Choose the Best Temporary Fence Screen

Windscreens and custom-printed fence covers do more than just block the wind. Found at construction sites, event venues, sports arenas and more, these screens improve job site aesthetics and lend privacy and security to your project. 

When it’s time to choose a windscreen, keep these key features and benefits in mind. 

 

Temporary Fence Screens 101: Benefits 

When windscreens accompany temporary fences, your job site is safer and more private. Fence covers play an integral role in many outdoor projects and are commonly used in construction zones. 

An essential part of any non-permanent perimeter system, fence privacy screens shield job sites from inclement weather and create a safer environment. Protect your employees and the public by filtering airborne dust and debris. 

Other advantages to construction windscreens include: 

• Increased privacy. Construction managers use chain link fence screens to enhance on-site safety. Prevent people from wandering into unsafe areas and print crucial safety information on your construction windscreens.
• Crime reduction. Construction sites seem to invite thieves and vandals, but windscreens can reduce the chance of jobsite damage. Consider privacy covers to protect jobsite assets from theft, too.
• Aesthetic appeal. Construction areas are unsightly, but fence privacy screens help work zones look tidier. Custom-printed screens minimize visual distraction and keep your community clean and orderly.
• Branding & monetizing. Your temporary fence supplier can customize fence screens to reflect your company’s branding and logo design. A custom fence screen is akin to renting a billboard, but at a fraction of the cost. You can also monetize your work zone by printing sponsor ads on these valuable perimeter covers.
• Safety first! In addition to providing an advertising opportunity, many construction teams use fence covers to convey crucial safety information.

When properly used, custom construction screens are versatile and easy to install. They are also affordable—and they keep people safe and prevent workflow disruption. 

 

What is the Purpose of Fence Screens? 

Fence screens come with dozens of options. To choose the best features, make a list of your priorities and reasons for purchase. 

Each product has variations in opacity (AKA wind resistance) and the type of material weave. Consider your preferred level of privacy and breathability, as well as the best fabric for blocking dust and debris. Ask yourself these questions: 

• Do I need debris and dirt filtration?
• How vital is on-site privacy?
• Does my temporary fence cover need to be aesthetically appealing?
• Are there safety or community codes or restrictions I need to follow?

Fence Screen Opacity

Selecting the best fence screen fence opacity for your needs requires thoughtful consideration. This facet determines fence screen privacy, security, windbreak, dust protection, and the product’s ability to reduce noise pollution. 

Choosing the perfect custom fence screen opacity provides the qualitative results property owners, managers, and developers seek. These are things to consider when deciding on an appropriate opacity level. 

 

How Much Privacy Do You Want or Need? 

The opacity of a temporary fence screen typically ranges between 70 and 100 percent. At 95 percent, industry insiders usually referred to that opacity as a “closed mesh” windscreen. 

This level also provides the maximum amount of privacy, noise reduction, and security. Products hovering at the top of the opacity chart are usually best suited for indoor use. 
 

How Much Windbreak Do You Require?

Not every customized covering for fencing needs to provide maximum windbreak. In fact, baseball parks, job sites, and other locations may be better served with a lower opacity rating. Open spaces such as soccer fields and festivals usually need to balance security and privacy with wind pass-through. 

High winds can put enormous pressure on a densely opaque fence screen, using it like a sail. Strong gusts may be able to push hard enough to move the fence. 

In these scenarios, lower opacity, referred to as “translucent,” allows fast-moving air to pass through more efficiently. It’s essential to note that 70 percent opacity will deliver more than adequate privacy and security for job sites and outdoor events. 
 

Do You Need Customized Screens? 

Positioning logos and other marketing items on a strategically placed fence screen ranks among the best ways to reach potential customers.

A custom fence screen also helps target a specific audience, compared to the scattershot approach of roadside signage. Straightforward designs work well on mesh with a 70 percent opacity rating. More intricate designs typically call for 80 percent density or greater. 

