Deterring Unwanted Garden Visitors

At Louis Page, we love tips that guard the time and effort we put into our gardens. 

And! If you've got some leftover mesh hanging around, don't toss it! Here's a blog with ideas on how to use it.

Hardware cloth: small welded wire mesh that can be used for a variety of projects at your place of business and at home. Find it in galvanized after weld or a very long-lasting vinyl-coated finish. Stainless steel hardware cloth is even tougher and also available.

Stainless Steel Benefits:

Economic--requires less maintenance and replacement

Environmental--stainless steel is 100% recyclable and doesn't require a potentially polluting surface coating

Aesthetic--maintains a classic, attractive, sleek, and bright appearance

Temperature--from high to subzero, stainless steel maintains its properties, strength, and effectiveness

Safe--stainless steel is not hazardous to health

Hygienic--it's easy to clean and sterilize                                                                            

What's in it?

• Iron
• Chromium
• Manganese
• Carbon
• and in some cases nickel and molybdenum

Chromium is key in bonding with these to create a protective surface film. 10.5% chromium is required to be considered stainless steel. The surface barrier created blocks water and oxygen from getting underneath, which in turn facilitates the protection of its iron foundation and enables its notable stain resistance. A few atomic layers of this barrier is enough to maintain the whole--we're talkin' a wavelength of light in thickness--so extremely thin and visually undetectable without significant magnification.

Famously, the top of the Chrysler Building uses stainless steel.

Two Main Classifications

Type 304--most common, with great corrosion resistance; affordable, appropriate to household appliances, and forms well. 304 has more chromium than 316. 

Type 316 (Marine Grade)--the presence of molybdenum increases anti-corrosion capacity and high heat stability. This takes things up a notch and is crucial for marine environments, refineries, and medical devices. It is used in situations where extreme hardness is required. Fence or mesh used in a coastal or saltwater environment requires 316, also in areas of air pollution, deicing salt, and volcanic activity. 316 also contains more nickel than 304--nickel enhances the strength, sustainability, and high-temperature properties of stainless steel.

• The difference between 304 and 316 is not detectable with the naked eye
• A material test report is something to look for when buying and questioning the grade of stainless steel
• If you live within three miles from the coast, consider 316 for outdoor applications 

Offsetting Corrosion

When thinking about a fence, the main reason to go stainless is for long life. It repels corrosion and the toughness of stainless steel offsets the initial cost promising less repair and replacement. Unsightly rust is eliminated or substantially delayed. Its properties are indispensable in keeping a business or residence looking sharp and its longevity doesn't waste resources.

Unparalleled Durability 

In the long run, stainless steel is an economical choice. Seemingly more expensive at the outset; however, its consistency, service, and longevity make it an excellent buy.

Important Considerations

Buying fencing without seeing it can be difficult but we are here to help you. We have pulled together our top 4 key considerations to help you choose the best fence for your needs.

1.  The Type of Wire Determines a Fence's Durability and Use

For example, vinyl-coated and stainless steel fences offer maximum durability, making them ideal choices for harsh environments and applications where longevity is a must.

We provide four unique types of welded wire to address any durability and budget needs:

Galvanized Before Weld (GBW)

GBW mesh is made from strands of galvanized wire welded together. During the welding process, the rust preventing galvanizing is burned off at the weld points where the wires intersect. These meshes are economical but have a limited lifetime. A general purpose mesh, ideal for low-cost fencing, kennels, cages, and a variety of other uses.

Galvanized After Weld (GAW)

GAW mesh is made by dipping previously welded mesh into a bath of molten zinc. The entire mesh, including the welded areas, is thoroughly sealed and protected against rust. This wire is particularly useful for animal enclosures or other applications where rust prevention and long life is desired. Ideally suited for use as ground wire for bird enclosures and animal enclosures. (ZA (zinc aluminum for agricultural fences (one step between GAW & Vinyl Coated).

Vinyl Coated (VC)

VC mesh is made by coating either galvanized before or galvanized after welded mesh with a thick layer of black or green PVC fused to the wire by a heat process, creating an attractive, tough, long-lasting, weather and chemical-resistant mesh. Vinyl coated meshes have the longest lifetime in any application. This 12½" gauge mesh with 1½" x 1½" openings makes a particularly excellent floor for dog kennels.

