We make an inexpensive slate fence. Flat slate fence How to install a slate fence from a neighbor

DIY 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 different building materials on the market. There are hundreds of variations available for building a fence. Each of them has its own pros and cons.

Some options are beautiful, but expensive, some are difficult to install, some imitate any material. The best material for building fences with your own hands is slate. This is what we will look at in more detail.

Types of slate sheets (table)

Tools

For normal continuous work on installing a fence, you need to acquire an angle grinder, a drill, a welding machine, a set of wrenches, a building level, a plumb line, a construction hammer and a cord.

As for the materials, take care in advance of having the required type of slate, steel corners 5x8.5 centimeters, steel pipes from which the posts will be made, wooden beams 5x13 centimeters, wooden round logs, bolts, nuts, fasteners, hex screws, concrete, oil paint, bitumen and anti-corrosion compounds.

Fence base

Fence installation diagram

There are two types of bases for a slate fence:

Columnar. Support posts with sheathing are installed at a certain distance from each other. They are not united with each other.
Tape base. This is the base, which is made of concrete along the entire perimeter of the future fence and support pillars are built into it.

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

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

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

Tape base

Strip foundation with support pillars

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

Territory marking: diagrams and drawings

Territory marking scheme

In order to correctly mark the territory, you need to carefully study the site plan in the cadastral passport.
Start marking from any corner using pegs and rope.
Install 2 pegs at a distance of the width of the base and connect them with a wooden strip.
Measure the distance for the fence and place more pegs connected by a strip.
Thus, mark all the corners.
Stretch ropes between the pegs. Thus, the marking of the future foundation is obtained.

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

Digging a trench

A trench into which a sand-crushed stone cushion is poured

According to the markings, it is necessary to dig a trench. Its depth should be 30–40 centimeters.
Now use a drill to make holes for the support pillars. The diameter of the pits should be 10–12 centimeters larger than the diameter of the support pillars.
Drilling holes for support pillars
If the fence is made of asbestos concrete slate, then the distance between two adjacent supports should accommodate two or three sheets of slate, located with an overlap. Between the supports, 2-3 more horizontal logs are made, to which the slate also needs to be attached. The support pillars should go one meter underground.
The maximum distance between supporting structures is determined. It is 2.5 meters. But sometimes they do more. In this case, you need to drill a hole between the support pillars where a concrete reinforcement is installed. It makes the reinforced concrete strip stiffer.

Filling the base

Fill the trench with a layer of 10–15 centimeters of sand and a layer of 8–10 centimeters of crushed stone on top of it. Each layer must be compacted well.
Now install support posts into the drilled holes.
Control their horizontality using a building level or plumb line.
Fill the free space of the hole around the post with concrete mortar. You can also add some kind of spacers there, made from stones selected according to size.
Now you need to give it a day for the concrete to set.
Installation of support posts
It's time to weld or screw the horizontal joists to the supports. There should be the same distance between them.
It is better to equip fences made of metal slate or flat asbestos-cement slate with logs made of rolled steel. And wavy asbestos-cement slate is better suited to wooden logs.
Now you need to make a sand and crushed stone cushion for the trench. Each layer must be well compacted.
The next step is reinforcement. The rods are fastened to each other with twisted wire. The upper part of the reinforcing mesh should be approximately 3 centimeters lower than the future surface of the foundation.
Now you need to install the formwork. It can be made of wood and removed upon completion of all work. Or you can make it from flat slate. Then it is not necessary to remove the formwork. It can protrude 20–50 centimeters above the ground surface.
Formwork and reinforcement of a strip foundation for a slate fence
Now you need to fill the trench with concrete mortar in one go.
Now all that remains is to level the surface, let it dry (at least 8-10 days) and you can install the slate sheet.

Installation of a columnar foundation

Installation of support pillars

Insert pipes of the same length into these holes. In advance, you need to drill several holes in these pipes where fasteners will be inserted. Metal joists 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.

Ready-made support pillars

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

Build 2-3 vertical logs between the support pillars.

Fence frame with support posts and joists

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

Self-tapping screws used to attach metal slate to the sheathing

The metal slate is screwed to the joists with these screws in the lower parts of the wave.

Metal slate fastening scheme

Asbestos concrete wave slate is secured at the top of the wave with slate nails or self-tapping screws, for which holes must be made in advance using a drill with a special drill. When the fasteners are driven or screwed into the slate, special rubberized gaskets are put on them.

Scheme of fastening asbestos-cement wave slate

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

Flat slate in frame

To securely fasten flat slate, it is not necessary to construct vertical logs between the support posts. As mentioned earlier, they can be fixed in a metal frame.

It is made 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 into it.

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

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

Finishing and decorating a slate fence + examples in the photo

For a complete overall look, you can add special fittings to a fence made of a metal profile, for example, add corners of various sizes, U-shaped strips, etc. They come in different colors. You can purchase 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 one color. Or you can use your imagination and depict some kind of masterpiece on it.

Painting on a flat fence

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

Slate fencing, as it becomes clear, is a simple construction process that does not require large financial costs and a lot of time. It will cope well with its immediate tasks and will give the site a finished, neat look. If you have chosen 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

And in private households they even try to use old roofing material - it can be used to make a fence at the rear of the site. It turns out that both new and previously used slate are suitable for the job.

Features of using slate for fence construction

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 houses within the city.

The slate is made of asbestos cement, so maximum strength cannot be expected. It’s easy to guess that even the thinnest iron is more stable. However, there are developments in using slate.

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

And ordinary barriers between neighboring plots are easiest to make from slate; even one person can handle such work.

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

Advantages and disadvantages of using slate for a fence

Advantages:

low cost;
average fire resistance;
possibility of decorative treatment with any paint;
easy installation.

Disadvantages:

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), the service life will increase;
When working with slate, protection is required. It is necessary to wear construction respirators to prevent dust from entering the respiratory tract.

