Durable, affordable, and endlessly versatile, woven wire mesh is a go-to for many DIY projects. The galvanized steel variety, in particular, is notably strong and resistant to various outdoor conditions.
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But what can you use it for around the home, and how long does galvanized metal last? Find answers to frequently asked questions about this type of wire mesh below.
The galvanization process creates a protective zinc-steel coating on the surface of steel mesh screens. This gives the material enhanced strength and resistance to rust and corrosion, but it's not completely invincible. Though stainless steel is more resistant to rust and corrosion than regular steel, wire mesh can still rust, even if it's galvanized.
How Is Galvanized Wire Mesh Made? Read our blog for details.
Exactly how long it takes galvanized steel to rust or corrode depends on a few factors, such as the climate and how the material is used. Galvanized wire typically holds up for a long time before it begins to rust'often decades. The material could last much longer if used indoors or in a relatively dry outdoor environment with moderate temperatures.
Rust can accumulate more rapidly if the material is continuously exposed to moisture, salt water, and certain chemicals.
For instance, galvanized steel may rust or corrode quickly in:
The zinc-steel alloy on galvanized wire mesh strengthens the material while keeping rust and corrosion at bay'but the protective coating will eventually wear off. It could last as little as a year in a wet or coastal environment and two or three decades in a desert location. In perfect conditions, it might hold up for a century.
As noted, stainless steel has exceptional resistance to rust and corrosion, especially T-316 (type 316), a premium stainless alloy. T-316 welded stainless steel wire mesh is a great choice if you're looking for an incredibly durable, long-lasting material suitable for a range of outdoor environments.
Galvanized steel mesh will initially have a shiny silver or chrome color, but with time, it will dull. Eventually, it may appear powdery-white, which indicates corrosion, or reddish-orange, the telltale sign of rust.
Depending on how and where you're using the material, this may not be avoidable. However, you can help prevent rust and corrosion by not using abrasive or acidic cleaners (like bleach or disinfecting agents), washing it with pH-neutral water, and storing it in a dry, ventilated area.
Galvanized wire mesh and hardware cloth can be used for a wide array of DIY home projects.
This includes:
For more inspiration, check out these Outdoor Living Space Design Ideas Using Wire Mesh.
TWP Inc. has what you need to get started with your next DIY project. For over 50 years, our woman-owned company has been a leading supplier and fabricator of metal mesh screens.
Our robust selection of products includes pre-sized, laser-cut materials with various weaves, wire diameters, and finishes'all in stock and ready to ship. If you don't see exactly what you need, we're happy to accommodate custom orders.
Request a free quote today or get in touch to speak with our experts. We're here to help!
When you are starting a construction project, it's important to have all your materials and understand how you can use them to get the job done. 'Can you cut galvanized wire mesh?' is a question we hear often because builders want to know how to use wire mesh in the areas they need without compromising the galvanized coating.
Galvanized wire mesh is welded steel that has a protective zinc coating surrounding it, formed through the process of hot-dip galvanization. It can be cut, but there are a few things to keep in mind before cutting to make sure the galvanized mesh maintains its superior corrosion resistance. We will go over the best way to cut galvanized wire mesh in this blog.
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For ultimate peace of mind, you can also have our team order custom or specific sizes of mesh for you and then galvanize it. To learn more, reach out to our Reinforcing division and talk to one of our experienced team members today.
To recap, galvanized wire mesh is interlocking steel wires that have been dipped in hot molten zinc, which forms a silver or chrome-colored, corrosion-resistant coating once dry. While the zinc coating on galvanized materials boasts self-healing properties, it does a better job of sealing up small scratches that could form through transportation or wear than it does healing large cuts in the coating. Ideally, the steel is pre-cut to the desired size before the galvanization process begins. This helps preserve the original zinc coating that forms after galvanizing.
Galvanized mesh is used to reinforce concrete structures like masonry walls or concrete decks. It is also used outdoors for things like fences or enclosures. One of the most famous examples of galvanized mesh in action is the Sydney Opera House, whose sails are made up of segments of galvanized mesh. Other examples include a zoo that used galvanized mesh to build a durable and attractive new exhibit space and an airport that used galvanized mesh in their new parking garage for something that could handle the high traffic and remain rust-free.
Galvanized wire mesh and rebar are attractive options to builders and planners because their zinc coating makes them aesthetically pleasing and uniquely durable. This is why understanding how to cut galvanized mesh without sacrificing integrity is important. Cutting it the wrong way can defeat the original purpose of using the galvanized materials in the first place.
If galvanized wire mesh is cut without the proper care, it can leave the steel exposed across the ends of the cut mesh. This means there are many vulnerable points where water could cause corrosion, rust, and eventually weakness in your project. Even if the mesh remains outside and is not reinforcing a project, the ends can begin to fray if improperly cut. This can both look bad and cause the mesh fencing to corrode.
But, the answer to 'Can you cut galvanized wire mesh?' is yes! You just have to know the right techniques and tools to use, which size of mesh can handle cutting better, and what to do if you need special cuts.
You can also avoid cutting your mesh entirely by ordering it in the exact sizes you need for your project. At South Atlantic, we have our own galvanizing process and equipment. If we don't have the size you need, we can order it and galvanize it for you! Reach out to our team today for galvanized materials to reinforce your projects that you can trust without hesitation.
So, we've reviewed what galvanized mesh is, what it's used for, and why it's important to know what you're doing before you cut it. Now it's time to go over how to cut it the right way.
First, you want to use the proper tools. Tools that are too dull will not make clean cuts, which can make fraying more likely. But, tools that are overkill for the task can bend and warp it, hurting its integrity as well.
You also want to use the right cutting techniques. You want a clean, sharp cut that snaps the mesh without bending or fraying. This will keep as much of the surrounding coating intact as possible.
Finally, you want to consider the size of your mesh. Mesh with a tight weave of any size will handle cuts better than wide, open weaves. The tighter the weave, the stronger the mesh. This will make it easier to cut it without bending the entire mesh mat.
When cutting your galvanized wire mesh down to the sizes you need, it's important to know that different types of mesh are easier to cut than others.
For light or medium-weight galvanized mesh, sharp, heavy-duty scissors should do the job well. For heavy-weight mesh, a stronger rotary tool may be necessary. Whenever you are ready to cut, make sure you set the mesh mat down on a secure, hard surface. Do not try to cut it freehand in the air, as this will make it hard to avoid bending it or cutting it at an angle. You can clamp down the mat to make sure your cuts are clean and accurate.
Some projects need many sections of mesh in unusual sizes. There may even be situations where a build calls for an asymmetrical edge. In these cases, it is important to consider whether cutting the mesh yourself is the best approach.
A steel mill that works closely with a galvanizing company can be a great partner when you need custom, corrosion-resistant materials. They will understand the importance of producing the mesh mats in the exact sizes you need. They can also pre-cut the wire mesh before sending it to the galvanizer. If any cuts need to be made after the galvanization process, they can trust their galvanizing partner to handle them with care.
At South Atlantic, we are here to support America's builders and steel manufacturers. We specialize in corrosion-resistant rebar and sell hot-dip galvanized rebar and hot-dip galvanized welded wire mats (mesh). We have an extensive inventory ready for immediate shipment and can also fill custom orders for a fair price.
To contact our team, learn more about what it's like to work with us, and start an order, reach out to our galvanized reinforcing division today. We look forward to helping with your next project.
Sources:
American Galvanizers Association, 'Project Gallery ' Snow Leopard Enclosure,' https://galvanizeit.org/project-gallery/snow-leopard-enclosure-7
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