V Mesh Fencing: Exploring the Different Types

For those looking to secure a perimeter on a budget, V Mesh security fencing is a popular option thanks to its affordability, simplicity, and aesthetic appeal. Despite its traditional design, many still wonder, "What exactly is V Mesh fencing?" This blog explores the different V Mesh fencing systems available, their distinctive features, and how to select the right one for your project.

Have a read of our blog, The Rise of Cheap Mesh Security Panels. It’s important to ensure your V-mesh fence is durable and comes with a reliable guarantee; otherwise, it may not last long.

Understanding V Mesh Fencing

V Mesh fencing is distinguished by its rigid mesh security panels featuring a V-shaped profile, typically constructed from a single wire electronically welded at the horizontal and vertical joints. While there are various styles, the standard aperture size for these panels is approximately 200mm by 50mm. An important factor to consider is the wire's thickness, which we will discuss further later on.

V Mesh Posts

The posts are a crucial component of a V Mesh fence, providing essential support. It’s important to choose posts with long guarantees and rust resistance. Additionally, ensure the posts can withstand strong winds. In the UK, a minimum post size of 60 x 40mm is standard, although lower specifications may suffice in some inland areas but are still marginal. Taller fences will require posts with larger dimensions.

V Mesh Panel to Post Connectors

As mentioned, while fence posts are crucial, the connectors securing the V Mesh panels to the posts are equally important. Ensuring these connectors are fit for purpose and securely fastened is essential. Installers often choose products that are easy to install, but this isn't always the best solution for the fence's durability or the customer's needs. Easy-to-install clips are usually just as easy to remove. Instead, opt for connectors with the following features:

Security fixings: 

Avoid standard Torx head connectors that are commonly found in any toolbox.

Metal construction: 

Choose connectors made from metal that will not become brittle or snap over time.

Internal positioning: 

Select connectors with fixings on the inside of the fence, which act as a significant deterrent to vandals or thieves attempting to remove a panel.

Styles of V Mesh Fencing

Regular V Mesh Security Panels

Standard panels typically feature a 200 x 50mm open mesh pattern, with vertical wires spaced at 50mm centres and horizontal wires at 200mm centres. However, it's important to note that not all manufacturers measure this from the wire centres. Some measure the gap between the wires, which can result in significant differences: 

• 200 x 50mm mesh (measured by gap size) = 205 x 55mm (wire centres) 
• 200 x 50mm (measurement by wire centres) = 195 x 45mm (gap size) 

An example of the above is compared in the drawing below.

Thus, a panel advertised as 200 x 50mm could actually have larger or smaller gaps depending on how it's measured. Always verify the specifications, as panels with larger gaps may use less wire, making them weaker and less durable.

The number of 'V' pressings or profiles in the panel depends on its height. For example, a standard 2m high panel usually includes four V profiles. Some commonly known Regular V Mesh panel brands include Euroguard Regular, Eclipse, VGuard, and Axiom.

Regular V Mesh panels are ideal for demarcation but are generally unsuitable for areas with high foot traffic or where people or objects may frequently come into contact with them. They should not be used or specified around sports pitches, Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs), or sports cages. Higher quality panels are more resistant to damage, while cheaper panels are prone to deformation, as illustrated in the images below.

Heavy Duty V Mesh Panels

As mentioned earlier, V Mesh is excellent for demarcation but is not recommended for high footfall areas. This is where heavier-duty V Mesh panels become essential. Reducing the mesh pattern enhances the fence's strength. For instance, Euroguard Extra features a mesh pattern of 200mm x 30mm, while increasing the vertical wires also boosts strength, as seen in Ultimate Extra SR1 with a mesh size of 165mm x 25mm.

For higher security applications, consider alternative designs first. If V Mesh is still the preferred choice, don’t rely solely on manufacturers' claims that a fence is suitable for high security. Examine the specifications carefully, ensuring the wire size is consistently 5mm, as a basic requirement. We will delve into wire size in more detail shortly.

V Mesh Panels with Privacy

Euroguard Combi is an example of  V mesh fencing with privacy.  It features V-mesh panels combined with timber, offering privacy, enhanced security, and added resistance to panel bending. This durable solution seamlessly blends the strength of mesh with the aesthetic appeal of timber, creating a robust barrier that resists tampering while maintaining an attractive design.

Decorative V Mesh, 3D, Stripe Mesh and Paladin

The main difference in these products lies in the mesh pattern size and the addition or omission of vertical wires to create an appealing design. Some panels feature a smaller mesh size than the standard V Mesh, while others have a larger pattern size.

V Mesh Panel Wire

Let's get straight to the point. If you're installing a V Mesh fence in a field where it won’t be touched, anything less than 5mm wire thickness might suffice. However, to meet the BS 1722 Part 14: 2017 standard, the minimum requirement is a 4.5mm horizontal wire and a 3.75mm vertical wire, with additional thickness from galvanising and powder coating.

Using thinner wire comes with several drawbacks:

• Welds are more prone to breaking or snapping.
• The panel is more likely to deform.
• It won’t last as long as panels with thicker wires.

Before 2017, most panels featured 5mm wires throughout, but after the British Standard changed, cheaper mesh with thinner wires began to appear.

What is the Best V Mesh Fence Panel to Choose?

Choosing the right V Mesh fencing requires an understanding of your project’s specific needs and potential risks. To help determine the best option, ask yourself the following questions:

1.  Do I care if the fence lasts or rusts?

If yes, look for products with long guarantees.

2.     Do I care if welds break, snap, or if the panel deforms?
If yes, opt for panels with a wire gauge of 5mm or more.

3.     Do I care about the appearance of the fence over time?
If yes, seek products with long guarantees.

4.     Is my fence going to be installed in a high footfall area?
If yes, consider alternative styles or go for heavier-duty options like Euroguard Extra.

5.     Is there a chance that intruders will try to get through my fence?
If yes, ensure the clips have fixings on the inside.

6.     Do I care about wildlife getting caught in the fence?
If yes, install the fence off the ground or explore alternative designs. For more information, read our blog on fence dangers to wildlife.

7.     Will footballs frequently hit the fence?
If yes, choose a rebound fence rather than V Mesh.

8.     Is my fence going to be installed in a low footfall area with minimal contact, primarily for security or demarcation?
If yes, a V Mesh fence is an ideal choice.

Answering these questions will help you select the right V Mesh fence to meet your specific needs.

When it comes to V Mesh fencing, a different mesh style often proves to be more suitable for the task but we would always recommend Jacksons Fencing V Mesh Fencing when standard security demarcation fencing is required.

Also, read our blog on 'The Types of Mesh Security Fence Panels'