Why Choose Welded Wire Over Woven for Your Security Fencing?

Posted on: 6 December 2018

If you need to secure an area against trespassers without going through the expense of installing solid fencing, wire is the perfect option. It's easy to install and repair, doesn't cost the Earth, and is readily available. Of course, there isn't only one type of fencing wire; in general, you'll be choosing between welded and woven.

Here's how each one works:

  • Welded: Wires are laid out in a latticework with square or rectangular holes between them. The points where they met are then spot-welded to create your fencing.
  • Woven: Complex machinery is used to twist wires together. Most woven wire fencing has diamond shaped holes rather than square or rectangular ones.

There's really no right option — both types of wire possess their own drawbacks and benefits. However, here are just a few reasons you should choose welded wire for your security fencing.

Welded Wire is Less Expensive

If you read that part about twisting each piece of wire to create woven fencing and thought, 'That sounds expensive', you're right. Costs have actually come down a bit in recent years as processes grow more efficient, but woven wire still costs considerably more to make than welded wire. As a result, it also costs much more to buy. If you're only fencing off a small area, the cost difference might not be huge, but most security fencing needs to cover quite a distance. If you want to keep your costs down, welded is the way to go.

Welded Wire Will Not Unravel

While both welded and woven wire fencing can deter intruders, woven wire is only effective when every link remains strong. If one piece is cut or otherwise damaged, your fence will quickly untangle and fail to keep your property secure. In contrast, welded fences are very solid; even if a few intersections of the fence come apart or a few wires are cut, its overall structural integrity shouldn't be affected.

Welded Wire Will Not Stretch

Another problem with woven wire is that it tends to stretch when weight is placed against it. If you've ever walked past wire fencing and noticed that some holes look stretched out, it's because that fencing is woven. That's actually an advantage for some people; for example, someone penning in livestock will want a little give since animals will tend to lean on the fence. When you need to make an area secure against humans, however, it's best to choose something inflexible in the form of welded wire.

For more information about fencing options, contact a company like Otter Fencing.

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