Installing a tight, durable welded wire fence requires attention to a few key steps. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide quick answers to some common questions about keeping welded wire fences tight:
Page Contents
- 1 What causes welded wire fences to become loose over time?
- 2 How can you prevent or minimize sagging?
- 3 Can you tighten already sagging welded wire fencing?
- 4 Choosing the Right Materials
- 5 Choosing the Correct Post Spacing
- 6 Proper Post Installation Depth
- 7 Tensioning the Wire During Installation
- 8 Ongoing Fence Tightening and Maintenance
- 9 Reinforcing Loose Fencing
- 10 When to Call a Fencing Professional
- 11 Conclusion
What causes welded wire fences to become loose over time?
There are a few main reasons welded wire fencing can become loose and sag over time:
- The fence posts shift or lean due to soil movement
- The wire itself stretches from weathering and tension
- Poor initial installation without enough tension
How can you prevent or minimize sagging?
To maximize the lifetime tightness of your welded wire fencing, focus on these areas:
- Set sturdy, properly anchored posts at the right depth and spacing
- Pull the wire taut during installation
- Use tension bands every 150-300 feet
- Check tension yearly and tighten as needed
Can you tighten already sagging welded wire fencing?
Yes, fortunately there are ways to tighten and reinforce welded wire fencing even after it has started to sag:
- Install new tension bands or tighten existing ones
- Attach fence tighteners to sagging sections
- Partially reset corner, end, and gate posts
- Add new posts to reduce post spacing
Proper installation is key to maximizing the lifespan of tight welded wire fencing. Now let’s go over some best practices and tips in more detail.
Choosing the Right Materials
High quality materials tailored to your specific needs are critical for tightly constructed welded wire fencing:
Fence Wire Gauge
Heavier gauge wire is more rigid and will better resist stretching over time. Most welded wire fencing ranges from about 12 gauge to 20 gauge thickness. Here are some wire gauge guidelines for various fence purposes:
- 12-14 gauge – Best for high security applications like prisons. Very rigid and strong but more costly.
- 16 gauge – A good standard for perimeter security for facilities like power stations. Still quite rigid.
- 17-20 gauge – Ideal for agricultural use and backyard enclosures. More economical while still offering strength.
Wire Coating
Galvanized or other coated fencing wire will better resist rust and weathering. This helps maintain integrity and tension capacity over the years. Some popular coatings include:
- Galvanized – Zinc coating applied over steel core wire. Most common and cost effective.
- Vinyl – PVC coating for maximum corrosion resistance and no need to paint.
- Aluminum – Bare aluminum that won’t rust. Lightweight but typically more expensive.
Post Material
The fence posts should offer adequate strength without shifting. Wood and steel are common post material choices:
- Wood – Pressure treated wood can be used for most agricultural and residential welded wire fences. Choose sturdy woods like cedar that resist decay.
- Steel – Steel T-posts offer very strong support. They are essential for high security applications. Choose galvanized steel in most environments.
Choosing the Correct Post Spacing
The distance between fence posts is a critical factor in wire tension. Here are some general post spacing guidelines based on fence height:
| Fence Height | Maximum Post Spacing |
|---|---|
| 4 feet or less | 8-12 feet |
| 4-6 feet | 8-10 feet |
| 6-8 feet | 6-8 feet |
For areas with loose or wet soils, use spacing on the lower ends of those ranges, or even tighter. Getting spacing right when tensioning the wire prevents future sagging issues.
Proper Post Installation Depth
Posts need proper depth and backfill for maximum stability and resistance to shifting. Here are recommended minimum post depths based on height:
| Post Height | Minimum Depth |
|---|---|
| Under 6 feet | 2 feet |
| 6-8 feet | 2.5-3 feet |
| Over 8 feet | 3.5-4 feet |
For even greater stability, use an extra 6 inches depth in loose or wet soils. Tamp soil backfill firmly around posts and use concrete collars for added anchoring.
Setting End, Corner and Gate Posts
These special posts require extra attention so they don’t shift and loosen large sections of fencing:
- Use larger diameter wood or heavier gauge steel posts
- Bury end and corner posts at full depth plus 6 inches
- Brace gate posts with diagonal cables for multi-directional support
- Pour concrete backfill or collars around all special posts
Tensioning the Wire During Installation
Creating adequate wire tension as you install fencing is crucial to long term tightness. Follow these tips for proper tensioning:
- Pull wire taut by hand between each post before stapling
- Use a commercial wire tensioning tool for maximum tension
- Tension in 10-15 foot segments between posts as you go
- Install tension bands every 150-300 feet during construction
Using Tension Bands
Tension bands act like giant tightened zip ties around bundled fence wire. They prevent stretching and create tight sections. Here are some tension band guidelines:
- Space them every 150-300 feet along straight sections
- Use more frequently in dips, slopes and high wind areas
- Install them anytime during construction or later
- Tighten them yearly with commercial tightening tools
Ongoing Fence Tightening and Maintenance
Even with proper installation, welded wire fences still require occasional tightening and repairs over time. Here are some ways to reinforce your fence over the years:
Check and Tighten Tension Bands
Tension bands can loosen over time, allowing sections to sag. Check them yearly and tighten as needed with commercial tighteners.
Install Fence Tighteners
Special tightening tools like yo-yos or hand winches can tighten sagging spans between posts as needed. Simply tighten between posts to re-stretch and align the wire.
Add New Posts to Reduce Spacing
You can prevent or eliminate sagging by adding new posts to reduce spacing in sagging spans. This helps support the weight better.
Partially Reset Problem Posts
Leaning, shifting or angled end, corner and gate posts will loosen entire sections. Reset problem posts to their original aligned position.
Reinforcing Loose Fencing
In addition to tightening, sagging and popping welded wire fences can be reinforced in other ways. Here are some good options:
Add Horizontal Reinforcement Wires
Running new tensioned wire horizontally along the bottom and/or top of the fence helps reduce sagging and maintain the shape.
Install Steel Post Braces
Temporary steel T-post staves driven at an angle can support bowed posts and reduce slack in the wire.
Plant Vines or Windbreaks Along the Fence
Vines or shrubs grown against a sagging fence can act like rebar to help hold its shape and alignment.
When to Call a Fencing Professional
In some cases of severe sagging or post shifting, it may be best to have a certified fencing company perform repairs. Seek professional help for:
- Total re-tensioning/rebuilding of long spans
- Resetting multiple severely leaning/shifted posts
- Repairing damage from accidents or extreme weather
- Modifying fence height or materials to reduce future sagging
They have the right tools and experience to get badly sagging or damaged fencing back into proper shape.
Conclusion
Keeping welded wire fencing tightly stretched requires starting with proper materials and installation. But fences still need periodic maintenance to check tension, tighten, and reinforce sagging sections. Addressing issues promptly preserves your investment and prevents more costly repairs later. With some diligent preventive care, welded wire fences can maintain their good looks and security for many years.