The Fence Post

Rust: The Enemy of Your Welded Wire Fence

• air
• moisture
• abrasion

These three can make short work of breaking down iron and its common alloy--steel. 

However, a coating of zinc reacts differently to these factors. As it corrodes, it forms a barrier (or patina), running interference between it and the steel or iron that it is sheltering.

Classes of Zinc Coating 

Class 1--lightest coating of zinc; widely available and lasts 2 to 11 years in non-coastal climates. (.28% zinc per sq. foot)

• Protection drastically reduced in humid climates. (For the record, there is no Class 2.)

Class 3--heaviest coating of zinc; lasts 13 to 30 years, often must be special ordered (.80% zinc per sq. foot)

• However, in humid conditions, the coating may last at least 15 years with wider wire gauges lasting longer

Zinc galvanization creates a first-rate coating for mesh and fencing that lasts

After wires are either welded or woven into a mesh, the entire finished product is drawn through a bath of molten zinc (830°F.) This galvanization-after-weave or weld method (GAW) creates a mesh that emerges with a thick coating tightly bonded to the wire. Each strand of wire is protected and more importantly, each vulnerable welded or woven area is thoroughly sealed. In some circles, this is known as "galvanic healing!" Officially, this is termed, cathode-anode protection.

More zinc = more protection...

...delaying the time  until rust sets in. So the more zinc per square foot, the longer it is until it rusts.

What's at work here?  Friability.

If something is friable, it is subject to the rubbing process that works on the surface of unprotected iron or steel, which offers no natural corrosion-resistant patina. Friability describes the flaking and breaking apart of a solid substance.

And the benefits of a Class 3 zinc coating?

• Lowest cost over the long run
• Damage resistance--the zinc patina guards the metal underneath
• Cheaper than stainless steel
• Consistent results
• Longest life

And what does the ASTM standard actually mean?

Seeing this on a product, such as for zinc coatings, shows that a company is adhering to a certain set of criteria for the quality of a product. These are internationally accepted guidelines, based on research, for the specifications of materials, products, and services as approved by a  governing board. (ASTM International was once known as the American Society for Testing and Materials.) Buyer beware: a company's adherence to these standards is voluntary. 

A Class 1 coating for your mesh or fence is anything but top rate. Now think again about that coating. It can mean: this looks fine or it'll do. In the long run (or even the short run), it will not stand up.  

Various elements that cause deterioration:

           airborne sand and dust           chemicals             salt               air             pollution       

A few zinc facts:

Zinc is the 27th most abundant element in the earth's crust. 70% is mined, 30% recycled. More than 50% of this is used to coat steel and keep it from disintegrating.

Zinc is found in rocks, soil, air, water, the biosphere as well as in humans, plants, and animals. (If you're an oyster lover, you're in luck: zinc is plentiful in oysters and it is essential for optimum health.)

Biology: organisms must have zinc to exist. For example, in the human body, zinc is important for cell division and is responsible for the function of red and white blood cells.

Finally, a short video:

Here's an example of zinc galvanizing in action:

These grand, imposing, flightless birds are probably as tall or taller than you. Some folks consider them pets, some consider them products. Whichever, we'll start with a brief description, then recommend the right fence, followed by explaining this bird's unique nesting habits.  

Obviously, if you're choosing an emu as a pet, your taste is somewhat extravagant and you no doubt realize that an appropriate space for this very large bird should be one of your first concerns. Here are some considerations:

• They range from 5 to 6½ feet tall
• Weighing up to 130 lbs.
• They can run up to 30 miles per hour
• Imagine these big birds traveling hundreds of miles for food and water in the Australian outback; they need space--for healthy birds, you must provide an opportunity for exercise; a long pen is recommended so they can run--at least ¼ acre to 2 acres in size 
• Audible--their grunts and squawks can be heard up to 2 miles away; you might want to think about your neighbors as you plan your emu enclave
• Emus are especially docile toward humans especially if they are handled from birth; if an emu feels threatened, its claws can do real damage; other small animals in the yard, such as chickens, can be trampled
• They like baths and enjoy an occasional dip; in a pinch, a child's paddling pool can suffice

About that enclosure...

Your emu will benefit from a  2" x 4" woven, non-climbable mesh fence that is five to six feet high. It is attractive, has a long lifetime, and makes a safe and secure fence for emus. The strong 10, 12½, or 14 gauge steel wires (depending on style) are thoroughly galvanized--treated for maximum rust and corrosion protection. The heavier wires used on the top and bottom edges give this fence additional strength. Stiff "square" knots, formed by a third piece of wire woven around each intersection, hold the horizontal and vertical wires securely. The mesh offers flexibility, allowing for its construction on uneven terrain. The woven knots are rust-resistant and will not hold water. This fence features knots that are smooth, which protect both animals and people from injury. 

