Privacy Fence Options are Numerous

By Gregory Harris, LC/DBM

SimTek fences are made from polyethylene and offer a stone-appearing fence for commercial and private residences. Installation of the fences is not difficult, if the company's instructions are followed. Photo courtesy of SimTek Fence

Fences are an attractive feature for residences and commercial structures as they provide a privacy barrier between properties and they can be designed to enhance the aesthetics of properties.

Chain link, aluminum, pickets, wood, vinyl and concrete are all good materials for fencing. If the fencing is used as a privacy barrier, vinyl and concrete are great options.

When it comes to installing concrete fences and walls, landscape contractors can choose products from a variety of companies including Superior Concrete, Artisan Precast and Verti-crete.

Superior Concrete's fences for residential applications are textured to match the true look of wood, brick and stone. Each wall system has deep texturing on both sides to provide endless beauty and a neighbor-friendly presence.

 


These privacy fences by Verti-crete feature patterns that have been molded from the actual stones and masonry techniques they represent. The walls are installed over concrete footings with rebar anchors. Photo courtesy of Verti-Crete

Concrete Fencing

Installation of Superior Concrete wall systems is a straightforward process. Posts are set into piers drilled five feet apart. The posts are aligned, leveled and anchored in concrete footings, similar to other types of fence posts. Precast panels are inserted into and down the posts' tracks. The bottom panel keys into and is supported by the footing around each post. Additional panels interlock and stack in one-foot increments.

According to Superior Fence, their products should have a minimum compression strength of 5,000 psi @ 28 days. With fiberglass and steel reinforced components, all reinforcing steel needs to conform to ASTM A615, Grade 60. These systems are anchored to the ground by poured concrete piers, 5-feet on-center for wall systems and 8-feet on-center.

Verti-crete touts a realistic masonry design to its precast products. These concrete fences feature patterns that have been molded from the actual stones and masonry techniques they represent.

Verti-crete's walls are installed over concrete footings with rebar anchors. After the footings are set, hollow-core posts are placed over the rebar to rest firmly on each concrete base. The company's precast concrete panels are then set in place to fit securely within notches cast into the posts. After each section is squared up and level, the columns are filled with concrete to secure the connection between the post and footing.

If a client does not want a concrete fence but wants privacy and the look of concrete or stone, SimTek fence offers a sound option.

Fencing for residences manufactured by Superior Concrete Products require no maintenance, and are manufactured with glass fiber and steel reinforced panels, posts and trim caps. Photos courtesy of TrynEx International

Polyethylene Alternative

SimTek's simulated stone fencing is made from polyethylene. The company says their fencing ?EUR??,,????'?????<
When installing this fencing, the layout must be consistent with ground contours; posts must be appropriately spaced and properly anchored. If posts are to be installed in level ground, panel support brackets will be set so that the bottom edge of the panel is 73.5 inches from the top of the post. Attaching brackets in advance of post installation is easiest when using a measuring template of 73.5 inches long for faster repetitive bracket installation.

The holes for the posts must be dug at appropriate locations. All post holes should be 10 to 12 inches in diameter by 24 to 36 inches deep and must be 71.5 inches apart, center to center. Posts should be set in concrete.

When installing the panels, panel support brackets must be attached to all posts. The installation is made easier because the panels are universal; there is no front or back, and no top or bottom edge. Once the panels are in place, pressure fitted caps are installed over the posts.

With the large number of manufacturers and fence types, it would be safe to say that there are fences available for all of your client's needs that are relatively painless to install.