How Long Will My Wire Fence Last? - The Red Brand Post

There is a lot of work to do on a farm. Between caring for animals, tending to crops, repairing machinery, and everything in between, most farmers are busy from dawn to dusk. It's important to invest in fencing that won't require excessive upkeep and maintenance ' and that's why so many farmers turn to wire fencing.

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Wire fencing is a popular choice because it's inexpensive, relatively easy to install, and incredibly durable. But just HOW durable is it? The answer to that question depends on many things, from the type of fence you're using to the thickness of the wires and more.

Types of Wire Fences

There are several different types of wire fencing, and they all serve a different purpose on a farm. If you want your wire fence to last as long as possible, it's important to choose the right fence type for your needs. Some of the most common types of wire fencing include the following:

Welded

Welded wire is a kind of mesh wire fencing. It is made up of a grid of horizontal and vertical wires, which are spot-welded together at the intersections. This welding prevents the wires from moving, giving you a firm structure that works well for garden fencing, animal cages, or dog runs. 

Woven

Unlike welded fencing, which fixes the wires together in a rigid structure, woven wire fencing ties the horizontal and vertical wires together with wire knots. There are a few different types of woven wire fencing (hinge joints, fixed knots, etc.), but they all offer significantly more strength than welded wire. This is ideal for fencing in horses, cattle, or other animals that might lean against the fence, as the wire will flex to support them without breaking.

Barbed

Barbed wire fencing is most common on cattle enclosures and security fences. This wire consists of sharp 'barbs' placed along the length of the wire, which prevents people or animals from approaching the fence. This kind of fencing is an effective barrier for cattle, but it's not recommended for horse enclosures due to the risk of injury to hides.

Factors That Impact Fence Life Span

The life span of your fence will vary based on the type of fence you have ' but that's not the only determining factor. It's also important to look at a few other things that could affect your fence's life.

Thickness of Wire

Wire for fences comes in a range of thickness. The thickness, or gauge, of a wire determines it's overall strength. The number assigned to a wire was originally determined by the number of times it was pulled to achieve a desired thickness. A thinner wire is pulled more times and therefore has a higher number. You'll find smooth and electric wires that are anywhere between 9 and 17 gauge, while most woven wire ag fence is between 9 and 12 1/2 gauge. The thickness of the wire, combined with the fence's construction, will determine how well it will hold up to pressure and the elements. Generally speaking, the thicker the wire, the longer the fence will last.

Protective Coating

Wire for ag fence is almost always coated in a molten bath of zinc alloy. This process, called galvanization, covers the steel to protect it from rusting. Red Brand fence features two classes of galvanization. Depending on weather conditions, Class 1 is adequate for most applications. However, Class 3 adds more zinc coating and extends the life of the steel.

Welding

Welding is an effective way to secure two wires together, which helps give your fence rigidity and stability. However, keep in mind that it also tends to 'burn off' any protective coatings on the wire. This means that your fence is susceptible to rust and corrosion at the weld points, which can make the fence break down faster than a woven wire option.

Life Span of Each Type of Wire Fence

Just how long your wire fence will last depends on several factors. Construction (woven vs. welded), wire gauge and galvaniztion all affect longevity. In addition, local climate, proper installation and maintenance, and starting with the right fence type for your property all matter. To make your investment last, be sure to consider all of these factors. As a general guide, you can expect the following:

• Welded: 5-10 years*
• Woven: 20 to 30 years*
• Barbed: 20 to 30 years*
  *depending on location

A final note about corrosion and longevity: rust is a natural reaction when excessive moisture comes into contact with steel. Certain places in the US are more susceptible to rust and corrosion due to environmental patterns including rain, snow, and sea air. For example, fence found in the most northeastern US and the eastern seaboard are most affected by salty air.

Whatever type of fence you're looking for, Red Brand can help with your fencing needs. Be sure to talk to your local Red Brand dealer or visit our online store for wire fencing selections, t-posts, fence tools, and a whole lot more.

Galvanised or GI wiremesh have a variety of uses. They are used in structures made to house animals and poultry, secure commercial buildings and houses, create fences, and safeguard construction sites. 

While we hear the term 'galvanisation' all the time, do you know what exactly this process is? What does it do to a wiremesh to make it more durable and cost-effective in the long run?

This article will help you know everything about galvanised or G.I wiremesh if they are rust-proof, and how you can make your wiremesh work better for you while saving costs.

What Is Galvanisation on wiremesh?

Galvanised steel is everywhere. It is used to make a variety of urban structures such as bridges, buildings, and railways. Another very common use of galvanised steel is in making wiremesh for commercial or private use. 

