The Fence Post

What is Yard Gard? 

Yard Gard is a general term used for a type of fence that encloses a yard. But not all Yard Gard products are created equal. We recommend black vinyl coated welded wire fencing, also known as Yard Gard. The vinyl coating helps the fence stand up to the elements so it doesn't rust as quickly which also ensures the fence will stay looking better longer. Aesthetically, the black color helps the fence blend into the surrounding environment. Black coating "hides" a fence better than green vinyl coating in most environments. The welds of the fence make the fence strong, so it doesn't bend. If you choose smaller openings, the fence will be more difficult to climb for critters. Also, there are no sharp edges to injure people or animals.

Excellent Security

Vinyl coated welded wire yard and garden fencing are simply superior: 

1. Vinyl protects against the elements.
2. Black vinyl helps the fence blend into the environment.
3. Welds help create a very strong fence.
4. Smaller openings prevent fence climbing.
5. No sharp edges keep people and animals protected.

So Many Reasons

In other words, high-quality vinyl coated wire meshes are strong and durable - perfect for lawn and garden fencing, pet enclosures, boundary fence, children's play areas and many other uses. The heavy, resilient, flexible black PVC coating is permanently bonded to the galvanized core wire. It will not crack or peel and is unaffected by extreme temperatures. UV inhibitors retard degradation from sunlight. With the double protection of galvanized core wires and vinyl coating, these lawn and garden fence meshes will withstand the elements for many years. Be forewarned: big box stores will supply the cheapest quality fencing with vinyl coating that can be substandard. 

Three mesh sizes are available: 2" x 2", 1-1/2" x 4" and 2" x 4". The narrow mesh openings discourage fence climbing. We also offer different gauges: 11, 12 1/2, 14 and 16. Check out our Lawn & Garden fences.

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.

The Promise of Spring

Are you in the process of creating a garden? Do you already have a garden that you are getting ready for the upcoming season? Do you need to protect your plants from being consumed by visiting animals? Build a fence with welded or woven wire mesh - either galvanized or vinyl coated!

For Optimal Protection: Use Woven Wire Mesh Underground & Welded Wire Fencing Above Ground

At Louis Page we're partial to woven wire and welded wire fences because they're sturdy and long-lasting. Here is our top advice for keeping your plants safe from animals that think you planted tasty items just for them and also ways to keep your plants healthy, so they can grow big and strong. These are our most popular bullet points for this season and the next:

• Use a smaller mesh, especially at the bottom of the fence, to keep smaller animals from getting into your garden
• Bury 12" or more of the fence underground to discourage burrowing
• Bend 12" or more of the fence to the outside of your garden laying it on top of the ground for an effective protecting apron

1" Hexagonal Chicken Wire Netting--Barrier Fencing that Excels

• Black vinyl coated 1" hex is ideal - black blends with the background making the fence virtually invisible
• PVC coating adds years of life to the fence
• The wire is easy to work with
• Rolls are available in different widths to suit your needs - from 12" through 90"

This is what black vinyl coated hexagonal wire looks like:

Do You Need Smaller Openings?  1/2" Hardware Cloth is Available  

• Vinyl coated 19 gauge wire welded into ½" x ½" mesh will discourage the smallest animals
• Vinyl coated extends the lifetime of the fence
• Rolls are 100' in length
• Three heights are available: 24", 36" and 48"

This is what hardware cloth looks like:

Use larger mesh fences - 2" x 2", 2" x 3" and 2" x 4" - in combination with smaller mesh "ground wire".

• The smaller mesh gives protection where it's really needed
• You have greater strength in the higher sections

This is what a mesh fence with larger spaced openings looks like in a garden:

Planning ahead and being prepared is challenging! There are many possibilities that allow you to be creative in your solutions. Feel free to call us - (866) 328-5018 - for additional advice, we love hearing your ideas and recommending the right solution for you! We will even provide a free quote so you can determine if your fence fits your budget.

What are welded wire meshes and fences?

