Does your mesh fence lack opacity? It’s not easy to fully enjoy your garden under these conditions… However, there is a simple and inexpensive solution to shield yourself from the gaze of passers-by or neighbors: privacy slats. But what type of slats should you choose, and how is a privacy slat installed on a rigid mesh fence? Districlos experts answer all your questions!
The Video Guide
Why Install Privacy Slats on a Rigid Mesh Fence?
Before detailing how to install fence slats, let’s discover together what benefits they offer!
What is a Privacy Slat?
Privacy slats are used when you want to increase the opacity of a rigid panel fence.
For this, the privacy strips or slats are precisely slid between the meshes of your rigid panel fence, acting as a screen. Depending on the model, the privacy slat can also function as a windbreak.
What are the Advantages of Installing Privacy Slats on a Rigid Mesh Fence?
The installation of this type of slat is very popular for making a panel opaque, as it is a solution with many advantages.
Ease of Installation
There’s no need to call a professional or have special technical skills; installing the slats is very simple and requires few tools.
Effectiveness
There are several choices of slats, depending on the desired screening power. From complete opacity to a screen that lets light through, there’s a type of privacy slat for every need!
Cost
Investing in a new fence to gain opacity can represent a significant budget. Installing privacy slats on an existing fence is a good way to achieve the same goal at a lower cost.
What are Privacy Slats for Rigid Mesh Fences Used For?
Enhancing Garden Privacy
Having a home with an outdoor space is a real blessing! Whether for gardening, lounging on a deckchair, or letting children play freely, everyone dreams of being able to use their little piece of paradise as they wish. But it’s impossible to go about your business peacefully under the gaze of neighbors or passers-by…
Preserve your privacy by transforming your rigid mesh fence into an opaque panel. You will gain comfort and tranquility, and can finally fully enjoy your garden!
Improving Fence Durability
If you are concerned that weather conditions and strong winds may degrade your mesh fence, you can consider installing privacy slats to reinforce its rigidity and resistance.
Optimizing Home Security
Kill two birds with one stone (or rather three!): by protecting your home from prying eyes and reinforcing the solidity of your fence, you also contribute to improving security around your property.
Revamping Your Fence
Contrary to what its name suggests, installing privacy slats on a rigid mesh fence is not solely for screening your fence. It’s also an opportunity to give an aging mesh fence a facelift, or to harmonize the style of your fence with that of your home.
What Type of Privacy Slats for Rigid Mesh Fences Should You Choose?
If you wish to install screening elements on a rigid mesh fence, you might be a little lost when choosing among all the available solutions. It must be said that options are plentiful!
What are the Types of Privacy Slats for Rigid Mesh Fences?
Wooden Privacy Slats
Installing wooden slats on a rigid mesh fence will appeal to those who wish to add a touch of nature to their fence, or give it a warm and authentic look. It’s hard to compete with the charm of wood!
To ensure your privacy panel lasts over time, check that it is indeed pressure-treated wood, and inquire about maintenance recommendations (varnish, linseed oil, stain…).
PVC Privacy Slats
If you opt for PVC privacy slats, you will undoubtedly appreciate their lightness and ease of handling! With their contemporary look, they can modernize any mesh fence in the blink of an eye and are available in many colors.
Easy to maintain, PVC slats require no special attention once installed.
Composite Privacy Slats
This type of slat is made from a mixture of wood fibers and resin, which gives it a beautiful brushed appearance. It is a particularly strong, rot-proof material, resistant to frost and UV rays. Sleep soundly if you choose composite privacy slats; there’s no risk of mold, rodent, or termite attack!
Weave-in Privacy Slats
These flexible PVC slats are a good way to screen your fence at a low cost and add some texture. You have the choice of opting for:
- Strip slats that you will need to cut to the desired height.
- Ready-to-install slats (make sure to take your measurements before purchasing!).
The installation system for weave-in privacy slats (detailed later in this article) is very simple and requires no specific tools.
Aluminum Privacy Slats
Aluminum screens are generally appreciated for their strength and resistance. But don’t imagine a dull and austere fence! On the contrary, it provides a designer and aesthetic look. The perfect solution to replace a somewhat tired fence!
How to Choose the Right Privacy Slats for Your Fence?
Screening Power
Before selecting the privacy slats you wish to install, start by assessing your needs. If you are looking for complete opacity, wooden privacy slats are perfectly suited! PVC and aluminum slats are also an option, provided you choose the right model.
Durability
Also remember to adapt your choice of privacy slats according to the climatic conditions your fence will face. Humidity, heat, wind… Some materials are more recommended than others to cope with weather hazards. If in doubt, do not hesitate to seek advice from Districlos experts!
Aesthetic Aspect
Last but not least, make sure your privacy panel is to your taste. After all, installing privacy slats is also an opportunity to enhance your fence!
Installing Privacy Slats on a Rigid Mesh Fence: How to Do It?
Now that you have chosen the type of privacy slats that meet your needs, here are some tips to help you install your privacy panel!
How to Install Wooden Fence Slats?
Precautions to Take
Installing wooden privacy slats on an already installed rigid mesh fence is very simple. And if your land is not yet fenced, we advise you to start by installing your rigid mesh fence before installing the slats. Indeed, once assembled, your wooden screen will be particularly heavy!
Installation Steps
Ideally, two people should install the screen, proceeding as follows:
- Insert the first slat at one end of the rigid panel.
- Slide a rail (or crossbar) into each rib (or fold) of the mesh, from the center towards the end of the fence.
- Insert the central slat, as well as the one located at the second end of the panel.
- Add the rest of the slats.
- Staple the slats to the lower and upper rails to make the assembly stable and rigid.
How to Install Weave-in PVC Fence Slats?
Weave-in privacy slats most often have the appearance of flexible slats, and are therefore easy to handle:
- Install the fastening clips along the entire length of the lower part of the fence.
- Attach the V-shaped profiles inside the folds of the rigid mesh panel.
- Install each slat starting from the top of the fence, taking care to pass them successively in front of and behind the fence wires, to create the woven effect.
- Once the installation is complete, insert each slat into the fastening clip located on the lower part of the rigid mesh fence.
How to Install Aluminum Fence Slats?
Here too, the process is simple:
- Install the retaining rails on the lower part of the fence.
- Insert the slats located at both ends of the panel, making sure to clip them into the retaining rail.
- Insert the central privacy slat, also ensuring it is securely clipped to the lower rail.
- Repeat the operation with all the privacy slats.
- Install the upper finishing rails.
You are now ready to install privacy slats on your rigid mesh fence. And to make sure you don’t forget anything, remember to download our checklist on the steps not to overlook before installing a fence!
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