Types of slate used for fences

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

Does not burn.
Does not deform due to weather conditions.
Withstands any significant loads.
Not subject to corrosion.
Does not deteriorate due to moisture or dampness.
Doesn't overheat in the sun.
It's inexpensive.
Sold at any hardware store.
Wavy slate does not burn and does not deform from moisture and cold

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

Flat slate is made from 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, becomes dull and fades. However, if you cover it with special substances, this can be prevented.

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

Flat or wavy slate for a fence is a weak material, or rather, brittle in bending. Don’t 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 rather than use old slate from the roof of a house or outbuilding, then you should keep in mind that it is easier to install and load flat sheets.

DIY slate fence installation

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

Preparation for construction: marking the territory

Next, you need to tighten the thread and install it so that along its entire length it follows the line of the future fence. Markings are usually secured to pegs, posts, steel reinforcement, or any other remaining building material.

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

When calculating the building material, the required number of posts for the entire fence is determined. During the marking process, it is necessary to accurately place a landmark in their place.

A specific distance is maintained between each pillar; if this stage is neglected, further work will only become more complicated. After all, all slate sheets are the same size.

It is for this that they plan to mark the pillars.

Selection of material and its dimensions

A good construction market or supermarket can offer:

Euroslate, also known as ondulin; Ondulin is available in different colors
asbestos cement slate; Ordinary wavy slate has a natural grayish tint. Painted varieties of this material are also available for sale.
plastic slate. Plastic slate is similar in appearance to classic asbestos, but weighs less and is easier to install

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

plasticity;
rigidity;
hardness

When purchasing new fencing material, many people prefer flexible slate. It probably won't be damaged by strong winds. This building material has a rectangular shape, its surface is either flat or wavy. The downside is this: the stated service life is only 15 years, and the protective layer must be replaced every 5 years. The interior of flexible slate is susceptible 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. The corrugated material must be mounted on the fence with an overlap, for which there is a margin of 125 mm. This makes it easier to calculate the length of the fence. It is not difficult to guess that for 1 meter of construction you will need one sheet, placed horizontally in a wave.

What’s interesting is that when working with wave slate, you shouldn’t be afraid of incorrect markings, because the sheets can hide all the errors between the pillars.

The flat material is available in four sizes:

Length 3 meters, width 1.5 meters.
Length 2 meters, width 1.5 meters.
Length 1.75 meters, width 1.13 meters.
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 it into one sheet. More precisely, by the amount that remains without overlap. Having received the required number of units, you need to purchase with a reserve of 2 or 3 pieces.

An example of calculating the number of wave slate sheets

Let's assume that the total length of the perimeter is 40 meters. The work involves wave slate 1750 by 1135 mm in the amount of 40 units (the working surface of one sheet is 1 m). They buy not 40 sheets with a reserve, but 42–43, because defects and errors in construction are inevitable.

Necessary tools for building a fence

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

grinder or screwdriver with a cutting attachment;
drill;
welding machine;
spanners;
levels;
plumb line;
construction hammers;
mounting bolts.

Step-by-step guide to making a slate fence

The work is performed in the following sequence:

Use a hand drill to create holes for the posts around the perimeter of the marking. When there is no such tool, they take an ordinary shovel and carefully dig deep, but not wide holes. They try to make sure that further filling with the solution is economical. The holes are made one third of the length of the pillars.
It is better to make the hole smaller, otherwise a lot of solution will be lost
Install pillars. The support can be corners made of metal profiles or pieces of pipes. These components, together with the pillar, must subsequently be filled with concrete or cement. The distance between the pillars is no more than two and a half meters.
A monolithic frame for a fence is assembled from a metal profile or pipes, concreted in the ground
Install veins. Between the pillars you need to fasten horizontal strips, which are usually made of timber, and in low-cost construction - from poles. These elements need to be secured 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 attach any type of pole to bolts. When this part of the work is completed, it is advisable 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
Lay the preparatory base along the entire fence line. Old brick is used, less often a special platform is poured.
The filling protects the slate sheets from contact with the ground and prevents the penetration of small animals
Install the fence cloth. Sheets of slate are alternately secured to the frame with nails or self-tapping screws.
The slate is attached to the frame using nails or self-tapping screws. Nails that go beyond the border of the frame must be bent

: how to paint fence posts correctly

Finishing and decorating a slate fence

This type of fence is easy to protect, decorate, and maintain. It is enough to follow some established rules:

The slate sheet is not attached to the very surface of the earth. Maintain a distance of 10–15 centimeters from the bottom point, arranging a special backfill underneath. This way the material will remain dry.
Slate sheets are mounted at a height of 10–15 cm from the ground. A special bedding or concrete pouring is made from below
To increase the service life of the fence, it is better to use slate sheets coated with acrylic. This is an exterior paint that is resistant to any temperature changes.
Garden crops should not be planted next to the fence, because gradually growing trees can destroy the leaf or create a crack in it.

Any mechanical damage to 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 at this material only if there is a large remainder after construction or there is no suitable modern material in the store.

Although in the outskirts of rural areas, where the likelihood of good material being stolen is too high, nailing old slate onto poles would be the best solution.

Mikhail Komov
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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 the help of a fence. Currently, there are many types of material that can be used to build fencing, but slate is considered one of the most popular.

A slate fence is one of the simplest and most accessible constructions for every resident of the country, which was especially common several decades ago - during the time of extension, when there was not much choice.

In our modern times, the building materials market is overflowing with 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 understand exactly its types in order to make the best choice.

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

Types of slate

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

on the materials used in production;
according to the manufacturing process.

In addition, each type has its own price.

