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Cob: Fence building w/ CobJohn Hall hallsoi at netvigator.comSat Mar 20 23:01:13 CST 1999
Internet Mail wrote: > > 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 mat > > 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? Woul > > 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 ma > > Thanks in advance for any advice! > > jeff > > --------------------------------------------------------------- > 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 Jeff, Cob has been used as garden and boundary walling successfully. It's normally built off a stone forndation (ideally 3' high to accomodate rising moisture) built off stableish stratum. It's nomally capped with either thatch, or else slated. If you have a good overhang, you shouldn't need to worry too much about waterproofing the cob, although a lime wash or similar might be good. Consider sprinkling crushed glass in the first lift or two to deter vermin burrowing - always a problem outside. John
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