Does Galvanized Wire Mesh Rust? Get Answers to 6 FAQs - TWP Inc.

Durable, affordable, and endlessly versatile, woven wire mesh is a go-to for many DIY projects. The galvanized steel variety, in particular, is notably strong and resistant to various outdoor conditions.

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But what can you use it for around the home, and how long does galvanized metal last? Find answers to frequently asked questions about this type of wire mesh below.

1) Does Wire Mesh Rust if it's Made of Galvanized Steel?

The galvanization process creates a protective zinc-steel coating on the surface of steel mesh screens. This gives the material enhanced strength and resistance to rust and corrosion, but it's not completely invincible. Though stainless steel is more resistant to rust and corrosion than regular steel, wire mesh can still rust, even if it's galvanized.

How Is Galvanized Wire Mesh Made? Read our blog for details.

2) How Long Does it Take Galvanized Wire to Rust?

Exactly how long it takes galvanized steel to rust or corrode depends on a few factors, such as the climate and how the material is used. Galvanized wire typically holds up for a long time before it begins to rust—often decades. The material could last much longer if used indoors or in a relatively dry outdoor environment with moderate temperatures.

3) What Causes Galvanized Steel to Rust or Corrode?

Rust can accumulate more rapidly if the material is continuously exposed to moisture, salt water, and certain chemicals.

For instance, galvanized steel may rust or corrode quickly in:

• Applications in which the material is continuously wet, such as a car wash or water park
• Humid climates with lots of moisture in the air
• Marine environments with exposure to saltwater and moist, salty air
• Outdoor locations with frequent, heavy rainfall

4) How Long Does Galvanized Wire Mesh Last?

The zinc-steel alloy on galvanized wire mesh strengthens the material while keeping rust and corrosion at bay—but the protective coating will eventually wear off. It could last as little as a year in a wet or coastal environment and two or three decades in a desert location. In perfect conditions, it might hold up for a century.

As noted, stainless steel has exceptional resistance to rust and corrosion, especially T-316 (type 316), a premium stainless alloy. T-316 welded stainless steel wire mesh is a great choice if you're looking for an incredibly durable, long-lasting material suitable for a range of outdoor environments.

5) How Do You Prevent Galvanized Steel From Rusting?

Galvanized steel mesh will initially have a shiny silver or chrome color, but with time, it will dull. Eventually, it may appear powdery-white, which indicates corrosion, or reddish-orange, the telltale sign of rust.

Depending on how and where you're using the material, this may not be avoidable. However, you can help prevent rust and corrosion by not using abrasive or acidic cleaners (like bleach or disinfecting agents), washing it with pH-neutral water, and storing it in a dry, ventilated area.

6) Can the Material Be Used in DIY Projects?

Galvanized wire mesh and hardware cloth can be used for a wide array of DIY home projects.

This includes:

• Chimney caps, spark arresters, and fireplace screens
• Concrete driveways and sidewalks
• Fencing and privacy screens
• Foundation vents, soffit screens, and gutter guards
• Gardening and landscaping projects
• Pest control and rodent exclusion

For more inspiration, check out these Outdoor Living Space Design Ideas Using Wire Mesh.

Shop Galvanized Wire Mesh: Woven & Welded

TWP Inc. has what you need to get started with your next DIY project. For over 50 years, our woman-owned company has been a leading supplier and fabricator of metal mesh screens.

Our robust selection of products includes pre-sized, laser-cut materials with various weaves, wire diameters, and finishes—all in stock and ready to ship. If you don't see exactly what you need, we're happy to accommodate custom orders.

Additional reading:
P&Q University Lesson 8- Screening | #Site Title - Pit & Quarry

Contact us to discuss your requirements of galvanized wire mesh rolls suppliers. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Request a free quote today or get in touch to speak with our experts. We’re here to help!

What Is Hardware Cloth?

Hardware cloth is a hot-dipped galvanized woven or welded mesh. The hot-dipped galvanizing process entails the immersion of the metal material into a vat of molten zinc. The metal reacts with the zinc to form a coating on the surface that helps to prevent corrosion. Our galvanized welded mesh features a heavy zinc coating that provides maximum protection and extra durability. Hardware cloth has an unlimited number of applications around the home, business, or farm. It has a light gauge (usually between 2 and 8 mesh).