A Friendly and Defensive Broody Male

Females are larger than males and can exhibit aggressive behavior, especially during the breeding season. They lay their eggs and wander off, leaving the males in charge of the nursery. The males build their nests in a shallow hole in the ground using grasses, leaves, and sticks. After the female lays her eggs, the male steps in. He becomes broody and takes control, remaining on the nest for 8 weeks until the emu chicks hatch.

Generally, the males may seem friendlier, being the nest tenders--yet much more defensive of the newly hatched chicks than of the eggs which can be removed from the nest without much upset. The male doesn't leave the nest, his sole activity (no eating, drinking, or even defecating!) is to turn the eggs a couple of times a day and understandably, during this stretch of time, he loses a third of his body weight. Once hatched, they will remain with their father for up to a year and a half and are ready for breeding between two and three years of age.

The female, having abandoned this domestic scene, goes on to mate with other males and will produce up to three clutches (between 5 and 15 eggs) in a season. In her wandering, the female may deposit eggs in the nests of males with whom she hasn't bred. The large eggs weigh about a pound, are teal in color, and measure about 3 inches wide and 5 inches long. Thinking culinarily, a single egg contains the equivalent of 10-12 chicken eggs with a richness similar to duck eggs.

Some Emu Facts

• Emus are in the family of originally southern hemisphere flightless birds known as ratites which include ostriches, kiwis, rheas, and the cassowary  
• They are omnivores 
• Their diet consists of nuts, seeds, fruit, bark, stems, insects, small reptiles, amphibians, and small animals
• One mature emu contains three gallons of oil, which is prized for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties
• They spend a good amount of their days pecking at things quite indiscriminately--an environment that provides foraging possibilities, with plenty of shrubs, dirt (they extract minerals), pebbles (used for digestion), and insects, help to keep them occupied, reduce boredom, and in turn may decrease the pecking of their enclosure
• Pens must be kept clear of any trash, wires, nails, etc. to avoid trips to the vet
• Pacing can be a sign of stress due to being confined
• In the bush of Australia, the usual predators of emus are dingoes, the native wild dogs, and eagles can also attack from above
• The eggs and smaller chicks are sought by a number of animals and reptiles, but the ever-vigilant male rarely allows an opportunity
• The life expectancy of an emu is 10 to 20 years in the wild and up to 30 years in captivity

The Australian Coat of Arms

Note: if you're interested in keeping ostriches, fence-wise, much of what applies to emus applies to them. And know that a 2" x 4" woven, non-climbable mesh fence is also used for:

• Garden fence

• Horse paddock fence

• Parks and public areas 

• Dog kennels and containment

• Naturally, avoiding contact is best
• Dawn and dusk are times when they roam--avoid walking a dog at these times (easier said than done)
• Your dog must be kept on a leash and not far from you
• Dogs are vulnerable to diseases that coyotes harbor--be sure your dogs' vaccinations are updated
• If a coyote comes too close, appear larger by standing on something (a rock or stump) and act in a threatening way, appearing as a danger, not prey
• The only way to keep cats safe is to keep them indoors
• Use noisemaking equipment to ward off a coyote that shows up repeatedly

Wattle Fence        Lace Fence       Worm Fence        Living Snow Fence        Papercrete Fence  

1. Wattle Fence

Historic Fencing 

Wattle fences may be one of the oldest types of fencing still in use today. They were used in England long before medieval times. Traditionally the fences are built from straight, slender, flexible suckers or saplings of the willow tree up to 1-1/2" diameter. After the leaves are stripped, the ”withies” are woven between upright wood posts. Willow is an ideal wood because it is pliable and resists splintering. Other species, such as alder, can also be used.

Various Uses and Benefits

Wattle fences are very strong and long-lasting. Willow posts often take root in the ground creating a living fence, perfect for containing animals and enclosing gardens and orchards. And the density of the fence makes an ideal windbreak.

The rustic, handwoven appearance of a wattle fence adds an attractive defining touch to any yard, garden or landscape. Some possible uses:

• arches
• towers
• trellises
• plant supports
• garden accents
• hurdles or fence panels
  
• attractive garden borders to line walkways

Wattle construction is a great way to use trimmings for fence building materials. Instead of burning or destroying branches, use them in a creative way to beautify and add interest to your landscaping. Even though willow is the ideal wood, any type of wood can be used.

