Beautifying Your Cinder Block Fence

If you are worried about the security of your home and the possibility that a criminal may break in, then consider having a security fence installed on your property. The best fences are solid, heavy, and strong, like those made out of cinder blocks. Cinder blocks also have the added benefit of creating a surface that is extremely difficult to climb up. While cinder blocks are extremely secure, they may not provide your home with the aesthetic appeal that you desire. If this is the case, then there are a few things you can do to enhance the beauty of your security fence.

Create Some Color

If you feel that the cinder block fence is too drab for your taste, then you can add some color to the blocks. Cinder blocks are closely related to concrete when it comes to material make-up. Cinder blocks do not contain aggregates like concrete blocks do, but they contain cinders instead. This material is partially burned coal. This helps to make the blocks lighter so they do not add substantial weight to your property. The addition of cinders is also ideal when it comes to adding color to your fence, since coal is porous. The porous coal can help with color absorption, especially when it comes to stain. 

Concrete stain is your best option if you want a bold but translucent color across the fence. If you want a permanent surface that will not need to be reapplied, then opt for an acid-based stain. This type of stain will contain some strong ingredients like hydrochloric acid, so you will need to wear protective gear when using it. Goggles, rubber gloves, and a rubber apron are all advisable when using the stain. When the stain is applied, it will seep deep into the concrete and react with the lime in it. This helps with color absorption by etching the blocks and allowing the color to penetrate better. Typically, you will see subtle waves and variations in the coloring when acid stains are used. 

If you do not want to use a stain with strong chemicals, then you can opt for a water-based material instead. The stain will not last as long as the acid stain. However, the color will generally be consistent and darker, since the pigments absorb into the concrete without a chemical reaction. You may notice the stain fading over time and new stain will need to be added once the color fades substantially. This will take several years to happen though.

Add Some Texture

If you do not like the overly smooth surface of the cinder blocks, then you can add texture to the exterior of the fence. Texture can be added in many different ways, but the easiest is to form an overlay over the constructed fence. The texture can be added fairly easily with concrete. If you want a subtle texture, then think about creating the overly with sprayed concrete. You will need to purchase a special type of concrete that can be sprayed in place. This material is called shotcrete. Buy the shotcrete and rent a concrete sprayer gun with an attached hopper. This type of gun can be used with an air compressor, so rent a compressor too, if you do not have one.

Attach the hose to the air compressor, mix the shotcrete according to the package instructions, and fill the hopper. Move along the wall and release the concrete spray in short bursts to create a texture on the wall. Layer the concrete and move the gun in a circular motion to create patterns and textures as well. If the sprayed concrete is too smooth, then you can use a trowel over the wet concrete to create more texture. A sea sponge dabbed against the wall can create a unique pattern as well. 

Contact a company like Harrington & Company for more information.


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