Natural slate slates are slabs of slate that can be of different sizes. Its original appearance and incomparable structure allow it to be used to create elite roofs on any structure. This type has a number of positive aspects and disadvantages, so before choosing it, you need to weigh the pros and cons.
Asbestos-cement slate is wavy or flat - these are profiled sheets or simply flat ones made of asbestos cement. Most often you can find gray color, but today manufacturers offer colored options, which also have different wave sizes. Increasingly, consumers choose the color version, and all because it is additionally coated with a protective layer.
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 the materials is polymer. During the pressing process, it is saturated with bitumen vapor, which ultimately makes it possible to create a waterproof structure.
Plastic slate. This type is created from high-quality polymer with different physical characteristics, and most often it is transparent with a slight tint. This type is used for arranging roofs for architectural solutions where penetration of a large amount of daylight is simply necessary, for example in swimming pools, greenhouses or verandas.
Rubber slate is created from fiberglass waste, secondary raw materials from rubber production and processing using the pressing method. Despite its high strength, this material is lightweight and is mainly used for roofing.

There are many types of slate, but asbestos-cement is best suited for arranging a fence, but it has a number of pros and cons and it is better to weigh them immediately before purchasing it.

A slate fence can be installed on a foundation or simply 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 moderately priced material, which means that anyone with average income can purchase it. Therefore, a do-it-yourself slate fence will not cost much, but do not forget that to install it you will additionally need to purchase support posts, 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 personal plot decides which one to choose.
This type of fence can last a long time if it is not subject to mechanical stress, which it does not like.
It is also worth saying that this material does not burn, but at high temperatures it can crack.
It withstands any temperature fluctuations and does not react to changes, like, for example, corrugated sheeting.
Slate is easy to care for and process, it can be washed, brushed, including for metal, and if desired, even coated with dyes. If you want to make a colored fence, then you can simply look for colored slate, the variety of shades is huge.
Slate has average soundproofing properties. It will not be able to reduce the noise level from cars passing near the house, but if rain or hail hits it, there will be less sound compared to a profiled sheet or sheet metal.
This type of fencing can be easily repaired if necessary; to do this, you only need to remove the damaged section. In addition, slate does not conduct current, is 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 it contains asbestos. But if the slate is on the street and a person does not breathe it, then it will not cause any harm.
A slate fence is quite heavy, and all because the material itself is heavy. This may create some inconvenience when building a fence, but the help of a helper will solve this problem. You also need to think about a good supporting 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 fairly fragile material; it will not withstand loads - any impact will leave a crack or even a hole on it, which will lead to repair work. Over time, when it begins to tilt due to its weight, cracks may appear in the base area, which over time will lead to the fact that part of the fence will simply become unusable.
A little aesthetic. If you compare wave slate with other materials that can be used to build a fence, it looks completely unpresentable. If you choose the color version, you can correct the situation a little, but you will have to paint it almost every year. But with a fence made of flat slate 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. Once the slate has been selected, you can begin installing the fence, and it all begins with preparatory work.

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

Preparation for installation work

Each person can build a slate fence independently; it is not necessary to have special skills, because there is nothing complicated about it. You don’t need any special tools either; everything can be done with tools that are available in every home.

Before you start installing the fence, you should decide on the place where it will stand.

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

After this, you need to make calculations in order to purchase all the necessary materials exactly according to your needs. You should definitely have on hand: metal pipes for support posts, corners for making a frame, sheets of slate.

You also need to purchase fastening materials: bolts, nuts, self-tapping 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 on hand a machine for welding metal elements, a set of wrenches, a hammer, and screwdrivers.

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

Professional craftsmen advise making the base for a slate fence from concrete, so you will need to stock up on sand, crushed stone and cement; if you plan to paint the fence after construction, you will need paint.

Repairing a damaged section can be done easily, and there is no need to disassemble the entire fence

Step-by-step instructions for constructing a slate fence

You need to start building the fence yourself by marking it.
Next, using a drill, you need to make holes, you can use a shovel, around the entire perimeter in 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.
Afterwards, you can install the pillars, in our case these are metal pipes, which are treated with an anti-corrosion compound and are 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.
Once the supports have already been installed, you can begin assembling the frame.
A metal corner or wooden blocks are well suited for these purposes, and it is recommended to fasten them to the supports with screws.
Although it will be faster and more reliable to fix a metal corner by welding, and then be sure to cover it with mastic to protect it from corrosion. Once the entire frame has been completed, you can move on to the next stage - arranging the foundation.
You can make a foundation from brick or concrete, but you need to make formwork for it. Experts say that a brick foundation will look beautiful, but a concrete foundation is more practical.
The final stage is attaching the slate sheets to the frame.
During this work, you need to ensure that they are attached as evenly as possible.

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

Pre-treated metal pipes are perfect for supports under a slate fence

How to properly care for a slate fence?

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

It is imperative to take into account all the subtleties when arranging, otherwise the fence will not last long.

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

It is also not recommended to plant trees as close to the fence as possible, otherwise they could damage it during strong winds.

If you take into account all our recommendations, 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 not cost much, which is very important for many dacha owners.

Asbestos-cement slate is not often used for fencing the site. The habit of using it according to the “residual principle” served it as a bad advertisement. Many dacha owners put old slate roofing, covered with moss and nail holes, on their fences. Their neighbors, looking at its unpresentable appearance, choose other fencing options.

If you approach the matter wisely, without trying to save on the fence due to an outdated roof, then slate can successfully compete with other types of sheet materials.

Our goal in this article is to consider the advantages, features and examples of slate fences. We hope that after reading them, many readers will change their attitude towards this material.

Slate fence. There are more advantages than disadvantages

So, what is good about a fence built from flat or wavy slate?

Firstly, such a fence is durable and easy to maintain. The service life of high-quality slate is measured in decades. At the same time, it does not rot, does not rust, and is not destroyed by frost and heat.
Secondly, the price of a slate fence is low.
Thirdly, the installation of this material is quite simple and does not take much time.
Fourthly, with a creative approach, the appearance of slate fencing is not inferior to more expensive materials (stone, wood, polycarbonate, metal).

