1. Aluminum 
2. Fiberglass
3. Polyester
4. Stainless steel  
5. Copper-bronze and brass

Explore our available window screen options and pricing:

1. Aluminum Screens

Sturdy and strong, aluminum screens are as functional as they are long-lasting. 

Boasting durability and low weight, this window screen material type allows for both air and natural light to freely enter a space. At the same time, aluminum screens require minimal maintenance and cleaning and resist rust and corrosion. 

Of the different types of metal screens, aluminum window screens are the most common. They come in traditional silver or a charcoal finish.

Because of their reflectivity, silver aluminum screens reduce visibility into a space -- an important consideration for those who want a privacy window screen mesh. 

2. Fiberglass Screens

One of the most popular screen types for residential windows and doors, fiberglass window screens are designed for function. 

Allowing air to flow into a room with little obstruction, fiberglass screens, also keep unwanted outdoor nuisances (insects) where they belong: outside. 

Though a cheaper option than other window screen materials, fiberglass mesh screens can still resist certain types of damage during their useful life, such as:

• Dents
• UV ray degradation 
• Rot and decay
• Brittleness from extreme temperatures

What sets fiberglass screens apart is their flexibility. When pushed against, fiberglass mesh stretches without immediately tearing. Its pliability preserves your investment. 

As most fiberglass screens have a protective coating -- usually black -- they do filter sunlight more than other screens. With less sunlight entering a space, a room stays cooler.  

3. Polyester

Another non-metal window mesh, polyester screens rank higher on the durability front. 

While more expensive than fiberglass screens, polyester screens are worth the extra investment. During manufacturing, polyester screens are covered with a vinyl coating that upgrades their resistance to cuts and rips. Compared to fiberglass, polyester screens are approximately 7x stronger. 

Under normal use, polyester screens are almost impossible to tear without a cutting tool. That’s why they’re ideal in homes with pets -- an overly enthusiastic dog or cat won’t be able to easily damage the screen. 

4. Stainless Steel

For screens installed in high-traffic areas or frequently used commercial windows and doors, resilience is a must. 

Stainless steel screens represent a long-term investment in integrity. Made from one of the strongest metals, these durable window screens stand up to the most common damages to screens, such as:

• Scratches 
• Stretching 
• Rips 
• Corrosion 

Even after years of exposure to the elements, stainless steel screens remain as rigid as the day they were installed. In addition to durability, stainless steel screens, deliver what you expect from a window mesh:

• Airflow
• A barrier for insects and other nuisances  
• An almost unobstructed view of the outside 

When manufactured with a thicker-gauge mesh, stainless steel screens provide enhanced security. Tough to cut through and able to withstand impacts, this heavy-duty window screen material stops unwanted intrusions. 

5. Copper-Bronze & Brass 

Considered specialty window screens, mesh screens made from copper-bronze and brass combine utility and design. 

Primarily meant for aesthetic purposes, these screens add a pop of color to a window while still providing ventilation and a see-through barrier to the outside. Both types of screens are commonly used in period homes and historic restorations. 

In addition to being visually appealing, copper-bronze and brass screens are rust-resistant, strong, and long-lasting. 

Composition and Purpose

Hardware cloth, or galvanized welded wire mesh, is versatile with a zinc coating designed to withstand corrosion. It is primarily used for applications requiring durability and resistance to the elements. Hardware cloth is a go-to choice for garden fencing, creating critter-proof enclosures like a chicken coop, and various other outdoor projects around the home or construction site. Though it is often used as material for a chicken coop, it still differs from chicken wire.

Welded wire mesh is a prefabricated grid composed of parallel longitudinal wires joined with accurate spacing to cross wires. A larger selection of specifications are available in a variety of metals. This construction allows for coarser material that incorporates larger openings and thicker wire diameters, an attribute that isn’t available with Hardware Cloth. It is used in applications where the emphasis is on uniformity and security. Welded wire mesh is commonly employed in constructing fences, cages, and partitions. Additionally, this material can also be used for bar grating or within infill panels along walkways and staircases, serving as an aesthetic barrier.

Construction and Joining

Hardware cloth is made by weaving or welding individual wires, creating a sturdy and resilient structure. This ensures the wires are tightly interconnected, making it difficult for pests or critters to penetrate. This material is available in both medium and coarse wire cloth varieties only.

Welded wire mesh is created through a welding process where longitudinal and cross wires are fused at specific intervals. This welding process results in a consistent grid in terms of spacing and durability. Welded wire mesh is ideal for applications where a uniform appearance is desired, heavier material is required and a uniform appearance is desired.

Customization and Sizing

Hardware cloth is commonly available in standard roll sizes ranging from 2 feet to 6 feet in width. Additionally, it can be customized to specific requirements to suit the needs of different projects.

Welded wire mesh can be manufactured in various materials and is available in many more specifications compared to hardware cloth. Depending on the manufacturer, you may find a range of standard sizes and additional customization options.

In Summary

While hardware cloth and welded wire mesh may seem similar, their unique characteristics and applications set them apart. Hardware cloth, also known as galvanized welded wire mesh, boasts corrosion resistance, making it ideal for outdoor projects like garden fencing and critter-proof enclosures such as chicken coops.

On the other hand, welded wire mesh offers versatility in material choices and specifications, allowing for uniformity and security in applications like fences, cages, and partitions. The construction methods differ as well, with hardware cloth being tightly woven or welded for durability, while welded wire mesh is fused through a welding process, ensuring consistent spacing and strength. While hardware cloth offers customization options within a limited range, welded wire mesh provides a broader spectrum of sizes and materials.

