When it comes to the longevity of your fence, the type of wire coating indicates whether your fence lasts for 20 years or more, or if it will begin to show rust as soon as winter is over. Without a zinc-based coating, not even the strongest wire can withstand the natural elements that cause steel to corrode and rust.

To protect the wire, a zinc coating is applied. There are three common levels of zinc coating used in the United States.

• Commercial: This coating will start to show signs of rust in about six months.
• Class 1: This coating starts to show rust in about four years.
• Class 3: This coating has 20+ years of rust prevention.

Class 3 galvanized wire is the industry standard due to the high concentration of zinc. It has considerably more zinc in its coating composition compared to Class 1 galvanized which is the most common type found at national farm stores. Class 3 galvanized wire contains at least 0.80 ounces of zinc per square foot, whereas Class 1 galvanized wire consists of at least 0.28 ounces of zinc per square foot. That is 96% more zinc in the coating to protect your fence wire when you choose Class 3 wire.

All wire products in the Pasture Management brand line are coated with Class 3, meaning they will be able to withstand cold and humid conditions longer than any other class. That’s also why we offer a 20-year warranty on all Pasture Management high tensile class 3 wire products. We want you to feel confident As we like to say around the office, “the higher the class the longer it lasts.”