One of the first things I wanted to tackle when I bought my new home was the fence. It was old, leaning, and missing boards. It certainly was not up to the task of keeping the dogs in our back garden. I wanted a new fence which provided privacy, strength to keep the dogs contained, and was maintenance free. This blog is all about fences. I plan to write about the different types, how to maintain them, and how to choose the perfect fence for your situation. From steel to bamboo, privacy to animal containment, there is a lot to know about the different fences available to you.
Welded mesh fencing is a simple solution that provides a high degree of security while also allowing for high visibility. This kind of fencing is strong and versatile, but how do you choose the exact specifications? Here are some things to look out for.
Steel quality
The mesh will only be as strong as the metal from which it is made. You should check that the steel from which the wire has been made is of a good quality and has been stress-tested for durability and strength. There is no point trading quality for price; you will want a fence that does its job, no matter what pressures it is placed under.
Coating
The wire in the fence will have been strengthened and galvanised, typically with zinc. You should be wary of wire that has been zinc-galvanised before being welded together in the fence; this can remove the layer of zinc at the joints, which will leave the wire unprotected at its weakest spot. This can cause a fence to suffer from corrosion if it is exposed to the elements.
The wire may then have another layer of coating. This may take the form of polyester powder, which will provide a coloured finish to the fence while adding an extra layer of protection. It may also take the form of a thermoplastic coating. This is a particularly strong coating that offers greater protection in extreme conditions or areas that may have more corrosive atmospheres. Both these coatings will be sprayed on to the wire after it has been galvanised and will ensure that your welded mesh fence remains strong in all kinds of conditions.
Gauge
The diameter of the wire, or its gauge, will also give you a good idea of the strength of the fencing; as a general rule, the bigger the diameter, the stronger the fence. However, you should be careful to note whether the gauge has been measured before or after galvanisation or coating. Two types of wire may show the same gauge, but if one was measured before coating and one measured afterwards, the first one will in fact be smaller — and therefore weaker.
If you are in any doubt as to what kind of welded mesh fencing you need, just talk to your supplier about your requirements, and they will be happy to suggest the kind of mesh that will be most suitable. A company like Otter Fencing can tell you more.
Share11 October 2019
