Group of Research in Structural Engineering

Drift-zone-installation-tutorial May 2026

Drift-zone-installation-tutorial May 2026

: Place the fence upwind of the area you want to protect. A general rule is to set it back 35 times the height of the fence. For a standard 4-foot fence, place it roughly 140 feet away.

: These are often too weak for heavy snow loads; stick with steel T-posts.

: Always check for underground utility lines before driving posts into the ground. drift-zone-installation-tutorial

: Attach the fence so there is a 5-inch gap between the bottom of the mesh and the ground. This prevents the fence from being buried too quickly.

: Heavy-duty plastic zip ties or 10-inch cable ties. : Place the fence upwind of the area you want to protect

: Space your posts 5 to 8 feet apart . In high-wind areas, closer spacing (5 feet) is better. Drive posts approximately 1.5 to 2 feet deep to ensure stability.

A properly installed snow fence creates a "drift zone" by slowing down wind and forcing snow to drop before it reaches your driveway or road. : These are often too weak for heavy

: Position the fence perpendicular to the prevailing winter winds (usually from the North/Northwest). 2. Gather Your Materials