Wire Mesh Fencing Overview

Wire mesh products are provided in a wide selection of both woven and welded wire mesh. Woven wire mesh is manufactured in much the same way as woven fabrics. Wires are woven together to create wire mesh in different patterns. The woven wires can be simple strewn over and under the perpendicular wires are the wire may be crimped around the perpendicular wire. Welded wire mesh places the vertical wires over the top of the horizontal wires and use a welding an electrothermal welding process that fuses the two wires together.

Carbon steel is an excellent choice but must be properly coated to avoid corrosion. Carbon steel may be hot dipped galvanized, powder coated or painted. The only issue with using any of the coating methods is assuring that you get 100% coverage of the mesh where one wire is placed over the other. Pre-galvanized mesh is also a good selection but the actual galvanized surface is interrupted when the wire is electrothermally fused to the perpendicular wire in a welded wire mesh. Care should be given to selecting a welded wire galvanized mesh in heavier gauges. Aluminum and stainless appear to be the most popular selection as both of these materials are widely used in exterior applications with no concerns for corrosion.

Wire mesh products may be provided with a flush end or with vertical and horizontal wire extended. Most wire mesh products should be finished with a framework constructed of angle, plate, flat bar, nosing or edging. The designer should give consideration as to how the material will be properly framed and captured. Smaller gauges cannot be reasonably welded to framework and must be mechanically captured by sandwiching the materials between two plates.

Both woven and welded wire mesh products are available in a wide variety of gauges or thicknesses ranging from 51 gauge to 3/8” diameter. Thicker gauges may require the wire to be crimped around the perpendicular wire. One of the more popular gauges for external applications is a ¼” diameter material. This selection is both visually appealing as it is large enough to be seen from a distance and thick enough to provide real security. The designer should give consideration to changes in temperatures, weather and exposure. It would not be recommended to use a light 11 gauge material on an exterior application subject to foot traffic where someone may place their feet against the materials.

There are endless pattern applications from square, rectangular, and diamond shape. Making these patterns even more architecturally pleasing is the arrangement of the vertical and horizontal wires being grouped together where you may have three vertical wires, a space, three vertical wires and the pattern repeating itself. This can also be the application for the horizontal wires. Woven wire patterns may also include alternating weaves either placed tightly together or evenly spaced apart.

Wire mesh products are available for a wide use of industrial and architectural applications. Wire mesh products provide that perfect solution when you require an infill material that is open, adaptable, secure and must be aesthetically pleasing. You will see this material commonly used in railings, canopies, dividers, parking garages, security screening, etc.