FIELD AMENITIES
Windscreen |
4 T H I N G S YO U N E E D TO K N OW
The addition of a fence windscreen provides instant aesthetic appeal as well as improved playability. Having a good understanding of materials, installation and maintenance will provide long-lasting value while avoiding costly mistakes.
1 Understanding wind load. Wind load is the amount of force wind puts on your fence. This is the single
Some fences may not be designed to withstand the additional wind load
most important factor to consider with windscreen. Wind load increases
from windscreen. Many lack the adequate pole sizing, spacing or bury depth
significantly when you add windscreen because it makes it more difficult
to handle the load. If ignored, catastrophic failure of your fence can occur. We
for wind to pass through. In fact, unless the visual blockage is under 50% —
recommend checking with your
well below that of typical ballpark
local fencing professional — ideally
remains at nearly 100%. Using open mesh windscreen or adding vents at typical sizes and spacings will only have a marginal effect on reducing wind load. You should always assume that adding windscreen will cause complete wind blockage to a fence.
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100% Potential Wind Load
windscreen — your potential wind load
20
2 All fences are not equal.
the original installer — to determine if the existing fence is properly
50%
Range of opacity for most ballpark windscreen 70-95%
supported to handle windscreen. You may want to replace or reinforce your fence first, or consider options such as trees, shrubbery, and other
0%
100% 75% 50% 25% 0% Visual Privacy / Opacity
T HE ULT I M AT E BA L L F I E L D R E S OUR C E
natural wind and visual barriers.
