Posted by Frank Langone on Wed, Feb 24, 2010
Spring is on its way! Are you contemplating any projects that will require fencing - a play area for children, lawn and garden fence, pet fencing, swimming pool? Planning now can save you a lot of time and legwork when you are ready to start the work.
There are many varieties of wire fencing and meshes to be considered and evaluated before you can narrow it down to your final selection. What are the specific needs and requirements of your project?
- Do you want an economical fence?
- Should your fence last a long time or is it temporary?
- Do you want the practicality and utility of a galvanized wire fence?
- Is the durability, longer lifetime and attractive appearance of vinyl coated mesh important?
- Why do you need a fence?
- How many feet of fencing are required?
- Are there specific requirements that determine the size of the mesh openings?
- What are the height requirements for the fence?
- If this is a DIY project, do you have the knowledge and information necessary to do the job properly?
- How many posts will you need?
- Do you want to use steel or wood posts?
- Will you need a gate?
- Are there any special tools you will need for installation?
- Is the fence line cleared?
- Will you need to clear or prepare the enclosed area?
Once you have answers to these questions, you will have made a great start on your project.
Do you have any more specific questions you need answered?
Posted by Duncan Page on Fri, Feb 19, 2010
White Headed Buffalo Weaver display - 16 gauge, black vinyl coated 1"x1" mesh
When constructing their displays and fencing their walkways, zoos frequently use welded wire meshes that have been vinyl coated. There are several reasons this type of material is chosen. Vinyl coated products are:
- easy to clean and maintain
- available in a variety of mesh sizes - from 1/4"x1/4" to 4"x4"
- available in different gauges - from light weight 23 gauge to heavy 10.5 gauge
- attractive and aesthetically pleasing
- very durable and long lasting
- strong and safe protection for birds and other animals
White Crested Laughing Thrushes, Chestnut Mandible Toucan and Tawny Frogmouth Owl displays - 14 gauge, black vinyl coated 1"x2" mesh
Vinyl coated welded wire products can be used in many different areas and for many different purposes including but not limited to:
- bird displays
- displays of mammals
- effective crowd control
- fences along walkways
- safety mesh for railings
Monkey display, walkway fence, observation deck safety inset panels - 1"x1" mesh
Vinyl coated welded wire meshes and fencing are versatile products that will safely secure and protect your animals. They are also effective as exclusion barriers. Though initially more expensive, their long lifetime and attractive appearance make them appropriate for many different situations.
Do you either plan to or currently use these meshes?
All pictures show the different ways the
Birmingham Zoo uses vinyl coated welded wire products.
Posted by Duncan Page on Fri, Feb 12, 2010
The 122 acre Birmingham Zoo draws more than 500,000 visitors a year, making it Alabama's most popular attraction. On February 5th I was treated to a fascinating tour of the facility by Jeff Pribble, the Zoological Manager of Birds. He cares for and manages more than 90 different species of birds - over 400 in number. The zoo is on their way to a goal of 100 species. Such species as the Bali Mynah, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Secretary Bird and Double-wattled Cassowary are on display in clean, informatively labeled, well maintained environments that reflect their natural habitats.
The Birmingham Zoo uses a variety of meshes in their displays and around the grounds. Vinyl coated welded wire meshes are used in the displays as well as in safety insert panels along walkways, railings and fence. Woven polypropylene top netting is often used for the tops of the displays. For the bigger displays containing larger birds, woven 2"x4" mesh is used. A fine woven zoo mesh is also used for the displays of some of the smaller birds.
Jeff Pribble & Duncan Page
Along with this fine avian section, the zoo also features a $15 million Children's Zoo displaying the urban and rural wild animals and environs of Alabama. Work on the Trails of Africa is currently underway. Featuring a cultural and botanical "immersion-themed motif", this promises to be a "world-class community asset". The zoo also features two small trains that carry passengers on a 3/4 mile loop throughout the zoo.
If you're in the Birmingham area, be sure to visit!