Five Fence Tips For Windy Locations
One major concern with fences is how they hold up over time. No where is this more true than in areas that are prone to high winds. The following tips can help you build an attractive and durable fence that can withstand winds without any damage.
1. Make the Posts Secure
A fence is only as strong as its posts, so make sure yours are installed to withstand gale force winds. Opt for longer posts that can be installed more deeply into the ground. You want the posts to extend well below the frost line so that they won't become loosened over time due to frost heave. A good installer will also ensure the bottom of the hole has a good, compact base to further prevent shifting.
2. Consider the Picket Spacing
Spacing, when it comes to high winds, mainly deals with allowing air to flow through the pickets. If you have a solid picket fence, like many vinyl fence panels, wind pressure against the panel can easily blow it down. Spaces between pickets allow air to pass through, which reduces the chances of a blow down. Space the pickets as far apart as you can while still allowing for security and safety.
3. Adjust the Fence Line
If you have some freedom with the layout of your fence, consider adjusting the fence line so that the face of the fence is not positioned perpendicular to the most common wind direction. Placing the fence at even a slight angle can reduce the amount of wind force on the fencing.
4. Add Height Wisely
Taller fences have the same problem as closed pickets — more surface area that is exposed to wind force. Consider a more open option at the top of tall fences where privacy may not be as great of a concern. For example, on a six foot fence, use five foot pickets topped by a one foot tall lattice panel. You still have the benefit of height, but wind can pass through the lattice so that less force is put onto the fence as a whole.
5. Don't Overlook Weathering
Weathering from the wind is another concern, particularly on wood and some iron fences. Wind kicks up sand and debris that can literally sandblast the paint from wood and metal. Wood can also be damaged more easily by wind and blowing debris. You will need to check your fences annually and repair or repaint them as necessary to account for weathering and to minimize damages.
Contact a fence company like Absolute Fencing LLC for more help in designing a wind-resistant fence.
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