Steel cable or plastic wire? What to choose for your anti-hail netting

Some decisions in an agricultural installation seem minor… until the years go by. One of them is the type of cable that supports the anti-hail netting: should you use steel cable or plastic wire? At Novafrut we are clear about it: we only install triple-galvanised steel cables, both longitudinal and transverse. And it is not a whim: it comes from experience. Here we explain why this choice makes a real difference over time.

Why do we use triple-galvanised steel cable?

Because it is designed to withstand, last and work without problems season after season. These are its advantages over other alternatives:

• ✅ Greater structural strength: it bears weight, tension and impacts better than any synthetic wire.
• ✅ Even tension across the whole installation: no slack areas or irregular sections.
• ✅ Less annual maintenance: the whole line can be re-tensioned with a single tensioner, without retying knots or going from post to post.
• ✅ Better behaviour in the wind: it does not deform and does not slacken.
• ✅ Real durability: triple galvanising protects it from rust even in adverse weather conditions.

Why do some people opt for plastic wire? And what problems does it have?

Synthetic wire may seem cheaper at first glance. But in practice it means more work, more wear and more time lost. With plastic wire:

• ❌ Tension is easily lost, especially with changes in temperature.
• ❌ It has to be re-tensioned section by section every year.
• ❌ Knots have to be retied frequently.
• ❌ It requires more hours of labour and, therefore, more hidden costs.

What seemed economical… ends up being expensive.

Why choose Novafrut for your structure?

Because we do not just think about it working today, but about it working in 10 years' time. Our systems are designed to hold up with minimal maintenance, and that starts with the cabling. In addition:

• We use professional tensioners that make maintenance easier.
• We design the installation with balanced tension from the start.
• We carry out technical visits to assess existing structures and recommend improvements.

Do you have questions about your installation or need to renew components?

Contact us and we will help you with no obligation. We can review your structure and give you a realistic improvement plan to extend its service life.