The only serious drawback of asbestos-cement slate is its relative fragility. It bursts from a strong point blow. The damaged sheet can be restored either by using steel plates (flat slate) or by replacement (wavy).

The choice of asbestos-cement slate options for the fence is not too wide. Anyone who wants to save money buys standard material with a sheet size of 1.75x1.125 m (8 waves) or 1.75x0.98 (7 waves).

In the range of flat slate used for fencing, sheets measuring 1.0 x 1.5 m are in greatest demand; 2.0x1.5 m; and 3.0x1.5 m.

Examples of slate fences

When deciding which slate is best to build a fence from, you need to familiarize yourself with the existing options for its installation and decoration.

Corrugated slate is most often placed on horizontal purlins made of a profile pipe, a wooden block or a combination of “steel angle + wooden slats”. The purlins are fixed on steel (less often asbestos-cement) columns, concreted in the ground or strip foundation. To fasten the purlins (logs) to the racks, metal pins, screws or welding are used.

The simplest option is a fence made of corrugated slate, mounted on a wooden board to metal pipes

To install wave slate, you can use steel water pipes, attaching them to columns made of asbestos-cement pipes

Flat slate is installed in two ways:

On horizontal runs from a profile pipe.
Framed in angle steel.

The first installation method is no different from installing wave slate.

Flat slate is fixed on horizontal purlins. At the bottom of the fence there is a gap for ventilation, covered with a steel mesh

The frame mounting option is more reliable. The corner creates a frame that protects the edges of the sheet from chipping. Using a frame allows you to avoid drilling holes in the slate that weaken the sheet. The frame is welded to the post. After this, a sheet is inserted into it and secured from falling out with short steel plates welded to the corner.

Fastening flat slate with a plate on the back of the frame

Exterior view of a flat slate fence framed with corner and strips

In this photo we see another option for installing slate. There is no corner frame used here. The sheets are attached directly to the posts using pins. A corner is placed at the bottom and along the top edge of the fence. The joints of the sheets are covered with a steel strip welded to the corner.

It should be noted that there is another, not the most successful, method of installing flat slate on a fence - using fastening plates-eyelets. Holes in the edges of the sheet and installation of heavy slate at 4 points increase the risk of chipping.

Installing slate on eyelets is an unreliable option

Everything is clear with the installation, but where is the promised beauty? – the reader will ask. Indeed, it’s time to move from the technical side to the aesthetic one. It is not difficult to make a wave slate fence attractive and not boring. To do this, just buy colored material.

Colored wave slate is the easiest way to decorate a fence

Not everyone likes plain fencing. Therefore, we recommend purchasing slate of different colors and fixing it on the fence, like on an artist’s palette.

A good option is to paint the slate using special paints. They can be used not only for continuous tinting. A fence with an ornament or landscape painted on its sections looks very nice.

Flat asbestos-cement slate is an artist’s “canvas” waiting for its master

If there are small children in the family, a nondescript fence can be painted by drawing fairy-tale characters. This decoration will certainly delight the kids and create a cozy atmosphere.

Slate combines well with stone. You can find original types of fencing that successfully combine these two materials.

In addition to asbestos cement, plastic and metal slates are actively used for fences. Plastic allows you to build a lightweight, translucent fence.

The plastic slate fence is beautiful and transparent

Metal slate is a well-known corrugated sheet. Unlike asbestos cement sheets, it is not limited by the size standard. This allows you to build fences of any height from it. The methods for attaching plastic and metal to the fence are similar to the technology for installing asbestos cement slate.

Features of self-installation of a slate fence

As we said at the beginning of the article, making a slate fence with your own hands is not difficult.

Preparatory operations include:

Digging or drilling holes for posts. Their depth depends on the height of the fence, the type of soil, the strength of the prevailing wind in the area and can range from 60 cm to 1 meter. The size of the holes in the plan should be 20-30 cm larger than the cross-section of the columns for high-quality compaction of concrete.
Concreting racks in pits. This work begins with the installation of corner posts. Having carefully leveled them and plumb, pour the concrete mixture. After it sets, a cord is pulled between the posts and row posts are placed along it.
The next stage is installation of purlins. They can be fixed to the outer plane of the posts or placed flush with it. Fastening is carried out with self-tapping screws or using welding.

How not to install slate?

Despite the ease of installation, in practice there are many errors and funny situations. We will look at a few of them. Purlins for installing heavy slate must be rigid and durable. Despite this requirement, some site owners manage to use a thin plasterboard profile for these purposes.

Believing that the weakness of the profile can be compensated for by a large number of fastening holes, they weaken the strength of the sheet.

A plasterboard profile is not suitable for a slate fence!

The second typical mistake is to fasten the slate not in the upper hard part of the “wave”, but in the lower, most brittle part. For clarity, we provide a diagram of the correct fastening of the sheet to the fence frame. It is taken from roof installation technology.

It can be seen from the figure that the self-tapping screw or nail with which the slate is attracted to the purlin must have a rubber gasket to prevent harsh point pressure from the metal on the fragile sheet.

Currently, there is an incredible amount of different building materials on the market. There are hundreds of variations available for building a fence. Each of them has its own pros and cons. Some options are beautiful, but expensive, some are difficult to install, some imitate any material. The best material for building fences with your own hands is slate. This is what we will look at in more detail.