• As the name implies, welded wire mesh fences are made from wires that have been welded into a mesh
• In most cases, the same gauge of wire is used throughout the roll
• Welded joints are rigid and have little flexibility
• Many welded products with larger openings are used as fencing on ranches, farms, in parks and on construction sites.
• Mesh sizes can range from ½" x ½" up to 6" x 6"
• Meshes with smaller openings are usually made with lighter gauge wires
• These are mostly used for screening
• Some specifications of welded meshes are vinyl coated

And how can you use them?

Welded fencing is ideal to use on flat terrain where little flexibility is necessary. Some examples of uses:

    -Swimming pool fences

    -Emu and Ostrich Fences

    - Garden Fences

    - Dog kennels

    - Sheep and Goat Fences

     -Railing safety panel inserts

Woven Wire Mesh and Fence

What are woven wire meshes and fences?

• Fences made by weaving the wires into a mesh
• Different gauge wires are sometimes used in the same roll
• Woven joints are flexible yet very strong
• There are a wide variety of mesh size openings available
• Hexagonal netting (chicken wire), field and farm fence, deer and wildlife fence, and ornamental fence are some examples

And how are they used?

Woven wire fences are ideal in situations where the ground is uneven. The inherent flexibility allows the fence to adjust more easily to grade changes. Some examples of uses:

    - Garden Fences

    - Horse Paddocks

    - Boundary Fence

    - Orchard Fence

    - Farm Fence

Keep these differences in mind when you are planning to install a fence. Which type do you want to use? Or maybe you need expert advice on what products to use?

Call us today for a free quote! 800-225-0508 or email sales@louispage.com

Welded or Woven Wire? Each Brings its Own Merits

When it comes to the subject of “welded versus woven wire” fences, it may be more helpful to consider it more of a comparison, as both certainly have various merits in their favor. The intersections of these wires are spot-welded to create a sheet. However, woven fences are created through a process that is quite different and much more complicated. Using machinery, wire is loosely twisted into a gentle spiral, with each overlapping at the ends. With a quick twist, the link is made permanent and the distinctive zigzag diamond shape is formed.

Starting with Welded Wire Fences:

Example #1  Welded Wire Fence (Attached to Wooden Fence) - Straight lines are strong and sturdy

Example #2  Welded Wire Fence (Attached to Wooden Posts) - Straight lines are strong and sturdy

Welded wire fencing, which has a structure that is solid and inflexible, is ideal for a firm and definite barrier. When cut, the wires will not begin to unravel from one another.  The disadvantages of this fencing type can be seen in situations when pressure is introduced, such as livestock in need of a leaning post or any sort of vehicular crash. If weight is applied, it’s difficult for a welded wire fence to spring back to shape. It will likely deform permanently and need replacing.

Now onto Woven Wire

Example #3  Vinyl Coated Woven Wire Fence  - Distinctive zigzag diamond shape

See how example #3 is woven? The fence "lines" are straight in examples #1 and #2 and there is a little zigzag in example #3.

Structure and Functional Merits - Woven wire has some give

By understanding their basic structures, it is easy to see their functional merits. A woven wire fence's linked yet loose structure allows for a large amount of bend, twist and pull without breaking -- a perfect design if you have grazing livestock to contain. In some styles of woven agricultural fence, the vertical wires are one continuous strand. This makes a very strong and secure mesh that will hold together well when under pressure. 

• Woven wire products used as fences can vary between 9 gauge and 23 gauge                                               
• Mesh sizes can run from ½" to 8"                                                                                                                       
• Wire finishes of woven meshes are similar to those that are welded: galvanized before weld (GBW), galvanized after weld (GAW), or vinyl coated (VC)                                                                                           
• Fences that are woven are more flexible than welded products                                                                         
• Mesh openings are generally uniform and consistent in shape and size throughout the roll                              
• Woven meshes are easier to install over uneven ground and can be "racked" to conform to the ups and downs
• Many of the fences used to enclose or exclude livestock are woven construction: deer, horses, poultry, and game birds