Fences define boundaries and keep prying eyes out in a well-kept garden. However, maintaining your fence might be difficult. Moisture, ground contact, and harsh weather cause wooden fences to deteriorate. Luckily, concrete gravel planks can extend your fence’s lifespan.
Concrete gravel boards at the base of your fence are dense, water-resistant, and robust slabs that solve many fence-longevity issues. These robust panels protect the fragile bottom of your fence from moisture and ground contact, making them essential to fence stability.
What makes concrete gravel boards crucial to fence longevity? Let’s examine why your fence needs concrete gravel boards.
Protecting moisture
Rot and rotting in wooden fences are often caused by prolonged moisture exposure. Concrete gravel boards protect fence posts from groundwater invasion and irreparable damage. Gravel boards decrease decay since concrete is non-porous and doesn’t absorb water.
Concrete gravel boards must be properly installed to guard against moisture. Gravel boards should be three inches below ground level and sit on compacted gravel or crushed stone. This seals the gravel boards’ bottom edges to the ground, preventing water from penetrating.
Concrete gravel boards protect against moisture with minimal upkeep once installed. Simple cleaning with a soft-bristle brush and mild detergent will remove dirt and debris off boards. Remove any cleaning solution properly to avoid build-up or residue, which can harm concrete over time.
Avoiding Ground Contact
When wooden fence panels touch the ground, they decay and attract vermin. Fungi, bacteria, and insects can swiftly colonise wood’s natural fibres, causing structural deterioration. Installing concrete gravel boards between the ground and the wooden fence protects it from pests and rot.
Concrete is immune to insects and germs that attack wooden barriers. Concrete gravel boards are too dense for pests to dig into, keeping your fence secure and pest-free.
Enhanced Stability
Gravity and the weight of fence panels cause fences, especially wood ones, to warp and bow. This can damage your fence and your garden. Concrete gravel boards stabilise your fence by spreading its weight over its length. This extra support keeps your fence from bending or bowing, preserving its structure.
Concrete gravel boards are stable due to their hefty composition. Concrete gravel boards provide a strong fence foundation, unlike wooden ones, which can flex and bow.
Concrete gravel boards’ smooth surface and clean, straight edges make them easy to install and align, keeping your fence level and secure. The ease of installation and modification also makes it easy to replace or fix damaged or decaying fence parts over time.
Extreme-weather resistant
British weather is unpredictable, with rain, wind, and snow destroying fences. Fortunately, concrete gravel boards can survive these elements. They are strong enough to withstand harsh weather, keeping your fence standing.
Concrete is impenetrable to water and moisture, making it resistant to damp British weather. Concrete cannot rot, deform, or bulge because water cannot penetrate it. Concrete gravel boards can survive even the toughest weather, making them a great fence investment.
Water-resistant concrete gravel boards also resist wind and other physical harm. Concrete is solid and heavy, so gravel planks won’t be lifted by powerful gusts, keeping your fence in place during storms.
Cosmetic Appeal
Concrete gravel boards keep your garden clean and uniform in addition to their practicality. Your fencing will seem sleek and stylish with their homogeneous texture and smooth finish, matching traditional and modern garden designs.
Concrete gravel boards come in several styles and finishes, so you may choose the right one for your landscape. You might choose a smooth, polished finish for a modern, sleek design. Optionally, a textured or patterned surface can offer character to your landscape and suit rustic or traditional themes.
Concrete gravel boards maintain their appearance for years because to their toughness and longevity. Concrete gravel boards don’t fade, warp, or decay like wooden ones, so they’ll keep your outdoor space looking good.
Choose the Right Fence Concrete Gravel Boards
When choosing concrete gravel boards for your fence, consider various criteria to acquire the proper match for your garden.
Size: Concrete gravel boards vary in width and height, so measure your fence panels and posts to guarantee a good fit. Consider any design criteria, such as gravel board height or garden features, that may affect your options.
Weight: Concrete gravel boards are lightweight, but their weight must be considered before installation. Choose boards that match the weight of your fence posts and base to keep them stable and secure.
Appearance: Concrete gravel boards are useful, but their aesthetic appeal should match your landscape design. Select boards with clean, smooth surfaces that complement or contrast the fence colour. This will assist keep your garden unified and improve your fence’s appearance.
Prioritise quality over price when buying concrete gravel boards. Cracks, chips, and water damage can limit the effectiveness and longevity of low-quality boards. High-quality concrete gravel boards will last longer and offer the best value.
Finally, choose concrete gravel boards based on their installation and maintenance ease. Choose boards with complete fittings and hardware for easy installation. Consider the boards’ maintenance needs to ensure they’re easy to clean and maintain.
Concrete Gravel Board Installation
After selecting the right concrete gravel boards for your fence, install them. Installing successfully requires these essential steps:
Mark the height of your concrete gravel planks so their bottoms touch the ground.
Use a spirit level to level and space each post’s marks.
Fix the concrete gravel boards to the fence posts using screws or bolts. Overtightening the fixings may crack or split the concrete.
After installing the gravel boards, clean up any debris and check for alignment and levelness.
Apply weather-resistant paint or sealer to your concrete gravel boards as a finishing touch. This extra protection will preserve their appearance and lifespan.
Conclusion
Concrete gravel boards are essential for preserving your fence and garden for years. They demonstrate the value of durable materials and inventive solutions by resisting dampness, pests, and harsh weather. Next time you replace or improve your garden fence, include concrete gravel planks. Your future self and garden will appreciate it. By following this article’s instructions, you can install and maintain your concrete gravel boards properly and safeguard your fence and garden for years to come.