Galvanized Wire Mesh Stock

DescriptionSizeGalvanization & ColorApprox Wt/RollQty/Pallet 19GA Hardware Cloth1/2"x 1/2" - 24"x 50'Galvanized After Welded21#30 19GA Hardware Cloth1/2"x 1/2" - 24"x 50'Galvanized After Welded32#30 19GA Hardware Cloth1/2"x 1/2" - 24"x 50'Galvanized After Welded42#30 19GA Hardware Cloth1/2"x 1/2" - 24"x 100'Galvanized After Welded42#16 19GA Hardware Cloth1/2"x 1/2" - 36"x 100'Galvanized After Welded64#16 19GA Hardware Cloth1/2"x 1/2" - 48"x 100'Galvanized After Welded84#16 23GA Hardware Cloth1/4"x 1/4" - 24"x 50'Galvanized After Welded17.5#42 23GA Hardware Cloth1/4"x 1/4" - 36"x 50'Galvanized After Welded26#42 23GA Hardware Cloth1/4"x 1/4" - 48"x 50'Galvanized After Welded35#42 23GA Hardware Cloth1/4"x 1/4" - 24"x 100'Galvanized After Welded35#25 23GA Hardware Cloth1/4"x 1/4" - 36"x 100'Galvanized After Welded52#25 23GA Hardware Cloth1/4"x 1/4" - 48"x 100'Galvanized After Welded70#25 27GA Hardware Cloth1/8"x 1/8" - 24"x 50'Galvanized After Weaving17.5#63 27GA Hardware Cloth1/8"x 1/8" - 36"x 50'Galvanized After Weaving26#63 27GA Hardware Cloth1/8"x 1/8" - 48"x 50'Galvanized After Weaving35#63 27GA Hardware Cloth1/8"x 1/8" - 24"x 100'Galvanized After Weaving35#39 27GA Hardware Cloth1/8"x 1/8" - 36"x 100'Galvanized After Weaving52#36 27GA Hardware Cloth1/8"x 1/8" - 48"x 100'Galvanized After Weaving70#39 19GA Hardware Cloth1/2"x 1/2" - 24"x 100'Galvanized After & Vinyl Ct Black48#12 19GA Hardware Cloth1/2"x 1/2" - 36"x 100'Galvanized After & Vinyl Ct Black72#12 19GA Hardware Cloth1/2"x 1/2" - 48"x 100'Galvanized After & Vinyl Ct Black96#12 23GA Hardware Cloth1/4"x 1/4" - 24"x 100'Galvanized After & Vinyl Ct Black40#20 23GA Hardware Cloth1/4"x 1/4" - 36"x 100'Galvanized After & Vinyl Ct Black69#20 23GA Hardware Cloth1/4"x 1/4" - 48"x 100'Galvanized After & Vinyl Ct Black80#20

Standard Galvanized Hardware Cloth Sizes

• 19 Gauge (.041″) Hardware Cloth
  • Size of Mesh: 1/2 x 1/2
  • Length of Rolls: 50′ , 100′
  • Width of Rolls: 24″, 30″, 36″, 48″, 60″
• 23 Gauge (.025″) Hardware Cloth
  • Size of Mesh: 1/4 x 1/4
  • Length of Rolls: 50′ , 100′
  • Width of Rolls: 24″, 30″, 36″, 48″
• 27 Gauge (.017″) Hardware Cloth
  • Size of Mesh: 1/8 x 1/8
  • Length of Rolls: 100′
  • Width of Rolls: 24″, 30″, 36″, 48″

Use our handy table for sizes:

MeshStandard 100' Long Roll Widths 2 Mesh24"30"36"48"60"72" 3 Mesh24"30"36"48"60"72" 4 Mesh24"30"36"48"60"72" 8 Mesh24"30"36"48"

Galvanized Hardware Cloth Recommendation

We recommend not sawing or shearing galvanized wire mesh (either hot dip galvanized after or electo-galvanized before) to alter the mesh shape or dimension. This will cause exposed bare metal. This exposure will result in moisture migration (wicking) between the layer of zinc and the bare steel wire beneath. If left exposed (untreated) over time the moisture will continue to travel between the layers as it continues to rust although not visible the rust damage will continue to grow slowly over time until it fails completely and will need to be replaced. This hidden damage can be prevented by applying a generous layer of zinc rich paint that may be applied by brush or spray to seal any exposed bare metal.

