If you live in Kennewick, Richland, Pasco or West Richland, you know the wind. Strong gusts are a regular part of life here, and fences take the hit. Here is how block walls compare with vinyl and wood fences when the wind picks up.
How strong does Tri-Cities wind get?
The National Weather Service has recorded gusts of 70 mph at Kennewick’s Vista Field during major windstorms (KEPR), and 50+ mph gusts that send trampolines and fencing flying are not unusual (AOL news). The City of Kennewick even requires fences over 36 inches to withstand an 80 mph wind load.
Wood fences in wind
A solid wood privacy fence acts like a sail. Wind pushes on every board, and the load goes straight to the posts. Over time posts rot at the ground, boards dry and crack in our sun, and a strong gust can lean or flatten whole sections. Wood is the cheapest to install but usually the most maintenance.
Vinyl fences in wind
Vinyl does not rot and looks clean, but it is light and solid. In high wind, panels can pop out of their posts or crack, especially in cold weather when vinyl gets more brittle. Repairs often mean matching discontinued panels.
Block walls in wind
A concrete block wall is heavy, sits on a poured footing and is tied together with rebar and grout. It does not flex, rattle or blow out panel by panel. Built correctly, a block wall shrugs off the same storms that knock down wood and vinyl fences, and it also blocks dust, tumbleweeds and road noise.
Side-by-side
- Wind resistance: block wall best, vinyl and wood weakest when posts or panels fail
- Upfront cost: wood lowest, vinyl middle, block highest
- Maintenance: wood needs regular stain and repairs, vinyl little, block almost none
- Lifespan: wood often 10 to 15 years, vinyl 20 or more, block several decades
- Noise and dust: block wall blocks the most
Is a block wall worth it?
If you plan to stay in your home, a block wall usually pays for itself by not needing repairs or replacement after windstorms. See our block wall fences page for styles, or read what a block wall fence costs.
Planning a block wall, fence or retaining wall in Kennewick, Richland, Pasco or West Richland? Request a free quote or call (509) 438-4570.