The Fence Post

A Impressive Array of Specifications

Welded wire mesh is a versatile product that can be used in many different applications with a wide variety of specifications from which to choose: wire gauge size, mesh size, and finish.

Wire Gauges 

• 27, 23, 21, 20, and 19 gauges - these lightweight gauges are generally used in welded wire products with small mesh openings such as hardware cloth. 
•  16, 14, and 12.5 gauges - the standard, most readily available heavier gauge wires used in welded wire meshes for fences, cages, and partitions.
• 11, 10.5, and 8.5 gauges - heavy-duty wire used in strong meshes suitable for lobster traps, railing safety panels, and other specialized applications.
• Other gauges are also available, both heavier and lighter, for more specialized applications.
  

Mesh Sizes 

• 1/8" x 1/8", 1/4" x 1/4", 1/3" x 1/3" and 1/2" x 1/2" - typical small mesh sizes for light gauge hardware cloth welded wire meshes.
• 1/2" x 1/2", 1/2" x 1", 1" x 1", and 2" x 3" - these welded wire meshes are usually made from 16 gauge wire.
• 1/2"x 3", 1" x 1", 1" x 2", 1.5" x 4", 2" x 2" and 2" x 4" - meshes available in 14 gauge wire.
• 1/2" x 3", 1" x 1", 1.5" x 1.5", 2" x 2" and 2 x 4" - 12.5, 11, 10.5 and 8.5 gauge wires are available in some of these mesh sizes.

And Finishes 

• Galvanized Before Weld - the most common and generic type of welded wire mesh found in most retail stores. Products are economical but have a limited lifetime. Galvanized wire is welded into the mesh configuration. The welding process burns the protective zinc coating off the wire, exposing it to rust and corrosion.                                                                                                                                                                                                   
• Galvanized After Weld - the welded wire meshes with superior rust and corrosion resistance. Use these products when you want the mesh to last. The initial higher cost is offset by a long lifetime, avoiding the need for frequent replacement. After the mesh is welded it is immersed in a bath of molten zinc, thoroughly protecting it against rust and corrosion.   
                                                                                                                                                  
• Vinyl Coated - combining the double rust and corrosion protection of zinc and vinyl, these welded wire meshes combine long life with an attractive appearance. Black and green are the usual colors. Look for a PVC-coated product. There are high-quality products available and there are less expensive inferior products on the market. You get what you pay for.
                                                                                                                                          
• Other types of wire, such as stainless steel, are also available in welded wire meshes.

What kind of welded wire mesh do you need? Are you having trouble finding the welded wire mesh that you want? Give us a call. (866) 328-5018  We know what's out there and can be helpful in the decision-making process.

Would you like more choices?

Hex Netting with a Variety of Applications

Hex netting, chicken wire, hexagonal mesh - these are some of the names given to this widely used and versatile mesh and fence. There are three types of hex netting available: Galvanized Before Weave (GBW), Galvanized After Weave (GAW) and vinyl coated (VC). Scroll down for a variety of applications.

GBW   (Galvanized Before Weld)

The most common type of hex netting available. These utility meshes are economical and have many uses. Standard size rolls are 12", 18", 24", 30", 36", 48", 60" and 72" widths. The netting is woven from 20 gauge galvanized wire into 1" and 2" hexagonal meshes. There is also a 1-1/2" hex mesh woven from heavy 17 gauge galvanized wire that is available in 60" and 72" widths. These rolls are known as Apron Fence. They feature a 12" apron at the bottom of each roll which can be placed on the surface of the ground to prevent animals from digging under the fence.

GAW    (Galvanized After Weld)

Hex netting chicken wire mesh and fence have been dipped in a bath of molten zinc after the weaving process. This gives them excellent protection from rust and corrosion.

• They are so rugged that they have been named "Salt Water Netting" by the mill

GAW meshes will last for many years before they need to be replaced. The rolls can be made with both 20 gauge and 18 gauge wires in 1" hexagonal mesh, 24", 36", 48" and 72" widths.

• There also is a very strong and heavy 16 gauge 1" mesh available in 72" x 180' rolls--this specification is used often as screening for paddle tennis courts

VC  (Vinyl Coated)

Vinyl coated meshes are covered by a thick coating of black PVC and have a significantly longer life than GBW meshes. After the galvanized 20 gauge wire is woven, the resulting mesh is passed through a coating process that bonds the black vinyl tightly to the wires.

• The PVC will not crack or separate from the wire when the wire is bent
• UV inhibitors stands up to exposure from the sun
• Maintains its characteristics over a wide temperature range

Standard widths in 150' rolls are 12", 18", 24", 36", 48", 60" and 72". Special 90" x 100' rolls are available and can be used effectively as deer fence. The 17 gauge 1-1/2" hex netting Apron Fence is also available with a black vinyl coating. The black color makes the fence nearly invisible when installed.

Some of the uses for hex netting chicken wire mesh and fence include:

• framework for sculpture and float decorations
• chicken runs and poultry houses
• game bird flight pens
• stucco netting
• garden fencing
• trellis for climbing plants & flowers 
• window guards
• exclusion barriers for birds
• tree and shrub protection
• hold insulation in place
• craft projects
• as a backing mesh for post and rail fence

GBW fence and mesh are made from strands of galvanized wire. The wires used can be any gauge. After being drawn down to the final diameter, the wire is galvanized - coated with zinc. The wires are then welded or woven together. During the welding process the protective layer of zinc is burnt off. This leaves the wire unprotected at the welded joint where the wires cross. When the wires are woven, the galvanizing is not affected. However in the meshes that are tightly woven with several twists, such as hex netting chicken wire fence, the woven area where the wires intersect is a vulnerable area.

When GBW meshes and fencing are used outside and exposed to the elements, rain or any corrosive liquid will collect at these vulnerable spots. Rust and corrosion will start to eat at the wire, weakening the mesh and fence, limiting its lifetime. There is a wide variety of mesh opening sizes made. Some fences with the same openings are available in a variety of gauges.

GBW fences and mesh features -

• economical

• limited lifetime, unless used inside or in other protected locations

• heavier gauge outlasts lighter gauge - 12-1/2 gauge lasts longer than 14 gauge

• available in a wide variety of gauge and mesh combinations

• temporary fence

• concrete reinforcement

• indoor storage area partitions                                                                                                                                

Galvanized After Weld (or weave)

GAW mesh and fencing will last a long time. After the wires are either welded or woven into a mesh, the entire finished product is drawn through a bath of molten zinc. The GAW mesh emerges with a thick coating tightly bonded to the wire. Each strand of wire is protected. More importantly, each vulnerable welded or woven area is thoroughly sealed.

GAW fences and mesh are ideal for use in any area where exposure to water and other corrosive substances will be expected. The extra zinc of the galvanized after mesh and fence guarantees a longer lifetime than galvanized before products. Meshes and fence are more costly than galvanized before. GAW specifications are available in a wide selection of gauges and mesh opening sizes.

GAW fences and mesh features -

• long lifetime - resistant to rust and corrosion                                                                                                         
• wires and welded or woven spots are thoroughly galvanized                                                                              
• available in different gauges and mesh sizes                                                                                                         
• salt water use                                                                                                                                                             
• small animal cages                                                                                                                                                      
• greenhouse benches                                                                                                                                                  
• in-ground wire for groundhog barriers and bird pens