The subtleties of choosing blocks for the fence

A fence is the main attribute of any suburban area. One of the main requirements for this design is strength and originality. Such parameters are typical for intake blocks. They are obtained from various solid materials with unique technical characteristics. Therefore, before purchasing this product, you should consider some of the subtleties of choosing blocks for the fence.

Fence blocks are cubic artificial materials. They are made from various solutions, which, after solidification, form a strong and solid structure.

Outwardly, they resemble brick, they are large in size. Most of the fence blocks are hollow. This structure allows you to obtain an optimal ratio of strength and low weight. There are also solid products that consist of solid concrete or other mortar.

Blocks are a versatile building material used to build not only fences, but also small posts or fences. Some manufacturers produce them in the form of prefabricated elements, which, when joined together, form a brick with an empty space inside. With these products, it is easy to hide metal fence posts, creating a consistent column and canvas style.

Fence blocks are used everywhere in construction, as they have several advantages:

• The construction of fences is accelerated several times. This is achieved not only due to the larger size, but also the correct geometric shape. Laying the rectangle does not take much time, since it is easy to align it in all planes.
• Low price. Blocks are made artificially, which reduces the cost of production in comparison with natural stone. This is also influenced by the large volume of the element, which can replace several bricks at once.

• Strength. This figure may vary depending on the structure of the product. Some blocks perfectly tolerate frost, do not absorb moisture, and also withstand significant loads.
• Minimal care. Fences made from these products can be used for a long time without restoration. At the same time, the top layer practically does not lose its original characteristics.
• Variety of designs. Many manufacturers supplement the top layer with various decorative effects. This allows you to use them when creating original landscape solutions. Blocks combine perfectly with metal, wood and other building materials.

• Blocks do not burn and do not sustain combustion. This makes them safe for use in factories and other specific locations.
• Durability. Some types of blocks can last up to 100 years, which is not always possible with bricks or wood.

Fence blocks do not always allow them to be used in specific conditions.

This is due to the following material disadvantages:

• Laying the substance takes a lot of physical effort, which is not always practical.
• Great weight. Only a strip foundation can withstand a fence made of blocks, which must be additionally constructed before starting to lay the material.
• High price. This feature is relative, as it all depends on the size of the fence and the products used.For example, a brick building will be much more expensive as more material will have to be spent.

Fence blocks are classified according to several criteria. Depending on the structure of the upper layer, they are distinguished by the following types.

These are common blocks that are used to build fences. They also have cavities inside, but the top layer is completely even. Outwardly, such products are unattractive, therefore they are often used to equip fences at industrial enterprises. They differ in significant weight, so their installation is not always convenient alone.

They are made from the same materials as the previous type. They differ in a textured outer layer that imitates a different structure. It is these blocks that are valued in construction and are used almost everywhere.

Clay, artificial stone and concrete are used in the production of blocks. But in the manufacture of such products, many fillers are used. Depending on this, several more types of materials can be distinguished.

Slag is used as a filler, which perfectly retains heat and is lightweight. Different types of this substance can change the shade of the block. This allows you to change its color, but without applying an additional layer of paint.

In their structure, they largely resemble the previous type, since expanded clay is fired clay. With its help, weight is reduced, and also texture is given to the block.

Almost no filler is used here. Such products are also called Besser, which corresponds to the well-known manufacturer of these blocks. Many manufacturers add gravel, screenings or crushed stone to the composition. They allow to strengthen the structure and increase the strength and durability of the blocks.

This group includes blocks that are obtained from various components using the technology of their foaming. The prominent representatives of foam blocks are gas silicate and aerated concrete products. Most manufacturers produce foam blocks in one piece, but there are also hollow versions.

Sand block products are used for the construction of pillars. These columnar materials can be small in size and weight. The standard block dimensions are 20x20x40 cm.

There are other dimensions on the market:

• 39x19x18.8 cm.
• 38x9.5x18.8 cm.
• 39x19x40 cm.

Today, all types of fence blocks are rectangular in shape. But they can only differ in the structure of the upper decorative layer. The simplest products are made with a smooth surface. The advantage of such options is their high-quality docking during installation. Outwardly, they do not carry any decorative load and are used only as a building material in places where decoration is not so important.

Particular attention should be paid to the decorative block, which has a torn surface. A rough structure is formed on the surface of these products, which resembles a chipped stone (the second name of these products). With the help of such products, it is easy to imitate almost any texture of natural materials. But the cost of such a block is much lower than natural products.

Today, many manufacturers are trying to diversify the style of the blocks in order to give them an attractive look. This expands the scope of their application and makes similar building materials more popular.

Intake blocks can simulate several types of substances:

• Brick.
• Slate.
• A natural stone.
• Tile.

To make them look natural, the blocks are painted in different colors.Colored constructions can be painted directly on site after installation. This approach is often used by designers to create unique structures and styles. Particular attention is paid to shades that are present in nature.

"Stone" products are suitable for almost any structure, as they can withstand high loads and are compatible with various construction approaches. If you are using even blocks, then they can be decorated with additional finishes. It is easy to stick ceramic tiles, natural stone or decorative plaster on a concrete surface.

Products based on concrete and its derivatives have been popular for quite some time. Many people buy blocks of this type, as they serve for a long time and reliably. The owners note the high strength of the fences, as well as their resistance to winds and other climatic factors. The products cope very well with the loads, and also minimize the costs of operating the fences.

Users consider the disadvantage of decorative elements to be poor adhesion of the paint to the concrete surface. According to reviews, over time, it begins to flake off and fall off. To restore the surface and give it its original appearance, it will be necessary to completely remove the old coating and apply a new coat of paint. But it all depends on the paints and varnishes used for decoration.

Working with intake blocks is not particularly difficult. But today, not everyone knows how to properly stack and monitor such substances.

Therefore, when constructing fences from such products, one should be guided by the following rules:

• Monolithic pillars of blocks must be at least as high as the fence itself. If you miss this, then you can get an unstable system. Experts recommend installing vertical supports at a distance of at least 3 m from each other.
• Columns are bound to the foundation. To do this, you should use the reinforcement, which is laid in the base even at the stage of its pouring. The location of the reinforcement depends only on the shape of the support that will connect the fence.

• The laying of blocks must necessarily assume their vertical and horizontal reinforcement. For this, reinforcement is placed between each row of elements in the solution, which connects all the components to each other. Vertical reinforcement is done with metal meshes. They are also inserted between blocks, but only in the vertical plane.
• A seam should be formed between each block, the thickness of which should be at least 1 cm. It is important to fill them completely, leaving no air voids. If they are present, this can lead to the rupture of the material by water during freezing, as well as a decrease in the strength of the structure.
• In construction, use only high-quality materials from well-known manufacturers. Cheap products are not always manufactured to standards, which reduces their strength characteristics

How to build a fence, see the next video.