Our Blog - The Fence Post | galvanized after (4)

Keep Bambi Out this Season

September 18, 2014 | by Duncan Page

Your Silent Neighbors

Deer are among the most adaptable animals on earth. More than 90 different species of deer have found homes all over the earth, in nearly every habitat imaginable, from dense forests and mountainous terrain to marshes and deserts. Though types of deer may be found in a variety of environments, deer typically inhabit the border zones that mark the transition from forests to meadows, where there are soft grass and other plants for them to eat and adequate cover for them to safely spend the night, relatively protected from predators.

With Keen Senses

With their keen sense of smell and hearing, they can react to danger speedily. Their eyes set at the sides of the head means efficient scanning all-around. Their long legs are highly-muscled, able to carry them at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Their hooves at the front can be long and sharp and are used for defense; males also use antlers to fight off predators. To sound the alert, they stomp their hooves, and white-tailed deer raise their tales so the white spot behind enables the herd to follow more readily. Additionally, they can jump and swim when they are at threat.

Adapting

Undeniably, there is another creature that likes to live in nearly every type of habitat, all around the world. That creature is the human being. Deer have little aversion to living close to humans. In fact, since they are so adaptable, most deer are quite willing to help themselves to landscape and garden plants provided by humans. This is quite convenient for the deer, but much less desirable for the people who find their nice-looking yards destroyed by deer. People who have never witnessed it have difficulty understanding just how destructive and thorough a herd of deer can be.

Fencing is Best

If you'd like to avoid having deer in your yard, perhaps you could just design your yard to make it unattractive to them. The two biggest problems with this approach are that humans tend to enjoy the same types of landscaping that deer enjoy and deer will eat almost anything. If you choose to live in an area that is inhabited by deer and you want to keep your garden or yard safe, you will need to keep the deer out. You can protect a garden with fencing, which is the only really effective way to keep deer out.

And What Type of Fence?

There are many different styles of deer fence available. When you want to protect a garden with fencing, you will need to consider three characteristics of your new fence.

Materials

The two most common materials used in protective fencing are metal and plastic. Metal fencing tends to be more durable than plastic but is also more expensive. If you want to get the maximum life from your fence, consider using galvanized steel or welded mesh that has been coated in PVC. This has the added benefit of blending into your yard, making the fence less of an eyesore, particularly when using a black PVC coating.

Height

To protect your yard from deer, a six-foot fence is an absolute minimum, although an eight-foot fence is an ideal choice. An eight-foot fence may cost a little more, but it is better to install the right fence from the start than to have to rebuild your inadequate fence a few seasons later.

Appearance

This is the final characteristic to consider; it is also the point where you will have the most options. Deer fencing is available in an enormous variety of styles and colors, for everything from an austere, industrial look to an aesthetically pleasing look that blends in with the environment.

The deer in your area would like nothing better to sustain themselves on your landscape or garden. Do not let them; you can efficiently protect a garden with fencing, and keep the deer where they belong.

Topics: deer fence, galvanized after, black vinyl coated, deer and orchard fence

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

Why Should You Use Galv After Weld Wire Fencing Materials?

August 8, 2013 | by Duncan Page

They seem similar...

Are you looking for galvanized welded wire fence? Do you know you have a choice? There are two types of galvanized welded wire fencing materials:

GBW (Galvanized Before Weld)
GAW (Galvanized After Weld)

Visually they appear very similar. But taking a closer look, you can see the difference. And after they have been installed, the difference becomes more remarkable with the passage of time. Which one is a better value, longer lasting, more readily available?

Checking for the burn--

GBW

As its name implies, Galvanized Before Weld fencing material is made as follows: Galvanized wire is fed into the welder. At the weld point where the wires cross, the zinc is burned away during the welding process. Sometimes you can actually see the burn (as in the picture above). This is the most obvious way to differentiate between GBW and GAW wire mesh. Look for the burn. Of course, when this happens, the wire is left unprotected from rust and corrosion. And this is the spot in the wire mesh that collects water when it gets wet. The water and any corrosive entities it contains will hang out in the intersection, slowly eating away the steel.

With So Many Uses

GBW welded wire mesh is a utilitarian, readily available generic product. It comes in a wide variety of different gauges, mesh sizes, and roll sizes. This type of mesh and fencing material has many different uses. If you want an inexpensive mesh with a moderate lifetime expectancy, GBW is the ideal choice. For a mesh with impressive longevity, please read on--

Now, turning to...

GAW

Galvanized After Weld wire mesh is a superior, higher quality, longer lasting product. After being welded, the mesh is drawn through a bath of molten zinc. The wire intersections are thoroughly sealed and protected from exposure to environmental sources of corrosion and rust. As seen in the above picture, corrosive elements have no access to the wire or weld points. The heavy layer of zinc will protect the underlying wire for years, even when exposed to harmful chemicals and other environmental stressors.

Savings on Repairs and Replacement

GAW fencing materials are far superior to GBW. And they will last years longer than GBW. This is why they are the perfect choice to consider when you want a galvanized welded wire fence. Your initial investment cost is higher. But that is more than offset by the extended lifetime of the wire. Not only will you get years of use from your fence. But also you will save on the expenses of repairs and replacement. Why go through those frustrations and hassles?

