How to make a fence from old slate - the trick of attaching a sheet. A fence made of flat or wave slate - saving to the maximum How to decorate a slate fence with your own hands

A slate fence is an economical and quickly erected structure, but does not differ in spectacular appearance. The fence has a sufficient level of reliability to protect the territory from the penetration of stray animals and unauthorized persons.

Advantages and disadvantages

When designing a fence, it is necessary to take into account the disadvantages of using slate. They can affect the durability and comfort of operation of the structure. Of the minuses, the following properties and characteristics of slate can be noted:

  • hygroscopicity, due to which the use of this material is recommended for regions with a moderately humid climate;
  • weight (at least 10 kg / m²), which requires the installation of powerful supports;
  • low degree of aesthetic appeal;
  • fragility, characterized by instability to mechanical stress, as a result of which the fence can be damaged by a stone from under the wheels of a passing car.

A fence made of slate has its advantages. They are often a decisive factor in favor of choosing this material for fencing:

  • Fire resistance.
  • UV resistant.
  • Durability (service life flat slate is at least 15 years, and the wave period is at least 20).
  • Low price.
  • Frost resistance.
  • Flexibility in processing.

If you choose between chain-link mesh and slate, the advantages of the second are obvious. But in all respects it loses to corrugated board, except for the price.

Types of slate for fencing

Slate is made from an asbestos-cement composition, which can include modifying additives in an amount of not more than 5% of the total volume of the mixture. There are 2 types of this material:

  • flat;
  • wave.

Each group has different types materials, the properties of which you need to know when choosing a method of fencing garden plot or home area.

Wave

A wave slate fence can hardly be called an aesthetically attractive design, but it is advantageous for its low price. In the first years of production of this material, only 1 type was produced. Subsequently, the range expanded and today you can buy slate with different heights and wave pitch. These 2 sheet parameters are indicated through a slash: 40/150 mm and 54/200 mm. The thickness of the sheets depends on their dimensions. The larger the canvas, the thicker it is.

In accordance with GOST, the following types of wave slate are distinguished:

  • sheet 175x112.5 cm, type 40/150 (6 waves), thickness 5.8 mm, weight 23.2 kg;
  • sheet 175x98 cm (7 waves), thickness 5.8 mm, weight 26.1 kg;
  • sheet 175x113.5 cm, type 40/150 (8 waves), thickness 5.8-7.5 mm, weight 26.1-35 kg.

Manufacturers can produce products in other sizes. Today the market offers painted wave and flat slates. The service life of these materials is 1.5 times higher than that of traditional gray slate. Strength is achieved by introducing special additives and pigments into the composition.

Flat

A flat slate fence has more advantages than a wave slate fence. Smooth flat sheets are easy to install and have greater strength due to the increased thickness. A wider range of sizes of canvases is also important. But first of all, you need to decide what kind of slate is required for the construction of the fence: pressed (LPP) or non-pressed (LNP). The corresponding abbreviation is on each asbestos-cement sheet.

Pressed flat slate has the best strength and other operational characteristics. But LDL also has its advantage: it is lighter in weight. LPP is a commonly used material for fencing various industrial and agricultural facilities. The demand is due to high strength, durability, suitability for re-assembly.

Metal

Metal slate is called popular construction material- corrugated board. These blades are made of sheet steel, galvanized and powder coated. A protective layer is applied over it, the thickness and composition of which can be different.

Manufacturers offer a wide range of corrugated sheets with different colors and wave profiles. Metal slate is more durable and aesthetically attractive than asbestos cement. But the price of these materials differs in favor of the second.

How to make a slate fence?

  1. In order to make a slate fence with your own hands, you need to calculate the amount of required materials.
  2. Determine the length of the fence along the perimeter.
  3. Subtract the distance required to install the gate and gate.
  4. Divide the resulting value by the width of the selected type of material. If the result is a fractional number, it is rounded up.
  5. Add 1-2 canvases for stock.
  6. If you buy a wave slate, take into account that it is laid with an overlap of 1 wave.

Choose the material of the pillars and their cross section. You can use metal or wooden supports. Consider that you will need hinged and feigned poles for arranging gates and wickets.

It is recommended to buy slate with a size of 175x113.5 cm. Be sure to pay attention to the thickness of the sheets. Not only the strength of the material depends on it, but also the ease of its installation. So, a sheet measuring 175x113.5 cm and 10 mm thick weighs 40 kg. And a similar canvas with a thickness of 8 mm - 30 kg.

Tool and material preparation

Metal supports are good for their strength and durability. In order to prevent the formation of rust, the poles are covered with anti-corrosion primer. You can use any compositions based on alkyd, epoxy, polyurethane, oil, polyvinyl chloride. If further painting of the supports is planned, anti-corrosion treatment of the metal is carried out in 2 stages:

  • if pipes with signs of rust, apply special primers for rust;
  • alkyd primer "GF 017" or epoxy "EP 076" is applied to pure metal;
  • after the first layer has dried, the pipes are covered with a second type of primer: a two-component primer for painting.

With such preparation, the supports for the fence and gate will last for many years. But in order for them to be stable, they need to be installed correctly. The optimal cross-section of pipes is 50 mm. If it is decided to install wooden supports, they are also prepared by covering them with a protective antiseptic primer. Optimal cross section wooden poles- 100x100 mm.

Choose and buy slate. Cloths are stored in the place where they will be protected from accidental impact. If wave material is purchased, The best way stacking - without displacement of waves horizontally.

A slate fence is erected in different ways:

  • install flat canvases in frames welded from metal corners;
  • a concrete tape is poured and slate sheets rest on it;
  • fasten the canvases to the poles with the help of self-tapping screws and screws, reinforce the structure with veins.

To perform the work you will need tools:

  • grinder with a disk for metal (for trimming metal poles and frames from the corners);
  • screwdriver with drills (if wooden poles are installed);
  • roulette;
  • bubble level;
  • plumb;
  • fasteners (wood screws for wooden supports, screws with nuts for metal ones);
  • pegs and rope for marking.

Frame device

In order to build a slate fence, first of all, mark the site. Pegs are driven in at its corner points. If the distance between them is too great, intermediate ones are driven in. Stretch a rope between these supports. Then follow the step by step instructions:

  1. With the help of a tape measure, they find the places for installing the pillars. The optimal distance between them is 2-2.5 m.
  2. At the points found, pits are dug with a hand drill or with a shovel. Each post should be set 1/3 into the ground. At the same time, its lower end should be buried 20-30 cm below the freezing point of the soil in the construction region. In this case, the column will not change its vertical position during seasonal soil movements associated with the processes of freezing or thawing.
  3. The lower part of the pillars, intended for immersion in the ground, is waterproofed with coating insulation - bitumen-based mastic. Special attention give to the ends.
  4. The bottom of each pit is leveled and compacted.
  5. Pour a layer of sand 5-7 cm thick on the bottom and ram it.
  6. Pour 10 cm of gravel on the sand and compact it.
  7. Install the pole and align it vertically using a level and jibs.
  8. The pit is either filled with concrete or filled with gravel, with each layer carefully compacted.
  9. Install all poles.
  10. Wooden logs (veins) are mounted between the supports from boards or metal pipes. You can use the corner.

