Maya Ellison
Snow fences are a great way to reduce snow drifting and save time and energy on snow removal. Proper installation is critical, and it involves several key steps. Firstly, determine the direction of the fence by considering the wind direction and positioning the fence perpendicular to it. The fence should be placed upwind of the area you want to keep snow-free, with a distance of 20-35 times its height away from that area. The fence posts should be strong, made from materials like fiberglass, wood, or steel, and spaced no more than 8 feet apart. The plastic fencing is then attached to the upwind side of the posts, pulled tight, and secured with cable ties to prevent tearing. Additionally, a bottom gap of at least 5 inches is recommended to prevent the fence from being buried. With careful planning and installation, a plastic snow fence can effectively minimize snow accumulation in desired areas.
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Fence placement
The placement of a snow fence is critical to its effectiveness. Incorrect placement can worsen the snow drift problem.
Firstly, it is important to consider the wind direction. Snow fences act as windbreaks, causing blowing snow to be deposited as drifts where it is stored. The fence should be positioned upwind of the area you want to keep snow-free. The fence should be placed perpendicular to the wind direction. If the wind is within 25 degrees of being perpendicular to the roadway, place the fence parallel to the road.
Secondly, the distance between the fence and the area you are trying to protect is key. The fence should be placed somewhere between 20 to 35 times its height away from the area you want to protect. For example, if your fence is 4 feet tall and the wind blows towards your road from the north, you should place the fence 80 to 140 feet north of the road. If placed too close, snow will collect where you don't want it to. If placed too far away, the effect will be lost.
Thirdly, the fence posts should be strong as they will be the weakest link concerning tensile strength. Metal U-posts should not be used. Posts should be placed no more than 8 feet apart and should be buried 1/3 of their height. In good soil, a six-foot fence post should be buried 2.5 feet.
Finally, the fence should be pulled taught and stabilized with support wires to prevent sagging. The fence should be attached to the upwind side of the post to minimize tearing. There should be a minimum gap of 5 inches at the bottom of the fence to prevent burying.
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Fence material
Plastic is the best material to use for snow fencing because it is waterproof, easy to install, and easy to remove. Vinyl fencing is also an option, but plastic is more commonly available and affordable. You can find orange or green plastic snow fencing at your local hardware store.
For a 50-foot plastic snow fence, you will need 8-12 T-posts, which are made of steel and provide strong support. The number of posts depends on your desired spacing, but they should be placed no more than 8 feet apart. Bury the posts about 1.5 feet deep in the ground, and place them in a zigzag pattern. If you are installing the fence in an area with strong winds, place the posts closer together for added strength.
To attach the plastic fencing to the posts, sandwich the fencing material between the flat side of the T-posts and a wood slat. Use 10-inch plastic cable ties to secure the fencing to the posts. You will need around 3-4 ties per post.
For added strength, you can also use wood posts with the steel T-posts. This is recommended for high winds. The wood slats should be 1" x 2" x 4".
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Fence posts
Posts are an essential part of installing a plastic snow fence, and it is important to get them right. Posts should be strong, as they will be the weakest link where tensile strength is concerned. Metal U-posts should be avoided. Instead, use wood, fiberglass, or steel posts. For additional strength against high winds, use 7-foot steel T-posts with wood slats.
You will need 8-12 T-posts for 50 feet of plastic snow fence. Drive the posts into the ground about 1.5 feet deep, or 1/3 of their height, and place them no more than 8 feet apart. Burying the posts deeper will help to ensure they are secure and prevent them from being pulled down by heavy winds. In good soil, a six-foot fence post should be buried 2-1/2 ft.
The posts should be placed in a zigzag pattern about every 5-7 feet apart, with the posts closer together for stronger winds. The fence should be attached to the upwind side of the posts to minimize tearing.
To attach the plastic fencing to the posts, sandwich the fencing between the flat side of the steel posts and a 1” by 2” wood slat. Secure the fencing to the post with cable ties.
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Anchoring the fence
Anchoring your fence firmly is essential when installing a plastic snow fence. The anchoring system should be checked periodically for missing or damaged parts. The fence posts should be spaced no more than 8 feet apart for 4-foot snow fences, and end posts should be 6 feet or less from the adjacent post. In good soil, a six-foot fence post should be buried 2.5 feet. Burying posts 1/3 of their height is also considered sufficient by some sources.
The fence posts should be strong as they will be the weakest link in terms of tensile strength. Metal U-posts should not be used. Instead, wood posts, 7-foot steel T-posts, or fiberglass posts can be used. The posts should be inserted in a zigzag pattern about 5-7 feet apart, and 1.5 feet deep into the ground. In areas with heavy snow and wind, support wires should be used to stabilize end posts and prevent sagging.
If using plastic fencing, the material should be sandwiched between two wood laths and wired tightly to steel posts at the top, middle, and bottom of the fence. The fence should be pulled tight and secured to the posts with cable ties.
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Fence maintenance
Plastic snow fences are low-maintenance, but they do require some care to ensure longevity. Here are some tips for maintaining your plastic snow fence:
Installation
When installing your fence, it is important to follow the correct procedures to ensure it functions effectively and avoid any damage during the process. Position your fence upwind of the desired drift area, with the fence perpendicular to the wind direction. Use strong posts, such as steel T-posts, and bury them about 1.5 to 2.5 feet deep, leaving a gap of at least 5 inches at the bottom of the fence to prevent burying. Space the posts no more than 8 feet apart, and place them in a zigzag pattern for stronger winds. Attach the plastic fencing to the upwind side of the posts, pulling it taut to prevent sagging and tearing. Secure the fencing to the posts with cable ties.
Storage
When the winter season is over, properly remove and store your plastic snow fence. Unlike wood fences, plastic fences do not require painting or staining before the next winter. However, ensure that the fence is cleaned and dried before storing it in a dry place to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mould or mildew over time.
Inspection and Repairs
Before installing your plastic snow fence for the season, inspect it for any damage. Plastic snow fences are resistant to moisture and weather conditions like sleet and hail. However, strong winds can cause tears or damage to the fence. Check the anchoring system and look for missing or damaged parts. If the fence is severely damaged, it may need to be replaced, as plastic fences are typically not repairable.
Maintenance During Winter
During the winter, periodically check your plastic snow fence to ensure it is functioning effectively and securely. Inspect the posts and anchoring system to make sure they are still firmly in place. Additionally, clear any excessive snow buildup around the fence to prevent it from being buried, especially if there are strong winds.
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Frequently asked questions
The fence should be placed somewhere between 20 to 35 times its height away from the area you want to protect. For example, if your fence is 4 feet tall and the wind blows towards your road from the north, you should place the fence 80 to 140 feet north of the road.
Vinyl or plastic is the best material for snow fencing because it is waterproof, easy to install, and easy to remove.
First, plan your fence placement, allowing for a gap of at least 5-6 inches between the bottom of the fence and the ground to avoid burying. Then, drive your fence posts into the ground about 1/3 of their height deep, spacing them no more than 8 feet apart. Finally, attach the fencing to the upwind side of the posts with cable ties to prevent tearing.
You will need a post driver, a 100-foot tape measure, plastic cable ties (10-inch), and a good pair of gloves.
