Different Types Of Athletic Field Fencing

Athletic field fencing can serve a variety of functions, from controlling crowds and supporting security efforts to delineating separate sporting fields, creating distinct areas (like dugouts and spectator sections), and ensuring the safety of players and fans alike. Therefore, the right fencing design and solution for your application will depend on a number of factors related to the sport(s) and needs at hand.

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Let's take a look at what types of athletic field fencing are most common, as well as some other important considerations for this kind of fencing installation.

Common Types of Athletic Field Fencing

The most widely used type of fencing for athletic fields is chain link, given its versatility, durability and economical cost. Surprisingly difficult to scale or break through, chain link fencing also provides a certain level of visibility that's crucial in an athletic setting, particularly those that entertain spectators. A low-maintenance solution, chain link fencing can be easily repaired by retying the links or replacing the panels. All of these factors make chain link an excellent and popular choice for athletic field fencing, and it is accessible in the following material varieties:

• Steel: There's a considerable amount of strength and durability associated with steel as a fencing material, and it's less prone to damage than other types, like aluminum or vinyl. Galvanized and coated steel fencing is particularly weather-resistant, thereby necessitating less frequent repairs and replacements.
• Aluminum: While not as strong as steel, aluminum boasts the benefits of versatility, resistance to corrosion and lightweightedness. It is more environmentally friendly and can be applied to lots of types of athletic field fencing.
• Vinyl Coated: This means the fence is woven with galvanized steel wire and then coated in vinyl, which consists of synthetic resin or plastic. Vinyl helps prevent the occurrence of damage like scratches, rust and corrosion. It is easy to maintain, long-lasting and less industrial-looking.

Another common type of athletic field fencing is ornamental commercial-grade aluminum or steel. These options support the fencing structure's strength and stability while offering a more enhanced visual aesthetic than that of industrial aluminum or steel. Ornamental fences complement various stadium and athletic field designs and can create an attractive look, which is especially favorable in areas facing roads or entrances to the athletic field.  

3 Factors for Determining Fencing Design

Making a decision about the type and design of athletic field fencing to employ for your project involves honing in on three main elements:

• PURPOSE: What purpose(s) will the fencing structure be implemented to fulfill? This is a critical question to ask, as the answer lends direction to the type of material and design components necessary to meet your requirements. Will the fence serve as a general perimeter to the field? Or are there more specific functions, like designating player areas, creating boundaries, protecting spectators from balls and equipment, controlling crowds and securing access points? 
• HEIGHT: Once you know your purpose, you can garner a clearer idea of what height requirements should be applied. If, for example, the fencing is a simple enclosure to set off the perimeter of the athletic field, you probably don't need to erect something with a lot of height. If, on the other hand, your fencing structure will serve to protect fans or nearby vehicles from foul balls, flying equipment or other hazards, you're going to need to make height a major consideration. Note that with specs involving greater height comes more installation factors, such as increased depth of post digging and other structural implications.
• STRENGTH & DURABILITY: Again, this element circles back to purpose. The purpose of your athletic field fencing will dictate its strength and durability needs. And that is likely to vary depending on the type of sport you're dealing with. Sports that involve potential impact with the fence (from people or equipment) will likely require more durable materials. 

Fencing Considerations by Sport

There are some fencing design considerations that vary by sport, so here's a brief overview of how you might approach your athletic field fencing based on its sports category. 

• Baseball & Softball: One major distinction to consider for baseball or softball field fencing is the dangerous speed with which equipment can fly through the air. Most obviously, we're talking about a hit or thrown ball, but there's also the potential for a bat to slip out of a hitter's grip. In terms of height, you're looking at around four to six feet for field perimeter fencing, plus possible padding on the top rail for outfield players who may collide into it. Backstops will likely reach 25 feet or more. Dugouts and bullpens have more specific railing and enclosure requirements, and may necessitate privacy screens. Also, consider your field's needs for additional features like a backstop behind home plate or a batter's eye along the outfield fence. 
• Football & Track: While these are two very separate sports, it is the case that many middle, high and collegiate schools build their running track around their football field. Just as with the baseball or softball field, the height of a perimeter fence around a football and track field should reach at least four feet. Consider where entrances/exits will need to be located, with designated access for not only the athletes and spectators, but also the lawn and maintenance vehicles. Some properties apply ornamental fencing or vinyl coated chain link for these types of fields to present a more attractive aesthetic. In addition to the fencing structures, it's important to work with an experienced team of professionals who understand the unique process for ensuring a safe, durable installation of goal posts on the football field. 
• Tennis: Fences for tennis courts require greater height specs, such as in the ten-foot range'which will likely necessitate a horizontal rail placed midway between the top and bottom. Tennis court fencing is often coated in vinyl or galvanized with mesh steel. Think about a fencing design that protects against strong winds during play and prevents the tennis balls from getting wedged between the spacing by applying the appropriate gauge of fence mesh or material. We usually recommend a vinyl-coated chain link fence with a 1¾-inch by 8 gauge by 10-foot wire mesh finished in Class 2B vinyl coating. It's also important to ensure proper railings that keep balls from rolling off the court. 

With this deeper insight into the athletic field fencing options available for your property, you're better equipped to make an informed decision based on individual needs. Be sure to contract the services of an experienced fencing partner for expert recommendations on specific applications, site grading concerns, creative solutions and the best methods to employ based on an evaluation of site-specific details.

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Windscreen ' 4 Things You Need to Know

The addition of a fence windscreen provides instant aesthetic appeal as well as improved playability. Having a good understanding of materials, installation and maintenance will provide long-lasting value while avoiding costly mistakes.

1. Understanding wind load.

Wind load is the amount of force wind puts on your fence. This is the single most important factor to consider with windscreen. Wind load increases significantly when you add windscreen because it makes it more difficult for wind to pass through. In fact, unless the visual blockage is under 50% ' well below that of typical ballpark windscreen ' your potential wind load remains at nearly 100%. Using open mesh windscreen or adding vents at typical sizes and spacings will only have a marginal effect on reducing wind load. You should always assume that adding windscreen will cause complete wind blockage to a fence.

2. All fences are not equal.

Some fences may not be designed to withstand the additional wind load from windscreen. Many lack the adequate pole sizing, spacing or bury depth to handle the load. If ignored, catastrophic failure of your fence can occur. We recommend checking with your local fencing professional ' ideally the original installer ' to determine if the existing fence is properly supported to handle windscreen. You may want to replace or reinforce your fence first, or consider options such as trees, shrubbery, and other natural wind and visual barriers.

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3. Windscreen material choices.

There is no single windscreen material that is a perfect fit for every site or situation. Each material comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses, and it's up to you to decide which factors are most important ' durability, cost, color, aesthetics, etc.

For example, if your facility is located in a windy environment, a material with good abrasion resistance should be high on your list. This will come into play when a portion of a panel breaks free from the fence and flaps uncontrollably in the wind. Windscreen with good abrasion resistance are typically woven or knit polys (polypropylene or polyethylene). On the other hand, if adding color and printed graphics is high on your priorities, then a vinyl-coated material is a good choice for you.

Be sure to compare specifications and material attributes. Seek input and guidance from reputable sources that have experience with all types of windscreen materials and can help you match your needs with the best option.

WINDSCREEN MATERIALS QUICK-COMPARISON

Poly PROS

• Good abrasion resistance
• Good UV-light resistance ' fading is minimal over time
• Good strength to weight ratio
• Multiple opacity/weight options to choose from

Poly CONS

• Limited color selection
• Cannot print on them reliably
• May unravel if damaged or cut
• May have a sheen or glare in sun

Vinyl-coated PROS

• Many color options
• Excellent for printing
• Lower glare than most polys
• Multiple opacity and weight options to choose from

Vinyl-coated CONS

• Poor abrasion resistance (unless using heavier extrusion-coated fabrics)
• Variable UV-light resistance (degree of fading over time is color-dependent)

4. Windscreen installation tips.

When it comes to windscreen installation, there are a few rules to follow that will result in a beautiful windscreen and protect the most expensive part of the installation ' your fence.

A. Be slightly shorter. It's always better if your windscreen height is too short rather than too long. Windscreen that doesn't go all the way to the ground can be installed taut. When your windscreen is too tall for the fence it will look baggy and sloppy. Proper windscreen sizing should be roughly 3' to 6' shorter than the height of the fence, and similarly short on each end.

B. Dictate your failure points. Attaching a windscreen so securely to a fence that can never break free in high winds is a recipe for disaster. We recommend using UV-treated cable ties as they can easily break if they become overloaded. Use the lightest gauge tie that will withstand your local wind conditions, and use them along the top, sides, and middle seams. For the bottom edge, we recommend using a stronger, more durable connection method such as rope, metal clips, or heavier cable ties. Allowing the windscreen to break free from the top or sides of the fence when needed will allow it to remain secured at ground level, safely out of the strongest winds.

C. Have a plan for setup, take down and maintenance. Beyond just buying the right windscreen, you should get input from those who will be in charge of caring for it. Look for answers to these important questions:

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