Our Blog - The Fence Post (53)

Everything You Need to Know About Wire Gauges Used In Welded & Woven Wire Mesh & Fence

July 14, 2017 | by Debbie Page

Wire Gauges, Numbers, and Numbers into Inches

Here is everything you need to know about the wire gauges used in welded and woven wire mesh fences. We cover what a wire gauge is, what do the different numbers mean and even provide a handy chart converting gauge numbers into inches.

Micrometer for meauring wire for welded wire fencing (Source: Britannica)

Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary defines wire gauge as any of various systems consisting of a series of standard sizes used in describing the diameter of wire.

The Rolling Mill

The process all starts with heavy coils of large diameter wire called rod made in a rolling mill. The rod is then shipped to a wire manufacturing mill. To make the wire used in wire fence and mesh, single strands are "drawn" through a series of increasingly smaller dies or plates and reduced to a specific gauge/diameter. The gauge is determined by the wire's final use - single strand wire, welded wire mesh or woven wire fence. Heating of the wire is not required in the drawing process. Here is a photo from a Riverdale Mill, one of the mills in the United States that supplies welded wire for us.

There have been several different gauge designations since this process was introduced. Numbers have been used to designate wire diameter since 1735. They originally referred to the number of draws used in the process. The first draw was called 1 gauge, the second 2 gauge, the third 3 gauge, on down to the final draw of the thinnest wire being made. This is why thick wires have a lower gauge number than thin wires. 9 gauge wire is thicker than 14 gauge because it requires fewer "draws" than 14 gauge.

Birmingham Wire Gauge

The Birmingham Wire Gauge, also known as the Stubs Iron Wire Gauge, was originally developed in early 19th-century England as a means of standardizing gauge sizes. It has been used in a medical setting (needles) since the early 20th century. In 1855, Brown and Sharpe established a formula-based progression of 39 steps - from 1 gauge through 40 gauge. This is now known as the American Wire Gauge and is used extensively in the United States.

Most Common Wire Gauges

The following values show in inches the most common gauges of wires used in welded and woven wire mesh and fence:

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

There are many different combinations of wire gauge and mesh size manufactured. You can select the right product for the requirements of your project.

Topics: welded wire mesh, welded wire, welded wire fence, wire gauges

Do I Choose Panels or DIY My Pool Fence?

June 30, 2017 | by Debbie Page

Investing in Safety

Each year, thousands of drownings and near-drowning events occur in the U.S. So many of these swimming pool tragedies are preventable. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has studied this problem extensively. Their conclusion about the best way to reduce and hopefully eliminate these incidents:

Pool owners must install and maintain effective barriers to prevent young children from entering the pool area.

Now is the time to install a pool fence and/or upgrade your existing fence. The question is, do you choose fence panels or cut the welded wire fence roll yourself? What other details do you need to know?

Deciding on Panels vs. Cutting Wire Yourself

Fence panels are the easiest and fastest way for pool owners to increase safety around an outdoor pool. Why? Panels are flattened and sheared to size. They might cost a little more; however, the time savings is priceless. The panels are sold in many different gauges, mesh configurations, and finishes. Panels are sold as flat unframed sheets. You can create the frame while your wire panels are in transit.

If you are up to the challenge of cutting a welded wire fence roll, you can save a little money and order a roll to make your own fence panels. Keep in mind that there are two cuts per panel except for the first panel. For each additional cut, you must cut the exposed wires left from the previous cut. Cutting wire takes hand strength and patience. The heavier the gauge, the harder it is to cut through the wire. Pre-cut panels save you a ton of time and won't tire your hand!

>Hot Tip for DIYers: To minimize the welded wire "memory", reverse roll the cut panel, tie it and leave it in the sun to heat for the day.

Mesh and Gauges: What You Need to Know

Both panels and rolls have the same finish, wire gauge and mesh opening options. If you want to know more about finish, wire gauge, and mesh opening, read our post on the keys to choosing the right fence for you. The same opening sizes are offered in the following finish options, Plain Steel, Galvanized, Vinyl Coated, and Stainless Steel. Panels are flattened and sheared (cut) to size from standard size roll widths (18”, 24”, 36”, 48”, 60, & 72”), but may be available in an alternate length. Just call us with questions, 800-225-0508.

Serious Consideration Required

Swimming pool barriers should generally meet the following requirements:

at least 48" high
free of footholds
self-closing gates
free of hand holds
self-latching gates
made with small openings:
horizontal - no wider than 1-3/4"
vertical - no higher than 4"
locking devices on all gates
less than 4" clearance from ground to bottom of barrier

Before installing any swimming pool barrier, it is very important to check your local codes, whether solid, with horizontal and vertical members or made using welded or woven wire mesh fence. Local codes may vary.

