Cob: Fence building w/ Cob

Sat Mar 20 19:30:00 CST 1999

I really want to build a fence on my property to increase privacy and to help block vehicle noise.  I've seen cob mentioned several times as a good fencing material, but have yet to hear anything specific on this.  It certainly seems much, much cheaper and more effective than conventional fencing - chain link (yuck), wooden fences, etc.

I'm kinda fuzzy on some aspects, so my questions would be

1) Exposure to rain - I guess painting and waterproofing would help preserve the structure, but what to use?

2) Fence base - Level ground is needed, I'm assuming, but should the ground be lined w/ rock for stability, or is just packed earth stable enough itself?  Would the sod need to be dug up before plopping down the cob?

3)  Noise barrier - anyone have an idea how well the fence would absorb/reflect sound?  We live close to a 2-lane highway, and noise control would certainly make time spent outdoors more enjoyable.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

jeff
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<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>I really want to build a fence on my property to 
increase privacy and to help block vehicle noise.  I've seen cob mentioned 
several times as a good fencing material, but have yet to hear anything specific 
on this.  It certainly seems much, much cheaper and more effective than 
conventional fencing - chain link (yuck), wooden fences, etc.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>I'm kinda fuzzy on some aspects, so my questions 
would be</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>1) Exposure to rain - I guess painting and 
waterproofing would help preserve the structure, but what to use?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>2) Fence base - Level ground is needed, I'm 
assuming, but should the ground be lined w/ rock for stability, or is just 
packed earth stable enough itself?  Would the sod need to be dug up before 
plopping down the cob?</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>3)  Noise barrier - anyone have an idea how 
well the fence would absorb/reflect sound?  We live close to a 2-lane 
highway, and noise control would certainly make time spent outdoors more 
enjoyable.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>Thanks in advance for any advice!</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT color=#000000 size=2>jeff</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>