Stainless Steel

SS welded wire mesh, strong and long-lasting, needs no additional finish to protect it. The wire itself is extremely resistant to rust, corrosion, and harsh chemicals. Use stainless mesh or fence in areas with prolonged exposure to salt and other corrosives.

2.  Wire Gauge: a Fence that Endures

• Wire gauge also determines durability and use. The lower the gauge number the thicker the wire, making low gauge fencing ideal for applications where strength and durability are required.
• Along with the wire type, wire gauge determines how tough and long-lasting your fence will be. Louis Page sells welded wire in 10.5, 11, 12.5, 14, 16, 19, and 23 gauge thicknesses.
• Remember, the lower the gauge number, the thicker and stronger the wire will be.
• Thicker wire is more resistant to the elements and tougher for critters to chew through. A sharp beak can make short work of a thin gauge wire. No such luck with a thicker gauge!
• For these reasons, wire gauge is an important factor in determining both how long your fence will last and the use for which it is best suited.

3.  Mesh Openings: a Wide Variety of Uses

Smaller mesh opening is important for fencing in or out smaller animals, which could slip through a larger opening. Smaller openings also make for more rigid panels, making durability a secondary consideration.

Mesh opening is a very important factor to consider based on what you’re planning to fence in or out.

4.  Fence Height - Animals Test the Boundaries

Quite simply, taller fencing is required to fence in and out larger animals, and animals that can jump high. Fence height is very important factor based on what you’re planning to fence in or out. Simply put, taller fencing is required to fence in and out larger animals, as well as animals that can jump high. For example, shorter fences are ideal for uses like chicken enclosures, rabbit cages, and puppy kennels. A taller fence is required for enclosing large farm animals like cows and goats and fencing out deer.

• A taller fence is required when safety and the security of people is the goal, such as in the case of a pool fence or at places like construction sites, zoos, or public parks.

Our experts are ready and waiting by the phone to answer your questions and help you choose the right fence for your project.

 

 

Projects with a Quick Return

If you're like us, you love a good garden and appreciate landscaping. A flourishing garden can take hours and hours of time. But some projects can be accomplished in a shorter amount of time. With some welded wire fencing you can protect plants, keep pets where you want them and even create an archway.

Check out our roundup of welded wire fence projects from across the internet that you can finish in 5 hours or less. These projects are great for the garden and in general, around the house. They may even work in your favorite public park!

Various Types of Welded Wire Mesh Fence

First, welded wire fence comes in rolls and most often looks like this:

Three Fence Finishes 

It comes in various sizes (openings) and finishes including galvanized after weld, vinyl-coated and stainless steel:

1. Galvanized After Weld

2. Vinyl Coated

3. Stainless Steel

Hardware Cloth: Easy to Work With

The type of welded wire fence featured in this blog article is also known as hardware cloth. It has many uses around the house and in public settings.

Here is a break down of our recommended uses based on the finish of the welded wire fence:

1. Uses for Galvanized After Weld Wire Hardware Cloth:

• Beekeeping

• Gutter guard

• Soffit screens

• Compost bins

• Window guards

• Small animal cages

• Groundhog barriers

• Tree trunk protection

• Plaster and stucco lath

• Nuisance wildlife control

• Ferro cement boats and structures (1/2")

Generally, hardware cloth is easy to work with because it is flexible and people like the small openings. Openings can be as small as 1/8 inch x 1/8 inch.

2. Uses for Vinyl Coated Hardware Cloth:

• Beekeeping

• Gutter guard

• Soffit screens

• Craft projects

• Window guards

• Small animal cages

• Tree trunk protection

• Nuisance wildlife control

• Gopher, groundhog barriers

We recommend black vinyl coated hardware cloth because it blends in with the environment.

3. Uses for Stainless Steel Hardware Cloth:

• Greenhouse benches

• Bird cages and feeders

• Industrial machine guards

• Nuisance animal exclusion

• Animal cages and enclosures

• Decorative architectural panels

• Railing safety mesh in-fill panels

• Long lasting home and garden fence

• Swimming pool fence near salt water

• Ground wire for bird and animal enclosures

• Anti-bird exclusion mesh in commercial buildings and structures

Specifically, stainless steel performs well over a long period and in harsh environments like those involving salt water.

