For more information, please visit our website.
When it comes to outdoor projects, wire mesh is like the Swiss army knife of DIY materials. From rodent control and insect screens to chimney caps and gutter guards, it's ideal for a wide range of do-it-yourself applications. Each metal mesh material comes with its own unique features and uses, which makes it ideal for myriad projects.
DIYers tackling exterior home improvements and those wanting to prep yards and landscaping during the fall and winter months often rely on aluminum and stainless mesh for their projects. However, it&#;s a common question as to whether or not there's a notable difference between aluminum wire mesh and stainless steel. Both can be used outside, but that doesn't mean they're interchangeable. Here's what you should know.
Are Aluminum Wire Mesh and Stainless Steel Wire Mesh the Same?
The primary differences between aluminum and stainless steel mesh have to do with weight and strength. Aluminum is substantially lighter than stainless steel. Some aluminum wire mesh materials can weigh 65% less than their stainless steel counterparts. Not surprisingly, it's also not as strong.
Aside from its undeniable durability, heavy-duty stainless steel wire mesh is known for being resistant to corrosion, abrasion, rust, UV damage, and discoloration. Though the strength of stainless steel makes it a top choice for many projects, lightweight aluminum is more flexible. This malleability can be highly useful in a number of applications as well.
Stainless Steel Wire Mesh vs. Aluminum Wire Mesh for Outdoor Projects
So, is stainless steel mesh or aluminum mesh better for outdoor use? The answer to this question depends on the project.
Stainless steel wire mesh can be used for:
- Chimney caps
- Foundation vents
- Gutter guards
- Pest control
- Soffit screens
- And more
Aluminum wire mesh can be used for:
- Fan guards
- Insect screens
- Pest control
- And more
As you can see, stainless steel is the more versatile of the two, but aluminum also has its place in DIY outdoor projects. Both stainless steel and aluminum mesh can be used for pest control and insect screens on doors and windows. Though stainless steel is suitable for most pest-control projects, flexible aluminum mesh can be crucial in keeping snakes, birds, and bats out of pipes, tubes, and other small openings.
If you have questions regarding the best mesh material for your next outdoor project, get in touch with our team. Our experts are on hand to help you with materials, weave sizes, measurement and cutting best practices, and more. We&#;d love to hear from you!
Wire Mesh for DIY Home Projects from TWP Inc.
Wire mesh is a perfect choice for many DIY projects inside and outside the home. TWP Inc. is a leading supplier of stainless steel and aluminum mesh products, as well as brass, bronze, and copper. Our mesh materials come in a variety of weaves, finishes, styles, shapes, and sizes.
Founded in Berkeley, California in , our woman-owned company is proud to serve DIYers, business owners, and a variety of industrial sectors. We provide customers with customized quotes based on their unique project needs as well as offer expert in-house services, such as measuring, disc sizing, laser cutting, and more.
Want to see your outdoor projects featured in TWP Inc.'s online gallery? Upload your pictures to Instagram with the hashtag #TWPWireMesh.
Boasting impressive durability and versatility, stainless steel mesh is a go-to for a range of DIY applications. Find answers to frequently asked questions about this endlessly useful material below.
What is Stainless Steel Wire Mesh?
Yaoan Wiremesh are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.
Stainless steel wire mesh is a type of woven metal. Known for its exceptional strength and long lifespan, the material is essential not only to various industries but also for a wide range of home applications.
It's created with wires of various sizes, ranging from 0. inches to 0.047 inches in diameter. Beyond the standard mill finish, metal mesh can be coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or galvanized for extra resistance to heat and corrosion.
What's the Difference Between T-304 & T-316 Wire Mesh?
T-304 (type 304) stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It's the most common alloy used to make wire mesh and is generally reliable, versatile, and resilient in most environments.
T-316 (type 316) stainless steel is a higher-grade metal alloy. It contains 10% nickel, 6% chromium, 2% molybdenum. Since T-316 wire mesh is a bit stronger and more resistant in extreme temperatures and harsh conditions, it's the pricier option. However, T-304 is suitable for most home applications.
How Do You Clean the Material?
Stainless steel wire mesh can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap, followed by a rinse with clean water. Depending on the weave, you may need to use a soft nylon-bristle brush to remove stubborn particles.
TWP Inc. offers ultrasonic cleaning as part of its expert wire mesh services. The method combines high-frequency sound waves with liquid to get rid of all dirt, debris, grease, and contaminants.
How is Steel Mesh Used for Winterizing a Home?
Wire mesh comes in handy for a variety of home winterization projects. You can use it to make gutter guards, a chimney cap, foundation vents, and soffit screens&#;to name just a few.
Can It Be Used for Fire Safety?
When it comes to fire safety, one of the main things people use metal mesh for is spark arrestors. The screens keep flammable debris away from embers and can contain flames within a chimney or fireplace.
Installing an indoor fireplace cover&#;along with the foundation vent, soffit, and gutter screens mentioned above&#;can also help prevent residential fires.
What Metal Mesh Products are Best for Pest Control?
Galvanized, welded, and poly-coated stainless steel are among the best wire mesh materials for pest control. Since they're notably strong and able to withstand severe weather conditions, these products work well for excluding various critters, including rodents, bats, raccoons, gophers, and snakes.
Can You Make Insect Screens Out of Stainless Mesh?
Insect screens can be made out of a few metal mesh materials. These include aluminum, copper, and multiple types of stainless steel.
Woven from super-fine steel wires, high-transparency mesh is a top choice for window and door screens. That said, professional installation is recommended to ensure a wrinkle-free finish.
What Mesh is Best for Gardening & Landscaping Projects?
While copper is a go-to for slug and snail control, stainless steel is the most widely used material in the garden. It can be fastened into fences, trellises, greenhouses, chicken coops, or benches. Some folks place it underneath the soil to keep moles, gophers, and other burrowers at bay.
To learn more about this do-it-all material, see our Guide to Stainless Steel Wire Mesh.
Contact Our Wire Mesh Suppliers
TWP. Inc was founded in the California Bay Area more than 50 years ago. As one of the top wire mesh suppliers worldwide, our woman-owned business carries a robust selection of woven, welded, galvanized, and poly-coated T-304 and T-316 stainless steel panels, sheets, and rolls.
Shop our inventory today, or contact us with questions.
To have your DIY projects featured in our gallery, post photos on Instagram using the hashtag #TWPWireMesh.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Stainless Steel Mesh Screen.