Types of slate sheets (table)

Name	Description			Photo
Asbestos cement slate	Often, fencing made from this material is used to create animal enclosures. There are flat and wave. The composition of both options is almost identical. The only differences are different thickness and size. 10% asbestos is added to 85% concrete. Everything is mixed with water and some modifying components. After which the mixture goes under a press and is dried in a certain mode. Advantages: reasonable price, the material is quite durable, long service life, non-flammable, does not corrode, ultraviolet rays do not heat it, frost-resistant. Disadvantages: not environmentally friendly, it is forbidden to inhale dust if you are working with an angle grinder, etc.; may explode upon contact with high temperatures; heavy weight, requiring a reliable foundation underneath if you build a fence from it; fragile to directed mechanical damage	Wave	Asbestos concrete sheet with waves. The main advantages are that it is non-flammable, is not afraid of moisture, its surface does not heat up from ultraviolet sunlight, is not subject to deformation, can withstand moderately heavy loads, and its price can be considered acceptable. Weighs from 22 to 26 kilograms	Classic wave slate
		Flat	Thicker and slightly stronger than wave fiber, it is more convenient to install, so it is often used to create fences. Weighs from 78 to 350 kilograms	Flat slate sheets
Metal slate	Essentially, this is corrugated sheeting, which contains galvanized steel 0.4–1 millimeter thick. The steel sheet is treated with an anti-corrosion agent, primed and coated with polymer. Thus, the material is not afraid of corrosion. It is used as a roofing material, it is used to build fences, and it is also used as a finishing material for facades. Advantages: easy to install; light weight up to five kilograms, which makes it possible not to build a foundation at all; fire resistance; much more resistant to mechanical damage compared to asbestos concrete; oxide and polymer coatings protect the metal from corrosion; wide range of colors; acceptable price; durability; environmental friendliness. Disadvantages: there are no disadvantages as such for a metal slate fence.	WITH	The best option for building a fence. It is also called wall. Slate waves from 8 millimeters to 4.5 centimeters	Metal slate
		N	This type is used for roof cladding. Equipped with grooves through which water flows. Waves from 5.7 centimeters to 11.5 centimeters
		CH	A universal option. They also put fences on them and put them on the roof. Wave height from 3.5 to 4.5 centimeters

Tools

Fence base

Fence installation diagram

There are two types of bases for a slate fence:

Columnar. Support posts with sheathing are installed at a certain distance from each other. They are not united with each other.
Tape base. This is the base, which is made of concrete along the entire perimeter of the future fence and support pillars are built into 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 will be more economical to use a columnar base. This lightweight design does not require a powerful base. But an asbestos concrete fence requires a strip foundation. Moreover, if the fence is made of flat slate, then in addition to the concrete base, each of the sheets is usually enclosed in metal frames.

Tape base

Strip foundation with support pillars

Territory marking: diagrams and drawings

Territory marking scheme

In order to correctly mark the territory, you need to carefully study the site plan in the cadastral passport.
Start marking from any corner using pegs and rope.
Install 2 pegs at a distance of the width of the base and connect them with a wooden strip.
Measure the distance for the fence and place more pegs connected by a strip.
Thus, mark all the corners.
Stretch ropes between the pegs. Thus, the marking of the future foundation is obtained.

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

Digging a trench

A trench into which a sand-crushed stone cushion is poured

Filling the base

Installation of a columnar foundation

Installation of support pillars

Installing pillars that will play the role of a frame is the first thing you need to do when you begin work on constructing 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 holes should be approximately 500 millimeters. Insert pipes of the same length into these holes. In advance, you need to drill several holes in these pipes where fasteners will be inserted. Metal joists 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.

Ready-made support pillars

Place the pipes in the dug holes and pour concrete into the holes. To ensure that the solution evenly fills the space of the recess and that voids do not appear, pierce the poured cement several times with a sharp rod in different places. Using a building level, check whether the pillars are strictly vertical. If everything is in order, secure them with temporary supports. After the concrete has dried, the supports can be removed. Build 2-3 vertical logs between the support pillars.

Fence frame with support posts and joists

DIY slate fence installation

Self-tapping screws used to attach metal slate to the sheathing

The metal slate is screwed to the joists with these screws in the lower parts of the wave.

Metal slate fastening scheme

Scheme of fastening asbestos-cement wave slate

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

Flat slate in frame

To securely fasten flat slate, it is not necessary to construct vertical logs between the support posts. As mentioned earlier, they can be fixed in a metal frame. It is made 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 into it. To keep the slate in place, special metal stoppers are welded to the back of the frame.

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

Finishing and decorating a slate fence + examples in the photo

Fittings on a metal fence

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

Painting on a flat fence

By the way, painting asbestos concrete slate has not only a decorative function. The paint prevents moisture from entering the porous structure of the material, which in cold weather can freeze and deform the material.
Slate fencing, as it becomes clear, is a simple construction process that does not require large financial costs and a lot of time. It will cope well with its immediate tasks and will give the site a finished, neat look. If you have chosen a slate fence, then the above instructions will help you. Good luck!

Flat slate is commonly referred to as sheet asbestos cement. Such products have been known for a long time and are used for the construction of various structures, including fencing. A fence made from such material is considered one of the cheapest. So that there is no doubt about the advisability of using these products, we will briefly discuss the advantages of such fences.

Features of slate fences

No foundation is required, as for brickwork.
Low construction cost. If you rely on average data (each region has its own), then, for example, for a sheet measuring 3.5 x 1.5 (with a thickness of 10 mm) you will have to pay about 720 rubles. The same 12 mm sample will cost around 1,000 rubles. And if you take into account that you do not need any special equipment or machinery, or the services of professionals, then the cost-effectiveness of this option for constructing a building envelope is obvious.
During operation, flat slate does not require regular maintenance. Anyone who has encountered wood fences knows how much time and effort has to be spent on treating the material with various special compounds - fire retardants, antiseptics. It is enough just to paint asbestos cement, although some owners do not even do this. By the way, if you consider how much work it takes to paint a picket fence, then the “plus” of flat slate is obvious here too.
Maintainability. There is no point in even comparing which is easier - replacing a sheet of slate or a reinforced concrete slab in the fence. And the process of restoring the integrity of brickwork is even more difficult.
For those who do not like the curious glances of their neighbors towards their site, such a fence will provide reliable protection in this regard.

