Wire fencing can be used successfully in a variety of domestic, agricultural and commercial settings. It is a very popular choice, and as a result there are many options at different price points to choose from. In addition, there have been many recent improvements in the technologies employed by wire fencing systems. Our easy guide helps points you in the right direction if you are planning on using wire fencing on your property.
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Types Of Wire Fencing
Firstly, let’s take a quick look at some of the main types of wire fencing. Stock fencing is one of the most common types of metal wire fencing and is widely used for farming, industrial and domestic purposes. When it comes to controlling stock, it is important to understand which type, shape and size of metal wire mesh configuration is right for the stock you want to contain or the pests you want to keep out. There’s obviously a big difference in requirements if you are comparing the wire fencing required to keep chickens in and foxes out with the wire fencing required to manage pigs or cattle. You also need to consider the suitability of the wire gauge and tensile strength (will it be strong enough for the job it is required for?), the number of wire lines and the distance between them, knot type (where cross wires are joined) and how the wire is protected against the elements. For help there are a few standards you can look for such as BS EN 10223-5, BS EN 10244 Class A and BS 4102. Each of these standards provides a good gauge of the suitability of the wire fence for your particular requirements. If in doubt, it is always worth getting the advice of a specialist fence supplier, in order to avoid any costly mistakes. You can also check the latest British Standards with DEFRA, the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs http://adlib.everysite.co.uk/adlib/defra/content.aspx?id=000HK277ZW.0ACCZB7C5T2BNU
Hexagonal Wire Fencing
Hexagonal wire fencing https://mcveighparker.com/fencing/wire-fencing/hexagonal-wire-netting
also comes in a huge range of options and different configurations geared towards different uses. These include chicken netting, game bird netting and rabbit netting, thatched roof protection (used as a final ‘cover’ for the completed thatch to help protect and maintain the integrity of the new thatch from interference by the weather or birds and animals), protecting fruit trees and bushes as well as keeping vermin and predators at bay. The familiar hexagonal shape of the mesh and the tight configuration of holes means this type of fencing is particularly good for enclosing small birds or animals whilst also providing excellent protection against ingress. Hexagon fencing comes in rolls of varying heights and sizes and with different wire thicknesses as well as size of mesh.
Barbed Wire
Barbed wire is very different to smooth wire fencing in that it is created with at least two strands of steel wire. They are smooth and usually have a galvanised coating for durability. These base wires are then twisted together with steel barbs evenly spaced along the length. They are usually attached to wood or steel posts fixed into the ground and several strands of wire can be stretched between each post according to the required usage.
Not only great for a number of security purposes, barbed wire fencing also comes into its own in terms of controlling larger, heavier animals that could easily damage normal, smooth steel wire fencing by leaning on it. Pigs and cattle are two types of livestock that barbed wire is commonly used for although it is not recommended for use with horses or sheep – horses can have their hide torn against the barbs and sheep can become entangled. Each time a large animal leans against a barbed wire fence it will be pricked by the barbs and it will learn to stay away.
Look out for the following standards for barbed wire to ensure it is up to the job: BSEN10223 and BSEN10244 (which covers level of protective galvanisation with zinc). The best barbed wire stock utilises mild steel or high tensile wire. There’s also a barbed wire tape and barbed wire can also be used in conjunction with conventional stock fencing as a top line.
Line Wire
Line wire is exactly what you would expect – a length of plain, smooth wire that is strung singly or in multiples across wood or metal posts to create a fence. It is very common and suitable for use in wide range of agricultural and domestic fencing applications. The lines themselves come in a number of lengths, thicknesses and strengths, so again, you need to match the right wire to the appropriate application.
Most wires are galvanised usually with zinc for protection from the weather but there are also wires that come encased in a plastic coating. It is not just used for controlling livestock. Farmers and homeowners alike use line wire as a strong support for plants and plant netting.
Whatever type of wire fencing you go for always remember to check it on a regular basis and re-tension slack wires and repair damaged fence posts. If you do this you will be able to enjoy your fence for many years without having any problems.
