Here in Atlanta, spring has sprung, and summer squalls are not far behind. While we don’t have the same threat of hurricanes as our neighbors to the south, we certainly get our share of windy storms. If you’re planning on a new fence, it’s worth considering how your fence will stand up to the annual onslaught of windy summer storms. While no fence is 100% windproof, a little planning can help you choose a fence that withstands high winds better than most.
A Wooden Privacy Fence That Withstands High Winds
Wooden privacy fences are one of our most popular fences. They are standard for residential backyards, and for a good reason. A wooden privacy fence looks good, and when installed properly, it can last a long time. The downside of a privacy fence is that it doesn’t have any gaps. This is great for privacy, but not so great if you want a fence that withstands high winds. A solid fence is like a sail in the wind, and it will take the brunt of the highest wind gusts. But there are ways to maximize the strength of your wooden privacy fence.
One way to maximize the strength of your fence is to strengthen the posts. The posts are the pillars that hold up the rest of your fence. The worst thing you can do is to place wooden posts directly into the ground. Wooden posts that directly contact soil are highly susceptible to rot. A post with a rotted base won’t stand up well to high winds. A better solution is to use a concrete footing. The old way of doing this is to dig a hole, fill it with concrete, and stick the post into the concrete. The problem with that is that water can get trapped between the post and the concrete, leading the post to rot. The modern method is to pour a concrete base and install a bracket in the base that will hold the post.
Other Wooden Fences and Wind
Another option to build a wooden fence that withstands high winds is to avoid a 100% solid fence. Picket fences stand up to wind better than solid fences since the wind can blow freely between the pickets. If you’re after privacy, there are some options that maximize privacy but still allow gaps. Contact Bravo Fencing Company to learn more about your options.
Whatever type of wooden fence you build, using a harder wood will be more sturdy. Bravo Fence offers cedar fences. Cedar is a hardwood and stands up well to water, pests, and even wind.
Metal and Chain Link Fences and High Winds
Metal fences stand up well to high winds because they are usually constructed with thin pickets with wide spaces between them. A typical steel or aluminum fence allows wind to blow right through it, with little damage to the fence. These fences offer classic beauty and great endurance in a windstorm. But they offer little in terms of privacy. Steel and aluminum fences work best as decorative and security fences.
Chain link fences are also able to withstand high winds. In a windstorm, high wind gusts blow right through the chain link, causing little or no damage. Chain link is not usually the first material to come to mind for residential fences. But modern chain link offers much more than the plain metal commercial chain link most people are familiar with. Vinyl coatings can soften the hard lines of chain link and offer a variety of colors. It is also possible to paint chain link, allowing a nearly endless variety of color options.
Building a Vinyl Fence That Withstands High Winds
Vinyl is an excellent material for building a privacy fence that can stand up to high winds. Like any privacy fence, a vinyl fence will take the brunt of the wind head-on. But unlike wood, vinyl has some give, and can even warp slightly without breaking.
In many cases, vinyl is cheaper than wood. It is also much more durable and low-maintenance. Because it is not an organic material, it is impervious to rot and pests. It also does not rust like metal fences. Modern vinyl fences have come a long way and can look nearly identical to wood fences. If you are looking for a combination of value pricing and high wind resistance, vinyl is a great option.
Selecting the Right Fence Company
Ultimately, much of your fence’s ability to withstand high winds depends on proper installation. A poorly installed fence of any type is much more likely to be toppled by a wind gust. At Bravo Fence, our installers have years of experience and don’t cut corners. With quality materials and top-notch installation, our fences are among the top performers in their categories. No fence is 100% windproof, but a Bravo Fence Company fence will give you the best performance for your money. Contact Bravo Fence today for your free quote.
