Wire mesh fencing is a popular choice for securing commercial, agricultural, and residential properties across the UK. Compared to traditional wood or chain link fences, wire mesh offers superior strength, security, cost-efficiency, and customizability.
Consulting with experienced fencing contractors is essential for ensuring the proper installation and ongoing maintenance of wire mesh fencing. These professionals possess the expertise and tools necessary to address any issues promptly and effectively, helping to maximize the security and longevity of your fencing investment.
Durability of Wire Mesh Fencing
One of the top reasons to choose wire mesh fencing is its extreme durability and resilience. The tight mesh patterns are constructed from high-tensile steel wire, galvanized or aluminum-coated to resist corrosion.
Resistance to Weather Conditions
Wire mesh can withstand all types of weather conditions year after year without degradation.
- Rust Resistance – The protective metallic coatings prevent rust from taking hold even in rainy English weather. Quality fencing can last 30 years or longer without rust damage.
- Corrosion Resistance – Wire mesh is highly resistant to corrosion and oxidation compared to other metals like iron or steel. It maintains its integrity and security functions in coastal regions or areas with pollution.
Longevity Compared to Other Fencing
Few fencing options can match the functional lifetime of galvanized wire mesh, which retains its security and stability for decades with little maintenance. It substantially outlasts wood privacy fences (10 years typical lifespan) or vinyl fencing (15-30 years). Chain link may have comparable longevity but lacks the customization and security against climbing or cutting that wire mesh offers.
Security Benefits
Along with physical durability, wire mesh fencing provides premier perimeter security and access control. The small, tight mesh patterns deter intruders and animals from entering secured areas.
Intruder Deterrent
- Small Mesh Size – Compared to materials like chain link, the small interwoven wire mesh has gaps less than 1 inch wide. This prevents intruders from getting a hand or foothold for climbing.
- Difficult to Cut Through – The tightly woven high-carbon steel has too little space between wires for bolt or tin snips to cut. Hacksawing by hand takes considerable noisy effort.
Enhanced Property Security
Properly installed wire mesh fencing enhances security for commercial and residential sites:
- Restricts Access – The durable barrier limits access to authorized entry points like gates, preventing trespassing.
- Visual Deterrent – The visible barrier sends a warning, deterring would-be intruders from attempting entry.
Versatility in Applications
An advantage of wire mesh fencing is the versatility to suit diverse applications from agriculture to industry security.
Agricultural Use
For farmers and estates, wire mesh serves essential functions:
- Livestock Containment – Smaller mesh keeps livestock safely contained while allowing ventilation. Higher fences prevent deer intrusions.
- Crop Protection – Wire mesh also protects crops from animal destruction while permitting light and air circulation for healthy growth.
Industrial Applications
In commercial and industrial settings, wire mesh perimeter fencing provides:
- Perimeter Security – The fencing restricts access to facilities, equipment and sensitive areas. Gated access points maintain control over entry.
- Storage Facility Fencing – Wire mesh secures storage yards, compounds and construction sites cost-effectively while allowing airflow.
Cost-Effectiveness
Affordability is a key benefit of wire mesh fencing for security and agriculture. It offers the best return on investment among fencing options.
Initial Installation Costs
Properly installed wire mesh fencing is roughly 40-50% less expensive than solid wood privacy fencing. Chain link can have comparable initial pricing, but provides less long term value from frequent repairs.
Low Maintenance Requirements
Once correctly installed on posts, wire mesh requires very little ongoing maintenance expense – just occasional tensioning. It avoids the regular painting, staining and replacement boards common for cheaper wood fences.
Long Term Cost Savings
Considering the extreme 30+ year lifespan of wire mesh with minimal upkeep costs, it offers superior long-range value over any other fencing type. The high security and containment translates into protection for valuables equivalent to far more expensive alternatives.
Aesthetic Appeal
In addition to its functional advantages, wire mesh contributes attractive visual appeal with diverse options to suit sites from estates to factories.
Variety of Mesh Designs
Wire mesh patterns range from the smallest 1/4 inch gap grids to 2 inch spacing options. In between, fencing can specify spacing, wire gauge, and grid alignment to security and site requirements. This allows matching performance to needs from high security prisons to rural sheep pastures at appropriate pricing.
Integration with Landscaping
The transparency of wire mesh blends with greenery and landscape features. Gates can incorporate decorative metalwork matching other estate or site elements. Compared to solid walls or fences, wire mesh maintains views and natural light.
Powder Coating Options
For contemporary visual flair, metal wire mesh can be powder coated in bold colors or subtle earth tones. Logos or symbols can be integrated into the fencing for corporate sites. Schools can coordinate fence colors to brand standards for campus boundaries.
Environmental Considerations
Choosing wire mesh fence contributes to environmental sustainability from the material composition to full lifecycle performance.
Eco-Friendly Materials
The base steel wire mesh contains up to 100% recycled content from manufacturing processes. Wire production also has lower carbon emissions than competing fencing materials like PVC, lumber or concrete.
Recyclability
At end of use after decades of service, old wire mesh can be fully recycled to produce new steel products without waste. Steel wire is the world’s most recycled material.
Reduced Environmental Impact
Beyond material benefits, the extreme 30+ year functional lifespan means wire mesh fencing avoids frequent replacement and disposal like other temporary fence materials. The result is lower carbon footprint and waste output long term.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the typical lifespan of wire mesh fencing?
Properly galvanized steel wire mesh lasts 30 years or longer without losing structural integrity or security effectiveness. With adequate zinc coating thickness and tensioning, it can continue providing security for 50+ years.
Can wire mesh fencing be customized for specific needs?
Yes, wire mesh offers extensive customization in mesh size, wire gauge, fence height, post spacing, alignments, coatings and more. This versatility suits security needs from airports to schools to orchards.
Is wire mesh fencing suitable for residential properties?
Absolutely – wire mesh provides residential security while maintaining views, airflow and integrating with landscaping. Compared to privacy fences, it deters intruders at lower cost over the long term.
How does wire mesh fencing contribute to safety?
The impenetrable barrier keeps unauthorized people and animals securely out of protected areas. Well-designed wire mesh perimeter fences also guide people and vehicles to controlled entrances and exits, preventing accidents or dangerous direct approaches.
Are there any specific maintenance requirements for wire mesh fencing?
Basic wire mesh maintenance involves occasional tensioning and checking for any damage from falling debris, wildlife or vehicles. If promptly repaired, the mesh retains its full protective function for decades without replacement.
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