How to make a fence of slate with your own hands?

The fencing around the house with the site involves the use of strong and at the same time aesthetically pleasing materials. Depending on the operating conditions, certain characteristics can be sacrificed, while others, on the contrary, can be strengthened. The most reliable option is brick, but its cost limits the possibilities for use. On the other hand, mesh-netting is the most affordable solution, but it does not provide a visual barrier. In this context, the slate's fence, the photo of which is presented below, can be considered as an optimal option for both technical and operational qualities, and at a price.

What slate is good for fencing?

Traditionally, slate is made on the basis of a mixture of asbestos and cement paste. This material is suitable for both roofing and fencing. Modern modifications of slate provide for the use of other compounds. For example, from bitumen. But such sheets are not so practical and are more expensive. Therefore, the best option is a fence of slate on an asbestos-cement basis. Also it is necessary to pay attention to the form of release. There are two varieties - flat and wavy material. Theoretically, both options are suitable, but the first will take up less space. In addition, it is more convenient to mount. This takes into account the characteristics of the structure.

Pay attention to the density, thickness and, of course, the size of the sheet along the length and width. These parameters are selected individually depending on specific requirements. But there are universal qualities, which in any case will not be superfluous. In particular, the slate from the slate can have different indicators of moisture and frost resistance. The higher these coefficients, the longer the fencing design will be.

Basis for a fence in the form of a strip foundation

The technology of creating such a foundation is realized in the same way as in the case of a conventional house. Only the parameters of the basement will differ. In addition, it is important to provide in advance for the metal poles, on which the slate sheets will stand. The work begins with a marking of the place along which the fence line will pass. Further, a trench is formed, and pits for supporting elements are created in it. In the question of how to make a fence of slate by hand, an important place is occupied by the correct ratio of the strength of the base and the weight of the sheets being installed.

In the case of a massive and heavy slate, the foundation should be made at least 20 cm wide. Also, it should be reinforced with metal rods. In the arranged trench a formwork is created, after which reinforcing rods are placed in the number of two parallel elements. In the pits with a pitch of 1.5-2 m from each other, support pillars are placed. At the final stage, a casting is performed, the polymerization period of which is about 10 days.

Basis in the form of pillars

This is a simplified version of creating a base, on which slate will be attached in the future. Also, the marking of the place of passage of the future fence is made, along which pits are formed with indentations in 1 m. As columns, you can use a rectangular closed or square profile. By the way, when purchasing material, it is important to take into account not only the consumption of the installation of poles, but also the creation of reinforcing ribs that will pass along the fence, linking the base racks. If you take a slate from your own hands, you should also provide a special tool for cutting the profile in accordance with the design parameters. Direct work on the construction of poles is reduced to the installation of supports in the pits created and then pouring them with concrete.

Installation of flat slate

The fastening of flat sheets is advantageous in that it can be carried out without fixing hardware. However, for this installation method, a double row of metal frames running along the guard strip along the center of the sheets will be required. That is, a locking support structure is formed, due to which the panels are clamped on both sides by metal ribs. To fix a fence from a flat slate by own hands it is possible and by means of self-tapping screws. But this requires the initial fixing of wooden logs to the columns. Next, the metalware cuts into the arboreal array at the place of passage of the fence with indentations of 0.5-1 m. Such a system is less reliable, but if it is necessary to dismantle or replace the damaged area, repair will be easier to perform. It is enough to unscrew the screws and remove the sheet, after which in its place to install a new element, also securing hardware.

Installation of corrugated slate

In terms of strength, this sheet loses to the flat analogue - the most unreliable places just fall on the fixing points. Fence is installed from the slate of the wave only with the help of wooden logs through self-tapping screws. It is important that the hardware is provided with a rubber gasket and a press washer, which will protect the material from damage. The places of the tie-in should be on a hill, while the holes must first be made with a drill.

When laying sheets, it is very important to install the first element. It is desirable to fix it using the level. Then the next panel with such overlap is applied, that both parts in the subsequent could grasp one саморез. Counting on how to make a fence of slate, you need to correctly determine the number of fasteners used. It would seem that the more of them, the better. But the abundance of holes with fastening points is not always beneficial. It is important to observe the balance. Optimum frequency of fastening of fasteners - two parallel rows of screws with intervals of 50 cm.

Condition of construction

If the spectrum of strength characteristics of modern slate is quite possible to find a modification for the construction of a reliable fence, then with the decorative qualities of things are not so simple. Of course, the producers themselves are not limited to the release of "bare" sheets of plain gray for a long time. But at installation the factory paint can lag behind, and these places should be covered with a new structure which will be allocated. Therefore, it is worth initially expecting the paintwork after installation of the entire structure. It is not difficult to paint the fence from the slate with your own hands - this is a usual painting operation using a roller or brushes. It is much more important not to lose with the choice of the paint itself. It should be a composition that is resistant to precipitation and mechanical stress.

Advantages of slate fence

Unlike metal, slate is completely free from the risk of corrosion processes and overheating in the sun. Of course, in terms of strength, the comparison will not be in favor of asbestos-cement sheets. But for the requirements to the usual private fencing its characteristics will be quite enough. Also, for the fence of land with plantations, the aspect is important that the slate from the slate does not burn, so its base can create a barrier in front of the flame in a fire. And under the condition of careful operation the structure can stand for several tens of years - the material is not deformed and is not subject to destruction under the influence of precipitation. True, the protective qualities of slate depend on the specific composition.

Disadvantages of a fence from slate

One of the main drawbacks of asbestos-cement slate is the toxicity of its components. Of course, we are talking about the minimum indicators, but professional builders still recommend to take this nuance into account when installing the fence. In particular, near such a fence it is undesirable to arrange recreation places, playgrounds, and also to break beds with agricultural crops. In addition, the fence of the slate is notable for its considerable weight. Still, the cement base necessitates the installation of a capital base for the installation of load-bearing elements.

Metal profile as an alternative

One of the direct competitors of asbestos-concrete material in terms of application for the fence device is the metal profile. By the way, even in form, it is in many ways reminiscent of a wavy slate. Only the goffers in this case are not round, but with straight angles. The metal is convenient to mount, it is environmentally friendly, but also requires special design and can be very noisy when it rains. With regard to reliability, the fence of flat slate with a thickness of 6-7 mm is fully consistent with the loads that can withstand sheet metal. But even here much depends on the nature of the mechanical effects. Slate under heavy loads can crack, and then you have to replace the entire panel.

As for metal fences, they retain overall integrity, but for their external deformation in the form of folds and dents, much less effort is required. On the technical and operational properties such damage does not affect, but the appearance can spoil. In addition, when choosing a metal roll, the quality of the anticorrosion treatment and the heat resistance of the decorative coating should be taken into account, since not every paint will withstand the heating of the iron sheets under the hot sun.