For greater stability of the fence, a formwork is mounted along its line and a concrete tape is poured with pillars embedded in it. But this stage of work is not required.

Sheet mounting

Do-it-yourself slate fence is built by installing sheets one by one and fixing them with self-tapping screws or screws. The simplest but reliable way fixing asbestos-cement sheets - on nails. In this process, dexterity is important so as not to break the slate fence by accidentally hitting it with a hammer. If screws are used to fasten the sheets, a wrench is required.

It is important to install the first canvas correctly, carefully aligning it horizontally. All the following sheets are mounted, focusing on the first. You can do the following: install the first and last sheet in the same fence line and pull a thin rope between these canvases. It is important to ensure that it does not sag and, if necessary, install intermediate canvases.

Finishing and decoration

The gray slate fence has an unsightly and dull look. There are several options for its design, each of which is able to give the fence an aesthetic appeal. Metal corners installed along the bottom and top lines of the canvases will provide the fence with a finished look. Metal can be painted with any suitable moisture resistant paint.

Slate is also painted. This will not only give it visual appeal, but also provide resistance to moisture. Recommended for staining slate acrylic paints. Before starting work, you need to decide how the paint will be applied: with a brush or spray gun. The second option is most preferable, since slate has a porous, difficult to paint surface. The composition applied by spraying will penetrate into all cracks and create a durable waterproof layer.

In order for the finishing layer to be firmly held on the surface of the slate, all fencing sheets are pre-coated with a deep penetration primer. Choose a composition that is recommended for surface treatment before painting. There are also special paints for slate, but not every building supermarket can buy them.

Another way to decorate the fence is to plant climbing plants along the fence. Growing, they will fill all the sheets, pillars and veins. Appearance the fence will resemble a hedge with its beauty.

Despite the low price of slate, fencing from it cannot be called the most inexpensive. But it is cheaper than brick or corrugated board. At self installation fence can save on installation work.

Do-it-yourself slate fence: options and installation

Do-it-yourself slate fence - step by step instructions with photos and videos

Currently, there is an incredible amount of various building materials on the market. For the construction of the fence there you can find hundreds of variations. Each of them has its pros and cons.

Some options are beautiful, but expensive, some are difficult to install, some imitate any material. The top choice for building fences with your own hands is slate. Here we will consider it in more detail.

Types of slate sheets (table)

Instruments

For normal uninterrupted work on the installation of the fence, you need to get a grinder, a drill, a welding machine, a set wrenches, building level, plumb line, construction hammer and cord.

From materials, take care of the availability in advance desired type slate, steel corners 5x8.5 centimeters, steel pipes from which the posts will be made, wooden beams 5x13 centimeters, wooden round log, bolts, nuts, fasteners, hex self-tapping screws, concrete, oil paint, bitumen and anti-corrosion compounds.

Fence base

Fence installation scheme

There are two types of base for a slate fence:

  • Columnar. Support pillars with a crate are installed with a certain distance from each other. They are not connected to each other.
  • Tape base. This is the base, which is made of concrete around the entire perimeter of the future fence and pillars are embedded in it.

To choose the right base, you need to clearly understand which of them is most suitable for which type. For example, to build a fence using metal slate, it would be more economical to use a columnar base.

This lightweight design does not require a strong base. But the asbestos concrete fence requires a strip foundation.

Moreover, if the fence is made of flat slate, then in addition to concrete base, each of the sheets is usually enclosed in metal frames.

Sometimes an asbestos-cement fence is installed without a powerful concrete foundation, but then the supporting structures must be massive and well buried. And it happens that flat fence slabs are buried directly into the ground and fastened together with the same supporting pillars.

Tape base

Strip foundation with supporting pillars

This is a reinforced concrete strip, part of which goes into the ground, and part rises above its surface. The heavier structure you are going to hoist on the base, the wider and deeper it should be.

Territory marking: diagrams and drawings

Territory marking scheme

  1. In order to correctly mark the territory, you need to carefully study the site plan in the cadastral passport.
  2. Start marking from any corner using pegs and rope.
  3. Set 2 pegs, at a distance of the width of the base and connect them with a wooden lath.
  4. Measure the distance for the fence and put more pegs connected by a rail.
  5. Thus, mark all corners.
  6. Stretch the ropes between the pegs. Thus, the markup of the future base is obtained.

The evenness of the entire structure in the future depends on how even the markup is made. No need to mess around at this stage.

Digging a trench

A trench in which a sand and gravel pillow is poured

  1. According to the markup, it is necessary to dig a trench. Its depth should be 30-40 centimeters.
  2. Now, using a drill, make holes for the support pillars. The diameter of the pits should be 10–12 centimeters larger than the diameter of the pillars.

    Drilling holes for support posts

  3. If the fence is made of asbestos concrete slate, then two or three sheets of slate, located with an overlap, should fit into the distance between two adjacent supports. Between the supports, 2-3 more horizontal logs are made, to which the slate also needs to be attached. The pillars of the supports should go underground for a meter.
  4. Between supporting structures defined maximum distance. It is 2.5 meters. But sometimes they do more. In this case, a hole must be drilled between the supporting pillars, where a concrete amplifier is arranged. It makes reinforced concrete tape stiffer.

Filling the base

  1. Pour a sand cushion into the trench with a layer of 10-15 centimeters, on it a pillow of crushed stone 8-10 centimeters. Each of the layers must be well compacted.
  2. Now install the support posts in the drilled holes.

    Control their horizontalness with the help of a building level or a plumb line.

  3. Fill the free space of the pit around the post with concrete mortar. There you can also add a kind of spacers, from stones selected by size.
  4. Now you need to give a day for the concrete to set.

    Installation of pillars

  5. It's time to weld or screw the horizontal joists to the supports. There should be the same distance between them.
  6. It is better to equip fences made of metal slate or flat slate made of asbestos cement with rolled steel lags. And wavy asbestos-cement slate is better suited for wooden logs.
  7. Now you need to make a sand and gravel pillow for the trench. Each layer must be well compacted.
  8. The next step is reinforcement. The rods are fastened to each other with a wire twist. Top part reinforcing mesh should be about 3 centimeters lower than the future foundation surface.
  9. Now you need to install the formwork. It can be made of wood, and removed at the end of all work. And you can make from flat slate. Then the formwork does not have to be removed. It can protrude 20-50 centimeters above the ground surface.

    Formwork and reinforcement of the strip foundation for a slate fence

  10. Now in one step you need to fill the trench with concrete mortar.
  11. Now it remains to level the surface, let it dry (at least 8-10 days) and you can install a slate sheet.

