For ranches, agricultural operations and commercial properties, barbed wire fences in Carlsbad, NM are a smart, cost-effective solution to keeping enclosures safe. They’re a deterrent to most entries and exits from a property and are simple enough to be tailored to virtually any application. For the cost and capabilities, barbed wire is hard to beat.
The major drawback of barbed wire, however, is the routine upkeep and maintenance it requires. From standard four-strand fences to wire-topped chain link fences and beyond, the barbed wire on your installations will need continuous upkeep to stay in its best functional condition. Understanding this up front is the key to understanding just what you’re getting into when you invest in one of these fences.
Maintenance and upkeep
The first thing to understand about barbed wire fences in Carlsbad, NM is that they’re the weakest standalone fences in terms of individual materials. What this means is that while a four- or eight-strand fence may be resilient and strong, as each strand of barbed wire breaks down, the overall structure is going to lose its integrity. The whole is truly the sum of its parts for these installations.
To ensure optimal longevity and readiness from your barbed wire fencing, maintaining individual strands is paramount. This is the largest task you’ll face with upkeep, and one that can be a weekly chore depending on the size of your fence. Broken strands will need to be replaced or mended in areas where they become damaged.
Oxidation is also a problem for barbed wire fences that are older. Over time the elements will weather their integrity, creating oxidation and rust. Even treated wire will eventually succumb. When this occurs, strands need to be replaced, for the safety of you and anything else that might come into contact with the fence. Tetanus through exposure to rust is a cause for real concern.
Unforeseen damages
It’s nearly impossible to predict when storms or wildlife will damage your fence. But for most fences, while these unanticipated damages may be an eyesore, they’re generally not so destructive that your fence becomes completely compromised.
The same can’t be said for barbed wire fencing. Damages can easily render these fences ineffective, creating passageways between posts where strands of wire have been downed. This presents the need for immediate repairs, which folds into the general maintenance requirements of owning this type of fence.
Maximizing barbed wire’s effectiveness
Despite its need for frequent and sometimes inconsistent maintenance, barbed wire is the perfect fencing installation for many properties. And, coupled with an understanding of its maintenance requirements, owners can maximize its effectiveness for a relatively low cost.
If you’re considering a barbed wire installation for your property, consult with Guadalupe Mountain Fencing LLC today about the demands this type of installation comes with. Getting informed before you make an investment means being able to maximize your return on that investment. It’ll also help you keep your fence in its best shape possible, for the longest period of time.