Windbreak choices

raymondo

I am erecting a 7 meter windbreak. It is not a fence and in a rural area that faces due south from which we get hefty wind gusts.

I understand windbreaks create less turbulence when some wind is able to pass through rather than all over the top. Hence I am thinking about this design above, using 150mm plinth boards. However, my wife would like it painted, so I'm considering treated pine decking. (Bunnings have a 90 mm x 22 mm board)  which is easier to stain or paint. Consequently, it uses more boards. 

I'm wondering if the design below with space would be just as effective as the above design where wind has to feed through the gaps. I can't find any studies or research which compares these designs.

My other concern re the plinth boards is that they sag and warp over time. 

Grateful for any thoughts.

EricL

Hello @raymondo

Thanks for sharing that question about windbreak fencing. If you're using 90 x 22 decking boards, I suggest reducing the distance between posts to counteract the sagging and warping of the boards. A diagonal brace will stabilize the decking boards and help keep their form. The mining sites I know of use Shade Cloth to actually slow down the wind as they use it for dust control. 

Your proposed design actually looks quite sound as it will still let the air pass through but at a much slower rate. The only other design I've seen is a diagonal fence at a 45-degree angle. But these are often used on cattle farms. If I happen to see other designs I'll post them here.

Let me call on our experienced members @diy_hausdesigns and @Adam_W for their recommendations. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric