A silt fence is commonly used in construction sites to control sediment. It is able to protect loose soil from finding its way into the river or streams. The reason why many people prefer silt fence is because they are easy to install and maintain. However, if they are not installed properly, they can be ineffective and will not serve you effectively. In order to ensure they function as expected, it is important to take the following tips into consideration.
The first thing you need to look out for is the height. The height of the fence will solely depend on the slope of the site. Note that if the slope increases, you will be required to install a taller slit fence. Here, your constructor should advice you accordingly after taking the necessary slope evaluation measurements. The constructor should take precaution and install it into the recommended height. Note that if the fence is far above the recommended height, it may result in flooding beneath the fence in case it fails. You should also be considerate on the type of posts you use during the silt fence installation. It is advisable to use wood posts as they have proven to be reliable and very effective. Wood posts also hinder the silt fabric from being torn and destroyed. The type of posts you use will determine if the fence will resist rocky and hard soils. Note that if the posts are weak, they will result in passage of sediment.
Post spacing should also be considered when putting up a silt fence. For the fence to be strong and durable, make sure the posts are not installed far apart. Consider having the posts installed a maximum of ten feet. For the fence to withstand strong wind and rocky soils, make sure the spacing is minimal. Here, you may spend more on posts but will in return save much more when it comes to repair and replacement of the fence. You should also make sure the posts are long enough. Note that the posts should be installed deeper into the earth. This is very important as the deeper the posts are, the more stability the fence will be. Also, the strength of the post should matter as the posts will determine the limit and the amount of load the fence can handle.
If the fence is being installed on a high load area, a wire backing is highly recommended. If the silt fence is backed by a wire, it will guarantee durability of the fence as compared to relying on the silt fabric alone. Therefore, the fence will be strong enough to handle any amount of load or winds. Also, for the silt fabric to offer resistance, it should be of good quality. Make sure the fabric does not undergo normal wear and tear over a short period of time. If you find it difficult to decide the type of fabric to buy, it is advisable to talk to your constructor and ask for recommendations. Note that if the fabric is of poor quality, it will be torn and destroyed when put under little pressure.