Installation of a column foundation

Installation of support poles

Installing the posts that will act as a frame is the first thing to do when you start building a lightweight slate fence. To do this, dig holes around the perimeter of the future fence in increments of 300 centimeters. The depth of the pits should be approximately 500 millimeters.

Insert pipes of the same length into these holes. In advance, in these pipes you need to drill several holes where they will be inserted fasteners. Metal logs are attached to these elements, and slate is already laid on them.

The part of the pipe that goes into the ground is treated with an anti-corrosion agent and molten bitumen, to which a little solvent has been added.

Finished support poles

Place the pipes in the dug holes and pour concrete into the holes. In order for the solution to evenly fill the recess space and prevent voids from appearing, pierce the poured cement several times with a sharp rod in different places.

With a building level, check whether the pillars are strictly vertical. If everything is in order, fix them with temporary props. After the concrete has dried, the supports can be removed.

Build 2-3 vertical logs between the supporting pillars.

Fence frame with supporting posts and lags

Here is our foundation. The time has come to fasten the sheets of slate that you have chosen. If these are sheets of metal, then it is easiest to work with them. They are fixed with special self-tapping screws with press washers and rubber gaskets. The heads of such self-tapping screws are painted in different colors, so they can be matched to the color of slate.

Self-tapping screws that attach metal slate to the crate

Metal slate is screwed to the lags with these self-tapping screws in the lower parts of the wave.

Scheme of fastening metal slate

Asbestos-concrete wave slate is fixed in the upper part of the wave with slate nails or self-tapping screws, under which it is necessary to make holes in advance with a drill with a special drill. When the fasteners are driven in or screwed into the slate, special rubberized gaskets are put on them.

Scheme of fastening asbestos-cement wave slate

The exposure of the first row of slate is controlled by the level. It must be strictly vertical, because it gives direction to the entire wall of the fence.

Framed flat slate

For reliable fastening of flat slate, it is not necessary to construct vertical logs between the supporting pillars. As mentioned earlier, they can be fixed in a metal frame.

It is made according to the size of slate sheets from metal corners. First, this frame is made, then it is welded to the supporting structures, and lastly a flat sheet of slate is installed in it.

To keep the slate in place, special metal stoppers are welded to the back of the frame.

Flat slate can also be mounted on the principle of the previous types, to the logs. But then it will need to make additional holes for fasteners, which will greatly weaken it before mechanical stress.

Finishing and decorating a slate fence + examples in the photo

To the metal profile fence for the finished general view, you can add special fittings, for example, complement the corners of various sizes, U-shaped strips, etc. They come in different colors. You can buy them in the color of slate or make them contrasting.

Fittings on a metal fence

To transform flat slate, you need to pick up paint brushes. Of course, you can paint it in one color. Or you can connect your imagination and depict some kind of masterpiece on it.

Painting on a flat fence

By the way, the coloring of asbestos concrete slate has not only a decorative function. The paint prevents moisture from entering the porous structure of the material, which can freeze in the cold and deform the material.

Wave slate is also painted. But in today's market, you can buy it already painted.

Painted wave asbestos concrete slate

How to make your own slate fence

Slate fencing, as it becomes clear, is a simple construction process that does not require large financial costs and a lot of time. He will cope well with his immediate tasks and give the site a finished, neat look. If you opted for a slate fence, then the above instructions will help you. Good luck!

  • Olga Morozova
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Source: //grounde.ru/zabor-iz-shifera-svoimi-rukami.html

How to make a slate fence with your own hands - step by step instructions, construction options and decorations with photos and videos

It is easy to build a fence from an inexpensive and reliable material. It is enough to deal with fasteners, markings and a plan for future construction. For example, a slate fence will last longer than an untreated board.

Yes, and in the private sector they try to use even the old roofing material- from it you can make a fence of the back of the site. It turns out that both new and already used slate is suitable for work.

Features of using slate for the construction of a fence

Slate is one of the simplest and most inexpensive materials for making a fence. Moreover, any side of the fence will look neat. Modern slate is suitable for both rural areas and for houses in the city.

The slate is made of asbestos cement, so there is no need to wait for maximum strength. It is easy to guess that even the thinnest iron is more stable. However, there are developments in the use of slate.

It is advisable to place the front part of the fence away from the road so that random debris from under the wheels does not damage the sheets.

And the usual barriers between neighboring areas are easiest to make from slate, even one person can handle such work.

This material has been known for a long time. It is obtained by mixing Portland cement, asbestos and water. Evenly distributed asbestos fibers form a strong mesh that increases the impact strength and tensile strength of the material.

Advantages and disadvantages of using slate fence

Advantages:

  • low cost;
  • average fire resistance;
  • the possibility of decorative processing with any paint;
  • simple installation.

Of the shortcomings:

  • asbestos in the composition is not an environmentally friendly material;
  • explodes when heated;
  • service life depends on the specific location. And the lower the temperature winter time the faster cracks will appear. If you protect with acrylic (paint), then the service life will increase;
  • protection is required when working with slate. Construction respirators must be worn so that dust does not enter the respiratory tract.

Types of slate used for fences

Wave sheets created from asbestos cement have a curly shape. The material has the following advantages:

  1. Does not burn.
  2. Will not deform due to weather conditions.
  3. Withstands any significant load.
  4. Not subject to corrosion.
  5. Does not deteriorate due to moisture or dampness.
  6. Does not overheat in the sun.
  7. It is inexpensive.
  8. Sold at any hardware store.

    Wavy slate does not burn and does not deform from moisture and cold

Flat sheets of slate have the same composition, the difference is only in the form.

Flat slate is made of the same materials as wavy slate and has the same advantages.

Both types of slate have flaws that can be ironed out. The appearance of the material deteriorates somewhat over the years, fades, fades. However, if you cover it with special substances, this can be prevented.

//vamzabor.net/drugie-materialy/zabor-iz-shifera.html

Flat or wave slate for a fence is a weak, more precisely, material that is fragile in bending. Do not forget about the weight of such a building unit, it is quite large compared to the same metal sheet.

If you decide to buy slate, and not use the old one from the roof of a house or outbuilding, then you should keep in mind that it is easier to mount and ship flat sheets.

Do-it-yourself slate fence installation

Making a slate fence is easy. On a not very large area, such work can be done in a few days.

Preparation for construction: marking the territory

There is no important feature in the layout of the slate fence. This working moment is the same as the layout for any type of fence. To begin with, it is worth clearing the part of the territory where construction will be carried out.

Next, you need to pull the thread and install it in such a way that along the entire length it repeats the line of the future fence. The markings are usually fixed to pegs, posts, steel reinforcement or any other remnant of building material.

Accuracy in size and the location of the thread along the entire length of the future slate fence is the main requirement for marking.

When calculating the building material, it turns out the required number of pillars for the entire fence. In the process of marking, it is necessary to accurately put a landmark in their place.