Hardware Wire Mesh Benefits

Our galvanized steel mesh offers numerous benefits, including:

• Easy to install: galvanized steel mesh enables a fast, easy installation that will save time and minimize labor costs
• Attractive: galvanized wire cloth is an excellent choice for applications where aesthetic appeal is important, such as farming and fencing
• Durable: wire hardware mesh holds up well in even the most challenging environmental conditions
• Weather-proof: metal hardware cloth can withstand snow, rain and the impact of the sun’s rays
• Rust-resistant: the hot-dip galvanization process provides superior protection against the relentless forces of corrosion
• Long-lasting: you will benefit from a rugged wire cloth product you won’t have to replace often
• Light wire diameter and good stability: despite its lightweight design and construction, galvanized hardware cloth offers remarkable strength and stability

Galvanized hardware cloth, or hardware cloth as it is sometimes referred to, is one of the most common and recognizable categories of wire mesh. Because hardware mesh is extremely versatile and attractively priced, it is used in thousands of different applications. Aside from its adaptability and price point, another benefit of Marco’s hardware cloth is that, due to its zinc coating, it is corrosion resistant and will have a longer life than a comparable plain steel wire mesh.

Which Industries Can Benefit From Our Metal Hardware Cloth?

Marco Specialty Steel has one of the country’s most expansive inventories of this product. Below are some of the more popular industries and uses for hardware cloth:

• Building and construction: general contracting, insulation, ventilation, HVAC applications, gutter guards & roofing, soffit screen, and in stucco, ceilings, and tile installation
• Outdoor uses: protective fencing for construction areas, greenhouses, compost bins, fencing and enclosures, and chicken coops
• Pest or varmint control: protect against rats, mice, raccoons, gophers, snakes and other nuisances
• Household uses: baskets of many sizes and cabinet facing
• Unique industries: archaeology, beekeeping. bakeries, fishing and tractors, commonly use galvanized hardware cloth when a specific opening size is needed
• Hardware supply companies and retail centers

Marco Specialty Steel offers two variations of galvanized hardware cloth, standard and specialty.

• Standard galvanized hardware cloth is available in popular opening sizes, like 1/2″, 1/4″ and 1/8”
• Specialty galvanized hardware cloth offers less common opening sizes, unique diameter wires, and in some cases, PVC coating

All our hardware cloth is constructed in either welded or woven construction, depending upon the opening size and diameter wire.

Generally speaking, all of Marco’s hardware cloth are manufactured and stocked in full, 100′ rolls. Available widths are typically, 24”, 36”, 48”, 60” and in some cases, 72” wide. Quantity discounts are available for multiple roll purchases. Please contact one of our friendly sales associates with your exact requirements.

Please keep in mind that due to the complexities of the galvanizing process, wires may not be perfectly straight; while straightness may impact the appearance of the mesh, it should not impact its functionality. If “straightness” is a major concern, we recommend looking at another type of wire mesh, like space cloth.

Factors to Consider When Selecting the Right Galvanized Hardware Cloth Product for Your Needs

There are multiple factors to consider when choosing any galvanized steel mesh product. These include mesh size, which affects the product’s ability to screen the materials that pass through it; mesh count, which impacts the size of the openings; and weave type, which determines the mesh’s filtering ability.

The experts at Marco Specialty Steel will assist you in exploring your options so you can make an informed decision for your company. We’ll help you make the ideal match between mesh size, count and weave type and your specific applications.

Why Should You Make Marco Specialty Steel Your Galvanized Hardware Cloth Supplier?

As a Marco Specialty Steel customer, you will benefit from our quarter-century of steel industry expertise. We also provide a level of customer support that is unmatched in our industry. In addition to our extensive inventory of metal hardware cloth, we’ll custom-fabricate our products for your unique applications.

Our 35,000-square-foot Houston, TX facility includes a fully equipped in-house metal fabrication shop staffed by the best metal/steel workers in the business. We feature fast turnaround times so you can keep all your projects on track and deliver timely service to your customers.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit 358 Security Mesh.