Both Galvanized After Welding (GAW) and Galvanized Before Welding (GBW) wire mesh are proven, reliable solutions, each suited to different environments and performance requirements.

For engineers, architects, and contractors requiring enhanced durability and corrosion resistance, Galvanized After Welding (GAW) mesh is often the preferred choice in demanding applications. Riverdale Mills has refined this process over decades, building a strong reputation across marine, aquaculture, infrastructure, and security markets.

In the GAW process, the mesh is welded first and then fully immersed in molten zinc. This results in a uniform, continuous coating that encapsulates every wire and weld intersection, providing full weld protection and improved resistance to corrosion. The zinc coating on Riverdale’s GAW mesh exceeds ASTM A641 Class 1 requirements and typically aligns with Class 3 coating weights, supporting extended service life in challenging environments.

Riverdale’s leadership in GAW technology is rooted in its pioneering role in the lobster industry with the invention of Aquamesh®, the first welded wire mesh specifically engineered for harsh subsea conditions. This same performance standard extends across key product lines, including GeoMesh™, WireWall®, Crab Mesh, Perma-netting®, and Architectural Mesh.

By contrast, Galvanized Before Welding (GBW) mesh is manufactured from wire that is galvanized prior to fabrication. During welding, heat burns away the zinc at the weld intersections, leaving exposed steel that is more vulnerable to corrosion, especially in wet or coastal environments. With lighter coating weights, GBW is best suited for dry, low-moisture settings and light-duty or shorter-term applications such as fencing, temporary enclosures, and basic merchant and agricultural use.

GAW mesh, by comparison, is designed for more aggressive environments, including marine, coastal, agricultural, and industrial applications where durability, longevity, and consistent performance are critical.