Whether you’re doing residential remodeling or working on a commercial or industrial project, making sure your site is protected is incredibly important. Many locations have laws requiring you to have erosion protection methods established before you ever break ground, as construction projects can be a cause of serious sediment flow.
Silt fencing is the most common method of protecting local waterways from any sediments disturbed by construction projects. It can be purchased with stakes already attached or with separate stakes and is occasionally buried in the ground as well to prevent water from flowing beneath the fencing. Silt fencing is also generally seen as more effective than wattles, as you can create a higher, more sustainable barrier.
Silt Fencing – the Basics
Silt fencing is usually made of synthetic materials specifically chosen to allow water to flow through while keeping sediment back. Generally, silt fencing is designed to withstand the elements wherever it’s being used; however, it’s important to remember that silt fencing is a passive filtration system and often isn’t designed to withstand a considerable weight of water. If you find water pooling more than a few feet deep in the middle of your silt fencing, you run the risk of the fencing collapsing and the filtration system failing.
Silt fencing is designed as dual-purpose protection. Not only do silt fences help with erosion control, but they’re also integral for sediment control. Silt fencing keeps sediment out of waterways and storm drains, preventing flooding issues and other problems with sediment dispersal.
Synthetic vs. Coir Silt Fencing
Coir silt fencing is a relatively new addition to the lineup of silt fencing options, which are traditionally made from synthetic geotextiles and require dismantling post-construction. Because there are often regulations regarding the type of fencing used, synthetic geotextiles are more common.
However, coir silt fencing has been growing in popularity due to its relatively low cost and sustainable nature. As coir is made from the fibers of coconut husks, it’s an all-natural product that works well on construction sites because of its practical design. Coir silt fencing is generally designed in a honeycomb-inspired sheet, which not only filters sediment from the water but can also catch small sediment pieces that may not be heavy enough to settle in front of the fence.
Coir silt fencing is also biodegradable, meaning that it requires less cleanup when construction is finished. It’s available in several customizable sizes, allowing for better ordering control. Because silt fencing is a necessary part of any construction project, it’s important to consider your options. When you can choose an option that’s eco-friendly, cost-effective, and often works better than the traditional alternative, why wouldn’t you?
Coir silt fencing is a great way to ensure sediment and erosion control at your worksite, no matter how large or small it is. And as suppliers continue to improve quality control and provide better products, coir silt fencing will continue to grow in popularity. Try it for your next construction project!