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In our online store you'll find everything you need for fencing and the garden: chainwire fencing, wire mesh, posts and stays, gates, shading net, plastic meshes, accessories, synthetic lawns, sports equipment.

Understanding and Avoiding the Sail Effect in Fences

Hello everyone, I'm Marco from Fenceshop and today we will talk about the sail effect in fences. What it is, how it is created, how to avoid it, and some curiosities. The sail effect is nothing more than the resistance that the fence puts up against the wind. The more covered surface we have, the greater the sail effect will be. The tighter the chain link mesh in our fence, the stronger the sail effect.

What is the Sail Effect?

The sail effect occurs when wind encounters an obstacle, such as a fence, creating a force that can bend or knock down the structure. This phenomenon is influenced by several factors:

  • Shade cloths: The larger the cloth, the greater the sail effect.
  • Neglect: Climbing plants can create a wall that increases wind resistance.
  • Very small meshes: The tighter the mesh, the greater the sail effect.
Common Misconceptions about the Sail Effect

There are several common misconceptions about the sail effect in fences. Let's look at some:

  • Cheap shade cloths: It's not true that a cheap shade cloth has less sail effect. All shade cloths create a sail effect.
  • Minimizing the effect: Even a well-fixed shade cloth can bend the posts of the fence.
  • Wide mesh: Even a sports fence with a wide mesh can be bent by the wind.
How to Avoid the Sail Effect

There are several ways to avoid the sail effect in fences:

  • Limit covering cloths: Avoid completely covering high fences.
  • Use sturdy posts: Assess whether the existing posts can withstand the wind force.
  • Bracing the posts: Position the brace arms to counteract the wind force.
  • Keep the fence clean: Remove climbing plants and other vegetation that can increase wind resistance.
  • Make the fence liftable: Use pulleys to raise and lower the mesh as needed.
  • Hang the cloth only at the top: Tie the shade cloth only at the top to allow the wind to pass through.

These tips can help you reduce the sail effect and protect your fences. Remember that the sail effect is often underestimated but can cause significant damage if the right precautions are not taken.

I hope I have been helpful. We invite you to subscribe to our channel, leave a comment if you have any suggestions or questions, and visit our websites Rete Plastic for our institutional site and Fenceshop for our e-commerce. Thank you and see you next time, bye!

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