A specific distance is maintained between each pillar, with a careless attitude to this stage, further work will only become more difficult. After all, all sheets of slate have the same size.

It is under him that they plan to mark the pillars.

The choice of material and its dimensions

A good construction market or supermarket can offer:

  • euroslate, he is ondulin; Ondulin is produced painted in different colors
  • asbestos cement slate; Ordinary wavy slate has a natural grayish tint. On sale there are also painted varieties of such material.
  • plastic slate. Plastic slate looks like classic asbestos, but weighs less and is easier to install

All of these materials are designed for roofing, but are also great for fences. When choosing, you need to focus on the characteristics:

  • plasticity;
  • stiffness;
  • hardness.

When buying a new fence material, many prefer flexible slate. It certainly won't be blown away by strong winds. Such a building material has a rectangular shape, its surface is either flat or wavy. The downside is this: the declared service life is only 15 years, and every 5 years it is necessary to replace the protective layer. The interior of the flexible slate is subject to burning.

: flexible polycarbonate slate

Calculation of the required amount of material

The standard dimensions of wave slate are 1750 by 1135 millimeters.

The long side of the sheet is usually attached horizontally. Wave material must be mounted on an overlapping fence, for which there is a margin of 125 mm. This makes it easier to calculate the length of the fence. It is easy to guess that for 1 meter of construction you will need one sheet, set horizontally by a wave.

Interestingly, it is when working with wave slate that you should not be afraid of incorrect marking, because the sheets can hide all the errors between the pillars.

Flat material is available in four sizes:

  1. Length 3 meters, width 1.5 meters.
  2. Length 2 meters, width 1.5 meters.
  3. Length 1.75 meters, width 1.13 meters.
  4. Length 1.5 meters, width 1 meter.

Most often they try to buy the third option, paying attention to the thickness. This parameter should be equal to 10 mm, then the sheet itself will weigh 40 kg. For comparison: a thickness of 8 mm is already lighter - 30 kg.

Calculating the amount of material is very simple: you need to measure the total length of the fence and divide by one sheet. More precisely, by the amount that remains without overlap. Having received the required number of units, it is necessary to purchase with a margin of 2 or 3 pieces.

An example of calculating the number of sheets of wave slate

Assume that the total length of the perimeter is 40 meters. The wave slate 1750 by 1135 mm in the amount of 40 units is being worked on (the working surface of one sheet is 1 m). With a margin, they buy not 40 sheets, but 42-43, because marriage and mistakes in construction are inevitable.

Necessary tools for building a fence

When installing on your own, it’s better to work in pairs, but you can’t do it without the following set of tools:

  • grinder or screwdriver with a cutting nozzle;
  • drill;
  • welding machine;
  • spanners;
  • levels;
  • plumb;
  • construction hammers;
  • fixing bolts.

Step by step guide to making a slate fence

The work is performed in the following sequence:

  1. Using a hand drill around the perimeter of the marking, arrange holes for the poles. When there is no such tool, they take an ordinary shovel to work and carefully dig deep, but not wide holes. They try to make sure that further pouring with a solution is economical. Pits are made one third of the length of the pillars.

    It is better to make the pit smaller, otherwise a lot of mortar will go away

  2. Install poles. Corners from a metal profile or pieces of pipes can serve as a support. These components, together with the pillar, must subsequently be poured with concrete or cement. The distance between the posts is no more than two and a half meters.

    A monolithic fence frame is assembled from a metal profile or pipes, concreting them in the ground

  3. Install veins. Between the pillars, you need to fix horizontal strips, which are usually made of timber, and in budget construction - from poles. These elements must be fixed with screws. If the veins are made from profile pipe, they are mounted using welding machine. In the absence of such a tool, you can drill holes in iron posts and fasten any kind of pole to the bolts. When this part of the work is done, it is desirable to protect the fence frame with automotive mastic. Usually they try to apply more than one layer, then the frame structure will be completely protected from corrosion.

    In the absence of a welding machine, all connections can be made using bolts

  4. Lay out the preparatory base along the entire fence line. An old brick is being put into work, a special platform is being poured less often.

    Filling protects the slate sheets from contact with the ground and prevents the penetration of small animals

  5. Install the fence sheet. Sheets of slate are alternately fixed on the frame with nails or self-tapping screws.

    The slate is attached to the frame with nails or self-tapping screws. Nails that go beyond the border of the frame must be bent

: how to paint fence posts

Finishing and decorating a slate fence

It is not difficult to protect, decorate and maintain this type of fence. It is enough to follow some established rules:

  1. The slate sheet is not attached to the very surface of the earth. They maintain a distance of 10–15 centimeters from the lowest point, arranging a special backfill below. Thus, the material will remain dry.

    Slate sheets are mounted at a height of 10–15 cm from the ground. From below make a special bedding or concrete pouring

  2. To increase the life of the fence, it is better to use slate sheets, acrylic coating. This is an outdoor paint that is resistant to any temperature changes.
  3. Garden crops are not planted near the fence, because gradually growing trees can destroy the leaf or create a crack in it.

Any mechanical damage to the slate is thought out in advance, otherwise its service life is reduced several times.

: installing a slate fence

Slate was invented for roofing, but it is not always worth creating reliable fences or barriers from it.

They stop on this material only if there is a large residue after construction or there is no suitable modern material in the shop.

While in the back alleys of the countryside, where the likelihood of theft good material too high, nailing the old slate to the poles would be the best solution.

  • Mikhail Komov
  • print

Source: //legkovmeste.ru/stroitelstvo-i-remont/zabor-iz-shifera-svoimi-rukami.html

Economical and practical slate fence

You can protect your home or summer cottage from uninvited guests with a fence. Currently, there are many types of material that can be used to build a fence, but slate is considered one of the most popular.

A slate fence is one of the simplest and most affordable constructions for every inhabitant of the country, which could be seen especially often several decades ago - during the extension period, when there was not much choice.

In our modern time, the building materials market is full of new unique and practical types of the same slate that everyone loves. But even the most ordinary slate slate has not lost its popularity and is still in great demand.

But before you buy slate, you need to accurately understand its types in order to make the best choice.

A beautiful and practical fence made of flat slate in a frame made of a metal corner

Varieties of slate

All varieties of slate existing in the world can be divided into several groups:

In addition, each type has its own price.

  1. Natural slate slate is a slate plate that can be of different sizes. The original appearance and incomparable structure allow using it to create elite roofs on any building. This species has a number positive sides and shortcomings, therefore, before choosing it, you need to weigh the pros and cons.
  2. Asbestos-cement slate is wavy or flat - these are profiled sheets or just plain ones made of asbestos cement. Most often you can find a gray color, but today manufacturers offer color options, in which, moreover, the wave can be of different sizes. Increasingly, the consumer opts for a color version, and all because it is additionally covered with a protective layer.
  3. Euroslate is a modern roofing material, which includes Ondulin, Nulin, Ondura, Aqualine and others. All these materials differ in production technology. It is made from pressed cellulose, and the binder of materials is a polymer. During the pressing process, it is saturated with bitumen vapor, which ultimately allows you to create a waterproof structure.
  4. Plastic slate. This type is created from a high-quality polymer with different physical characteristics, and most often it is transparent with a slight tint. This type is used for arranging a roof for architectural solutions where a large amount of daylight penetration is simply necessary, such as in swimming pools, greenhouses or verandas.
  5. Rubber slate is created from fiberglass waste, secondary raw materials from the production and processing of rubber using the pressing method. With its high strength, this material is lightweight and is mainly used for arranging roofs.

