The Fence Post

Galvanized After is Excellent, but...

Did you know that hardware cloth is available with a vinyl-coated finish? Many people think that these wire cloth meshes are only available with a galvanized after finish.

Firmly Bonded, Long-Lasting

Both ½" x ½" welded mesh with a 19 gauge "core" wire and ¼" x ¼" welded mesh with a 23 gauge "core" wire are available with a black vinyl coating. The coating is firmly bonded to the wire. The vinyl will not crack or split when the wire is bent. 100' rolls are available in 24", 36" and 48" widths.

If you need to use hardware wire cloth for your next project, consider the advantages of using a mesh that is black vinyl coated:

• durable
• longest lifetime
• easy to work with
• excellent for underground gopher barriers
• double protection of galvanizing and vinyl coating resists rust and corrosion
• attractive - black color blends with background, becoming virtually invisible

In recent years a large amount of "lower cost" welded wire and mesh have come on the market, generally from overseas mills. Since budgets are usually tight for fencing and mesh, why not consider this lower-priced alternative? Here are some factors to consider when comparing various types of welded wire and mesh:

• Standards Can Be Ignored

Although a critical factor in predicting the strength and durability of wire, this is often sacrificed in favor of saving money. Bargain wire often pushes the lower tolerance limits of wire gauge, sometimes not meeting it at all.

• Quality Control

An important property of any wire is that the thickness remains consistent from beginning to end and that the wire remains within its specified tolerance. In order to achieve this, a certain level of quality control must be maintained by the wire mill. Again, this standard can be compromised in favor of a low price.

• Speedy Manufacturing Results in Weaker Welds

In welded wire, proper techniques need to be employed in order to maintain the strength and durability of the weld points. In order to reduce costs, production speed needs to be increased. One way to achieve this is to speed the weld process. This can result in weaker, inconsistent welds that can fail during installation and decrease the life of the product.

• The Right Coating

Traditional PVC-coated welded wire is typically dipped in a liquid polymer after galvanization and allowed to dry. This seals the wire and welds and increases the life of the product. Lower cost welded wire can be sprayed on instead. This can result in a thinner coating that is subject to cracking and can expose the wire to the elements.

Given these factors, are the lower price alternatives worth the potential sacrifice of strength and durability? Be assured that Louis Page stocks the finest grades of wire and mesh and sources locally whenever possible.

Helping the Turtles Migrate                                                           Arkansas DOT photo                                                    

Have you ever seen a turtle fence? They are being used more frequently to cut down on roadkill in areas where highways cross the natural migration routes of turtles.

What is it?

• A turtle fence is a physical barrier that prevents turtles from entering any area
• Fences can guide turtles to an underpass or other safe way of crossing the roadway

It's important because...?

• To reduce a source of distraction and a cause of accidents on high speed highways
• To save lives
• To protect and preserve endangered species

The Details

• Welded or woven wire fence with a ½" x 1" to 2" x 2" mesh is ideal
• 16 to 12.5 gauge wires are sufficient
• Galvanized before, galvanized after or vinyl coated mesh, depending on the desired lifetime of the fence
• 24" to 36" height depending on species

A turtle fence can be a costly project and is often a cause of debate. Maintenance, especially in areas of heavy snow, can be quite costly if the fence is damaged by snowplows. Do you think the expense is justified?

Excellent Advice

This instructional video from Bekaert points out important aspects of installing different types of high tensile agricultural fences - smooth wire, barbed wire, hinge joint field fence, fixed knot fence, and horse fence. Safety considerations, the importance of planning for your fence, and fence post selection are covered. Clear instructions on how to install a brace are also presented.

An Investment in Safety--with Invaluable Returns

Wire mesh can be used as an effective railing safety barrier on stairs, decks, and walkways. Attached to a framework, the small openings of the mesh can prevent children from falling and restrain objects from falling on people below.

• Both woven and welded wire mesh can be used

There are mesh and wire gauges available to meet a wide variety of safety requirements. And there are many different ways to put together an effective barrier.

Some examples:

• Strong 12.5 gauge woven wire field fence used as safety mesh along a river walk. The fence is turned upside down and the top edge is bent over for added strength. The fence is stapled to wood posts. 

  • Welded wire 2" x 4" fencing used as safety mesh along a pathway to keep people from falling down the river bank--a simple solution. The top 4" of the fence is doubled over. This strengthens the mesh and allows the top of the fencing to be stapled to the top of the post for extra strength.  

• This picture shows 14 gauge 1" x 2" mesh secured to wood posts.

• Here we have 1" x 1" mesh that's mounted in a metal frame. The frame is then attached to a finished railing assembly.

The Birmingham Zoo used vinyl coated welded wire mesh as safety panels along walkways and in deck railings. There are many other ways of using wire meshes to provide a safety mesh where required. The application and installation can be both simple and complex depending on what is required.