What are the differences between a privacy screen and a windbreak?

With the numerous models of windbreaks and wind barriers available in the market, it can be challenging to navigate. Indeed, some windbreaks are also touted as ideal solutions for wind barriers, while other products are presented as either one or the other. However, the broad range of wind barriers and the various types of privacy screens possess similar properties. OTEXIO explains how to distinguish the differences between a windbreak net and a wind barrier net, particularly in terms of features and applications.

When to use a wind barrier net?

A wind barrier is primarily used to obscure a property and prevent visibility, but it also serves other purposes.

Functions and features of wind barriers

As the name suggests, a wind barrier net is a device that conceals a property to prevent it from being visible from the outside. For this purpose, various solutions exist, such as hedges, wooden panels, or shading nets. Each type of wind barrier is characterized by its level of privacy. This criterion corresponds to the percentage of light that can pass through the installation. Depending on the material composing the product, the level of privacy varies. Therefore, it's important to choose the appropriate wind barrier net based on the desired level of privacy. For example, a perforated PVC panel allows more visibility than a shade net that serves both as a wind barrier and protection against sunlight. However, some nets also act as wind barriers, capable of slowing down or even stopping the wind over a defined area. This is especially true for privacy nets. Engineered to resist UV rays and adverse weather, they can significantly reduce the intensity of strong winds.

Situations suitable for wind barrier use

In general, many privacy screens can mitigate the effects of the wind. On the other hand, a wind barrier, as presented, lacks privacy properties. Therefore, there are numerous situations where the installation of privacy screens is more appropriate than wind barriers.

Consider the case of a waste treatment facility. Such operations often have an outdoor area where a certain quantity of materials is stored. The sight of these materials can be bothersome to neighbors, which is why these companies frequently opt for installing high-privacy wind barrier nets. These often serve a dual purpose: they prevent seeing the inside of the facility and can also function as dust control if the net's porosity is low.

Locations such as sports fields are also better suited for wind barrier use. These barriers remove visibility while acting as wind barriers to shield athletes from gusts.

When to use a windbreak net?

A windbreak enables the protection of certain areas from the nuisances of wind, such as sites where volatile materials are stored. Here are the main features of windbreaks and the various situations in which their use is appropriate.

Functions and features of windbreaks

Windbreaks often come in the form of screens, with considerable length depending on the surface area to be protected. Composed of varying degrees of mesh density, windbreaks have the ability to attenuate or eliminate air currents sweeping across an area. The net's height is highly important as it determines the width of the wind-protected zone. Many wind barrier nets have windbreak functionality, such as rigid panels, privacy screens, and even hedges. Windbreaks, which are not privacy screens, only offer light obstruction and hence don't effectively shield specific areas from prying eyes.

Situations suitable for windbreak use

Windbreaks find numerous applications in the agricultural field. Grain plantations and diverse crops can be harmed by wind gusts. To counter these detrimental effects on yields, many farmers choose to install windbreaks around their fields. These devices contribute to improving crop yield. Windbreak net installation is also valuable for agricultural livestock. Animals like cattle, especially young ones, are sensitive to wind, which can cause various health issues. Breeding areas are thus protected from air currents by the installation of windbreak nets.

Beyond the agricultural domain, outdoor product storage areas can also be shielded by windbreaks. This might be necessary for sites storing lightweight materials that are easily carried by the wind.

OTEXIO expertise at your service

Choosing a windbreak net is not always straightforward, which is why OTEXIO advises you in your selection.

The installation of wind barriers or windbreaks offers a lasting solution for protecting and securing locations and products. Nonetheless, certain situations are more suitable for the installation of privacy screens than wind barriers. To make the best choice for your operation, don't hesitate to contact a sector professional like OTEXIO.