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The Fence Post

Debbie Page

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4 Keys To Choose the Best Fence for Your Needs

May 26, 2017 | by Debbie Page

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.

Louis Page's Illustration of the 4 Keys to Choosing a Fence

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.

For example, a small mesh opening would be required for fencing in baby rabbits or birds, while a larger mesh opening would be better for fencing in goats and other livestock.
  • Louis Page sells welded wire fence in a variety of mesh opening sizes from ” x ” to 3” x 3”. In addition to different sizes, mesh openings also come in a variety of shapes including square, rectangular and hexagonal.
Durability is also a secondary consideration with mesh opening, as smaller meshes create more rigid, durable fencing.

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.
 
Bird on a Wire
 
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Topics: stainless steel, galvanized after, galvanized before, Fencing Tips, vinyl coated

The 4 Main Types of Wire Mesh Fencing Materials

April 21, 2017 | by Debbie Page

dog behind fence

Consider the Possibilities


When researching the type of wire fence you want to purchase, there are many things you want to consider before making a decision. Have you thought about the following?

  • Aesthetic considerations - how important is appearance?                                                                                                                                                                      
  • Function is a significant factor - what do you want to keep in or out?                                                                                                                                    
  • Cost is important - should you buy the least expensive product or invest in fencing material that will last a long time and save on the future expenses and labor of early replacement?                                                                                            
  • Country of origin may be something you want to take into account - is there any connection between the quality of a fence and where it is made?                                                                                                                                                     
  • The topography of the site should be considered - are there irregularities on the ground's surface where the fence will be located?                                                                                                                                                                                     
  • Manufacturing method is important - is a welded product a better choice than a woven fence mesh?                                                                          

Finishes for Your Fence

When making a decision about which wire fencing material to use, one of the most important aspects to take into account is the type of "finish" the wire has. There are four basic types:

  1. GBW - Galvanized Before Weld and Galvanized Before Weave                                                                                                                                                
  2. GAW - Galvanized After Weld and Galvanized After Weave                                                                                                                                                      
  3. VC - Vinyl Coated welded and woven                                                                                                                                                                                   
  4. SS - Stainless Steel and other alloys.
A professional fence installer in your area can help you make an informed decision. Now, for some explanation.

GBW

Galvanized before weld wire fences can be either welded or woven. Galvanized wire is used to manufacture the mesh.

Welded products - the zinc coating is burnt off during the welding process. The welded points where the horizontal and vertical wires intersect are left unprotected and exposed to rust and corrosion. In wet weather, moisture tends to collect at the joint, hastening the process.

GBW_weld_point

While it is true that zinc can "flow" from the areas adjacent to the burnt intersection, the weld spot never regains its full protection. These are the types you see in your local building supply store and garden center. Differences in gauge, mesh opening size and height are considerable. You can find a product that will meet your needs. It is important to keep in mind the fact that these items have a limited lifetime. Welded GBW fencing materials are relatively inexpensive and utilitarian.

Woven products - these do not have any welded areas and therefore do not have the same vulnerability. These range from lightweight hex netting up to field fence and heavy gauge woven high tensile deer and wildlife fence. The heavier fences have an extended lifetime, especially those with Class 3 galvanizing.

GAW

Galvanized after weld fencing materials are galvanized after the welding or weaving process. The mesh is drawn through a bath of molten zinc which thoroughly seals the wire, including the welded and woven areas. These products are heavily protected from rust and corrosion and have an extended lifetime that far exceeds the lifetime of the same products with GBW finish. You can tell if a product is galvanized after by looking at the welded and woven areas. You can actually see how the zinc seals the areas. GAW items are initially more expensive. However, when you consider the extra material and labor cost of replacement, the higher initial cost of GAW meshes are easily justified.

Galv After mesh fence on paving stones

GAW fencing is more specialized and therefore are not as easy to find at retail stores. The welded meshes are often used in making animal cages. They are ideal to use in areas where there is constant moisture or exposure to corrosion. There is an even wider range of choices in wire gauge, mesh size and widths due to the more specialized end uses of these items. The GAW hex netting meshes are often used in saltwater applications and in building game bird pens - areas where long life is sought and appreciated.

