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Wire 101: What is a Wire Gauge, Anyway?

September 16, 2014 | by Duncan Page

Selective Focus Photography of Gray Chain Link Fence

Wire Gauge Basics

Gauge is a measurement of wire thickness. Wire gauge information is confusing to many people because it does not work like most of the measurement systems that non-technical people are familiar with. For one thing, each works in reverse; as the numbers get larger, the wire gets thinner. Another source of confusion is the fact that wire gauges do not correspond to convenient actual measurements. To truly understand wire gauge, you must know something about the way that wire is manufactured.

Manufacturing Wire

To make wire, manufacturers start with a rod of metal; for fencing, steel is the most common choice. This rod of metal is pulled through a metal plate with a hole in it. This metal plate is called a die, and the process of pulling the metal through the die is known as drawing. This process is repeated again and again with progressively smaller dies until the desired wire size is reached. Originally, the gauge of the wire referred to the number of times that the drawing process was done. Wire manufacturers started with Gauge 0 metal rods and repeated the drawing process as many times as necessary. In earlier times, the size of the dies and the wires produced through them could vary significantly from one shop to another, because of low-tech machining processes. As machining and manufacturing became more precise, this variance began to become a problem. This eventually led to the standardization of wire gauge information; from that point on, each gauge measurement has corresponded to a particular size of wire.

Sizing

In the United States and Canada, the typical standard for wire gauge is called the American Wire Gauge. In this system, the diameter of wire of a particular gauge is determined by a mathematical formula. Using this formula, manufacturers are free to develop wire of any arbitrary gauge, including half or other fractional gauges. Here is a list of common wire gauges that are used in fencing and their corresponding measurements:

8.5 gauge - 0.155 inch
9 gauge - 0.1483 inch
10.5 gauge - 0.128 inch
11 gauge - 0.1205 inch
12.5 gauge - 0.099 inch
14 gauge - 0.080 inch
16 gauge - 0.0625 inch
18 gauge - 0.0475 inch
20 gauge - 0.0348 inch
21 gauge - 0.0317 inch
23 gauge - 0.0258 inch
27 gauge - 0.0173 inch

Different gauges of wire and different materials have different properties for flexibility, durability, and electrical conductivity, any or all of which may impact their usefulness as fencing material. Your specific needs will determine what gauge of wire is best for your fence.

Reputable Vendors

In many cases, the choice of wire gauge will be made for you when you choose a particular style and type of fence. It is good to understand wire gauge information, but it is best not to get too caught up in it. Rather than looking for a fence made of a particular gauge of wire, check out fences in person whenever possible, and choose a fence that feels sturdy. When this is impossible, be sure to deal with an experienced, reputable vendor that can offer you more than just a number. If you call Louis Page, you will find ready help in discerning what gauge and style of fence is appropriate to your project. (866) 328-5018

Topics: wire mesh, wire gauges

What to Look for When Shopping for a Quality Welded Wire Fence

August 8, 2014 | by Duncan Page

Design, Materials, Construction

When you're thinking about fencing, you have many choices. You have a variety of materials, designs, and types of construction to consider. If you have decided to use metal fencing for your yard, farm or other property, there are several styles available. There are two main classifications of metal fencing, decorative and purely functional. Decorative fencing, usually made of aluminum or wrought iron, looks good and is functional as well. It is a good choice for yards, but it is expensive, and not commonly used to enclose large areas. When cost is a primary concern, wire-fencing styles such as chain-link, barbed wire or welded wire are better choices.

Welded wire fencing is similar in design to a chain-link fence, but, as the name implies, the wires making up the fence are welded together, making the fence stronger. If you want to install welded wire fencing on your property, there are several things to look for in a quality welded wire fence.

Manufacturer

First, look for fencing made by a good manufacturer. A history of making quality products and a reputation for good customer service are the indicators of the best manufacturers. Look for these characteristics when you are shopping for welded wire fencing.

Country of Origin

Building wire fencing is not too complex. Wires are assembled on a jig and welded together, often by machines. Because there is little labor involved, there is little advantage in choosing fencing manufactured overseas, where labor costs are lower. The price of shipping increases costs; to keep prices competitive, many overseas fencing companies must cut corners on materials. Choosing fence products made closer to home makes it more likely that you will end up with a quality product that will last for many years.

Wire Gauge

Gauge is a measurement of the diameter of a piece of wire. Originally, gauge referred to the number of drawing steps required to manufacture wire of a specific diameter; now, wire gauges are standardized to correspond to specific sizes. Lower numbers are thicker. Wire fencing is typically made from 12 to 16 gauge wire, with a diameter of 0.08 to 0.05 inches.

Wire Finish

Steel is a common metal used in making welded wire fencing, but it is susceptible to corrosion. To combat this, most welded wire fencing has some kind of protective finish. This finish could be paint, plastic, or zinc. Steel protected by a thin layer of zinc is called galvanized steel. Galvanization can be done before or after welding. Galvanizing before welding offers some protection, but galvanizing after welding gives steel a thicker, stronger zinc coat that is extremely durable and can withstand many years of harsh elements. A vinyl coating is also an option. Vinyl is often combined with galvanization, giving the fence the best of both protection and looks.

