How Long Does a Chain Link Fence Last? Rust, ASTM Standards & Corrosion
Posted by Jordan Hamasaki on
A quality galvanized chain link fence that meets ASTM A392 Class 1 (1.2 oz/ft² zinc coating) is commonly expected to deliver roughly “decades, not years” performance in typical inland environments, but the real lifespan depends on coating weight, exposure, and maintenance. If you step up to ASTM A392 Class 2 (2.0 oz/ft² zinc coating), you’re buying a heavier sacrificial layer and coating life is broadly proportional to coating thickness in a given environment, which is why heavier coatings are specified for harsher duty cycles. For coastal or marine exposure, the failure mode changes: chlorides accelerate zinc consumption, especially in direct...