The Fence Post

Rethinking Chain-link

If you are planning to install a chain-link fence, before you do, you should consider the benefits of installing a welded wire fence or wire mesh fencing. Welded wire fencing has many more benefits than chain-link fencing.

Security

Welded wire fencing is much more secure than chain-link fencing. You can install a fence up to 40 feet tall that is impassible by humans and wildlife. Depending on the use of the fence, the cross sections can be welded close together, creating an impenetrable fortress.

Stability

Unlike chain-link fencing, welded wire fencing comes in different thicknesses, depending on the level of security you need. This type of fencing can take an impact from a vehicle, and it will experience little to no damage. This type of fencing is so strong, that it is often used in zoos for elephants and large wildlife containment.

Enduring Construction

Wire mesh fencing is much more complex than chain-link fencing. The intertwining bars and bands make it look like a fortress wall. The panels are hooked together on a weld, which means that they won't crack or break over time.

Less Maintenance

Chain-link fences require little maintenance, however, wire mesh fencing requires even less maintenance. It is made out of weather-resistant materials, which can last a lifetime, even in areas that often experience severe weather.

When it comes down to choosing between installing a chain-link fence or a welded wire fence, the welded wire fence definitely has the edge.  

Containment or Exclusion?

There are many different styles of woven wire fence that can be successfully used in zoo displays. These wire fencing products can also be put to use around the home, farm and public areas such as parks and recreational areas. Think of these fences when you have any situation where animals need to be contained or excluded.

Double-Wattled Cassowary & 2" x 4" woven wire mesh - Birmingham Zoo

2" x 4" openings, 12.5 gauge mesh -- Large Birds, Dogs, Horses, and Zebras

Woven 2" x 4" mesh is made with heavier 10 gauge selvage wires running along the top and bottom edge of the fence. This gives the fencing greater strength. Strong 12.5 gauge wire makes up the balance. A third piece of 12.5 gauge wire forms a smooth stiff knot around the horizontal and one piece vertical wires securely holding them together. Knotted construction gives the fence some flexibility making it easier to install over uneven ground. Woven 2" x 4" mesh is available in three different finishes: Class 1 galvanized, Class 3 galvanized and Class 3 black. It can be used effectively with very large birds, other animals such as dogs, horses and zebras and any other animal that requires a strong fence. 

Woven 2" x 2" wire mesh fence on sides of display - Franklin Park Zoo

2" x 2" openings, 16 gauge mesh -- Birds and Small Animals

Made with the same knotted construction as the 2" x 4" fencing, this lighter weight woven wire fence is made using 14 gauge wires on top and bottom and 16 gauge wires for the filler. As with its heavier brother, the fencing has inherent flexibility. 2" x 2" mesh can be used with birds and other small animals - situations where a lighter fence will be effective.

Woven Deer and wildlife fence - Franklin Park Zoo

12.5 gauge high tensile wire -- Deer and Wildlife 

Woven from 12.5 gauge high tensile wire, this strong heavily galvanized fencing can be used with many different kinds of animals. All feature spacing between horizontal wires that graduate from small at the bottom to large at the top. Heights range from 4' through 10'. Horizontal and vertical wires are held together with fixed knot construction. Deer and wildlife fencing is available with  a Class 3 galvanized finish. Some heights have a Class 3 black finish. The strength and height make this an ideal fence to use with a wide range of animals.

Deer fence gateway - Birmingham Zoo

Louis Page -- Resources for You

We source wire mesh fencing and aviary netting for zoos, parks and homes across North America. If you don't see something in this blog post, please check out our online shop or give us a call (800-225-0508) or email us (sales@LouisPage.com). We love animals and want to make sure both animals and humans stay safe and healthy for many years!

Investing in Safety

Each year, thousands of drownings and near-drowning events occur in the U.S. So many of these swimming pool tragedies are preventable. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has studied this problem extensively. Their conclusion about the best way to reduce and hopefully eliminate these incidents:

Pool owners must install and maintain effective barriers to prevent young children from entering the pool area.

Now is the time to install a pool fence and/or upgrade your existing fence. The question is, do you choose fence panels or cut the welded wire fence roll yourself? What other details do you need to know?   

Deciding on Panels vs. Cutting Wire Yourself  

Fence panels are the easiest and fastest way for pool owners to increase safety around an outdoor pool. Why? Panels are flattened and sheared to size. They might cost a little more; however, the time savings is priceless. The panels are sold in many different gauges, mesh configurations, and finishes. Panels are sold as flat unframed sheets. You can create the frame while your wire panels are in transit. 

If you are up to the challenge of cutting a welded wire fence roll, you can save a little money and order a roll to make your own fence panels. Keep in mind that there are two cuts per panel except for the first panel. For each additional cut, you must cut the exposed wires left from the previous cut. Cutting wire takes hand strength and patience. The heavier the gauge, the harder it is to cut through the wire. Pre-cut panels save you a ton of time and won't tire your hand!

>Hot Tip for DIYers: To minimize the welded wire "memory", reverse roll the cut panel, tie it and leave it in the sun to heat for the day.

Mesh and Gauges: What You Need to Know

Both panels and rolls have the same finish, wire gauge and mesh opening options. If you want to know more about finish, wire gauge, and mesh opening, read our post on the keys to choosing the right fence for you. The same opening sizes are offered in the following finish options, Plain Steel, Galvanized, Vinyl Coated, and Stainless Steel.  Panels are flattened and sheared (cut) to size from standard size roll widths (18”, 24”, 36”, 48”, 60, & 72”), but may be available in an alternate length. Just call us with questions, 800-225-0508.

Serious Consideration Required

 Swimming pool barriers should generally meet the following requirements:  

• at least 48" high
• free of footholds
• self-closing gates
• free of hand holds
• self-latching gates
• made with small openings:
• horizontal - no wider than 1-3/4"
• vertical - no higher than 4"
• locking devices on all gates
• less than 4" clearance from ground to bottom of barrier

Before installing any swimming pool barrier, it is very important to check your local codes, whether solid, with horizontal and vertical members or made using welded or woven wire mesh fence. Local codes may vary.

We believe pool fences are essential to everyone's safety. Contact us at sales@louispage.com or 800-225-0508. We can answer your questions and help you choose the product that is right for you and even calculate the right amount of panels if you choose the panel option.