Welded wire fencing is a cost-effective material that is just as functional as chain-link fencing, but will not give your property quite the same industrial look. When you are shopping for welded wire fencing, look for the attributes discussed here to ensure that you purchase a high-quality product that will give you many years of service.

Topics: welded wire fence, galvanized after, fence choices

Determining Your Deer Fence Height

August 5, 2014 | by Duncan Page

Desperados

Deer are beautiful animals, with incredible natural abilities. To people who live in cities, watching and admiring deer seems like one of the major attractions of country living. People who live in the country know better; deer may be incredible animals, but their beauty and majesty quickly fade when they become uninvited guests in your garden. One hungry deer can destroy an entire crop of fruits, vegetables or flowers in just a few hours. If you live in an area populated by deer, and you want to keep your garden looking nice, you must find some way to keep them out. You need a deer fence.

The Most Likely Solution

Deer fencing is, oddly enough, metal, plastic or wooden fencing designed to keep deer away from your yard and the plants that you don’t want them eating. If deer are a problem for you, deer fencing is most likely the solution. Before you install fencing, you will need to answer a few questions. What material do you want to use? What design is best? How large an area you need to enclose? How high does the fence need to be? The answers to these questions will determine what kind of fence you need.

Material

The two main materials to choose from are metal and plastic; wood is a less common choice. Metal is more durable, but plastic comes in a wider range of colors and styles. In addition to the fencing material, there are also the posts to consider. Posts are available in plastic, metal, and wood. Choices here influence the next decision.

Design

The range of designs available for deer fencing is overwhelming. Between the choice of materials, the nearly infinite range of colors and the incredible range of designs to choose from, the sky is the limit. The most important thing is to find a fence that fits the style of your property.

Area

The size of the area you want to enclose has an influence on your choice of materials. If you want to enclose a large area, you may need to choose a less expensive material.

Height

The height of the fencing you need is governed by the size of deer that live in your area. In Florida for instance, a four-foot fence would be sufficient to protect your property from Key deer. On the other hand, in certain parts of the American Northwest, you may need a much higher fence to protect your property from Moose. A typical North American deer can clear a six-foot fence, if they are sufficiently motivated. A seven-foot black vinyl-coated or Bezinal-painted fence should keep even the most determined deer, moose or elk out of your garden. Talk to your local planning commission or check online for any zoning requirements for building codes that may limit your options.

There is no doubt that deer are majestic, beautiful animals. Though they may be beautiful, they are best enjoyed at an appropriate distance. Install the right deer fence, and you will be able to enjoy the beauty of nature and still have a beautiful yard as well as a productive garden.

Please call us if you have more questions. (866) 328-5018

Topics: deer fence, fence choices, deer and orchard fence

Wire Fencing 101: Welded vs. Woven Wire Fences

April 29, 2014 | by Duncan Page

Comparing Welded and Woven Wire

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 first aspect to consider is the structure of each. Welded mesh fencing is created by laying wires in a simple horizontal and vertical latticework, with either square or rectangular spaces. 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, the 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. In modern machinery, this process takes half the time thanks to a “double helix” process.

Helpful and Not-so Helpful Designs

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. Another type of woven mesh is “chain-link” fence and it has an unfortunate disadvantage--this fencing is only fully effective so long as every link remains strong. Once cut, it’s only a matter of time before this form of fence will become untangled and inefficient.

Welded Wire: If Weight is Applied...

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.

Need some more advice? Louis E. Page has over 120 years of experience in the fencing business and would love to help you out. Feel free to contact us for all your fencing needs. Family-owned and operated since 1893, we’d love the opportunity to help you find what you need.

Topics: wire mesh, woven wire, welded wire fence

Deer Fence - Black Vinyl Coated 1-inch Hexagonal Mesh, 90 inches high

October 5, 2013 | by Duncan Page

Outfox the Deer

Staying ahead of these graceful interlopers requires some know-how. There are several different types of products available that can be used for deer fence. 1" hexagonal mesh that is coated with Black PVC can be used very effectively. The rolls are 7-1/2' (90") x 100'.

One Tough Fence

This black vinyl coated (VC) hexagonal poultry netting deer fence will last a long time. After 20 gauge galvanized wire is woven into a 1" hex mesh, the galvanized before weaving (GBW) roll passes through the vinyl coating process. A tough, flexible, thick coating of black PVC is tightly bonded to the wire. The resulting vinyl coated deer fence is very corrosion resistant. It is also extremely resistant to cracking, chipping and weathering. Inhibitors in the vinyl protect it from UV degradation. Black color makes the mesh blend in with the landscape.

Gives on Impact

This mesh works well as a deer barrier fence. When deer encounter a black fence, they know there is a barrier but cannot see it distinctly. They are much less likely to jump a fence if they cannot clearly see the top to clearly judge the distance. Extra tall 90" height eliminates piecing together narrower rolls. The inherent resiliency of this woven mesh allows the fence to give upon impact. Check out the advantages.