Technology for constructing a flat slate fence

We will not dwell on the process of preparing the route - how and with what to clean it, how to make markings. Each owner has his own plot of land, and he himself will determine the amount of work. Therefore, we will consider only the main stages of construction. A thrifty owner will figure out what and how to improve.

As such, it is more convenient (from the point of view of fastening asbestos-cement sheets) to use metal pipes. The locations for the holes are determined based on the dimensions of the products, since the greater their weight, the more often the pillars should be placed. But you also need to take into account the length of the profile used.

The pipe installation process is very simple. A small layer of fine crushed stone (gravel) mixed with coarse sand is poured onto the bottom of the hole. This “bedding” compacts well. After this, a support is installed in the hole, leveled vertically, and the same crushed stone is backfilled. Moreover, you need to “load” it in small parts, simultaneously pouring cement + sand with a solution (previously tamping the next portion of crushed stone).

By the way, this is not necessary. As a rule, its installation is carried out if it is planned to lay out the area with tiles. But this work is also quite simple. A shallow trench is dug between the pillars and exactly the same “fill” is made as in the holes. The curb elements are laid on top and fixed using the same method.

Since the slate fence is located in the open air, it is better to use galvanized fence. The blanks are fixed on poles in such a way as to create a frame on which asbestos cement sheets will be fixed. Essentially, these are 2 horizontal guides running from support to support. As an option, additionally install a corner at the bottom on which the sheets will rest. This will also protect the lower sections of the slate from mechanical damage.

For greater reliability of such a “skeleton”, it is advisable to install vertical posts made from segments of this material between the profiles (at a certain distance).

So-called farm screws are used as fastening elements.

Holes for fasteners are first marked and drilled in the material. Experts advise fixing slate with roofing screws. The only special tool that will be useful is a screwdriver. Given the massiveness of the sheets, the work is performed with an assistant.

Its peculiarity is that, firstly, it is necessary to work only with well-dried products. Otherwise, after drying, the gap between the samples will become even larger, turning into a decent gap. Secondly, you shouldn’t place them too tightly, since when wet the slate slightly increases its dimensions. And the owner determines the specific interval between sheets himself, taking into account these recommendations.

Surface treatment
It is necessary to think about how to “disguise” the tips of the fastening elements protruding from the back side of the slate fence. Most likely, a coat of paint will be enough.
External finishing of sheets.

Sheet asbestos cement has a porous structure. And since any fence is a structure located outside buildings, in the open air, experts recommend painting flat slate. Acrylic paints are most suitable, as they have good water-repellent properties. In addition, their elasticity ensures that during operation the coating layer will not become cracked or begin to “shag”. There are even special compositions on sale that are designed specifically for painting slate fences.
There are recommendations to bury the lower sections of the sheets, then you won’t have to deal with constructing a curb. Of course, each owner decides for himself whether it is advisable to install slate in this way, but we should not forget that the material is capable of absorbing moisture. Therefore, the usefulness of this advice raises some doubts. Including in terms of the maintainability of such a fence. It is better to mount the sheets so that there is a small gap between them and the soil.
When determining the depth of the holes, it is necessary to focus on the load that the supports will experience. This is not only the weight of the sheets, but also, for example, gusts of wind. Also, will there be light fixtures attached to the poles? There are many nuances.
To connect the fence with other structures (for example, a building), a corner is attached to their surface (vertically).
It is not recommended to use a wooden beam (instead of a profile) to fix sheets, since the service life of any wood is limited.

DIY flat slate fence

How to make a slate fence with your own hands

Slate is not a very durable material; its direct purpose is to install it on a roofing structure.

Slate fences are most often erected for temporary fencing of an area or fencing enclosures for pets.

Preparing for installation of a slate fence

Required material for building a slate fence:

Slate, wave or flat. Flat is easier to attach to the frame, unlike slate with waves.
Steel pipe for racks, diameter up to 100 mm. A larger diameter should not be used; a smaller one can be used, although this will be to the detriment of the strength of the structure.
A wooden beam, measuring 100 by 50 mm, to which the slate sheets will be attached.
The metal corner, size 85 by 50 mm, will serve as a frame for attaching a wooden beam.
Fastening elements – studs, self-tapping screws.
Cement, sand, crushed stone for preparing concrete mortar and installing columns.

Installing slate fence posts

Having outlined the contours of the future fence, you need to install corner posts. We dig holes for the posts; their depth should be at least two spade bayonets.

Then you can immediately prepare the concrete for pouring the first columns. Next, cut the pipe that will act as posts into equal pieces. The length of the pieces depends on the height you planned, plus the size that will go into the hole.

Then we proceed to the installation of the posts: we lower them into the holes and burst them with rubble. Immediately try to align the posts vertically with a building level. Once the post is installed, you can fill the hole with concrete.

Having installed all the corner support structures, stretch the twine between them and prepare holes for the next supports along it.

We fasten the corner and timber for the future fence

The concrete poured into the holes should set well, usually this takes a week.

After this time, you need to cut the corner into equal parts. The size of the parts should be equal to the diameter of the pipe used or slightly larger.

Then you should drill holes in the pipe to match the diameter of your studs. Holes are drilled at the top and bottom of the pipe and, accordingly, in the center of the angle section.

Use a pin to attach the corner to the support so that you get a shelf into which the timber will then lie. This fastening method makes slate fences strong and rigid.

There are two options for installing timber. The first time, when you attach the corner to the support with a pin, the beam should also be drilled to the diameter of the pin and immediately tighten the structure with a pin. The beam will be supported directly on the support or pole.

In the second option, secure the corner with a pin and tighten it well. After this, drill holes in the corner shelf that is adjacent to the post, and through these holes pull the beam to the corner.

