What’s better: galvanized or coated mesh?
When you want to fence your plot with standard wire mesh, you are looking for the right materials, robust and inexpensive. You can choose between galvanized mesh or galvanized and additionally reinforced with PVC cover. Which solution to choose? Read this article and find out what are the main advantages and disadvantages of both products.
Galvanized or coated mesh? Similarities and differences
Galvanized or coated wire mesh fencing is very popular. It is a great alternative to system fence panels. The mesh creates a durable, aesthetic and functional plot cover. It is a barrier thanks to which you can protect your area from intruders and animals. You can buy galvanized and coated mesh in standard heights: 1.2 m or 1.5 m, with eyelets 5.5 cm x 5.5 cm or 6.5 cm x 6.5 cm.
What is the difference between galvanized mesh and galvanized-coated mesh?
Galvanized mesh: it has a characteristic steel color, it is covered with a special layer of zinc, which effectively protects the wire against the effects of moisture.
Galvanized and coated mesh: the inner layer is galvanized wire and the outer shell is made of plastic. You can choose coated mesh in several different colors: green, graphite, black or brown.
Galvanized mesh: most important advantages
Galvanized mesh has many advantages. It is a universal fencing material for private or corporate use. You can easily integrate it into various arrangements – both modern and classic. A gray mesh with a zinc coating will be perfect as a cover for a recreational plot, year-round property, as well as other facilities, such as parking lots, garages, gardens, orchards or playgrounds.
The advantage of the galvanized mesh is its outstanding durability. The wires, coated with a zinc layer, are resistant to the damaging effects of moisture and look very aesthetically pleasing for many years, without any traces of rust. So you don’t have to spend money on anti-corrosion preparations, paints or impregnations. Damaged pieces of galvanized mesh can also be efficiently and quickly replaced or patched using clamps or wire.
What are the disadvantages of galvanized mesh?
The main disadvantage of galvanized meshes is that they are only available in gray. So if you want the fence to match the color of the house facade or the shade of the paving stones on your driveway, the galvanized mesh may not be suitable. Of course, you can paint the mesh in any color, but it is an additional expense and painting thin wires is a very time-consuming task.
If you are looking for a mesh to build a permanent fence, pay attention to the thickness of the wire. A disadvantage of thin meshes (less than 2 mm wire thickness) is that they tear easily. After a few seasons, the fine nets lose shape and it is difficult to re-tension them on the fence posts. When choosing a galvanized mesh, make sure that it is solid and thick – with a wire diameter of at least 2.5 mm.
Galvanized-coated mesh: benefits
Don’t like plain gray galvanized mesh? Instead of them, you can choose galvanized-coated mesh. What are the advantages of PVC coated wire mesh?
– The mesh has a double anti-rust protection: the first anti-corrosion layer is zinc, and the second – a tight jacket made of waterproof polyvinyl chloride (PVC);
– you can choose the fencing material in several colors, tailored to your taste;
– you do not have to impregnate the mesh PVC coating;
– coated galvanized mesh is one of the cheapest fencing materials available on the market.
You can find green, black, brown or graphite galvanized mesh with PVC coating in stationary and online stores. You can buy a 10-meter roll for less than PLN 200 – the material will last for many years without changing its color and shape.
Disadvantages of galvanized coated mesh
Do you want a functional and durable fence? Give up cheap galvanized nets, coated with low-quality PVC. What are the disadvantages of such cheap nets?
– PVC cover cracks and becomes dull due to frost, heat, moisture and UV rays;
– rust centers appear in the cracks in the coating;
– you can tear or wipe the PVC layer during assembly;
– repairing a damaged galvanized mesh with a PVC coating is not profitable and does not give good results.
Galvanized nets with PVC coating also have one significant disadvantage – wild or domestic animals can easily chew and scratch the plastic cover. So if you are looking for material to build a playpen or you have a freely moving dog on your plot, forget about the installation of a coated mesh.
Mesh – galvanized or coated: what is better to choose?
There is no single answer to the question: is galvanized mesh or galvanized and PVC coated mesh better. Both materials are still up-to-date and it is worth taking them into account when planning the construction of an economical fence. Raw, standard galvanized mesh is a good option for people who do not care about the decorative qualities of the fence. Grids after