Howard's Blog
Field notes, spec deep-dives, and shop-floor know-how from the people who’ve been cutting wire mesh in Hayward, California. Mesh counts, alloys, finishes, and the jobs they end up on — written plain.

- // Editor The Howard Wire Crew
- // Cadence Published When It Matters
- // Topics Specs · Materials · Applications
- // Loc. Hayward, California
Featured Read
Our most recent long-read — the one we’d hand a new buyer before they pick a mesh count.
Featured
Chimney Spark Arrestors in California: The Mesh Size and Wire the Code Requires
California requires a spark arrester on every chimney that burns solid fuel. The openings have to land between 3/8 and 1/2 inch, the wire has a minimum, and fire hazard zones now call for much heavier 12 gauge...
All Notes
Everything we’ve filed from the shop floor — sorted newest first.
// 03
Rodent-Proofing Your House for Winter: The 1/4 Inch Rule
Mice move indoors when fall nights turn cold, and a mouse only needs a 1/4 inch gap. Here's why 1/2 inch mesh...
Read Note →
// 04
California's Zone 0 Rule: What It Requires and Where Mesh Fits
California approved its Zone 0 five-foot ember-resistant zone on August 19, 2026. What the rule requires, when it takes effect, and where...
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// 05
304 vs 316 Stainless Steel Wire Mesh: Which Should You Use?
304 handles most jobs. 316 earns its premium around salt, brines, and harsh chemicals. Here is how to pick the right stainless...
Read Note →