Fastening the slate sheets

When the frame is ready, you can begin installing the slate sheets. Self-tapping screws for corrugated sheets are suitable for fastening them.

Using a screw head attachment, a drill or a screwdriver, attach the sheets to the beam. If you have a flat sheet, then join the ends and drill the sheet right through into the beam. If the slate is wave, overlap one or two waves.

If you need to trim a sheet, use a grinder and a concrete disc. To ensure precision in fastening the sheets, it is recommended to stretch a thread from the first installed sheet to the corner post. This will allow you to control the assembly of the fence and fasten the sheets evenly.

A slate fence should be painted; this will protect the sheets from moisture penetration and fungus settling there.

DIY slate fence in one day (video), Do it yourself - How to make it yourself

How to make a slate fence with your own hands Slate is not a very durable material, straight

How to build a slate fence with your own hands

It’s easy to build a fence from inexpensive and reliable material. It is enough to understand the fasteners, markings and plans for the future construction. For example, a fence made of slate will last longer than one made from untreated boards. And in private households they even try to use old roofing material - it can be used to make a fence at the rear of the site. It turns out that both new and previously used slate are suitable for the job.

Features of using slate for fence construction

The slate is made of asbestos cement, so maximum strength cannot be expected. It’s easy to guess that even the thinnest iron is more stable. However, there are developments in using slate. It is advisable to place the front part of the fence away from the road so that accidental debris from under the wheels does not damage the sheets. And ordinary barriers between neighboring plots are easiest to make from slate; even one person can handle such work.

Advantages and disadvantages of using slate for a fence

low cost;
average fire resistance;
possibility of decorative treatment with any paint;
easy installation.

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), the service life will increase;
When working with slate, protection is required. It is necessary to wear construction respirators to prevent dust from entering the respiratory tract.

Types of slate used for fences

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

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

Flat or wavy slate for a fence is a weak material, or rather, brittle in bending. Don’t 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 rather than use old slate from the roof of a house or outbuilding, then you should keep in mind that it is easier to install and load flat sheets.

DIY slate fence installation

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

Preparation for construction: marking the territory

There is no important feature in the marking of a 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 take place. Next, you need to tighten the thread and install it so that along its entire length it follows the line of the future fence. Markings are usually secured to pegs, posts, steel reinforcement, or any other remaining building material. Accuracy in size and placement of the thread along the entire length of the future slate fence is the main requirement for marking.

When calculating the building material, the required number of posts for the entire fence is determined. During the marking process, it is necessary to accurately place a landmark in their place. A specific distance is maintained between each pillar; if this stage is neglected, further work will only become more complicated. After all, all slate sheets are the same size. It is for this that they plan to mark the pillars.

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

What’s interesting is that when working with wave slate, you shouldn’t be afraid of incorrect markings, because the sheets can hide all the errors between the pillars.

The flat material is available in four sizes:

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

An example of calculating the number of wave slate sheets

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

grinder or screwdriver with a cutting attachment;
drill;
welding machine;
spanners;
levels;
plumb line;
construction hammers;
mounting bolts.

Step-by-step guide to making a slate fence

The work is performed in the following sequence:

Use a hand drill to create holes for the posts around the perimeter of the marking. When there is no such tool, they take an ordinary shovel and carefully dig deep, but not wide holes. They try to make sure that further filling with the solution is economical. The holes are made one third of the length of the pillars.

Finishing and decorating a slate fence

This type of fence is easy to protect, decorate, and maintain. It is enough to follow some established rules:

The slate sheet is not attached to the very surface of the earth. Maintain a distance of 10–15 centimeters from the bottom point, arranging a special backfill underneath. This way the material will remain dry.

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

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 remainder after construction or there is no suitable modern material in the store. Although in the outskirts of rural areas, where the likelihood of good material being stolen is too high, nailing old slate onto poles would be the best solution.

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

How to choose the right slate for a fence. How to make measurements and calculations. Step-by-step instructions for installing a slate fence with your own hands.

How to make a slate fence with your own hands: installation options and features

If you approach the matter wisely, without trying to save on the fence due to an outdated roof, then slate can successfully compete with other types of sheet materials.

Our goal in this article is to consider the advantages, features and examples of slate fences. We hope that after reading them, many readers will change their attitude towards this material.

Slate fence. There are more advantages than disadvantages

So, what is good about a fence built from flat or wavy slate?

Firstly, such a fence is durable and easy to maintain. The service life of high-quality slate is measured in decades. At the same time, it does not rot, does not rust, and is not destroyed by frost and heat.
Secondly, the price of a slate fence is low.
Thirdly, the installation of this material is quite simple and does not take much time.
Fourthly, with a creative approach, the appearance of slate fencing is not inferior to more expensive materials (stone, wood, polycarbonate, metal).

The choice of asbestos-cement slate options for the fence is not too wide. Anyone who wants to save money buys standard material with a sheet size of 1.75x1.125 m (8 waves) or 1.75x0.98 (7 waves).

In the range of flat slate used for fencing, sheets measuring 1.0 x 1.5 m are in greatest demand; 2.0x1.5 m; and 3.0x1.5 m.

Examples of slate fences

When deciding which slate is best to build a fence from, you need to familiarize yourself with the existing options for its installation and decoration.

Flat slate is installed in two ways:

On horizontal runs from a profile pipe.
Framed in angle steel.

The first installation method is no different from installing wave slate.

Not everyone likes plain fencing. Therefore, we recommend purchasing slate of different colors and fixing it on the fence, like on an artist’s palette.

A good option is to paint the slate using special paints. They can be used not only for continuous tinting. A fence with an ornament or landscape painted on its sections looks very nice.

If there are small children in the family, a nondescript fence can be painted by drawing fairy-tale characters. This decoration will certainly delight the kids and create a cozy atmosphere.

