Installation of fence tape on the grid and system panels

Fence tape, sold in practical rolls, is a multifunctional product. It is used to mask fences and balustrades, at the same time being a stylish decoration of the property and a permanent cover against wind, curious passers-by or excessive sunlight. What is the installation of fence tape and what is worth knowing about it? You will find the answers to these questions in this article.

We choose a tape for the fence

On the Polish market you can find many types of fence tapes, produced for system panels or mesh. They have different dimensions, thickness, structure and colors, they are usually made of technorattan or polypropylene. Choose standard shades of tapes: anthracite, gray, black, green or brown, this way you will get an aesthetic, fashionable fence. Reach for a material with a thickness of at least 1.2 mm – thinner strips can crack after just a few seasons of operation.

Do you want to buy a fence tape? Remember to adjust its dimensions to the specifics of the fence. Tapes for fence nets can usually be bought in rolls of 50 m, belts have a height of 4.75 cm, adapted to the mesh size of 5x5 cm. To cover 2D system panels or railings, use a standard 26 mb, 35 mb or 50 m tape and a height of 19 cm. Do you have a fence with 3D stamping? In addition to the 19 cm tape, also use narrower cover belts with a height of 4.6-4.75 cm, thanks to which you can tightly cover the convex, horizontal zones. Also get mounting clips with a height that matches the belt.

How to mount a fence tape on a panel fence or balustrade?

A roll of protective tape with a height of 19 cm and a width of 26 m is enough to cover 5 square meters of fence, for installation you only need your hands, a steel measure rolled up and scissors. There are 2 techniques for fixing tapes:

• horizontal stage installation: strips of tape are cut to size to each single span, this technique is designed for stepped  fences and balustrades.

• horizontal installation continuous (economical):: it will work well in the case of fences and balustrades, located on a straight surface, without slopes. The tape passes through the fence posts and tightly covers the entire fence.

For aesthetic reasons, most property owners choose staged installation, which is more time-consuming, but allows to achieve a satisfactory visual effect. Below is a brief instruction on how to mount the fence tape on the panel or balustrade:

1. measure the necessary width of the belt strip,

2. attach the beginning of the tape with a mounting clip to the outer edge of the span (you can start work from the bottom or top, as you prefer),

3. thread the tape horizontally along the panel, every 2 or 3 wires (the frequency of weave depends on individual needs and taste),

4. stretch the tape strip tightly and attach its tip with a wire clip,

5. repeat until you have covered all zones.

Why use fence tapes?

Protective tapes made of plastic are an excellent alternative to other products, such as masking nets or shielding mats, because they fit tightly to the wire and are resistant to tearing. The advantage of these products is also resistance to UV rays, frost, heat and moisture. Such a cover performs its function for many years, does not undergo deformation or discoloration.

Many people reach for polypropylene or technorattan fence tapes, because they are easy to maintain and their installation is not complicated. Once installed, they usually do not require any corrections or maintenance. Regardless of whether you have a mesh fence or a 3D panel fence, you can do the installation yourself in a few hours and you do not need to involve a fitter.

Fixing the fence tape on the wire mesh

Installation of a narrow cover tape on fence nets is rare. Why? This is a very time-consuming activity, the effects of which often leave much to be desired – such a cover has numerous clearances and looks unimpressive if it is not carefully stretched. The assembly itself is not complicated and consists in interlacing the strips diagonally or vertically, to your liking.

To fix the fence tape on the mesh fence, mounting clips (clamps) and scissors or a retractable knife are sufficient. You cut the strips of material on an ongoing basis and secure them at the ends by snapping them with a clip. You can also apply 2 colors of tape to break the monotony and get an interesting visual effect. Always start with the starting post.

How to mount fence tapes: 2 things to keep in mind

Whether you want to tape a balcony, terrace or property, remember that it is crucial to have a good tension of the material and carefully attach it to the mounting clips. It is constantly exposed to the intense influence of wind and sun, against which it is protected primarily by a compact, carefully made and rigid weave.

Another issue that you should keep in mind when fixing the tape on the fence is the choice of high-quality clips – because they allow you to maintain the shape and aesthetic appearance of the cover. Order clips directly from the belt manufacturer, so you can be sure that they will fit well and will maintain the weave for many consecutive seasons.