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: 

An Investment in Safety--with Invaluable Returns

Wire mesh can be used as an effective railing safety barrier on stairs, decks, and walkways. Attached to a framework, the small openings of the mesh can prevent children from falling and restrain objects from falling on people below.

• Both woven and welded wire mesh can be used

There are mesh and wire gauges available to meet a wide variety of safety requirements. And there are many different ways to put together an effective barrier.

Some examples:

• Strong 12.5 gauge woven wire field fence used as safety mesh along a river walk. The fence is turned upside down and the top edge is bent over for added strength. The fence is stapled to wood posts. 

  • Welded wire 2" x 4" fencing used as safety mesh along a pathway to keep people from falling down the river bank--a simple solution. The top 4" of the fence is doubled over. This strengthens the mesh and allows the top of the fencing to be stapled to the top of the post for extra strength.  

• This picture shows 14 gauge 1" x 2" mesh secured to wood posts.

• Here we have 1" x 1" mesh that's mounted in a metal frame. The frame is then attached to a finished railing assembly.

The Birmingham Zoo used vinyl coated welded wire mesh as safety panels along walkways and in deck railings. There are many other ways of using wire meshes to provide a safety mesh where required. The application and installation can be both simple and complex depending on what is required.

Security for Your Horse

A Choice of Two Styles of Fence

     • Will you be boarding the horse at a different location or keeping it on your own property?

     • Are you getting a horse for yourself or for your children?

There are two types of woven wire mesh fences ideal for horse paddocks: 

A 2" x 4" Woven Horse Fence

        Featuring:

• Galvanized class 1 or class 3 finish for protection from rust and corrosion
• Black painted wire with heavy duty class 3 coating - blends into background
• Long lifetime
• Heavy 10 gauge top and bottom wires
• 12.5 gauge filler wires
• Strong square knots safely secure vertical and horizontal wires
• 2" x 4" openings prevent hoof entanglement
• Flexible - allows "racking" over uneven ground contours
• No uneven or sharp wires to injure animals
• 48" and 60" heights in 100' rolls

The Strong Keepsafe Diamond Mesh Woven Horse Fence 

        Featuring:

• Galvanized - class 1 and class 3 
• Close spacing of wires prevents hooves from becoming entangled
• Fence has spring and flexibility
• Horizontal wires - heavy double strands of 12.5 gauge wires are twisted for strength
• Vertical wires - 14 gauge wires create the V mesh
• Requires little maintenance when installed
• Rugged long lasting fence
• No sharp edges to harm horses or people
• 50" x 165' and 58" x 165' rolls available

Plan Your Garden 

Hello to all you passionate gardeners!  Are you planting a garden?

         Do you already have a garden that you are getting ready for the season?

                          Do you have some unwelcome visitors--well, animals--that are sampling the produce?

Your fence built with welded or woven wire mesh - either galvanized or vinyl coated

• Use a smaller mesh, especially at the bottom of the fence, to keep smaller animals from getting into your garden.
• Bury 12" or more of the fence underground to discourage burrowing.
• Bend 12" or more of the fence to the outside of your garden laying it on top of the ground for an effective protecting apron.

• Black vinyl coated 1" hex is ideal - black blends with the background making the fence virtually invisible.
• PVC coating adds years of life to the fence.
• The wire is easy to work with.
• Rolls are available in different widths to suit your needs - from 12" through 90".

• Vinyl coated 19 gauge wire welded into ½" x ½" mesh will discourage the smallest animals.
• Vinyl coated extends the lifetime of the fence.
• Rolls are 100' in length.
• Three heights are available: 24", 36" and 48".

Larger mesh fences - 2" x 2", 2" x 3" and 2" x 4" with a combination of smaller mesh "ground wire."

• The smaller mesh gives protection where it's really needed.
• You have greater strength in the higher sections.

There are many possibilities that allow you to be creative in your approach. Here's a video with one man's solutions:

You will reap the benefits with some advanced planning. And! Check out this video blog for another helpful garden fence tutorial.

Bracing is Essential

Take a look at this video from the folks at Bekaert. Learn how to put up 2" x 4" woven mesh horse fencing.

Any questions or comments?