There are many types of slate, but asbestos-cement is best suited for arranging a hedge, but it has a number of pros and cons, and before you buy it, it’s better to weigh them right away.

A slate fence can be installed on a foundation or just on the ground

The positive aspects of a slate fence

To accurately identify all the advantages of slate, it is better to consider its features and characteristics:

  • Slate is a material with a moderate price, which means that anyone with an average income can purchase it. Therefore, a do-it-yourself slate fence will be inexpensive, but do not forget that in order to equip it, you will additionally need to purchase support poles, fasteners and a frame. It is also worth saying that the wave type will be cheaper than the flat one, and the owner of the plot decides which one to choose.
  • This type of fence can last a long time if it is not subject to mechanical stress, which he does not like.
  • It is also worth saying that this material does not burn, but at high temperatures it can crack.
  • It endures any temperature fluctuations, does not react to changes, as, for example, corrugated board.
  • Slate is easy to care for and process, it can be washed, brushed, including metal, if you want, even coated with colorants. If you want to make a colored fence, then you can just look at the already colored slate, the variety of shades is huge.
  • Slate has medium soundproofing properties. It will not be able to reduce the noise level from cars passing near the house, but if rain or hail drums on it, then there is less sound compared to profiled sheet or sheet metal.
  • This type of fencing can be easily repaired, if necessary, for this it is worth removing only the damaged section. In addition, slate is non-conductive, resistant to corrosion and chemicals and does not transmit light.

Despite the fact that slate has a lot of advantages, it also has disadvantages and you need to know about them before choosing this particular material for building a fence.

A slate fence does not always look presentable, so it is better to paint it

Negative sides of slate

  • The first thing every person should know is that slate is dangerous to health because asbestos is present in its composition. But if the slate is on the street and the person does not breathe it, then it will not bring any harm.
  • The slate fence is quite heavy and all because the material itself has a lot of weight. This can create some inconvenience when building a fence, but the help of a helper will solve this problem. You also need to consider good load-bearing structure otherwise, over time, due to the large weight, the fence may tilt.
  • It is also worth remembering that a slate fence installed in a humid climate will not last long, it will begin to darken, become covered with moss and crack.
  • Slate is a rather fragile material, it will not withstand loads - any blow will leave a crack or even a hole on it, which will lead to repair work. Over time, when from its weight it begins to roll in the base area, cracks may appear, which over time will lead to the fact that part of the fence simply becomes unusable.
  • Little aesthetic. If we compare wave slate with other materials that can be used to build a fence, then it looks completely unpresentable. If the choice is to stop at the color version, then you can slightly correct the situation, but it will have to be painted almost every year. But with a flat slate fence, everything is much better, it is more decorative.

There are many other pros and cons of a slate fence, but they are all, most likely, individual. It all depends on installation, care, climate and other factors. After the slate is selected, you can proceed with the installation of the fence, and it all starts with the preparatory work.

A fence made of plastic slate looks very beautiful and will decorate any area.

Preparation for installation work

To build a slate fence, each person will be able to independently, it is not necessary to have special skills, because there is nothing complicated about it. A special tool is also not needed, everything can be done with a tool that is available in every home.

Before proceeding with the installation of the fence, it is worth deciding on the place where it will stand.

If necessary, clean the perimeter of debris, thickets and large stones.

After that, you need to make calculations in order to purchase the entire necessary material exactly according to needs. There must be at hand: metal pipes for support pillars, corners for making a frame, slate sheets.

You also need to purchase mounting material: bolts, nuts, screws.

In addition, you will need a tool: a grinder with abrasive wheels and a drill with a set of drills. It is also good to have a welding machine on hand. metal elements, set of wrenches, hammer, screwdrivers.

Also, to control the evenness of the erection of the fence, you need to stock up on a plumb line, cord and level.

Professional craftsmen advise making the base for the slate fence made of concrete, so you will need to stock up on sand, gravel and cement, if after the construction it is planned to paint the fence, then paint will be required.

It is easy to repair a damaged section, while disassembling the entire fence is not required.

Step-by-step instructions for building a slate fence

  1. You need to start building the fence with your own hands with a mark.
  2. Further, with the help of a drill, you need to make holes, you can use a shovel, around the entire perimeter at the places where the pillars are installed. They should be located at the same distance - no more than 3 meters, and a depth of 50 cm.
  3. After you can install the pillars, in our case it is metal pipes, which are treated with an anti-corrosion compound and set strictly according to the level and are well fixed with concrete. Be sure to let the concrete harden well - a couple of days will be enough.
  4. After the supports are already installed, you can begin to assemble the frame.

    For these purposes, well suited metal corner or wooden bars, and it is recommended to fix them to the supports with screws.

  5. Although it will be faster and more reliable to fix the metal corner by welding, and then be sure to cover it with mastic to protect it from corrosion. After the entire frame is completely made, you can proceed to the next stage - the arrangement of the foundation.
  6. You can make a foundation from brick or concrete, but you need to make a formwork for it. Experts say that a brick foundation will look beautiful, but a concrete one is more practical.
  7. The final stage is the fastening of the slate sheets to the frame.

    During these works, you need to ensure that they are fastened as evenly as possible.

That's all the wave slate fence is ready, in the same way you can build a fence from a flat one. Professional craftsmen advise to cover the slate with paint to protect it from various external influences.

Pre-finished metal pipes are perfect for slate fence supports

How to properly care for a slate fence?

This type of fencing is very easy to build and does not require the help of a professional, in addition, it can also be easily maintained.

Be sure to take into account all the subtleties in the arrangement, otherwise the fence will not last long.

Some masters advise not to use the foundation, but to install slate sheets directly on the ground, but here it all depends on how the owner of the site wishes and what his financial capabilities are.

It is also not advised to plant trees as close as possible to the fence, otherwise they can damage it during a strong wind.

If you take into account all our recommendations, then you can build a good and practical slate fence, which will not only decorate the site with its appearance, but also protect it from intruders. In addition, it will be inexpensive, which is very important for many cottage owners.

Slate is a material not so popular for fencing. For fences, elements left from the roof are mainly used, but sheets have appeared on sale that do not need decoration and additional finishing. And in skillful hands a slate fence will decorate the estate with little spending.

Depending on the raw materials used, it differs in structure, shape, working properties.

Users often search:

Let's analyze each type in detail.

Asbestos-cement

Standard slate. Suitable for both roof and fence. Sheets are obtained by pouring a mixture of asbestos, cement and water into molds. Asbestos fibers create a strong mesh, which increases the strength, resistance of the material to stress. Available flat or wavy.


Photo: the use of asbestos-cement slate for fencing the territory

Among the important advantages of using sheets for the construction of a slate fence, it is worth noting:


Of the minuses - fragility. When falling, the sheets crack or break into pieces. If damaged, the wavy elements are no longer subject to repair, while the flat ones are reconstructed with the help of metal overlay plates.

In addition, during the cutting of slate, caustic asbestos dust is released, which is harmful to the respiratory system. Therefore, you need to work in a protective mask or respirator.

slate

Natural material. It looks like stone plates of different sizes. Most often used in the arrangement of the roof.


Photo: the roof of the southern house is made of natural (slate) slate

For fences, it is used as an auxiliary material when it is necessary to decorate concrete or combined sections. Differs in durability, resistance to influences of environment, does not need additional finishing.

Other types

In the building materials market you can find:

  1. plastic slate. The basis is a high-quality polymer. It has different degrees of light transmission. It is applied to a roof, walls in summer arbors, greenhouses. In addition to metal frame will be a beautiful fence.
  2. Euroslate. This name was given to Ondulin, Aqualine, Nulin and other roofing materials. Have different technologies production, but each type is based on polymer and pressed cellulose. Waterproof. Not applicable for fence construction.
  3. Rubber. Composition - recycled rubber, fiberglass waste. Obtained by pressing. It has light weight and high strength. It is rarely used for the construction of fences, more often for roofing.

Photo: polycarbonate fence

There are other types of slate, but when planning the construction of a fence, you should choose asbestos cement. The design will turn out to be inexpensive, it will not be difficult to make it even for one, and with the right painting, it will look beautiful.

Sheet types: dimensions, working properties, cost

A homogeneous mixture of asbestos, cement and water is put into molds and pressed, and then dried at high temperatures.

The result is a wavy or flat slate. We will analyze the nuances of each of the materials.

flat

In accordance with GOST 18124–95, such sheets are:

  1. Pressed (LP-P). It has a high level of strength - 23 MPa (kgf / cm 3), which is many times more than the second type. Impact strength - 2.5 kJ / sq. m. Heavy in weight. Frost-resistant. To obtain robust design, it is recommended to install a fence from flat pressed slate.
  2. Unpressed (LP-NP). For many technical specifications yields to pressed ones. Bending strength does not exceed 18 MPa. The only advantages are light weight, low price.

The most popular sheet sizes are:

  • 2*1.5m;
  • 1*1.5m;
  • 3*1.5 m.

Thickness from 6 to 10 mm.

The use of flat slate requires the arrangement of a reliable foundation and fasteners. The average price is 700-800 rubles. for 1 sheet.

Mounting to poles is carried out in two ways:


The first option is considered more durable, since the frame protects the edges of the sheet from damage. At the same time, the slate remains solid without holes. The frame must be attached to the supports by welding.

The second option is easier. Using a similar technology, wavy elements are mounted.

wave

Three types are produced:

  1. IN. Wave sheet with regular profile. Length - 112 cm, width - 68 cm. It is used for arranging the roof of buildings with a height of not more than 15 m.
  2. VU. Reinforced wave. Length - 280 cm, width - 100 cm. It is used as a facing material for roofs of industrial and industrial enterprises.
  3. SW. Unified Wave. Length - 175 cm, width - 112.5 cm. It is considered universal, since it is used both for the roof of private houses, industrial areas, and for various types of fences.

The unified sheet profile is considered the best for a reliable wave slate fence, because it has a high density, a convenient working width.

The minimum weight of 1 sheet is 18.5 kg, the maximum is 26 kg, the thickness is up to 7.5 mm.

Running slate dimensions:

  • 1.75*1.125 m for 8 waves;
  • 1.75*0.98 for 7 waves.

The average price of a standard sheet is from 200 rubles.

The elements are fastened to metal or wooden joists. In this case, the pillars can be made of different materials.

Often they buy colored sheets that do not need finishing, but cost at least 50% more than standard ones.

Do-it-yourself step-by-step installation of a slate fence

The construction instructions are in many ways similar to the erection of a corrugated fence, but there are still differences in the set of tools, the order of fasteners, and the finishing of sheets.

A preliminary cost estimate is drawn up, the total cost of the work is calculated.

The location of the future structure is correctly selected, taking into account the requirements of SNiP, so that in the future there will be no disagreements with neighbors.


Slate fence scheme: section width 2500 mm, frame height 1800 mm, sheet height 2000 mm, post driving depth 1200 mm.

Necessary materials, tools

Their list is as follows:


Safety precautions should not be neglected. Work should be carried out in overalls, when cutting sheets into parts, wear a respirator, an eye mask.

Marking, foundation

After preparing tools and materials, you need to proceed to cleaning the surface of the earth at the construction site from plants, roots, and debris. Excess soil can be taken out with a wheelbarrow to the garden.

The foundation is selected not only according to the load. An important role is played by the relief features of the site.

Under the slate fence, it is allowed to equip both strip and columnar foundations, and other bases.

Pole installation

Wooden or metal ones are often chosen for wavy slate, for flat sheets.

In rare cases, erected and mounted.

For a durable fence, metal poles are chosen, attaching other elements to them by welding.

lag mount

Let's give an example of an inexpensive option for a fence - fixing wooden logs to metal poles.

Work order:

  1. We prepare the required elements immediately after pouring the foundation. Then there will be no downtime.
  2. We cut the steel corner with a grinder into strips 200–250 mm long.
  3. We drill holes along the edges so that it is convenient to fasten the logs from the timber.
  4. We weld the strips to the supports in two places: with an indent from the top by 200 mm and from the bottom.
  5. We treat the timber for the log with an antiseptic. It is recommended to take a section of 50 * 130 mm.
  6. We drill holes through the prepared places. We fix the beam to the supports with coupling bolts.

If you use profile pipes for fastening, then the procedure is performed as with steel corner, and without it, only by welding.

Sheet mounting

Fastening of flat sheets is carried out in a pre-prepared frame of steel corners.

There is an alternative, more popular and simple, but it is inferior in reliability. Suitable for wave, flat slate.

The order is as follows:


If you need to cut the sheet into pieces, you should moisten it with water beforehand so that less asbestos dust is released during cutting.

How to paint the fence, the choice of paintwork

Slate processing provides the following benefits:

  • prolongs the life of the sheets, prevents the appearance of cracks;
  • the surface does not gather dust, looks smoother;
  • you can give the fence the color you need, the degree of haze;
  • protects slate from the formation and development of moss, lichen;
  • the fence looks nicer.

You need to choose paints and varnishes carefully, since not all compositions are suitable for processing a slate surface.

