats gives you roughly the same visual screening as a wood fence at about 60% of the cost.

Installed chain link fence in Anchorage typically costs $15 to $35 per linear foot, depending on height, gauge, and coating. A standard 4-foot galvanized residential fence runs closer to $15-$20 per foot. Taller 6-foot fencing, vinyl-coated finishes, and commercial-grade specifications push the price toward $25-$35 per foot. Additional costs include gates ($300-$800 for walk gates, $800-$2,000+ for drive gates), removal of old fencing, and challenging terrain. We provide exact, line-item pricing during the free estimate visit — no ballpark guesses and no surprise charges on the invoice.

Chain link is the lowest-maintenance fence type we install. Here is the annual checklist: Check fabric tension once a year — freeze-thaw cycles can shift posts slightly, loosening the mesh over time. A quick re-tension with a come-along tool fixes it. Inspect the mesh in spring for any ice damage, sagging sections, or impact damage from snow equipment or moose. Lubricate gate hardware with a silicone spray before winter so latches and hinges work smoothly in cold temperatures. That is about it. Unlike wood fences, there is no staining, sealing, or painting. If a section does get bent or damaged, we can patch or replace individual panels without tearing out the entire fence.