Our Blog - The Fence Post | woven wire (3)

The Basics of a Longer Lasting Vinyl-Coated Fencing

November 22, 2017 | by Debbie Page

A Fence that Lasts a Long Time

When you want fencing to last a long time, choose vinyl-coated fencing. There are many options of vinyl-coated welded wire mesh fencing available to you that are long-lasting. In this blog post, I'll cover all the basics you'll need in choosing the vinyl coated fence that's right for you.

Tightly Bonded

Vinyl-coated wire mesh and fencing is the longest-lasting mesh you can buy. There are welded as well as woven meshes available. After the mesh is welded or woven, it passes through the coating process. The PVC is tightly bonded to the wire by a heat process. The mesh is completely covered, including those areas most likely to rust first - the spots that are welded or woven.

Impervious

The vinyl coating is impervious to moisture and corrosives. The wire is thoroughly protected from rust and corrosion. Standard colors are black and green while other colors are available by special order.

Tip: Black vinyl-coated mesh fencing is more likely to blend into natural environments.

Temperature Extremes--not a problem

A high-quality vinyl coating is flexible and will not crack when bent. It gives the mesh a smooth finished look. There are no sharp edges. The PVC is not affected by extreme hot or cold temperatures. It is so well bonded to the wire that it stands up to scrapes and abrasions.

Coated meshes are tough, long-lasting, weather and chemical resistant, and attractive. Any mesh or fence that is vinyl coated will have the longest lifetime. Some meshes are available with double protection - GAW wire that is galvanized after being welded or woven and then covered with a thick layer of vinyl.

Vinyl Coated Fence and Mesh Uses:

Yard fence

Animal cages

Chicken coops

Crayfish traps

Boundary fence

Kennel flooring

Game bird pens

Deer fence barrier

Greenhouse benches

Children's play yards

Swimming pool fence

Lawn and garden fence

Nuisance animal exclusion

Backing for wood post and rail fence

Characteristics:

Durable

Longest lifetime

Resistant to rust and corrosion

Weather and chemical resistant

Welded and woven mesh and fence

UV treated to protect against solar degradation

Topics: welded wire mesh, woven wire, vinyl coated wire

What's the Difference Between Welded Wire Fencing and Woven Wire Fencing?

February 20, 2017 | by Debbie Page

Welded or Woven Wire? Each Brings its Own Merits

When it comes to the subject of “welded versus woven wire” fences, it may be more helpful to consider it more of a comparison, as both certainly have various merits in their favor. The intersections of these wires are spot-welded to create a sheet. However, woven fences are created through a process that is quite different and much more complicated. Using machinery, wire is loosely twisted into a gentle spiral, with each overlapping at the ends. With a quick twist, the link is made permanent and the distinctive zigzag diamond shape is formed.

Starting with Welded Wire Fences:

Example #1 Welded Wire Fence (Attached to Wooden Fence) - Straight lines are strong and sturdy

Example #2 Welded Wire Fence (Attached to Wooden Posts) - Straight lines are strong and sturdy

Welded wire fencing, which has a structure that is solid and inflexible, is ideal for a firm and definite barrier. When cut, the wires will not begin to unravel from one another. The disadvantages of this fencing type can be seen in situations when pressure is introduced, such as livestock in need of a leaning post or any sort of vehicular crash. If weight is applied, it’s difficult for a welded wire fence to spring back to shape. It will likely deform permanently and need replacing.

Now onto Woven Wire

Example #3 Vinyl Coated Woven Wire Fence - Distinctive zigzag diamond shape

See how example #3 is woven? The fence "lines" are straight in examples #1 and #2 and there is a little zigzag in example #3.

Structure and Functional Merits - Woven wire has some give

By understanding their basic structures, it is easy to see their functional merits. A woven wire fence's linked yet loose structure allows for a large amount of bend, twist and pull without breaking -- a perfect design if you have grazing livestock to contain. In some styles of woven agricultural fence, the vertical wires are one continuous strand. This makes a very strong and secure mesh that will hold together well when under pressure.

Woven wire products used as fences can vary between 9 gauge and 23 gauge
Mesh sizes can run from ½" to 8"
Wire finishes of woven meshes are similar to those that are welded: galvanized before weld (GBW), galvanized after weld (GAW), or vinyl coated (VC)
Fences that are woven are more flexible than welded products
Mesh openings are generally uniform and consistent in shape and size throughout the roll
Woven meshes are easier to install over uneven ground and can be "racked" to conform to the ups and downs
Many of the fences used to enclose or exclude livestock are woven construction: deer, horses, poultry, and game birds

Note: There is an unfortunate disadvantage to “chain-link” fence, another type of woven mesh. This fencing is only fully effective so long as every link remains strong. Once cut, it’s only a matter of time before this form of fence will become untangled and inefficient.

Topics: woven wire, welded wire fence, GAW

Wire Fencing 101: Welded vs. Woven Wire Fences

April 29, 2014 | by Duncan Page

Comparing Welded and Woven Wire

When it comes to the subject of “welded versus woven wire” fences, it may be more helpful to consider it more of a comparison, as both certainly have various merits in their favor. The first aspect to consider is the structure of each. Welded mesh fencing is created by laying wires in a simple horizontal and vertical latticework, with either square or rectangular spaces. The intersections of these wires are spot-welded to create a sheet. However, woven fences are created through a process that is quite different and much more complicated. Using machinery, the wire is loosely twisted into a gentle spiral, with each overlapping at the ends. With a quick twist, the link is made permanent and the distinctive zigzag diamond shape is formed. In modern machinery, this process takes half the time thanks to a “double helix” process.

Helpful and Not-so Helpful Designs

By understanding their basic structures, it is easy to see their functional merits. A woven wire fence's linked yet loose structure allows for a large amount of bend, twist and pull without breaking -- a perfect design if you have grazing livestock to contain. In some styles of woven agricultural fence, the vertical wires are one continuous strand. This makes a very strong and secure mesh that will hold together well when under pressure. Another type of woven mesh is “chain-link” fence and it has an unfortunate disadvantage--this fencing is only fully effective so long as every link remains strong. Once cut, it’s only a matter of time before this form of fence will become untangled and inefficient.

Welded Wire: If Weight is Applied...

Welded wire fencing, which has a structure that is solid and inflexible, is ideal for a firm and definite barrier. When cut, the wires will not begin to unravel from one another. The disadvantages of this fencing type can be seen in situations when pressure is introduced, such as livestock in need of a leaning post or any sort of vehicular crash. If weight is applied, it’s difficult for a welded wire fence to spring back to shape. It will likely deform permanently and need replacing.

Need some more advice? Louis E. Page has over 120 years of experience in the fencing business and would love to help you out. Feel free to contact us for all your fencing needs. Family-owned and operated since 1893, we’d love the opportunity to help you find what you need.

Topics: wire mesh, woven wire, welded wire fence

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

How To Splice Woven Wire Fencing Material

June 20, 2013 | by Debbie Page

A Helpful How-to on Splicing

Do you have a woven wire fence that needs repair? Has this ever happened to you?

You have two rolls of fence you need to splice together.
You need to cut out a damaged section of your fence and splice in a new section to replace it.
Some strands of your fencing material have broken and are in need of repair.
You're unsure of how to repair these problems so that your fence can function as intended.

Watch this video and learn a couple of different ways you can splice a woven wire fence.