Many people use mesh fencing for security and protection of their pets inside a yard.

Manufacturers also make security fencing using mesh construction material to keep play areas covered for children at schools and public parks as a boundary for kids while they are playing.

Chain link fencing is often used in pool fencing to restrict entry. These fencing gates are also used in construction and industrial projects for security purposes. The gates also allow air ventilation and are highly durable.

Mesh fencing has various specifications, each resulting in different security levels. Some wires make very small holes that might look like metal netting. The width of holes in mesh fencing is usually bigger than 1cm², so tiny insects and plant spores can pass through it easily. It can keep out dogs, cats, birds and humans. They are even used in zoos for animal enclosures.

Galvanised mesh fencing will not prevent people from seeing through it if they are standing close to it, but humans will have trouble seeing through the mesh fencing at a distance because of its small gap width. However, mesh fencing has various specifications. The fence wires do not offer complete visibility protection since some parts of an object may be visible at certain angles. They are often teamed with metal fence posts.

What types of mesh fencing materials are available?

Mesh fencing materials are made of metal (heavy duty) or plastic, a combination of both or woven wire mesh or welded wire mesh. There are various options of mesh fencing solutions available such as chain link fencing using chain mesh or welded mesh fencing using welded wire mesh.

Some wires are made of aluminium or steel wire while all-metal mesh fence sheets consist only of wire. Mesh fencing with an all-plastic base will have stronger protection and security from weather conditions and abrasion and have long durability. This type of fencing is also lighter in weight than the metal mesh type. Although this fencing solution is more expensive compared to sheet metal mesh, the plastic mesh can last longer than metal mesh when exposed to water for long periods of time.

Welded metal mesh fencing has a life span of up to 25 years, while plastic mesh fencing has life span for about 10-15 years. Mesh fencing is more durable than other types of fencing because it does not have any wooden parts to rot or rust over time. This fencing is usually maintenance-free and requires little if any repairs.

Mesh fence is usually easy to install but can be cut to fit different shapes and forms if needed. Cutting the fence might result in sharp edges, so gloves should be worn for protection when handling cut fence panels. Some welded mesh fencing comes with pre-drilled holes that may save installation time depending on the size of the fence being built.

What is wire mesh used for?

Galvanised mesh fencing is installed by property owners for various security applications. Hot-dip galvanised wire fences can be built around obstacles such as flowerbeds and trees. This fencing especially suits homeowners that want to avoid damage caused by lawnmowers, weed eaters or other outdoor power tools. Welded mesh fences can also be placed around various types of equipment and machinery and to keep people from accidentally injuring themselves on the sharp edges and moving parts in construction project sites or industrial property.

Securing backyard fruit-bearing plants like apple and peach trees from being damaged is another common use of hot-dip galvanised mesh fencing. Galvanised mesh fencing around fruit-bearing trees can also keep small animals away from the trees. Ring lock fencing is a good alternative.

How long will mesh fencing last?

High strength hot-dip galvanised mesh fencing comes with warranties that may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, most manufacturers guarantee their fence against rust or corrosion for five years or more. In addition, DIY mesh fencing projects are almost maintenance-free except for cleaning debris occasionally which can be done using a garden hose with moderate pressure attached to it to remove dirt particles on the mesh panels. Welded mesh fences installed properly have good durability and should last for several years.

Benefits of chain mesh fencing

Chain mesh fencing has many benefits in comparison to welded mesh fencing. Chain mesh is the first choice of homeowners or businesses that are looking for a cost-effective, long life, durable and maintenance-free product. Chain mesh fencing is designed for safety purposes but the chain wire doesn't look ugly because there are many attractive designs to choose from. Chain mesh fencing is great for pool fencing and for fencing in sports fields. Chain mesh fencing is also easy to install which makes them the perfect DIY project for anyone interested in the security of their yard or other outdoor areas without having to pay top dollars for installing traditional style aluminium fence panels.

How important is the size of the mesh in mesh fencing?

Galvanised mesh fencing comes in a various range of shapes and sizes. However, the mesh size of the wire is important because it defines how much security you will get from the product.The size depends on the security needs of the owner. A larger mesh size creates more visibility for both sides while a tighter mesh provides more security to the homeowner installing the hot-dip galvanised mesh. Mesh fencing is available in a range of mesh diameters from 3mm to about 20mm, but the most common manufacture size today is 6mm which provides good visibility and security.

How do I measure the size of chain mesh?

Mesh fencing wire has a standard size range of 0.65" mesh (35m/m) which means that one square inch on the chain mesh panel is equal to 0.65 inches of length or width, depending on how you measure it. The length and width can vary but in most cases, the width and length are the same as below. The below shows the most common range of mesh sizes for chain link fence panels.

  • 3mm x 3mm Square Mesh - 1-inch openings = 32-gauge wire

  • 6mm x 6mm Square Mesh - 1-inch openings = 29-gauge wire

  • 9mm x 9mm Square Mesh - 1-inch openings = 26-gauge wire

  • 13mm x 13mm Square Mesh - 1-inch openings = 23-gauge wire

Is mesh fencing expensive?

Mesh fencing is generally considered a budget-friendly product because this fencing wire costs less than other types of construction material like metal and wood. However, galvanised wire mesh fencing also comes in a different range of grades which affect the price, durability and how long it's expected to last under normal conditions when left unchanged.

What grade of wire mesh should I buy?

The choice between tough galvanised steel, vinyl-coated or aluminium will probably depend on what purposes you're using the fence for and whether you need a durable fence barrier that won't shatter easily if someone accidentally drops something heavy on it. Mesh panels made from stainless steel tend to be more expensive than those made from tough galvanised steel but they are sturdy and don't require painting which saves money in the long run. Aluminium mesh fencing is the least expensive but the wires corrode easily in humid or salty conditions. Vinyl-coated mesh fencing provides affordable protection against weather, weeds and insects because the vinyl coated wire isn't affected by moisture. This coated wire fence has more durability.

How long does it take to install mesh fencing?

Mesh fencing is flexible to install and it doesn't require any special tools to attach. Most property owners can complete the galvanised wire mesh fence installation in about one day by themselves if they follow the instructions carefully. Galvanised mesh panels are delivered in an industrial roll. The woven fence wires should be installed on a flat gravel bed or concrete foundation for stability. Foundation rails should extend to a range of 3 inches under each galvanised mesh panel and 1/2 inch under the bottom rail which forms part of the wire structure.