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Welded Mesh Fence Maintenance Extending the Lifespan

Nov 20, 2024

Welded Mesh Fence Maintenance Extending the Lifespan

Welded mesh fences are designed to be extremely durable, requiring very little maintenance. However, if you wish to ensure a fence life extension, you might want to implement a few welded mesh fence care techniques to ensure the fence’s durability is not compromised.

Let's take a look at some mesh fence maintenance tips to keep your fence solution in tip-top shape for as long as possible.

Clean Regularly

Over time, your fence will get dirty from weather, vegetation, and other elements. To ensure that the buildup of dirt and contaminants doesn't wear down the PVC coating, you should periodically clean the fence with water and, on occasion, even use a mild detergent to remove stubborn grime. 

This is particularly important if your fencing is set up in humid or coastal areas, as salt and moisture damage can compromise the PVC coating over time.

Touch Up the PVC Coating

Welded mesh fencing solutions are coated with a PVC layer to prevent corrosion. To ensure that your fence remains rust-free, you should regularly inspect it for any potential chips, cracks, or scratches in the PVC coating. 

Use PVC touch-up paint to cover these areas to ensure that the metal underneath is not exposed to the elements and is protected from rust.

Check For Structural Damage

It pays to regularly inspect your fence for any loose, bent, or broken wires. If you are aware of any impact that has occurred on your fence, such as a tree branch falling or a car bumping into it, then such an inspection is even more important. 

Even though the PVC coating offers substantial protection from the elements, structural issues could weaken the integrity of the fence and cause scratches or chips in the coating. If you detect any damage to the wires or panels, you should repair them as soon as possible to prevent the fence from being further compromised. 

In some cases, you can simply weld the damaged parts back together and reapply the coating. However, if the damage is extensive, it's recommended that you replace the entire panel.

Control Vegetation

If your fence surrounds a garden, you need to ensure that the plants, trees, vines, or shrubs don’t grow too close to the fence, as these can trap moisture and potentially damage the PVC coating, leaving the metal exposed to the elements. 

This can be avoided by trimming the vegetation around the fence regularly to maintain a clear space and prevent overgrowth from invading the fence structure.

Reinforce Stability

On occasion, you should check the fence posts and attachment points to ensure they are still secure and stable. Even when the posts are buried in concrete, the soil around the concrete could shift over time, causing the fence to become unstable. 

If you notice any posts or attachments that are loose, it's important to reinforce them as needed to keep the structure solid. Instability can lead to tension on the mesh, which can wear down the coating and cause damage to the fence structure.

The Betafence range offers maximum fence durability, requiring minimal mesh fence maintenance. If you need to implement some welded mesh fence care to extend your fence’s lifespan, you’ll find all the accessories you need on our website. Otherwise, you can contact us to book your installation.

FAQs and Answers

  1. How often should I clean my welded mesh fence?
    It's recommended to clean your welded mesh fence at least twice a year to remove dirt, grime, and contaminants that may damage the PVC coating.

  2. What is the best way to clean a welded mesh fence?
    Use water and a mild detergent to wash the fence, particularly in humid or coastal areas where salt and moisture can compromise the PVC coating.

  3. How do I repair scratches or chips in the PVC coating?
    Apply PVC touch-up paint to any chips or scratches to prevent the exposed metal from rusting and to maintain the fence's protective layer.

  4. What should I do if my welded mesh fence is bent or damaged?
    Minor damage can often be repaired by welding the affected area and reapplying the protective coating. Extensive damage may require panel replacement.

  5. Can vegetation damage a welded mesh fence?
    Yes, plants, trees, and vines growing too close can trap moisture, which may degrade the PVC coating and expose the metal to corrosion.

  6. How do I ensure my fence remains stable over time?
    Regularly check the posts and attachment points for any looseness or shifting in the ground, reinforcing them as needed to maintain stability.

  7. How do environmental factors affect welded mesh fences?
    High humidity, salt, and constant exposure to moisture can weaken the fence's PVC coating, so regular inspections and touch-ups are essential.

  8. When should I replace my welded mesh fence?
    If structural damage is extensive or multiple panels have been compromised, replacing the affected sections or the entire fence may be the best option.