Welded Mesh Fencing Exempla

24th January 2020

V Mesh Fencing – Can you tell the difference?

With its classic profiled shaped panels; strangely one of the first questions we are often asked is ‘What exactly is V Mesh Fencing?’.

Designed to offer a low-level physical perimeter security on a budget, the name actually refers to any rigid mesh panel that has the identifiable V Profile to it.

Normally manufactured from a single wire, electronically welded to the rear at the horizontal and vertical joints. It tends to have apertures of 200mm by 50mm.

Our product feature looks at the various V Mesh Fencing systems in the market place and discusses the different features and aspects of them and how you can pick the right one when you are specifying your next fencing project.

The 4 on 5

So, let us start at the bottom of the ladder. Whilst some manufacturers also produce a 4 on 4 V Mesh Panel, for it to be classed as compliant with BS 1722 Part 14: 2017 edition, it must be a 4 on 5. But what does this actually mean?

4 on 5 actually refers to the thickness of the vertical wire over the horizontal wire. The British standard dictates that this actually only has to be 4.5mm for the horizontal with a 3.75mm wire on the vertical. The additional is made up of the galvanising and powder coating.

Clip fixed to the post for ease of install.

Pros

  • Cheapest British Standard part 14 fencing option due to reduced steel in the manufacturer of the vertical wires.
  • Suitable for areas where low level security is required such as rural locations where only land demarcation is required.

Cons

  • Due to the thinner vertical wires, less force is required to break the welds and wires.
  • Longevity greatly reduced from daily impact.
  • Unsuitable for high footfall areas such as schools and colleges.
  • Clips are easier to attack and remove panel for access.
  • Ease of scaling due to 200mm by 50mm mesh apertures.

The 5 on 5

Taking a step up the ladder brings us to the 5 on 5. As the name suggests this version of V Mesh Fencing has 5mm wires both vertically and horizontally. Before the launch of BS 1722 Part 14: 2017 Edition this had previously been the industry standard panel.

Offering a more robust panel than the weaker 4 on 5 and significantly more so than the non 1722 4 on 4 panels. This version is again manufactured to be galvanised and powder coated.

As standard these fencing systems are normally fixed with a clip system. Although some systems such as the Exempla employ a full-length clamp bar.

Pros

  • More robust panel due to equal 5mm wires on the horizontal and verticals
  • Suitable for a host of projects where low level security is required or internal demarcation

Cons

  • Clip fixed systems are easier to attack than clamp bar ones
  • 200mm by 50mm Mesh Apertures make it easier to climb than other systems

Variable Mesh

As its name suggests variable mesh offers something different to the other types of V Mesh Fencing Systems. Using a 4 on 6 wire system, each mesh aperture is grouped at 200 x 25mm for 6 wires and then followed by a 200mm by 45mm before repeating.

This design helps to reduce the ability to climbthe fencing system as well as a more aesthetic appearance making it more suitable for landscaping.

Most commonly secured with a clip fix system.

Pros

  • Variable mesh apertures make it harder for people to climb
  • Aesthetically pleasing allowing use in a number of projects where a nonstandard v mesh system is required

Cons

  • Clips can be attacked to remove panel and gain access
  • 4mm wires offer less resistance to force than 5mm verticals
Palisade Fencing Vs Mesh Fencing

Special V Mesh

Moving towards the top of the ladder of V Mesh we have the special systems. These tend to either be a 5 on 5 or a 6-on-6 panel.

One of the things that separate them from the others is the reduced mesh aperture and fixing details.

An example of this could be the 6 on 6 Ultimate Extra with 165mm by 25mm gaps.

Pros

  • Reduced mesh apertures to prevent scaling
  • Thicker wires make a more robust panel system
  • Prevention against cutting
  • Can be used in a wealth of projects where high footfall is present. Such as schools, colleges, and universities.
  • Offers a higher level of protection

Cons

  • Increased steel in manufacturing means higher cost than standard V Mesh systems

Security Rated V Mesh

At the very top of the V Mesh scale are Security Rated V Mesh systems, such as Ultimate Extra SR1. These unique systems offer a tested and certified security rating that provides a minimum delay against attack with a set tool list. In the United Kingdom these systems have to pass physical attacks by the LPCB attack team before going on to be certified and reviewed via ISO 9001 processes to make sure that the same system as tested is supplied every time.

Pros

  • Guaranteed delay against attack means it can be used on high security projects
  • Reduced apertures prevent ease of climbing
  • Can be used with hostile and non-hostile security toppings for added security
  • Follows the 3Ds of Perimeter Protection (Deter, Detect, Delay)
  • Minimum of 60 Seconds Delay at LPS 1175 SR1 Issue 7

Cons

  • Compared to non-security rated systems can appear expensive

Whilst this isn’t a definitive guild, hopefully it helps you to now tell the difference between the V Mesh Fencing Systems in the marketplace. So often we hear that the fencing system of choice on a project is V Mesh; now you can ask the same question that we do.

“Which one do you need and what are your threats?”