Wire strength is expressed as tensile strength. The tensile strength of a material is the maximum amount of tensile stress that it can take before failure, for example breaking. As such, wire strength is largely dependent on its carbon content, and wire fencing products are manufactured using either low-carbon or high-tensile wire.

Low-carbon wire is made from a steel rod with a carbon content of approximately 0.10%. This type of wire is easy to work with and fairly forgiving, allowing for increased stretching and elongation. High-tensile wire is made with higher carbon content at approximately 0.28%. By almost tripling the carbon content the wire strength significantly increases and reduces stretching and elongation.

Between the two options, Tejas’ chooses high tensile. Our product framework is among the highest-strength steel available for fencing. With a tensile strength of 50,000 psi, it is more than 45% stronger than standard steel, leading to reductions in elongation, and minimizing the need for future tensioning and repair work.

Fixed knot fence guage

Size of wire is expressed as gauge, which signifies its thickness or diameter. As the gauge number increases, the wire size decreases. Basically, the bigger the number, the smaller the wire. A lower-gauged (thicker) wire is best used for heavy animals that press against the wire. A higher-gauged (thinner) wire is sufficient for small, lightweight animals.

Fixed knot fence galvanized coating

The galvanization process includes dipping the manufactured product in hot molten zinc, or in some cases, zinc and aluminum. Thickness of the galvanized coating is ranked by class, indicating its life expectancy.

Class 1 is the industry standard and has 0.28 ounces of zinc coating per sq. foot. Class 3 is applied at 0.80 ounces per sq. foot. This coating weight is three times greater than Class 1. Class 40 (zinc-aluminum) coating provides the highest degree of protection available on the market. It is designed for fence installations in highly corrosive areas. The zinc-aluminum hybrid base coat extends the life of the wire by up to two times that of Class 3 galvanized wire.

Fixed knot fence mesh spacing

High-tensile, fixed-knot fences are available in a variety of heights and configurations. Mesh designs are available in 3- to 12-inch vertical stay wire spacing with 3-inch minimum and 5-inch maximum horizontal wires in the two bottom courses. Selection depends on specific goals for the enclosure.

Most manufacturers use a standard numbering system to designate their woven-wire designs. Generally, the first digit represents the number of horizontal wires. The second and third digit expresses the height of the fence (in inches). The fourth and fifth digit reveals the vertical stay wire spacing (in inches).