VC

Vinyl coated fencing materials are coated with either polyester or PVC after the welding or weaving process. The most common colors are black and green. The black color is the most unobtrusive. It blends with the background, becoming virtually invisible. As with GAW products, the vinyl coating thoroughly coats the entire mesh, sealing it against rust and corrosion. The additional cost is offset by longer life expectancy and more attractive appearance. Many different specifications are widely available in retail stores. The vinyl makes them aesthetically pleasing.

Vinyl Coated Wire Mesh

As with any products, there are different quality grades available. The least expensive products do not bond the vinyl securely to the wire. The vinyl is easily cut and can then be peeled off the wire with your fingers. The higher quality grades have a vinyl coating that is tightly bonded to the wire and resists scraping, even with a knife. And there are products available that have the double protection of GAW wire under the coating. These offer the longest lasting meshes available. As always, higher quality means higher cost. You get what you pay for. Higher initial cost can save you money over the life of the mesh.

In addition to the regular generic retail items, there is a wide range of gauge and mesh opening size specialty items not available in stores. There are welded meshes used in lobster traps, safety mesh in railings, animal cages and other unique applications. Woven hex meshes are used in such things as bird pens and deer fence.

SS and other alloys

Stainless steel fencing materials are perhaps the most specialized type available. They have the advantage of being resistant to rust, corrosion, and other environmental stressors. Stainless steel welded wire meshes have often been used as fences in coastal areas. They are quite expensive and can be difficult to impossible to obtain at retail stores. Their appearance is more utilitarian than attractive. These items have an extended lifetime. Other alloys such as copper are also available in a variety of gauges, mesh sizes, and weaving styles.

stainless steel mesh

Stainless Steel Fencing Materials

 

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Topics: fencing materials, vinyl coated wire, galvanized after, GAW

Chicken Wire Arts and Crafts: A Pictorial Gallery

April 14, 2017 | by Debbie Page

Chicken Wire with a Twist
wire sculpture of chickens on lawn

Sculpture by Susan Nichols

At Louis Page, we love chicken wire art and crafts and we love the work of Susan Nichols. Another chicken wire artist we came across is Australian Ivan Lovett. We highlighted him in this blog post and it is wildly popular, and we continue to receive many questions about the various uses of chicken wire. Today, we are sharing some of our favorite photos of chicken wire arts and crafts. The possibilities of effect are numerous and impressive. First, we'll look at some projects for around the house and then some contemporary chicken wire art. After the montage, look at the specifications below if you'd like more details.

To begin, here are some crafty home décor projects that we found on the web.

wire enclosed wooden shelf

Source: Crafty Sisters

 

hex mesh wire light shade

Source: Shades of Light

 

hex mesh heart filled with stones

Source: toocraft.com

 

cabinet with wire mesh windows

Source: The Painted Parlor

Captivating Pieces by Contemporary Artists

Such as this beautifully displayed piece by the artist, Derek Kenzett

wire sculpture of man in wood canoe

Here is a gallery piece by the artist, Benedetta Mori Ubaldini

lit sculpture of babies and rats

And this lighted piece by Cédric Le Borgne

lit wire sculpture of deer grazing

"Floating Mountains, Singing Clouds" by Mei-ling Hom

billowy cloudlike wire sculpture

Finally, this fun sculpture of chickens by Susan Nichols

wire sculpture of chickens on lawn

Details

The most common specifications of chicken wire available are made using 20 gauge wire woven into 1" or 2" hexagonal mesh. Other types available are 1/2" x 22 gauge, 1" x 18 gauge and 1-1/2 x 17 gauge.

An Array of Finishes

Finishes available are: galvanized before weave (GBW), galvanized after weave (GAW) and PVC vinyl coated (VC). Not all specifications are available in all finishes.

Extremely Useful

This fencing material is ideal for use around the home, farm, and in industrial applications - any place where a lighter weight mesh can be used. Conventional uses include:

  • deer fence
  • craft projects
  • stucco netting
  • window guards
  • game bird flight pens
  • garden perimeter fence
  • tree and shrub protection
  • holding insulation in place
  • exclusion barriers for birds
  • chicken runs and poultry houses
  • trellis for climbing plants & flowers
  • backing mesh for post and rail fence
  • framework for sculpture and float decorations

We have highlighted some of our favorites sculptures and DIY projects from across the web. Perhaps you have a favorite chicken wire artist? Or maybe, you take the DIY approach and have created a sculpture of your own? Whatever the case, we want you to know, we love a good chicken wire sculpture or homestead project and sell hexagonal wire aka chicken wire (GBW, GAW, and Vinyl-Coated) check it out our products here.

