Which type of Hardware Cloth

[arazla]

So after hours trying to find the right one for a good value that's actually available in a timely fashion, I ordered this & this. I hope this be the right thing. Don't know why I'm so bad at this.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PPYW6MH/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RZFO2W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[rosemarythyme]

So after hours trying to find the right one for a good value that's actually available in a timely fashion, I ordered this & this. I hope this be the right thing. Don't know why I'm so bad at this.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PPYW6MH/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RZFO2W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Both those look like they should be fine.

 

[FunClucks]

Thanks, that's really helpful. I have a similar climate probably, but we definitely get more snow. So in other words, if I'm understanding correctly, if it doesn't say galvanized, it's probably not as strong? For example this is available now, but it doesn't say galvanized in the description. Seems hard to find 100 ft of galvanized hardware cloth available in store. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbil...Gauge-Steel-Hardware-Cloth-308226EB/205960849

It actually does have galvanized in the description, so that material is just what you want. It's the first bullet on the right under the price. Galvanization has nothing to do with strength, the 19 gage is what gives you strength - 19 gage refers to the diameter of the wire - the larger diameter the stronger the wire. But the naming system is weird, so 23 gage has a smaller diameter than 19 gage. You can look up "wire gage" on google and learn more about how they grade/classify wire. Galvanization means that it has been dipped in a vat of molten zinc as part of the hardware cloth manufacturing process. A layer of zinc stays on the steel once it cools. This layer of zinc is more reactive with moisture than the steel, so it oxidizes when it is around moisture instead of letting the steel rust. The zinc functions as a sacrificial anode to protect the steel. The white coating that you see on the hardware cloth over time is the zinc oxidizing. Once all the zinc is oxidized, the steel will start to rust, but this usually takes about 15-20 years depending on the weather where you're using the hardware cloth and how much moisture it sees. If the hardware cloth sees ground contact, I'd check it every couple years to be sure it hasn't degraded yet.

100 ft of galvanized hardware cloth is difficult to find in store - I buy mine off of Amazon, although you could probably also order through the hardware store online for 100ft lengths. Also try feedstores - they carry fencing and may have some.

 

[FunClucks]

So after hours trying to find the right one for a good value that's actually available in a timely fashion, I ordered this & this. I hope this be the right thing. Don't know why I'm so bad at this.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PPYW6MH/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RZFO2W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Perfect! You should be very happy with those. I've ordered YardGuard products before and they were fine.

 

[arazla]

It actually does have galvanized in the description, so that material is just what you want. It's the first bullet on the right under the price. Galvanization has nothing to do with strength, the 19 gage is what gives you strength - 19 gage refers to the diameter of the wire - the larger diameter the stronger the wire. But the naming system is weird, so 23 gage has a smaller diameter than 19 gage. You can look up "wire gage" on google and learn more about how they grade/classify wire. Galvanization means that it has been dipped in a vat of molten zinc as part of the hardware cloth manufacturing process. A layer of zinc stays on the steel once it cools. This layer of zinc is more reactive with moisture than the steel, so it oxidizes when it is around moisture instead of letting the steel rust. The zinc functions as a sacrificial anode to protect the steel. The white coating that you see on the hardware cloth over time is the zinc oxidizing. Once all the zinc is oxidized, the steel will start to rust, but this usually takes about 15-20 years depending on the weather where you're using the hardware cloth and how much moisture it sees. If the hardware cloth sees ground contact, I'd check it every couple years to be sure it hasn't degraded yet.
View attachment 3512343

100 ft of galvanized hardware cloth is difficult to find in store - I buy mine off of Amazon, although you could probably also order through the hardware store online for 100ft lengths. Also try feedstores - they carry fencing and may have some.

Thanks so much. From this explanation, it finally clicked as to why some wire isn't meant for ground contact. Totally couldn't understand why before.

 

[arazla]

Perfect! You should be very happy with those. I've ordered YardGuard products before and they were fine.

Yes, seems like it's reliable. Should be here tomorrow

 

[arazla]

Both those look like they should be fine.

Thank goodness.

 

[Theorrin]

I swear by the stuff.

View attachment 3511981View attachment 3511984

I second this. its been up for probably 30 years now and still hasn't rusted out yet

 

[TXKukupantsKoop]

We basically don't know what we're doing and our chicken coop is taking forever. I bought 23 gauge galvanized 1/4" hardware cloth thinking the higher number meant stronger and smaller holes would be better. It seems like that's wrong. So if the lower number means stronger, why not 16, rather than 19? Or is there something else to this? And I just read that 1/4" could get clogged more easily. Like with leaves? So it's harder to clean? Could someone explain to me what the difference is between PVC coated, steel coated, galvanized, etc? In the meantime I also bought 24" hardware cloth for the apron and already did 2 sides and the ventilation holes but it's 23 gauge. Is it likely that critters will get in? I'm a little worried now about the vent holes, but already paid a handyman to do that part so it's all been professionally cut, though I did the 2 aprons myself so far.

This sounds like what we went through a year and a half ago. After tons of work, it's all good. Just an fyi...the work never ends. There's always something to change or fix or update. It's ok though because the chickens are so much fun. My advice is don't sweat it. Chickens are pretty hearty.

 

[Schnitz-Chick-a-Boom]

I left a few links in this post

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...o-wood-with-stapler-gun.1562605/post-26853355

If you have a place like Ocean State Job Lots close by, you can buy 50 foot plastic coated welded wire for $35.00 a roll. I also use a base of Stone Dust to cover my perimeter apron. It sets as hard as concrete..