We believe pool fences are essential to everyone's safety. Contact us at sales@louispage.com or 800-225-0508. We can answer your questions and help you choose the product that is right for you and even calculate the right amount of panels if you choose the panel option.

Topics: swimming pool fence, panels

What Fence Wire Gauge is Right for Me?

June 9, 2017 | by Debbie Page

Fence Wire Gauges: the Basics

The most important thing you need to know about welded wire fence wire gauge is:

a lower gauge number equals a thicker wire

When considering a new fence--determine how the fence is going to be used over time. Some important fence project questions to consider include:

Are large animals going to be running up against the fence?
What is the location of the fence?
How high does the fence need to be?
How far apart will the fence posts be located?
How long do I want the fence to last?

This is a short list of questions to consider when planning a fence project. Choosing the right wire gauge will give you the strength and durability you want. In addition to wire gauge, we recommend considering:

1. Wire type

2. Mesh opening

3. Fence height

If you want a stronger and more durable welded wire fence then you need to choose 11 over 27. Louis Page sells fencing in 11 - 27 wire gauges. Keep in mind, choosing the right wire gauge really depends on your project-- stronger isn't always better. Welded wire fences serve a variety of needs on farms, construction sites and at homes across the nation. Louis Page can counsel you as to what's appropriate and what's overkill. It's best to plan your project and then shop.

Very Common Wire Gauges

Sometimes it's helpful to think about gauge thickness in inches. The following values show, in inches, the most common gauges of wires used in welded and woven wire mesh and fence:

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

There are many different combinations of wire gauge and mesh sizes manufactured. You can select the right product for the requirements of your project by browsing our catalog. If you are unsure of what wire gauge is right for your fence project, then give us a call (866) 328-5018 and we will be happy to help you select the right products for your project and we can offer a free quote.

Topics: welded wire fence, wire gauges

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.

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 ⅛” x ⅛” 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.

Topics: stainless steel, galvanized after, galvanized before, Fencing Tips, vinyl coated

Fence Projects You Can Accomplish in a Few Hours

May 19, 2017 | by Terry Struck

Projects with a Quick Return

If you're like us, you love a good garden and appreciate landscaping. A flourishing garden can take hours and hours of time. But some projects can be accomplished in a shorter amount of time. With some welded wire fencing you can protect plants, keep pets where you want them and even create an archway.

Check out our roundup of welded wire fence projects from across the internet that you can finish in 5 hours or less. These projects are great for the garden and in general, around the house. They may even work in your favorite public park!

Various Types of Welded Wire Mesh Fence

First, welded wire fence comes in rolls and most often looks like this:

Three Fence Finishes

It comes in various sizes (openings) and finishes including galvanized after weld, vinyl-coated and stainless steel:

1. Galvanized After Weld

2. Vinyl Coated

3. Stainless Steel

Hardware Cloth: Easy to Work With

The type of welded wire fence featured in this blog article is also known as hardware cloth. It has many uses around the house and in public settings.

Here is a break down of our recommended uses based on the finish of the welded wire fence:

1. Uses for Galvanized After Weld Wire Hardware Cloth:

• Beekeeping

• Gutter guard

• Soffit screens

• Compost bins

• Window guards

• Small animal cages

• Groundhog barriers

• Tree trunk protection

• Plaster and stucco lath

• Nuisance wildlife control

• Ferro cement boats and structures (1/2")

Generally, hardware cloth is easy to work with because it is flexible and people like the small openings. Openings can be as small as 1/8 inch x 1/8 inch.

2. Uses for Vinyl Coated Hardware Cloth:

• Beekeeping

• Gutter guard

• Soffit screens

• Craft projects

• Window guards

• Small animal cages

• Tree trunk protection

• Nuisance wildlife control

• Gopher, groundhog barriers

We recommend black vinyl coated hardware cloth because it blends in with the environment.

3. Uses for Stainless Steel Hardware Cloth:

• Greenhouse benches

• Bird cages and feeders

• Industrial machine guards

• Nuisance animal exclusion

• Animal cages and enclosures

• Decorative architectural panels

• Railing safety mesh in-fill panels

• Long lasting home and garden fence

• Swimming pool fence near salt water

• Ground wire for bird and animal enclosures

• Anti-bird exclusion mesh in commercial buildings and structures

Specifically, stainless steel performs well over a long period and in harsh environments like those involving salt water.

Hardware Cloth: Project Round-Up

Gutter Gard

Bean Trellis

Animal Gate

Creating an Archway

(and for general landscaping, good design Ravenscourt!)

Protecting Your Plants...

Welded wire fencing is very useful around the garden and house. We like all of these projects and have even implemented some of them! We know figuring out the right type (galvanized after weld, vinyl coated or stainless steel) can be a difficult decision. Feel free to call us with your project ideas and we will be happy to help you order the product that is right for you. We will even give you a free quote.