Slate combines well with stone. You can find original types of fencing that successfully combine these two materials.

In addition to asbestos cement, plastic and metal slates are actively used for fences. Plastic allows you to build a lightweight, translucent fence.

Features of self-installation of a slate fence

As we said at the beginning of the article, making a slate fence with your own hands is not difficult.

Preparatory operations include:

Digging or drilling holes for posts. Their depth depends on the height of the fence, the type of soil, the strength of the prevailing wind in the area and can range from 60 cm to 1 meter. The size of the holes in the plan should be 20-30 cm larger than the cross-section of the columns for high-quality compaction of concrete.
Concreting racks in pits. This work begins with the installation of corner posts. Having carefully leveled them and plumb, pour the concrete mixture. After it sets, a cord is pulled between the posts and row posts are placed along it.
The next stage is installation of purlins. They can be fixed to the outer plane of the posts or placed flush with it. Fastening is carried out with self-tapping screws or using welding.

How not to install slate?

Believing that the weakness of the profile can be compensated for by a large number of fastening holes, they weaken the strength of the sheet.

How to make a slate fence with your own hands: installation options and features

What are the benefits of a slate fence? Examples of slate fences and their features, Features of installing such a fence with your own hands.

A slate fence is an economical and quickly erected structure, but it does not have a spectacular appearance. The fence has a sufficient level of reliability to protect the territory from the entry 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 ease of use of the structure. Among the disadvantages, 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 being hit by a stone from under the wheels of a passing car.

A slate fence also has its advantages. They are often the deciding factor in favor of choosing this material for fencing:

Non-flammability.
UV resistance.
Durability (the service life of flat slate is at least 15 years, and wave slate - 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 is inferior to corrugated sheeting, except for price.

Types of slate for fencing

Slate is made from an asbestos-cement composition, which can contain modifying additives in an amount of no more than 5% of the total volume of the mixture. There are 2 types of this material:

flat;
wave.

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

Wave

A fence made of wave slate can hardly be called an aesthetically attractive design, but it is advantageous due to 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 wave heights and pitches. These 2 sheet parameters are indicated through a slash: 40/150 mm and 54/200 mm. The thickness of the sheets depends on their size. 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 colored wave and flat slates. The service life of these materials is 1.5 times longer than that of traditional gray slate. Strength is achieved by introducing special additives and pigments into the composition.

Flat

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

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

Metal

Metal slate is a popular building material called corrugated sheeting. These canvases are made of sheet steel, galvanized and powder coated. A protective layer is applied on top of it, the thickness and composition of which may vary.

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 slate. But the price of these materials differs in favor of the second.

How to make a slate fence?

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

Select the material of the pillars and their cross-section. You can use metal or wooden supports. Take into account that hinged and side pillars will be required to install gates and wickets.

It is recommended to buy slate measuring 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. A similar sheet with a thickness of 8 mm is 30 kg.

Preparation of tools and material

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

if pipes show signs of rust, apply special rust primers;
Alkyd primer “GF 017” or epoxy primer “EP 076” is applied to bare metal;
After the first layer has dried, the pipes are coated with a second type of primer: two-component primer for painting.

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

Select and buy slate. The canvases are stored in a place where they will be protected from accidental impact. If wave material is purchased, the best way to stack it is without moving the waves horizontally.

A slate fence is erected in different ways:

install flat panels in frames welded from metal corners;
pour a concrete strip and slate sheets rest on it;
They fasten the canvas to the posts using self-tapping screws and screws, and reinforce the structure with veins.

To complete the work you will need the following tools:

grinder with a metal disc (for cutting metal posts and frames from corners);
screwdriver with drills (if installing wooden poles);
roulette;
bubble level;
plumb line;
fastening elements (wood screws for wooden supports, screws with nuts for metal ones);
pegs and rope for marking.

Frame structure

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

Using a tape measure, find the location of the pillars. The optimal distance between them is 2-2.5 m.
At the found points, holes are dug using a hand drill or a shovel. Each post must be installed 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.
The lower part of the pillars, intended for immersion in the ground, is waterproofed using coating insulation - bitumen-based mastic. Particular attention is paid to the ends.
The bottom of each pit is leveled and compacted.
Pour a layer of sand 5-7 cm thick onto the bottom and compact it.
Place a 10 cm layer of gravel on the sand and compact it.
Install the post and level it vertically using a level and jibs.
The pit is either filled with concrete or filled with gravel, carefully compacting each layer.
All pillars are installed.
Wooden logs (veins) made of boards or metal pipes are mounted between the supports. You can use a corner.

To make the fence more stable, formwork is installed along its line and a concrete strip with pillars embedded in it is poured. But this stage of work is not necessary.

Installation of sheets

You build a slate fence with your own hands by installing sheets one by one and fixing them with self-tapping screws or self-tapping screws. The simplest but most reliable way to attach asbestos-cement sheets is with nails. In this process, skill is important so as not to break the slate fence by accidentally hitting it with a hammer. If screws are used to secure the sheets, a wrench is required.

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

Finishing and decoration

A gray slate fence has an unsightly and dull appearance. There are several options for its design, each of which can give the fence aesthetic appeal. Metal corners installed along the lower and upper lines of the canvas 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 will ensure resistance to moisture. Acrylic paints are recommended for painting slate. Before starting work, you need to decide how the paint will be applied: with a brush or a spray gun. The second option is the most preferable, since slate has a porous surface that is difficult to paint. 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 slate surface, all fencing sheets are pre-coated with a deep penetration primer. Choose a composition that is recommended for treating surfaces before painting. There are also special paints for slate, but not every construction supermarket can buy them.

Another way to decorate the fence is to plant climbing plants along the fence. As they grow, they will fill all the sheets, pillars and veins. The appearance of the fence will resemble a hedge in its beauty.

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