Hardware Cloth: Project Round-Up

Gutter Gard

Bean Trellis

Animal Gate

Creating an Archway

(and for general landscaping, good design Ravenscourt!)

Protecting Your Plants...

Welded wire fencing is very useful around the garden and house. We like all of these projects and have even implemented some of them! We know figuring out the right type (galvanized after weld, vinyl coated or stainless steel) can be a difficult decision. Feel free to call us with your project ideas and we will be happy to help you order the product that is right for you. We will even give you a free quote.

Location is Key

Consider the location in which it will be placed, asking yourself these key questions--

• Is it near the coast?
• Is it exposed to extreme changes in temperature?
• Will it be located in a wet or humid environment?
• Will it be in close proximity to corrosive chemicals?

Identifying these factors will help you determine the best type of fence product and coating for your needs.

Galvanized Before Weld - GBW - Inexpensive with a Shorter Life

Let’s start with the basic low-cost GBW welded wire fence. This product is available in a wide variety of styles and sizes for lots of different applications. This is what most “Big Box” stores sell. 

• The good news? It is inexpensive. The "bad" news? It has a shorter life because it is more susceptible to rust and corrosion. And the reason? The wire is welded before it is galvanized. The welding process can “burn-off” the zinc on the weld points. This makes the wire more vulnerable to rust and corrosion.

The initial strength and gauge of the Galvanized Before Weld wire is the same as Galvanized After Weld and Vinyl Coated. But the finish is not nearly as durable, resulting in a shorter usable lifespan. Yet it may be appropriate in some applications.

If price rather than quality is the most important factor, then GBW might be a good choice for you.

Galvanized After Weld - GAW - Fights corrosion, providing years of service

GAW welded wire is dipped in molten zinc after being welded or woven. The wire is fully encased in zinc for greater protection and longer life. This is especially important if the fence is to be installed in coastal areas, and if rust and corrosion are primary concerns. 

• The good news? Extended lifetime. The bad news? It is slightly more expensive than generic GBW meshes. The reason? After the wire mesh is welded or woven, the finished product is drawn through a bath of molten zinc. The wires are thoroughly galvanized. And most importantly the welded joints are completely covered and protected from the elements. Moisture, which tends to collect in these areas, is prevented from contacting the underlying wire.

If quality and long life are the most important factors in how you will make your decision, Galvanized After Weld is a great choice. The thick galvanization present on the wires adds years of life to the fence. GAW fencing materials will long outlast commonly available GBW products. You have to look harder to find GAW wire fencing materials, but we sell it and your search will be rewarded with years of service. Avoid the needless expense and hassle of frequent replacement. Buy a product that will last!

Vinyl Coated - VC - Very Long Life with an Impervious Barrier

VC welded wire has been coated with a layer of PVC after the mesh is welded up. The vinyl covers the mesh and provides strong protection against the element. 

• The good news? Extended lifetime and attractive appearance. The "bad" news? It can be more expensive than GBW and GAW products. The reason? The addition of the PVC coating adds an impervious barrier, protecting the wire from Mother Nature's harshest elements. Protected wire will not rust as quickly.

If you want a product that is not only attractive but is also able to withstand environmental stresses, VC welded wire mesh is the perfect one to use. Black mesh becomes virtually invisible. We sell green and black vinyl coated products.

Note: It is very important to know what to look for when considering VC wire fencing materials. The best possible protection and longest life expectancy are offered by a product that is vinyl coated over GAW wire mesh. You will have rugged double protection. You will not be disappointed.

Stainless Steel - SS - Savings in the Long Run

SS welded wire fences provide the greatest level of protection and long life in any environment. The product is more expensive up front but can save lots of money and time in the long run because the fence will not need to be repaired or replaced. Stainless Steel wire needs no additional coating because it will last for years and years. 

• The good news? A very long lifetime with little maintenance required. The "bad" news? It is more expensive. The reason? Stainless Steel is a more expensive material. But in certain applications, it will ultimately prove less expensive.

And Stainless Steel wire needs no additional coating because it will last for years and years in practically any environment.

That is our high-level overview of fences. This is a great place to start if you are new to fence products and/or you are planning for a certain project. Call and chat with us--(866) 328-5018--and we'll answer any questions that you may have and we provide free quotes.