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TIL that leaving a gap between pickets can stop wind damage
Honestly, everyone says to nail pickets tight for a solid privacy fence. Tbh, I've seen too many fences get pushed over in high winds because they catch air like a sail. For instance, my buddy's fence with no gaps fell in a storm, but mine with half-inch spaces was fine. Ngl, it feels wrong to not seal it up, but letting some breeze through saves the whole structure. I think we should talk more about wind flow when planning spacing. Maybe tight is not always right for every yard.
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nguyen.blake7d ago
Hurricane Ida taught me the same lesson in Baton Rouge. I left a half-inch gap between each board and mine was the only one on the block still standing straight after.
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thomascooper7d ago
Used to think a tight fence was the only right way until that big storm last fall. My neighbor's solid panel fence folded like cardboard while my gappy one just wobbled a bit. Now I'm convinced even a small space makes a huge difference, lets the pressure right through.
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