Galvanisation on wiremesh is nothing but the process of applying a coating of zinc on the steel wire. This process involves these steps:

• Cleaning the steel fence of grease and other elements.
• Rinsing it with a solution made with diluted hot sulphuric acid.
• Cleaning it again using a zinc-aluminium chloride solution.
• Drying the structure and immersing it in molten zinc.

How Long Does Galvanised Wiremesh will Last and What Are Its Other Advantages?

Galvanised wiremesh have some clear benefits over other types of Non Galvanized Wiremesh. One of the major advantages of this type of GI Wiremesh is its extended lifespan. 

Several factors may rust and corrode a non galvanised wiremesh. These include:

·      Long-term exposure to humidity or salt in water or air

·      Industrial pollution 

·      High temperature

·      Acids such as sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide

The company is the world’s best Dashang wire mesh supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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·      Moss

·      Rainwater mixed with acid

·      Contact with other metals such as pure iron and copper

When a wiremesh is constantly exposed to rust, it may gradually lead to breakage and failure. 

Galvanising is one of the best ways to prevent rusting. Zinc and steel form a strong bond together and the thick coating of zinc applied during the process prevents water and oxygen from reaching the metal beneath. A galvanised wiremesh that is taken care of can easily last for anywhere between 5-10 years. 

Here's a quick rundown of some other advantages of galvanised wiremesh:

Affordable

When compared to steel treated with other options such as vinyl, galvanised steel is a more economical option. This makes it very cost-effective while being durable.

Low Maintenance Cost

A galvanised wiremesh requires zero to no maintenance, especially when compared with wiremesh made of other materials such as wood. It doesn't warp or rot and stays stronger for a longer time. 

Reliable 

Since a galvanised wiremesh is sturdier, you can expect it to serve its purpose adequately. It offers stress-free security for your property and animals, whatever the case may be.

Sustainable

Zinc exists naturally and is a 100 per cent renewable material. This, in addition to the fact that there is very little requirement for additional energy for maintaining this wiremesh, makes it sustainable for the environment.

Aesthetic

With its soft and uniform hue, a galvanised wiremesh has a superior aesthetic value. It looks modern and merges with all kinds of commercial or residential architectural layouts. 

Is a Galvanised Wiremesh Rust Proof?

These advantages bring us to an often asked question does a galvanised wiremesh rust? 

The short answer is yes. 

Although galvanised wiremesh are known to last for decades, several reasons may reduce their life expectancy and cause them to rust faster. Some of these reasons include:

·      Exposure to inclement weather, chemicals, or acids.

·      Improper storage of the wiremsh in areas with high humidity or heat.

·      Interaction with pedestrians or other objects that may scratch their surface.

How To Increase The Life of Your Galvanised Wiremesh?

Remember, after a while, even a galvanised wiremesh will succumb to rust. The good news is that there are ways to slow this process and make your wiremesh serve you better and longer.

Here are some ways to optimise the life of your wiremesh through proper upkeep and maintenance:

• Inspect your wiremesh regularly to look for weak spots or signs of rusting. If you see any rust stains on the wiremesh, use sandpaper or steel wool to get the rust off. In case you have excessive rusting, call the professionals to deal with it.
• If you have general stains on the wiremesh, you can use laundry soap. However, if you have deeper rust stains, you may use more aggressive cleaning methods such as a pressure wash. Never use cleaners with a high pH content. This can damage the zinc coating and cause the wiremesh to rust faster.
• Once you remove the rust from the wiremesh, make sure to paint a zinc-based primer over it. The paint acts as a barrier to prevent chemical reactions that may lead to corrosion. This also enhances the aesthetics of the wiremesh. Ideally, a galvanised wiremesh must be painted at least once every year.
• If you have a temporary wiremesh, remember to store it properly. It is important to store it in a low-moisture area or one that has controlled humidity to delay the process of rusting. Additionally, keeping desiccant drying agents in the storage space will also help prevent rusting.
• One of the best ways to prevent yourwiremesh from rusting is to know which class of galvanisation to use. This means deciding the minimum coating weight per square foot of the wiremesh. For instance, farm areas require Class 1 coating of zinc. For places with high humidity, a heavier layer of zinc of Class 3 would be needed. Also, ensure that your galvanising material confirms to ASTM standards for coating weights.

Conclusion

How long a wiremesh last depends entirely on the quality of the wiremesh purchased including a regular inspection and maintenance process. At Arne Industries, we offer superior-quality galvanised wiremesh that are unmatched in durability and quality. Our teams of experienced technical staff help in keeping your galvanised wiremesh as good as new for decades. To know more about us and our products and services, contact us here.  

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