Good wire fencing makes great neighbors, no matter if you are a rancher or a homesteader. There are many reasons to install wire fencing. For the purposes of this article, however, we will be focusing on wire fencing. This type of fence is almost always used to contain some kind of thing, such as:
- Your backyard is your sanctuary
- Your ranch has livestock
- Poultry on your farm
- Local prison inmates
- The local zoo animals
To keep out unwanted elements, wire fencing can also be used:
- Your garden is home to deer and rabbits
- Intruders to your property
- The local lumber yard or salvage yard is a target for thieves.
Wire fencing plays a vital role in modern urban life. It serves many purposes, including those that are industrial and aesthetic. It can be used to keep children and pets safe around community pools or to mark off areas that are not allowed for testing or containment of hazardous waste.
You can find a complete list of all types of wire fencing available here to help you make your decision. This list contains everything you need to know in order to choose the right type of wire fencing for you.
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Welded Wire Fencing
The wire is placed in both horizontal and vertical configurations to form rectangles or squares. Spot-welding is a method of attaching the wires to each other. This creates strong fencing sheets that are virtually undetectable and less flexible than traditional woven ones.
Uses of Welded Wire Fencing
While some wire fencing has more decorative uses, welded wire fencing can be made from stronger material. Welded wire fencing is a great choice for both rural and urban purposes, including:
- Fence around commercial and residential properties
- Fencing around community and residential pools
- Fencing along paths in parks and nature reserves
- Fences around military installations and prisons
- Fencing for dog runs or kennels
- Garden fencing
- Ranch and farm gates
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Woven Wire Fencing
Woven fencing is made by weaving wire pieces into different configurations. A popular example of woven fence is the chain-link design. Woven fencing is a flexible structure that can be bent and stretched with great flexibility. The interwoven strands can cause the fence to become untidy if one is removed.
Woven Wire Fencing
For the following purposes, woven wire fencing is commonly used:
- Pet confinement
- Kennels and dog runs
- Yard perimeter fencing
- Decorative applications
Chain link fencing is the most widely used type of woven fencing. This type of fence is most often found around playgrounds, fenced in backyards and commercial areas. To properly string a chain-link fence, you will need a tool called a fence stretcher. It can be costly to add chain-link fencing on a property. Chain-link fencing that is not installed with a fence-stretcher can cause sagging along the fence’s sections. This results in an unattractive installation and a poorly functioning wire fencing.
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Barbed Wire Fencing
Barbed Wire is made from steel and is used to keep cattle and livestock in check. This type of twisted wire is different than traditional woven wires in that the strands are intertwined instead of being woven together. Barbed wire is known for its regular formation of barbs at specific points along its length. Pointy barbs can inflict pain and injury on animals that try to cut through barbed wire.
Uses of Barbed Wire Fencing
Barbed wire can be used in many practical ways, such as:
- Separation of ranch boundaries
- Be sure to contain livestock and cattle
- When used with other forms, fencing methods can contain prisoners
- Protecting areas like gardens from pests
- Applications for military purposes
By stringing barbed wire from one post to the next along a fence, you can install it. The posts are usually made from wood and tension is used for holding the barbed wire in its place. A barbed-wire fence can be installed by almost anyone, making it a very popular choice for farmers and homesteaders. Barbed-wire fencing can be strung with a simple staple gun and heavy-duty gloves. The wire is attached to the first post and then pulled tight. Barbed-wire fencing is economical as professional installation is not usually required. They can also be used to keep cattle and other livestock safe and contained.
Barbed-wire fencing can be made up of one or more strands. Barbed-wire fences can be combined with other fences such as wood rails and chain link fences to increase the strength and discourage climbing under, over, or through. To prevent people from climbing over wire fencing, razor wire is a type of barbed wire. Razor wire fences can cause injuries and cuts similar to a razor when it touches skin.
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Electrified Fencing
Electrified wire fencing is typically made of thin steel or aluminum. It is intended to shock trespassers when they come across it. The voltage delivered by electrified fencing used in agriculture is just enough to make anyone who touches it feel uncomfortable. Other applications of electrified fencing, such as commercial or industrial, can stun the offender. A military- or security-grade electrified fencing may be set up to deliver a lethal dose, which could cause death for any person or animal that comes in contact with it.
Today, lethal electrified fencing should not be used in any other than military or prison facilities. It is usually placed behind non-lethal fencing to prevent accidental exposure.
Popular Uses for Electrified Fencing
The majority of electrified fencing used today is for agricultural purposes. It is used to contain livestock such as poultry, sheep, and horses. Most animals will learn to stay away from an electrified fence after one touch. You can also use this application:
- Keep animals off runways
- Keep wildfowl out of areas where people gather, like parks
- Preventing conflict between humans and animals, such as keeping elephants out of Kenyan crops.
- Secure property lines
Professional installation is highly recommended if you are not experienced in installing electrified fencing.
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Wire Fence Composition
The wire fencing is made of different materials. Each one can be used for different purposes.
Aluminum
Aluminum fencing can be lightweight and resists moisture and rain. Aluminum fencing is also a good conductor for electricity. This is why aluminum fences are sometimes used to make electric fencing.
Steel
Steel wire is durable and heavy. It is one of the best fencing investments. Although it is more expensive than other types, stainless wire is naturally less prone to corrosion. You can even use it in saltwater applications. Stainless steel does not require galvanization and will last longer than products which have been galvanized prior to welding or weaving. This fencing is strong and resistant to rust.
Poly Wire
Where visibility is needed, poly wire is used to make the electrified fencing. The conductive wire is used to electrify brightly colored fiber strands. Poly wire is non-rusting and an excellent choice for livestock containment, such as horses. There is less chance of severe injury or wounds if an animal panics and gets entangled in the poly wire.
