The Fence Post

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.

Small Rodent, Big Appetite

Midnight Marauder

Kangaroo rats are small rodents with a big appetite for seeds and vegetation and can destroy a garden of any style. They are nocturnal and raid gardens and hoard foods during the night. Traditional apron fences and chicken wire are ineffective at keeping them out because this rat can squeeze through small openings.

Expandable Cheeks that are Fur-Lined  

Before we consider how to stop them, let's take a moment to learn a little more about this interesting creature. It inhabits the Southwestern U.S. primarily and gets its name from its long hind legs and the way it sits on them, hopping up to six feet in a single bound. But that's where the similarity to a kangaroo ends. The exceptional characteristic that they possess is the ability to survive in the desert. They have admirable kidney function which allows them to survive for long periods without water. They have large fur-lined expandable cheeks that they pack with food and then bring it back to a storage location for later consumption when there is none available. This is how they can devastate a garden so quickly because they don't take time to eat, they grab as much as they can and then come back for more. They like seeds the most, so they do the most damage during planting season. They dig up seeds and clip off sprouts at their base. 

Burrowing Under, Squeezing Through

So, if traditional fencing does not work, what will? Hardware cloth is a lightweight galvanized mesh; it is available with ¼" square openings, too small for even the kangaroo rat to squeeze through. Since the rats can burrow, below-ground protection is also required.

The perimeter of the garden should be enclosed with the hardware cloth. It should extend at least 30" above grade and 12" below. Additionally, at the bottom, the material should be bent out forming a 6", 90° "L" similar to apron fence. Therefore a small trench of 7-8" wide x 12" deep should be dug around the garden, the L shaped hardware cloth is dropped in and back-filled. The portion extending above ground should be secured to posts. However, if there is an existing fence there is no reason to remove it, simply attach the hardware cloth to it.This plan of action should prevent the kangaroo rat from squeezing through or burrowing under into your garden. This method is both humane and effective, working best for smaller home gardens. Larger fields may require a different solution. 

23 gauge, 4 x 4 (¼") Hardware Cloth--48" x 100' Roll

23 gauge, 4 x 4 (¼") Hardware Cloth--48" x 50' Roll 

Acknowledgments to:

Dept. of Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences, New Mexico State University

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

First, what does your landscape require?

As the seasons change, are you contemplating any projects that will require fencing - a play area for children, lawn and garden fence, pet fencing, swimming pool? Planning now can save you a lot of time and legwork when you are ready to start the work.

There are many varieties of wire fencing and meshes to be considered and evaluated before you can narrow it down to your final selection. What are the specific needs and requirements of your project? 

And some questions to think about--

• Do you want an economical fence?
• Should your fence last a long time or is it temporary?
• Do you want the practicality and utility of a galvanized wire fence?
• Is the durability, longer lifetime and attractive appearance of vinyl coated mesh important?
• Why do you need a fence?
• How many feet of fencing are required?
• Are there specific requirements that determine the size of the mesh openings?
• What are the height requirements for the fence?
• If this is a DIY project, do you have the knowledge and information necessary to do the job properly?
• How many posts will you need?
• Do you want to use steel or wood posts?
• Will you need a gate?
• Are there any special tools you will need for installation?
• Is the fence line cleared?
• Will you need to clear or prepare the enclosed area?

Once you have answers to these questions, you will have made a great start on your project.

Do you have any more specific questions you need to be answered? Call us and we'll listen.

The Wonders of Automation--