Evaluating just how windproof your fence is is essential when selecting a new fence.
Picking a new fence can overwhelm many choices, potential disagreements, and tiresome compromises. But! Eventually, this starts giving way to a sort of burgeoning excitement. A well-made, well-maintained length of fencing can be a thing of pride.
And a new fence is a significant life change, nothing to take lightly. After all, you’ll see it around the house for years.
Now, a crucial consideration tends to get overlooked in all that “new fence” hubbub: evaluating just how windproof your fence is (or will need to become). The term might seem counterintuitive at first, so for extra clarity: regarding fences, windproof indicates a generally superior resistance to the detrimental effects of heavy wind by design and “natural” material makeup. The absolute crux of windproofing, though, is proper and adequate ventilation. This leads to more even energy distribution throughout the fence, causing less structural jarring and bending.
Kindly read on for an assessment of fence types best-suited to stand down the heaviest Wind (and why!); we’ll kick off, however, with some info about a popular fence choice that tends to struggle in the windproofing department without some extra help.
Privacy Fences May Be “Neighbor-proof,” but Aren’t a Great Windproof Solution
Privacy fences are eye-catching, impressive pieces. This is nonetheless secondary to their primary concern: privacy. They last forever, look great doing it, and certainly can afford an owner or company whatever degree of privacy is sought. To this end, they’re often comprised of just a few large, thick, heavy panels, expertly installed to keep the outside world out.
With so little ventilation, the problem is hardly any of the wind escapes; its energy is absorbed into the fence, likely at dangerous, damaging levels—especially in high gust conditions. Acting as essentially a single conjoint object against the strong/sustained winds, privacy fences can functionally take on the behavior of sail in major windstorms and either dislodge—obviously causing trouble enough on your property—or, under extreme conditions, that “sail” can dislodge completely from its posts and go flying out into who knows where. Note, though, that grounding privacy fenceposts in concrete help to shore it up structurally. Inspecting posts and replacing any as needed will strengthen the framework and lessen the threat presented by wind gusts.
Good News! There’s a Wide Range of Windproof Fences to Choose From!
Pickets Hold Their Own
- Wind passes freely between individual pickets, efficiently distributing the residual energy without structural damage.
- One might opt for slightly more significant gaps for optimum windproofing.
- Be certain to opt for hard, durable wood. Cedar can’t be beaten.
Metal Fences Are a Sturdier Selection
- Metal is great at withstanding strong winds.
- Aluminum, steel, and chain-link are all ideal against heavy gusts.
- While these are much better choices for waterproof fencing, the medium doesn’t allow for much in the way of privacy.
Vinyl Has Enough Give to Keep from Blowin’ in the Wind
- Vinyl fencing is wonderfully windproof.
- It can bend and warp with no lasting damage done.
- Vinyl is all-around the most convenient choice. It’s inexpensive and easy to maintain.
HAVE QUESTIONS? ASK HERCULES CUSTOM IRON
If you are ready to install your chain link fence and add railings or you still have some more questions, we here at Hercules Custom Iron are here to help. We have many years of experience and will ensure that your chain link fence will serve you and your family for years. Visit us online or call us at 1-800-331-2590. For advice, updates, and to see what we are up to, be sure to follow us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Pinterest.