  • alkyd;
  • acrylic;
  • silicone (organosilicon);
  • enamel type "liquid plastic".

For pre-treatment, special protective primers are used. You need to choose them so that they are compatible with the paint.

It is worth noting that when using most paints, priming is optional, with the exception of acrylic.

It is this type that is considered the best for a slate surface despite the high cost. It protects against fading, creates a protective film.

Primer, paint is applied with any convenient tool:

  • roller;
  • brush;
  • spray gun.

Popular colors are:

  • Brown;
  • green;
  • Red.

But if the desired tone is not in the finished form, you can apply tinting, that is, add a tinting dye of the desired shade to the purchased paint, which is purchased separately. Stir better with a construction mixer.

How to paint slate

The consumption of the product per linear meter depends on the chosen method of application (brush, roller, spray gun). Approximate figures are always indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging.

  1. Basic . The entire surface with ends, joints, corners is stained.
  2. Finishing. Apply after the first one has dried. Gives the structure a uniform uniform color.

If necessary, the number of layers can be increased, but it is up to you to decide whether to do this or not.

Fence decoration

You can decorate the fence not only by painting in one color.

Many owners acquire ready-made colored sheets of contrasting tones, alternating them with each other. Due to this, the structure turns out to be brighter and more interesting.

Multi-colored ornaments and landscapes look beautiful on slate. Such a fence will have no analogues, it will become a real author's work.

The option of decor with a stone is allowed. But this is an expensive solution and is rarely used by hosts.

Photo gallery

The photo below shows different ways of mounting sections of slate, interesting ideas embellishments of such structures.

Despite the fact that slate is not so in demand in the construction of fences, with a creative approach, the design will turn out to be reliable and beautiful. At the same time, the costs of family budget will be minimal.

Each owner suburban area or the owner of a private house, there is a need to build a fence or replace an old fence. The costs of a much-needed undertaking are very significant, and this forces those who cannot afford the construction of expensive and solid fences to lean towards budgetary decisions.

An example of a classic slate fence

Budget construction option

A slate fence can be an excellent option if large expenses for such construction are not provided. Despite the fact that this building material is intended for roofing, its use in the construction of a fence is fully justified. Often, when replacing roofing material, an old slate begins a second life as a building envelope: it is in no way inferior to a new one, if painted.

It looks like a painted fence made of slate and a metal corner

This material has a low cost, its installation does not require special skills and is available to everyone.

Therefore, the decision to build a slate fence with your own hands will help save money on the wages of employees. The surface of the slate is easy to paint, which makes it possible to harmonize with the house and the environment. Having settled on this option of fencing the site, the owner can be sure of the durability, cost-effectiveness of such construction.

disadvantages

For all its merits, slate is still a roofing material and cannot be an ideal choice in all respects. We list the main disadvantages of its use:


From the foregoing, we can conclude that the use of such a fence is expedient for delimitation with a neighboring site, but is of little use for the facade border.

Wave and flat slate

The industry produces two types of slate - wave and flat. One of the options for flat slate is pressed. It is heavier, but also able to withstand a greater load. A flat sheet, regardless of whether it is pressed or not, is best taken into a metal clip from the corners to improve the strength properties and give the fence a neat look.

The use of wave slate simplifies the installation process. In this case, you need to be careful and lay the sheets overlapping with the alignment of the waves.

An example of a flat slate fence

How to build a slate fence yourself

If you decide to build a slate fence with your own hands, then the first step is to decide what type of sheets for the fence will be used. After that, measure the length of the planned fence and calculate the required number of poles based on the fact that their step is 2.5–3.0 meters. The number of sheets can be calculated using the total length of the fence and the dimensions of the sheets. Sheets are best purchased with a small margin, because they are very fragile.

Preparation of materials

Before proceeding with the construction of the fence, you need to take care of providing yourself with materials, so that later you do not get distracted and do not buy the missing ones. Here is a list of the main materials:


It should immediately be noted that the given dimensions of the corners and bars are indicative and may be different. The main condition in this case is to ensure the strength and reliability of structures.
Corners should be cut into equal parts. The length of the segment must be equal to the diameter of the pipe, which is used as a column. On the larger side of the corner, holes are drilled for fastening.

Pipe sections that will be in concrete are protected by applying an anti-corrosion compound, then covered with molten bitumen, adding a solvent to it. When working with bitumen, precautions must be taken, since this material is flammable. After bituminous treatment, the pipe section is painted oil paint. To work, you will need the following tools:

  • Hammer;
  • Bulgarian (for cutting slate);
  • Drill and drills;
  • Spanners;
  • Building level and cord;
  • Welding machine (if it is decided to weld corners or mount a flat slate fence).

Installation of posts

With help garden drill necessary, observing the given step. In order not to stray from the line of the future fence, you can pull the construction cord and focus on it when drilling. To do this, you need to which the thread (or cord) will be tied.
The depth of the columns should be at least 50 cm.

This is necessary to ensure sufficient strength and stability of the support, since it has a considerable load from guide bars and slate sheets.

After a hole has been dug with a drill, the soil must be compacted with a manual rammer (this is a log, at the end of which a bar is nailed like a handle, resembling the letter T).

Installation steps for wooden fence posts

Then the column is set. It can be fixed in a hole with broken bricks, if any, or covered with gravel. When it is necessary to ensure its strictly vertical position, referring to the level or plumb. If, under its own weight, the column gives a roll, it must be strengthened with props until the concrete hardens.

How to attach a beam and a corner

After pouring concrete, it is better to wait a week so that it hardens well and acquires the necessary strength. If this is not possible, then it is necessary to withstand at least a day before the installation of the fence begins.

In the pipes above and below, at the level of attachment of the upper and lower bars, holes are drilled according to the size of the studs (bolts). After that, with the help of a hairpin, the corner is attached to the pipe so that its profile resembles the English capital letter L. This method has a positive effect on the rigidity of the structure.

Beam mounting options

The load from the weight of the fence and timber can be directly transferred to the post itself if the latter is attached to the post at the same time as the corner with a hairpin. To do this, a hole is drilled in the timber, corresponding to the diameter of the stud, then all the elements are pulled together.

Another option is to attach the beam to the corner. In this case, additional holes are drilled in the corner, through which the beam is attracted to it. This operation should be preceded by fastening the corner itself to the post.

Between themselves, the end sides of the beams are connected using a connection, which is called end joiners. To do this, cuts are made at the ends of the bars for half their width.

Sample fastening bars to poles

When combining the bars, their ends are connected like a puzzle, the docking points are fastened with self-tapping screws or bolts.

It is easy to build a fence from an inexpensive and reliable material. It is enough to deal with fasteners, markings and a plan for future construction. For example, a slate fence will last longer than an untreated board. Yes, and in the private sector they even try to use old roofing material - you can make a fence from the back of the site from it. It turns out that both new and already used slate is suitable for work.