2. Lace Fence

Change Up that Chain Link

Having grown up in a neighborhood where the lawns flowed into one another, when some new folks moved in and put up a stark chain link fence around the perimeter of their property, the neighbors were collectively horrified. Mercifully, they grew ivy on it. 

However, a new type of fencing has been introduced by the Demakersvan design studio in Holland. Called lace fence, it is a combination of chain link fabric and the art of lace making.

The design possibilities - from floral themes to contemporary patterns and designs - are infinite. And you can submit your own designs. With this opportunity to customize each job, every lace fence is unique. Chain link fencing, a basic functional fence, can become a decorative and attractive work of art! Imagine coming up with a theme related to the property or space you are defining.

Many Possibilities

Lace Fence can be woven from both 11 and 12-1/2 gauge wires, either galvanized or vinyl coated. The wire mesh is securely clamped to a tubular frame. There are many different types of locations - both interior and exterior - where Lace Fence is currently in use, including but not limited to:

• barrier fences in parks and other public areas
• interior partitions in banks, restaurants, hotels and gyms
• railing safety mesh on stairways, decks and balconies
• decorative panels on the facades of commercial buildings
• safety fences on apartment buildings
• museum displays

Photograph of Lace Fence at The Design Center at Philadelphia University is used by permission. See this blog article to see more pictures of this unique fencing. 

3. Worm Fence  

The Definition

A fence, zigzag in plan, made of rails resting across one another at an angle - according to the Random House Dictionary.

This style of fencing is also known as Snake Fence, ZigZag Fence and Battlefield Fence - the latter term due to its presence on many Civil War battlefields (see video below). Worm Fence (also known as Virginia Worm fence) has been used in America since the 1600s. Easy to build, split wood rails are stacked on each other to create the fence. The ends of the rails alternate, creating the openings. For stability of the stacked rails, each section of fence is angled from the previous one, giving the appearance of a worm or snake.

No Post Holes; Adapts to Uneven Terrain 

No vertical posts are required to build the fence. This both eliminates the need to dig post holes and makes the fence easy to install - a particular advantage in rocky terrain. Sometimes a pair of crossed posts would be used at the junction point of each section. This would allow the fence to be closer to a straight line. With a plentiful supply of wood and ease of construction, it is easy to understand why worm fence was the most common type of fence used in America by the late 1800s. It is gaining popularity today for use as a rustic fence that will add to the appearance of a piece of property and it is used in many outdoor historical museums.

Here's a quick overview of colonial fence styles:

4. Living Snow Fence 

Strong winter winds can cause dangerous driving conditions. Not only does blowing snow dramatically reduce visibility but also treacherous drifts can accumulate across roadways and other open unprotected areas.

A Natural Windbreak

Several states have successful programs in place using living snow fence. The Iowa DOT has been developing and improving theirs for over 40 years. Living snow fencing is a natural barrier created by planting a combination of shrubs, trees, and grasses that act as a windbreak. In Iowa, rows are five feet apart and shrubs are set three feet apart within the row. Plantings are arranged so that the gaps in one row are filled by the plants in the next row.  As the speed of the wind is disrupted and decreased, snow settles among and downwind from the plantings. Research shows that drifts will form downwind 10 to 12 times the height of the trees (100 to 120 feet downwind from a 10 tree). A concentrated and closely spaced placement of trees and shrubs results in shorter and deeper drifts. 

When positioned properly, living snow fences can greatly reduce the amount of plowing needed to keep roads open for travel. Winter travel is safer.

Aesthetic and Environmental Advantages

There are benefits in addition to safety when living snow fencing is used:

• Highway beautification is enhanced with native species of plants
• Environmental stewardship is promoted
• Trees, shrubs and grasses are excellent wildlife habitat all year
• Living snow fences slow and reduce erosion
• When measured during winter months the temperature of the pavement surface in areas protected by living snow fence were higher than the surface temperature in unprotected areas; in areas with severe cold, this greatly increases the effectiveness of chemicals used to prevent icing
• It is no longer necessary to install and remove wood or plastic snow fence 

5. Papercrete Fence

Very Alternative

Ever heard of a fence made out of papercrete? What exactly is papercrete? This video will show you how to make a 4' by 8' section of fencing - real DIY stuff, folks. A recipe follows--

Papercrete Ingredients--

• 30 pounds of concrete
• 18 pounds of joint compound
• 1 pound of boric acid
• 90 pounds of newspapers
• Just add water and you're good to go!

But...would you really want a papercrete fence around your house?