Whether you’re securing your garden or constructing a sturdy fence, understanding the disparities between these materials ensures you choose the right one for your project. So, whether you opt for the resilience of hardware cloth or the uniformity of welded wire mesh, rest assured you’re making an informed decision to meet your specific needs in welded mesh, fence, perforated metal, galvanized hardware cloth, and metal mesh applications.

Types of Metal Lath: There are several types of metal lath, each suited to specific applications:

• Expanded Metal Lath: This type is created by cutting and stretching a sheet of metal, forming a diamond-shaped pattern. It’s the most common type used for plastering.
• Ribbed Metal Lath: This variant includes additional ribs or grooves that provide extra strength, making it suitable for heavier plaster coats or larger wall areas.
• Self-Furring Lath: This type includes built-in dimples or grooves that hold the lath away from the surface, allowing the plaster to envelop the entire lath, providing a stronger bond.

 Why Use Metal Lath?

The main purpose of metal lath is to act as a supportive base for plaster or stucco. The open design ensures that the plaster bonds firmly, reducing the risk of cracks or detachment. It is typically made from galvanized steel to prevent rusting, ensuring longevity even in outdoor environments.

Understanding Stucco Mesh & Its Importance

Commonly known as self-furring lath or stucco netting, stucco mesh is a galvanized lightweight solid material usually woven into a net-like structure. Its primary function lies in providing a backing for the stucco material, ensuring secure bonding and substantial rigidity. These features contribute to the durability of your walls, making stucco mesh an essential material in construction.

Stucco mesh serves a crucial role in preventing cracks by efficiently distributing the pressure on the stucco material. Moreover, it assists in adjusting rapidly changing temperatures, ensuring your walls maintain their-seal even in extreme climatic conditions.

The Different Types of Stucco Mesh

The choice of stucco mesh significantly depends on the project requirements. Here are the common types of stucco mesh you might encounter:

• Fiberglass Mesh: This type of stucco mesh is fastened directly on the wall surface before the stucco material is applied. It is generally used for interior purposes.
• Metal Mesh: Known for its rigidity and sturdiness, metal mesh is more suitable for exterior wall surfaces. It offers excellent resistance to impacts and weather shocks.
• Wire Mesh: Wire mesh or chicken wire is extensively employed for its elasticity and excellent holding power of stucco.

Stucco Mesh Installation Guide

The installation process of stucco mesh may appear challenging, but with the right knowledge and tools, it’s certainly manageable. Let’s delve into a simple step-by-step guide on how to install stucco mesh properly:

Step 1: Preparing the Surface

The installation process of stucco mesh begins with preparing the surface. Make sure to clean it thoroughly to ensure the stucco adheres well to the surface.

Step 2: Applying the Mesh

Once the surface is clean and dry, unroll the stucco mesh along the surface. Use a hammer and galvanized roofing nails to attach the mesh to the surface securely.

Step 3: Installing the Corner Beads

Corner beads are crucial to provide the corners with an immaculate and clean look while maintaining the corner's structural integrity. They must be installed by nailing them into place.

Step 4: Application of the Base Coat

Following the installation, the next step is the application of a base coat of stucco over the stucco mesh. The thickness of this layer should be approximately one-quarter of an inch.

Step 5: Final Stucco Layer

The final layer of stucco comes after the base coat has dried up completely. This layer should be smooth and even, filling in all the spaces and gaps to create a flawless finish.

Stucco mesh makes an excellent choice for any construction project aiming for a lasting design and durable structure. Despite the initial cost and effort investment, the end product's rigidity, durability and beautiful appeal are certainly worth every cent. By incorporating it correctly within your construction project, you can definitely expect a seamless stucco installation and improved longevity of your structure.

Not all field fences are equal, so what’s the best one for your needs?

Installing a fence on your property is a long, thorough process. You have to determine where it’ll be placed, how much product will be required, what height is needed, and where to place posts.

Last, but not least important, you have to ask yourself the type of fence that will fit your needs.

While all STAY-TUFF fence knots are strong, durable, and 100% reliable, they all serve different purposes. The type of knot you require is determined by the function the fence will serve.

Knots: what is their purpose?

Most fences are made up of two parts: the vertical stay wires and the horizontal wires, with gradual, even spacing between each other. Where each vertical stay meets the horizontal wires, a knot is needed.

The result of having intersecting wires is added protection and resistance, whether for animal confinement or exclusion, depending on a project’s needs.

On most fences, including STAY-TUFF, the spacing between the horizontal line wires is smaller and increases on its way up. The smaller spacing at the bottom offers increased protection for your livestock.

STAY-TUFF has an extensive catalog of different fences, each designed to fulfill the needs of your particular installation.

What are the different types of Knots?

Let’s have a look at the different types of knots there are:

Fixed Knot

This type of knot is special. The fixed knot stands out from other knot fencing solutions because it uses a separate piece of wire to join the stays and the line wire.

This particularity grants the fences a strength and durability that is unmatched, prolonging the lifespan of the fence, and allowing the use of fewer posts.

Since posts can be placed further apart, the fixed knot is designed to perform for a longer time and cut back on installation costs.

This knot is a good all-around option for virtually any type of livestock since it is durable and highly resistant to animal impacts.

Hinge joint

This is one of the most common knots found on fences.

On hinge joint fences, the vertical stay is wrapped around the line wires.

This knot is manufactured to absorb animal impacts, giving it a good amount of strength, while also making it an economical option for the property.

Stiff-Stay Fence

This fence features the S Knot. You’ll find it under the name Stiff-Stay Fence here at STAY-TUFF.

This fencing solution ties a piece of wire around the stay and the horizontal line wire and is and is very aesthetically pleasing and safe fencing option.