Features of using slate for the construction of a fence

Slate is one of the simplest and most inexpensive materials for making a fence. Moreover, any side of the fence will look neat. Modern slate is suitable for both rural areas and for houses in the city.

The slate is made of asbestos cement, so there is no need to wait for maximum strength. It is easy to guess that even the thinnest iron is more stable. However, there are developments in the use of slate. It is advisable to place the front part of the fence away from the road so that random debris from under the wheels does not damage the sheets. And the usual barriers between neighboring areas are easiest to make from slate, even one person can handle such work.

This material has been known for a long time. It is obtained by mixing Portland cement, asbestos and water. Evenly distributed asbestos fibers form a strong mesh that increases the impact strength and tensile strength of the material.

Advantages and disadvantages of using slate fence

Advantages:

  • low cost;
  • average fire resistance;
  • the possibility of decorative processing with any paint;
  • simple installation.

Of the shortcomings:

  • asbestos in the composition is not an environmentally friendly material;
  • explodes when heated;
  • service life depends on the specific location. And the lower the temperature in winter, the faster cracks will appear. If you protect with acrylic (paint), then the service life will increase;
  • protection is required when working with slate. Construction respirators must be worn so that dust does not enter the respiratory tract.

Types of slate used for fences

Wave sheets created from asbestos cement have a curly shape. The material has the following advantages:

Flat sheets of slate have the same composition, the difference is only in the form.

Both types of slate have flaws that can be ironed out. The appearance of the material deteriorates somewhat over the years, fades, fades. However, if you cover it with special substances, this can be prevented.

http://vamzabor.net/drugie-materialy/zabor-iz-shifera.html

Flat or wave slate for a fence is a weak, more precisely, material that is fragile in bending. Do not forget about the weight of such a building unit, it is quite large compared to the same metal sheet.

If you decide to buy slate, and not use the old one from the roof of a house or outbuilding, then you should keep in mind that it is easier to mount and ship flat sheets.

Do-it-yourself slate fence installation

Making a slate fence is easy. On a not very large area, such work can be done in a few days.

Preparation for construction: marking the territory

There is no important feature in the layout of the slate fence. This working moment is the same as the layout for any type of fence. To begin with, it is worth clearing the part of the territory where construction will be carried out. Next, you need to pull the thread and install it in such a way that along the entire length it repeats the line of the future fence. The markings are usually fixed to pegs, posts, steel reinforcement or any other remnant of building material. Accuracy in size and the location of the thread along the entire length of the future slate fence is the main requirement for marking.

When calculating the building material, it turns out the required number of pillars for the entire fence. In the process of marking, it is necessary to accurately put a landmark in their place. A specific distance is maintained between each pillar, with a careless attitude to this stage, further work will only become more difficult. After all, all sheets of slate have the same size. It is under him that they plan to mark the pillars.

The choice of material and its dimensions

A good construction market or supermarket can offer:

  • euroslate, aka ondulin;
  • asbestos cement slate;
  • plastic slate.

All of these materials are designed for roofing, but are also great for fences. When choosing, you need to focus on the characteristics:

  • plasticity;
  • stiffness;
  • hardness.

When buying a new fence material, many prefer flexible slate. It certainly won't be blown away by strong winds. Such a building material has a rectangular shape, its surface is either flat or wavy. The downside is this: the declared service life is only 15 years, and every 5 years it is necessary to replace the protective layer. The interior of the flexible slate is subject to burning.

Video: flexible polycarbonate slate

Calculation of the required amount of material

The standard dimensions of wave slate are 1750 by 1135 millimeters.

The long side of the sheet is usually attached horizontally. Wave material must be mounted on an overlapping fence, for which there is a margin of 125 mm. This makes it easier to calculate the length of the fence. It is easy to guess that for 1 meter of construction you will need one sheet, set horizontally by a wave.

Interestingly, it is when working with wave slate that you should not be afraid of incorrect marking, because the sheets can hide all the errors between the pillars.

Flat material is available in four sizes:

  1. Length 3 meters, width 1.5 meters.
  2. Length 2 meters, width 1.5 meters.
  3. Length 1.75 meters, width 1.13 meters.
  4. Length 1.5 meters, width 1 meter.

Most often they try to buy the third option, paying attention to the thickness. This parameter should be equal to 10 mm, then the sheet itself will weigh 40 kg. For comparison: a thickness of 8 mm is already lighter - 30 kg.

Calculating the amount of material is very simple: you need to measure the total length of the fence and divide by one sheet. More precisely, by the amount that remains without overlap. Having received the required number of units, it is necessary to purchase with a margin of 2 or 3 pieces.

An example of calculating the number of sheets of wave slate

Assume that the total length of the perimeter is 40 meters. The wave slate 1750 by 1135 mm in the amount of 40 units is being worked on (the working surface of one sheet is 1 m). With a margin, they buy not 40 sheets, but 42-43, because marriage and mistakes in construction are inevitable.

Necessary tools for building a fence

When installing on your own, it’s better to work in pairs, but you can’t do it without the following set of tools:

  • grinder or screwdriver with a cutting nozzle;
  • drill;
  • welding machine;
  • spanners;
  • levels;
  • plumb;
  • construction hammers;
  • fixing bolts.

Step by step guide to making a slate fence

The work is performed in the following sequence:

  1. Using a hand drill around the perimeter of the marking, arrange holes for the poles. When there is no such tool, they take an ordinary shovel to work and carefully dig deep, but not wide holes. They try to make sure that further pouring with a solution is economical. Pits are made one third of the length of the pillars.
  2. Install poles. Corners from a metal profile or pieces of pipes can serve as a support. These components, together with the pillar, must subsequently be poured with concrete or cement. The distance between the posts is no more than two and a half meters.
  3. Install veins. Between the pillars, you need to fix horizontal strips, which are usually made of timber, and in budget construction - from poles. These elements must be fixed with screws. If the veins are made from a profile pipe, they are mounted using a welding machine. In the absence of such a tool, you can drill holes in iron posts and fasten any kind of pole to the bolts. When this part of the work is done, it is desirable to protect the fence frame with automotive mastic. Usually they try to apply more than one layer, then the frame structure will be completely protected from corrosion.
  4. Lay out the preparatory base along the entire fence line. An old brick is being put into work, a special platform is being poured less often.
  5. Install the fence sheet. Sheets of slate are alternately fixed on the frame with nails or self-tapping screws.

Video: how to paint fence posts

Finishing and decorating a slate fence

It is not difficult to protect, decorate and maintain this type of fence. It is enough to follow some established rules:


Any mechanical damage to the slate is thought out in advance, otherwise its service life is reduced several times.

Video: installing a slate fence

Slate was invented for roofing, but it is not always worth creating reliable fences or barriers from it. They stop at this material only if there is a large residue after construction or there is no suitable modern material in the store. Although in the backyards of the countryside, where the likelihood of theft of good material is too high, nailing old slate to the poles will be the best solution.