Drifts Impacted
How can you prevent snow from drifting over fields, highways, and roads? Snow fence creates an effective barrier that slows wind-borne snow, causing it to drop downwind of the barrier. Both height and porosity of the fence have an impact on the size of the drifts. There are different types of snow fences:
Wood Slat Snow Fence
Wood slat snow fence is available in rolls, usually 48" x 50'. Fairly lightweight and easy to handle, this traditional type is made of wood laths woven together with four or five double strands of galvanized wire. The cost of a wood slat snow fence is determined by the species of wood used, the open space between slats, the thickness and width of the slats, and the gauge of the wire used. Rolls are available with a red-stained finish or a natural unstained finish. Other colors may be available on a custom order basis. There may be minimum quantity requirements.
Plastic Snow Fence
Flexible, lightweight, easy to handle and store, plastic mesh snow fence is gaining in popularity. The mesh of horizontal openings is designed to slow the wind carrying the snow, ensuring that the snow is dropped close to the downwind side of the fence. Rolls are 48" tall and are either 50' or 100' long. Black and orange colors of plastic snow fence are available.
Wood Board Snow Fence
This type of permanent snow fence is more common in areas that receive heavy snowfall and strong winds. 2" x 6" horizontal boards are secured to vertical posts. 1" x 6" or 1" x 8" vertical boards are sometimes nailed to the horizontal boards. This style can be as tall as 8½ feet. Angle braces are sometimes used to prop up the fence so that it will withstand heavy winds.
Living Snow Fence
Snow fences can be made by planting trees and shrubs in such a pattern that areas downwind are protected from drifting snow. These living fences require little if any maintenance. No rolls have to be taken down and stored. The fence acts as an attractively landscaped windbreak during the summer months.
Do you have problems with drifting snow? What is the best thing you have used to control the problem?
