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.
1) Does Wire Mesh Rust if it's Made of Galvanized Steel?
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.
2) How Long Does it Take Galvanized Wire to Rust?
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.
3) What Causes Galvanized Steel to Rust or Corrode?
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:
Applications in which the material is continuously wet, such as a car wash or water park
Humid climates with lots of moisture in the air
Marine environments with exposure to saltwater and moist, salty air
Outdoor locations with frequent, heavy rainfall
4) How Long Does Galvanized Wire Mesh Last?
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.
5) How Do You Prevent Galvanized Steel From Rusting?
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.
6) Can the Material Be Used in DIY Projects?
Galvanized wire mesh and hardware cloth can be used for a wide array of DIY home projects.
This includes:
Chimney caps, spark arresters, and fireplace screens
Concrete driveways and sidewalks
Fencing and privacy screens
Foundation vents, soffit screens, and gutter guards
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Gardening and landscaping projects
Pest control and rodent exclusion
For more inspiration, check out these Outdoor Living Space Design Ideas Using Wire Mesh.
Shop Galvanized Wire Mesh: Woven & Welded
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!
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Whether you’re building a new building or repairing an existing highway, you want to guarantee your customers structures will stand the test of time. You want to provide a finished project that is not only durable, but also able to age well visually. When those are the goals you have in mind for any construction, hot-dipped galvanized materials are today’s most popular choice.
One galvanized material we are asked about often is hot-dipped galvanized wire mesh. So, we’re tackling all your most common questions in one place. From the basics about what projects wire mesh is used for to concerns about its longevity, we cover it all.
Hot-dipped galvanized wire mesh or hot-dip galvanized welded wire mats are used for similar purposes as galvanized rebar rods. It acts as a strengthening and stabilizing skeleton within a concrete structure. It can also be used for external purposes such as wire fencing, especially in the agricultural space.
In both construction projects and agricultural environments, it is a popular choice because of its resistance to rust and its durability. Galvanized wire mesh, like other galvanized materials, has self-healing properties because of the zinc coating. This means that minor scratches to the surface do not compromise the integrity of the material.
Its ability to withstand small surface scratches and still heal is what makes galvanized wire mesh a great choice for all types of construction projects exposed to natural elements that could cause small scratches or corrosion to happen over time. This ability to handle minor wear and tear well also makes it a safer investment for construction projects, as there will be no time or money lost.
As is clear from the above, this wire mesh is a versatile building material. Unlike regular wire mats, it can withstand extreme elements while maintaining its strength and its silver appearance. Those are the main reasons it works for projects exposed to harsh environments, but let’s look closer at why it is such a popular option for use within other materials.
Within concrete, galvanized wire mesh does more than form and support the structure. It actually strengthens it! This is because the zinc coating forms a chemical bond with the concrete around it. Zinc molecules enter the concrete, strengthening not only the bond between the wire and the concrete, but also strengthening the concrete itself.
Additionally, galvanized wire mats can be used with other galvanized materials such as galvanized rebar rods, making for a complete galvanized structure.
The biggest reason to use galvanized wire mesh instead of regular mesh is because it does not rust. The self-healing properties we mentioned earlier mean that the mesh literally protects itself from corrosion.
When the zinc coating comes into contact with water, it reacts by building up extra protection for itself. This protection increases its rust and corrosion resistance. This positive chain reaction also means that a scratch in one area does not become the beginning of an entire section of mesh being compromised. Because the damage is stopped before it starts, the structure remains intact and not affected by the small amount of water that may touch the scratched area.
This positive chain reaction occurs whether the mesh is within concrete or standing on its own. It is the zinc itself that creates this reaction, not the bond to the concrete. So, even exposed galvanized rebar or mesh would benefit from the same reaction. That’s something that regular or epoxy-coated rebar and mesh can’t do.
Galvanized wire mesh can be bought both in rolls and in sheets, or mats. There are various sizes, which describe how large the squares forming the mat are. Which style of mesh and which size is best for you will depend on the nature of your project.
We at South Atlantic sell galvanized wire mesh in various sizes, along with galvanized rebar rods and other galvanized materials. Our sales teams have years of experience working with builders and project managers and can help you order the exact combination of materials you need for your build or project. You can learn more about our galvanized wire mesh and rebar here.
Yes, in fact, galvanized wire mesh is part of one of the most recognizable structures in the world: The Sydney Opera House. The International Zinc Association shares this about the construction of the Opera House on their website.
“The sails of the Opera House are made of 2194 pre-cast rib segments, some weighing up to 15 tons each. Galvanized mesh was exclusively used in the manufacture of these precast segments to provide long-term corrosion protection and to minimize the risk of cracking and rust staining of the gleaming white ceramic cladding tiles.
After nearly 40 years exposure to salt spray and high humidity, the sail panels have shown no signs of deterioration though other concrete elements in this massive structure which were black steel reinforced have needed significant rehabilitation.”
The Sydney Opera House is one powerful example of a project that chose galvanized wire mesh to protect both the integrity and the aesthetics of the end result. When the right materials are used from the beginning, the investment continues to prove its worth with every passing year.
Whether you are building a structure meant to inspire future generations or simply looking for a durable building material for your next project, galvanized wire mesh is a great option. If you have more questions about this material or need help deciding which size and type are right for your project, you can reach out to our team through our contact form here: southatlanticllc.com/galvanized-steel/contact.
As a premier galvanizing company that has served the Southeastern US for over fifty years, we know how stressful project deadlines are and how tight budgets can get. That is why we are proud to handle every step of the fulfillment process for you. All you have to do is call or contact us to place your order, then we take it from there. From our competitive pricing and large stock of galvanized materials to our internal management of the delivery, you can rest assured you’ll have what you need when promised, for the price you were originally expecting.
We’ve got you covered, every step of the way.
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