Chicken Wire

 

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Topics: hex netting, vinyl coated wire, galvanized after

Swimming Pool Fence Requirements & Considerations

April 7, 2017 | by Debbie Page

 

child jumping in swimming pool

Planning for Pool Safety

Are you getting a swimming pool? Don't forget about the swimming pool fence required to keep the pool and pool area safe - especially for young children who may be drawn to the water to check it out.

You have probably planned the pool and its installation very carefully - putting into place all your thoughts and ideas for creating the perfect pool for you and an attractively landscaped pool area.

The Fence Install

If you are installing the fence yourself, remember that you need to check with the local building inspector in your town to determine what is acceptable for pool fence and all the other requirements - such as self-closing gates. If a child forgets to close the gate when passing through, the gate will automatically close itself. While this is an added safeguard, never rely solely on this technology for protection. Having your eyes on kids is a must. Even very young children are unpredictable and clever; a swimming pool is a powerful incentive for beating the best system in place.

  pool

If you are having the fence installed by a reputable fence company any questions you may have can be answered by them.

For peace of mind and everyone's safety remember to install or have installed the proper fence around your dream pool so that it doesn't become a nightmare. Do as much planning for the fence as you would for planning and designing the pool.

Design Options

There are many different types of swimming pool fences available that will meet code requirements. Which type best fits your design requirements?

We carry pool fencing made in the U.S.A, Italy and China. Our product options fit various budgets and project specifications. We also offer free quotes.

Download the Swimming Pool Fence brochure!

swimming pool with inflatable toys

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Topics: swimming pool fence, Fencing Tips

Netting for Gardens: Let’s Talk Birds and Crop Protection

March 31, 2017 | by Debbie Page

Bird perched on branch

Securing Your Crops

Each year millions of dollars worth of crops are lost to birds. Fruits and vegetables are both at risk. Your blueberry and raspberry bushes are particularly attractive sites for birds to feed. There are two types of polypropylene netting you can use to secure your garden.

1. Extruded Bird Barrier Netting

Black polypropylene is extruded into strong square meshes with small openings. These products are specifically designed to protect your vegetables, flowers, plants, fruits, trees, gardens, ponds and other areas from invasion by nuisance birds. The netting can also be used for other purposes such as effective erosion control on newly seeded slopes and keeping leaf piles in place on windy days.

Ornex, made by Tenax, is available in two mesh sizes: 3/4" x 3/4" and 3/8" x 3/8". This bird barrier netting is light in weight and easy to handle and install. It's inexpensive, rot and rust proof, and resistant to both UV rays and chemical agents. Large size rolls are available for bigger gardens and operations. The larger rolls eliminate the frustration of having to join several pieces together.

Ornex - 3/4" x 3/4" mesh - black

  • Roll sizes available - 14' x 100', 14' x 500', 14' x 1,000', 14' x 5,000' and 15-1/2' x 700'

Ornex - 3/8"x3/8" mesh - black

  • Roll size available: 13' x 820'

S-31 - a stronger, longer lasting mesh with the same features as Ornex. Designed for the commercial grower. Available in 5/8"x3/4" mesh.

  • Roll sizes available: 14' x 5,000' and 17' x 5,000'

Ornex sold by Louis Page

2. Woven Netting for Crop Protection

Multiple strands of UV stabilized black polypropylene yarns are woven into a flexible and long-lasting hexagonal shaped mesh. This soft, knitted small mesh netting is ideal for protecting berries and fruits. It creates a physical barrier between the birds and your valuable crops. Larger size rolls will make the installation job easier for you. You won't have to piece several smaller pieces together.

  • 1/2" mesh - 25' x 100' rolls
  • 3/4" mesh - 25' x 100', 50' x 150' and 50' x 200' rolls
  • 1" mesh - 12' x 100', 25' x 100' and 50' x 150' rolls

Both the extruded and woven meshes will give your gardens and crops excellent protection from marauding birds. Why share when your share can be all?

Small bird on flowering tree branch

Order Bird Barrier Netting

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Topics: garden netting, aviary netting

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