The Right Wire

GAW meshes are the best choice for animal cages as well. The heavy galvanizing will stand up to corrosion from feces and urine. The need for cage replacement will be diminished greatly. Higher initial cost of a quality product will ultimately save you money.

With An Important Difference

In general, GAW products are harder to find. There are few retail stores that sell them, partly due to their greater expense. But the demand for these higher quality welded wire fencing materials is not very strong. That's because most people do not know about Galvanized After Weld and that there is a huge difference.

When people say the wire is galvanized, they are usually thinking about the generic GBW products. GAW never comes to mind, even though they might prefer to buy a higher quality product. The assumption is made that since the wire is galvanized, it will last for years. However, if they only knew, they could purchase something far better that would satisfy them for a lot longer.

So what do you think? Do you have any projects where using a higher quality product makes sense to you? Is quality more important to you than price?

Duncan Page signature

Topics: galvanized after, GAW, galvanized before, GBW

How to Choose the Right Coating for Woven Wire Fencing Materials

August 7, 2013 | by Rick Hoffman

Protecting Your Fence

Are you thinking of putting up a woven wire fence?
Do you need to contain animals within an enclosure?
Do you want to exclude animals from an area to protect your plants and vegetation?
Do you know that there are different types of coatings available to protect woven wire fencing materials from rust and corrosion?

An Effective Coating

Think about fence coatings as you think about paint. It's a way to protect your fence from the day to day elements: humidity, harsh chemicals from the soil, fertilizers, acid rain, etc.

It is important to select the right type of coating for your fence. Environmental factors, including humidity, acid rain, blowing sand or dust, salt and fertilizer can have a detrimental impact on the lifetime of your fence. The proper coating protects your fence from these elements and can keep it looking great for years.

There are three different coating options available on agricultural type woven wire fences. These are the types of fences used for deer and other wildlife as well as farm animals such as cows, horses, etc.

Class 1 - 2 to 11 years before rust

Class 1 zinc coating is the standard, basic and most readily available type. It has a coverage of .28 ounces of zinc per square foot. In most non-coastal climates, Class 1 zinc coated wire has an approximate life of 2 to 11 years until rust occurs.

Class 3 - 13 to 30 years before rust

Class 3 galvanized coating features .80 ounces per square foot, approximately 2-1/2 times thicker than standard Class 1 galvanized coating. As a consequence, in most non-coastal climates, it has an approximate life of 13 to 30 years before rusting. When you calculate the time, cost and hassle of replacing and repairing a fence, spending slightly more initially for a Class 3 product makes a lot of sense. Most DOT projects specify Class 3 fencing materials.

ZA

ZA Zinc Aluminum coating is 95% Zn, 5% Al. This is a new zinc-aluminum hybrid coating developed and produced exclusively by Bekaert. Salt spray tests have shown that it will last more than three times as long as Class 1 and close to the same as Class 3 galvanized woven wire fence. ZA uses less coating than Class 3. You save money when you buy a ZA coated product. And you're assured years of trouble-free use.

ZA + Black Paint

ZA+Paint is the newest innovation from Bekaert. Black polymer paint is combined with ZA coated wire. This provides longer fence life in an attractive color. Black blends with the background and becomes virtually invisible. This coating is designed to provide maximum protection from the most corrosive environments. It has a longer expected lifetime than Class 3 coated wire. With ZA + Black paint, you get a good looking woven wire fence with an exceptional lifetime and it will keep its appearance for years.

Not all specifications are available with every type of coating. For example the ZA + Black paint is currently available in three specifications of Deer and Wildlife fence with graduated openings and 2" x 4" woven horse fence.

If long life and lower overall total costs for fence installation is important, determining the best coating for the type of environment where the fence will be installed is crucial to ensure you choose the best fence for your needs. What environmental factors do you have to contend with in your location? Anything unusual? Give us a ring and tell us about your particulars. Call (866) 328-5018

Topics: woven wire, galvanized after, galvanized, vinyl coated

Coatings for Welded Wire Fences vs. Rust and Corrosion

July 30, 2013 | by Rick Hoffman

Environmental Factors

When thinking about installing fencing, you should first consider the environment in which it will be placed.

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, etc.?

Identifying these factors will help you determine the best type of fence product and coating for your needs.

GBW - Galvanized Before Weld

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.
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 GBW wire are the same as GAW and VC. But the finish is not nearly as durable resulting in a shorter usable lifespan.

If price rather than quality is the most important factor, then GBW might be a good choice for you.

GAW - Galvanized After Weld

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, GAW 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 your search will be rewarded with years of service. Avoid the needless expense and hassle of frequent replacement. Buy a product that will last!

VC - Vinyl Coated

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. The protected wire will not rust as quickly.

If you want a product that is not only attractive but is also able to withstand environmental stressors, VC welded wire mesh is the perfect one to use. Black mesh becomes virtually invisible.

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.

SS - Stainless Steel

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 in practically any environment.

The good news? Very long life with little maintenance required
The "bad" news? Yep, It's pricier.
The reason? Stainless Steel is a more expensive material. But in certain applications, its longevity will ultimately prove less expensive.

Did you know there are a great many varieties of wire mesh fencing materials available to you?

Do you have some new ideas or questions about what you would like to use on your next project?