Posted by Duncan Page on Mon, May 24, 2010
Arkansas DOT photo
Have you ever seen a turtle fence? They are being used more frequently to cut down on roadkill in areas where highways cross the natural migration routes of turtles.
What is a turtle fence?
- A turtle fence is a physical barrier that prevents turtles from entering any area.
- Fences can guide turtles to an underpass or other safe way of crossing the roadway.
What is the need for turtle fences?
- To reduce a source of distraction and a cause of accidents on high speed highways.
- To save lives.
- To protect and preserve endangered species.
How is a turtle fence made?
- Welded or woven wire fence with a 1/2"x1" to 2"x2" mesh is ideal.
- 16 to 12.5 gauge wires are sufficient.
- Galvanized before, galvanized after or vinyl coated mesh, depending on the desired lifetime of the fence.
- 24" to 36" height depending on species.
A turtle fence can be a costly project and is often a cause of debate. Maintenance, especially in areas of heavy snow, can be quite costly if the fence is damaged by snow plows. Do you think the expense is justified?
Posted by Duncan Page on Thu, May 20, 2010
This instructional video from Bekaert points out important aspects of installing different types of high tensile agricultural fences - smooth wire, barbed wire, hinge joint field fence, fixed knot fence and horse fence.
Safety considerations, the importance of planning for your fence and fence post selection are covered. Clear instructions on how to install a brace are presented.
Posted by Duncan Page on Mon, May 17, 2010
Wire mesh can be used as an effective railing safety barrier on stairs, decks and walkways. Attached to a framework, the small openings of the mesh can prevent children from falling and restrain objects from falling on people below.
Both woven and welded wire meshes can be used. There are mesh and wire gauges available to meet a wide variety of safety requirements. And there are many different ways to put together an effective barrier.
Examples:
Strong 12.5 gauge woven wire field fence used as safety mesh along a river walk. The fence is turned upside down and the top edge is bent over for added strength. The fence is stapled to wood posts.
Welded wire 2"x4" fencing used as safety mesh along a pathway to keep people from falling down the river bank. This is a simple solution. The top 4" of the fence is doubled over. This strengthens the mesh and allows the top of the fencing to be stapled to the top of the post for extra strength.
The Birmingham Zoo used vinyl coated welded wire mesh as safety panels along walkways and in deck railings. The top picture shows 14 gauge 1"x2" mesh secured to wood posts. The bottom picture shows 1"x1" mesh that has been mounted in a metal frame. The frame is then attached to a finished railing assembly.
There are many other ways of using wire meshes to provide a safety mesh where required. The application and installation can be both simple and complex depending on what is required.
Posted by Duncan Page on Thu, May 13, 2010
Follow the instructions in this video and you will be able to competently install high tensile single strand smooth wire fence.
Posted by Frank Langone on Mon, May 10, 2010
Getting a horse for you or your children?
Will you be boarding the horse at a different location or keeping it on your own property?
There are two types of woven wire mesh fences perfect to use for horse paddocks - 2"x4" non-climb and Keepsafe diamond mesh.
2"x4" woven horse fence
Features:
- Galvanized class 1 or class 3 finish for protection from rust and corrosion
- Black painted wire with heavy duty class 3 coating - blends into background
- Long lifetime
- Heavy 10 gauge top and bottom wires
- 12.5 gauge filler wires
- Strong square knots safely secure vertical and horizontal wires
- 2"x4" openings prevent hoof entanglement
- Flexible - allows "racking" over uneven ground contours
- No uneven or sharp wires to injure animals
- 48" and 60" heights in 100' rolls
Diamond mesh woven horse fence
Features:
- Galvanized - class 1 and class 3
- Close spacing of wires prevents hooves from becoming entangled
- Fence has spring and flexibility
- Horizontal wires - heavy double strands of 12.5 gauge wires are twisted for strength
- Vertical wires - 14 gauge wires create the V mesh
- Requires little maintenance when installed
- Rugged long lasting fence
- No sharp edges to harm horses or people
- 50"x165' and 58"x165' rolls available
Both fences can be hung on wood or studded T posts. Which ever style you choose, rest assured that your horses will be safe and secure. You will have a horse fence that is attractive, strong and durable.
Posted by Duncan Page on Tue, May 04, 2010
This video shows you the correct method of installing fixed knot fence, including safety considerations.