A fence adds an extra layer of security and privacy to your home. However, if your home is in a location prone to heavy winds, you also understand that having a fence in these locations comes with risks. Fortunately, with the right planning and the correct installation processes, you can have a fence that is equipped to handle the weather.
Height Selection
One of the more straightforward ways to help minimize damage to the fence during high winds is height. The more surface area of an object that the wind comes in contact with, the greater chance there is for damage. For this reason, you should aim to minimize the surface area by lowering the height of the fence where you can.
For example, if you had a 9-foot fence in mind, simply lowering the fence to a standard 6-foot might be a better alternative because it would minimize the amount of resistance the fence is exposed to and, ultimately, minimize its risk for damage. A fencing professional can help you determine the best height based on your location.
Fortified Post
Fortified posts are another element that must be added to your fence if you want to make it as wind resistant as possible. In short, the post keeps the fence panels together, so the stronger the post, the stronger the panel.
Ideally, you should stay away from wood posts. Wood is not only susceptible to insect damage, but sun exposure and inclement weather can also lower the integrity of the wood by causing it to rot. Metal posts are a better alternative because they are more resistant to these effects and can hold their integrity longer.
Concrete Application
If you have the fence installed by a professional, they will likely apply concrete at the base of each post. This step is crucial in high-wind environments because the concrete helps keep the posts stable. Without this addition, some movement of the posts can occur when the wind blows.
Over time, this movement can cause the posts to snap out of place and damage the panels. Concrete works as a stabilizer for periods when the wind is intense. Keep in mind that the concrete will likely be inserted several inches into the ground to add even more stability.
Again, proper planning and installation are critical to extending the life of a fence in a high-wind environment. Be sure to partner with a fence installation company to complete this project.
Contact fence installation services to learn more.
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