The first thing you need to appreciate is that all wires are not equal. And a key decision will be whether to choose High Tensile wire or Low Carbon wire for your fence, as most wire fences are made in one of these options. But what’s the difference?

Low Carbon Wire 

Low carbon wire is made from steel rod with a carbon content of approximately 0.10%. This type of wire is easier to work with and fairly forgiving. However, it stretches and can sag more than high tensile wire and as a result has a lower breaking strain than high tensile wire. Low carbon wire requires regular maintenance.

Traditionally hinge jointed netting available in many patterns has been used with low carbon line wire, however, this does tend to stretch over time and the hinge joints of the netting can allow livestock to collapse the net and compromise it by pulling the verticals apart.

High Tensile Wire 

High tensile wire is made with a higher carbon content than Low Carbon wire at (approximately 0.28% rather than 0.10%). This increased carbon content significantly increases the wire’s strength and reduces its tendency to stretch, significantly reducing the need for tensioning and repair.

This means that you are able to use a smaller diameter high tensile wire instead of the thicker low carbon wires. High tensile wire can also be installed using fewer posts than low carbon. If properly installed, high tensile wire will remain taut for years and will require much less maintenance. However, high tensile wire carries a price premium as it is a higher specification material.

When it comes to strength, remember that smaller in diameter, lighter high-tensile fencing products can actually exceed the breaking strain of heavier, larger diameter low carbon fencing products.

So what wire fence is right for me? 

You will quickly realise that there are lots of different wire systems and products available. But which one do you choose? The answer is the one that best suits the different factors you need to take into consideration for your particular application.

There are many variables to factor in including which type of animal you are planning on enclosing or excluding; livestock density; location and terrain. Depending on these variables, plus cost and maintenance requirements, you should, with the help of an expert supplier, be able to ascertain which type of wire fence you need, including what mesh pattern. 

If it’s strength you are after stiff stay, one-piece vertical fabricated netting is by far the strongest netting you can buy, and examples such as XFence feature a one piece vertical wire from top to bottom held in place with a forged X knot that creates an immensely strong fence.

Beware of rust

Rust looks terrible as well as compromising the strength of any wire fence over time which is why you should always consider coated wire fence products. A quality coating (e.g. Alu/Zinc) will keep rust at bay for many years and remember it’s not just the fence itself as there’s the posts and other metal fixings to consider – and these should either be coated or galvanised.

Lots of environmental factors can have a detrimental effect on the longevity and performance of your wire fencing. These include humidity, air pollution, salt, airborne dust and abrasive chemicals.  A quality coating also creates a barrier between these factors and your fence, ensuring a strong fence for decades to come. There are lots of different types of zinc and galvanised coatings available, so seek advice on the best for your application. 

Cost considerations

The cheapest wire fence options at outset might end up costing you more in the long run when you factor in the expense of maintenance, repairs and possible replacement. All steel fences are worth considering, as in addition to strength, they can be installed quickly and easily using long-lasting recyclable components. The ideal is a strong fence requiring minimum maintenance and a long life.

Whichever type of wire fence you opt for it’s always worth speaking to an expert wire fence supplier who can advise you on all aspects of planning and installing your wire fence as well as providing all the different components and accessories for a successful, long-lasting fence.