It’s essential to consider the screen density and its effect on logo or branding clarity, as well as wind resistance. This aspect of choosing a screen fence cover can be a delicate balancing act. We strongly recommend speaking with a custom fence screen professional. 
 

Fence Screen Materials 

Custom fence screens can be selected in a wide array of colors, sizes, and styles to suit your security, privacy, and branding needs. As we mentioned, the tightness of the weave generally influences the presentation of the images printed on the material. 

The type of mesh used also impacts product longevity. Some materials and weaves can last at least five years, giving event planners and sponsors long-term benefits.

For a custom fence cover that includes printing, the best materials usually involve a vinyl mesh in the 70 to 80 percent density range. These materials allow for adequate air pass-through while providing the tautness required to clearly articulate logos, taglines, and other branding options. 

Tighter meshes tend to put an inordinate strain on the fence bases when strong wind gusts occur. We generally recommend 80-percent vinyl mesh tightness for outdoor events to maximize the printing foundation. 

Indoor event planners do not have to worry about wind gusts. Although 80 percent offers ample material tightness to print intricate designs, an indoor fence cover can leverage materials with 90 to 100 percent blockage. 

Both vinyl mesh and polyester have their own merits for various applications. Vinyl mesh offers a glossy finish, lending a refined and professional appearance to custom fence screens. On the other hand, polyester typically features a matte finish, which may not have the same level of visual impact but can be suitable for different purposes.

 

Fence Accessories

The right accessories help accentuate the visual appeal and ensure the temporary fencing remains securely in place. Some organizations still use less-than-safe methods to weigh the barriers down. These include items such as sandbags and cinderblocks, among others. 

Unfortunately, intense weather and hard impacts can rip, chip, crack, and reduce the ability of these makeshift anchors to keep the fencing in place. That’s why it’s best to use fence bases designed for the job. These include the following: 
 

Anchor Weight 

Deploying 30 pounds of ballast, these 24 x 19-inch anchor bases offer a footing that is dispersed wide enough to hold up against strong winds. This eco-friendly product is made from recycled materials, seamlessly fits branding applications, and can be reused indefinitely. 
 

Anchor Stand

This product rides low to the ground, which helps to prevent unnecessary trips and falls. A lightweight anchor base coupled with a temporary fence screen, its 12 X 36-inch footprint gives it the ability to hold steady. Weighing only 7 pounds, it gives event organizers the agility needed to reposition a custom fence screen barrier quickly. 
 

Anchor Block 

A heavy-duty option for event planners and construction sites, this 30 X 8-inch fence anchor weighs 41 pounds. Its footprint and weight make it a perfect safety option to support a barrier with a temporary fence screen for extended periods of time. Like the other anchor bases, it is designed to be stackable for efficient storage. 

Anchor bases provide the structural integrity needed to prevent temporary barriers from sliding or toppling when strong gusts press on the custom fence screen.

Fence Screen Dimensions 

Sometimes, a fence screen doesn’t quite fit your fencing. When you partner with SONCO, our fence panels are consistently sized to fit your custom-printed temporary fence screen. Experience the perfect fit—every time. 

And remember: You can cover the entire perimeter or choose just a couple of panels, depending on your fence’s function. Either way, SONCO windscreens always deliver: 

• Custom colors & other tailored options
• Wrinkle-resistant materials
• Vibrant, fade-resistant graphics
• Variety of windscreen materials
• Nationwide shipping & fast turnaround times
• Free printing proofs
• Price matching
• Unbeatable customer service

Exploring the Versatility of Fence Screens 

In conclusion, temporary fence screens are essential tools for enhancing safety, aesthetics, and security across various settings, from construction sites to event venues. 

They shield job sites from inclement weather and airborne debris, contribute to crime reduction, and improve the overall appearance of work zones. 

Additionally, they offer valuable branding opportunities, allowing companies to display logos and convey essential safety information. Learn more about how to use your fence screen as a branding tool here!