The Fence Post

Vinyl Coating  Questions and Answers

Q: What should you look for when you want to use a wire mesh to build a fence with superior qualities?

A: Vinyl-coated welded or woven wire mesh or fence.

Q: Why are these products superior?

A: Because they share the following four characteristics:

1. Vinyl-coated meshes are more durable.

• The vinyl coating gives extra rust protection, sealing the galvanized wire underneath
• Coated wire will last far longer than wire that is only galvanized

2. Vinyl-coated fences are more attractive.

• Color masks the utilitarian and commercial appearance of plain galvanized mesh
• A vinyl-coated wire fence will dress up your property
• Black color is virtually invisible from a distance and will not detract from your view

3. Vinyl-coated wire is safer.

• Vinyl cushions the wires
  
• Areas that may have sharp edges, like the top and bottom of the fence, are protected and sealed
  
• There is a lower risk of injury from contact with the fence--safer for animals

4. Vinyl-coated fencing is cost effective.

• Using vinyl-coated welded or woven fence reduces the need for frequent replacement
  
• The higher initial cost can be offset by the labor and material cost of more frequent repairs and replacement of galvanized material

Can you think of more reasons why or situations where it would be better to install a vinyl-coated fence instead of a galvanized fence?

Here's a look at the mesh in production: 

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?

So That They Shift No More! 

Carting rocks around from one place to another can be a risky business. And yet, you need to get them from the source to the dealer and then ultimately to the job site.

Rocks Controlled

You pile them on a pallet, but how do you keep them from rolling around? How do you make sure they don't roll off the truck and smash onto a passing vehicle? How do you safely restrain them?

Secure Rocks Using Wire Mesh

Have peace of mind as you roll along. Be free from worry, knowing that your stones are securely wrapped in wire mesh. They will reach their destination without incident.

Wrapping Stone Pallets--Options

• Woven wire mesh - 20 gauge, 18 gauge, 16 gauge, 12½ gauge
• 1", 1½", 2" hexagonal mesh
• 2" x 2", 2" x 4" "square" mesh
• galvanized before, galvanized after and vinyl coated finish
• Welded wire mesh - 16 gauge, 14 gauge, 12½ gauge, 11 gauge, 10½ gauge
• mesh sizes: ½" x ½", ½" x 1", ½" x 2", ½" x 3", 1" x 1"
• mesh sizes: 1" x 2", 1½" x 1½", 2" x 2", 3" x 2", 1½" x 4", 2" x 4"
• galvanized before, galvanized after and vinyl coated finish

The Wonders of Automation--

Wait a sec, they weren't invited to the party.

There is no question that deer are becoming an increasing threat to the garden, trees, and shrubbery on your property. The need for food and a steady decrease in habitat force deer into residential and commercial areas. What types of deer fence can be used for deer exclusion?

Your choice will be determined by various factors:

• local codes and ordinances - be sure to check for height and material restrictions
• aesthetic considerations - determine what fits best with your property, height, visibility, design, and appearance
• expense considerations - the cost of the fence vs value of your plantings
• effectiveness of the fence - strength, longevity, need for repair
• extent of protection - entire property or individual plantings

Varieties of deer fencing available:

• wood & vinyl - solid, slatted (use close spacing)
• metal - welded, woven, galvanized, vinyl coated, single strand electric, wire mesh
• plastic - extruded mesh

Whichever deer fence you choose, make sure that your fence is well braced to resist pushing. Even though deer can jump over eight feet, your fence will not have to be that high. You should place the deer fence at least 12" from the plants you want to protect.

Good luck on your project!