How To Build A Spray-In-Place Concrete Fence - Monolithic

Appendix
In the past 20+ years, we have
gained significant know-how in
building spray-in-place concrete
fences. This Appendix adds to that
knowledge.
Zigzags: Experience has taught
us the importance of zigzags. They
make a difference in strength, versatility,
expansion and contraction.
Zigzags can be symmetrical,
moving back and forth an extra
foot on each side of the property
line, every 16’. Half as many posts
are needed with zigzag fence.
Or they can be even more
ornamental. The fence can run
straight down the property line for
12’, then have a short zigzag that
creates a planter box or a place for
a yard bench.
First do the one side and then
do the other. If these are 4’ long,
zig it 2’, first to one side and then
to the other. You can imagine the
stability this gives a fence and
makes it very beautiful. Obviously
neighbors need to agree on the
fence, but it really creates a highlight
for both properties.
Basalt Reinforcing: We have
learned to use basalt reinforcing.
Basalt is another name for lava
rock. Reinforcing made of basalt
is twice as strong as steel and --
most importantly -- it won’t rust.
The number one cause of concrete
failure is rusting rebar. Water soaks
through the concrete’s pores and
eventually rusts the rebar. As the
rusts grows, it explodes the concrete.
Protecting the rebar is one of
the concrete’s major functions.
Using basalt reinforcing has made
a dramatic difference in the ability
to build the fence. We suggest
you use the basalt fabric. We call
it a fabric. It has about a one-inchsquare
spacing each direction, and
we can take this and put it directly
into the concrete as we spray.
We first spray a 1/2” to 3/4”
of concrete on the fence forming.
See the basalt webbing being installed. Simple, fast and permanent for flower boxes or
fences.
Simple zig zag fence with colorant is 1 3/4 to 2 inches thick and six feet tall.
After it sets up, we spray about
another 1/2”. Then we just gently
push the reinforcing into that concrete.
After it sets up to where it is
relatively solid, we spray the next
1/2” or 3/4” of concrete to finish
the fence.
At this point we have many
options: We can peel the form
work off and spray a light touch
on the backside, or we can just
leave it alone and do a hand trowel
on either side, but in most cases
we are done.
Now is the time to decide what
to do about the fence color-wise.
Concrete can have colorant mixed
in with it. But if you have ever
sprayed concrete, you know it’s
super tough to make the same mix
with each batch and get the same
color. And the color in the concrete
is less expensive and will stay that
color virtually forever.
We also can recommend coating
the fence with something like
H&C Concrete Stain. This stain
seems to last forever and is gor-
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