Cyclone fencing is a common name for chain-link fencing: a woven mesh of galvanized or coated steel wire stretched between metal posts.
- Also called
- Chain-link fence
- Where you see it
- Lot perimeters, equipment enclosures, construction and overflow lots
- Key fact
- It marks where the lot ends. It will not stop a moving car
The name comes from an early brand of chain-link fence and stuck as a generic term, much as people say a brand name for any tissue. Chain-link is inexpensive, quick to install and see-through, which is why it shows up on lot perimeters, construction sites, storage yards and utility enclosures.
A car with no parking brake rolls toward the edge of the lot at walking speed. Pick the edge treatment and let it roll.
Chain-link fence stretches and lets a slow-rolling car through; an engineered vehicle barrier stops it. Chain-link marks where a lot ends. It does not decide where cars stop.
Cartoon physics. No azaleas were harmed.
In parking facilities
- Perimeter and access control. Marking the edge of a surface lot and channeling pedestrians and vehicles to controlled entries.
- Equipment and storage enclosures. Screening transformers, generators and maintenance yards.
- Temporary use. Securing construction phases or event overflow lots.
What it is not
- Not a vehicle barrier. Chain-link will not stop a moving car; edges with a drop-off need engineered barriers such as bumper walls.
- Not a substitute for guardrails. Where people need fall protection, use designed pedestrian guardrails.
- Not great curb appeal. Coated finishes, slats or landscaping soften it where the fence faces a street or customers.
The Parkonomics view
Chain-link is a good answer to “where does the lot end?” and a poor answer to “what stops a car?” Specify it for the first job and engineered barriers for the second, and budget for the coatings or screening that keep a perimeter from looking like a storage yard.
Related terms: Bumper Wall, Pedestrian Guardrails